BOI 2602 BEST OF ITALY 2602 04.06.26 - 13.06.26

Day 1 – The Adventure Begins: Our Best of Italy Tour Starts! Today is finally the day – the start of our Best of Italy Tour has arrived! For both of us, Barbara and me, the highlight of the day was without a doubt meeting our group for the very first time. For our guests, it was surely just as exciting to learn more about the journey ahead during the welcome briefing and, of course, to finally receive the keys to their motorcycles. But before we all gathered in the evening, there was still plenty to do. Barbara spent part of the day exploring Rome with some of our guests on a guided city tour, introducing them to the first highlights of the Eternal City. Meanwhile, I was busy preparing the motorcycles and making sure everything was ready so that nothing would stand in the way of the start of our adventure. Then the moment finally arrived. At 5:00 PM, we all met for the first time as a group. During the welcome briefing, we took a closer look at the next ten days together. Where are we going? What spectacular roads, historic places, and culinary experiences await us? Many questions were answered, and the excitement grew with every minute. Afterwards, we headed to the motorcycles, where everyone had enough time to pack their belongings and attach everything they would need during the day. At that moment, it became clear to everyone: tomorrow, the journey really begins! The perfect ending to our first day together was a relaxed dinner, giving us the chance to get to know each other even better while the anticipation for the first riding day filled the air. And tomorrow? Tomorrow our great two-wheeled adventure truly begins! We leave Rome behind and make our way to our first destination: Assisi – one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic towns. Stay tuned to see what awaits us on Day 2! See you tomorrow, Barbara & Axel

Riding Day 1: From the Eternal City to Assisi It’s 6:30 a.m., and the excitement of showing our group the breathtaking beauty of Italy is enough to get us out of bed without hesitation. So, up we get and straight to the motorcycles. A quick wipe-down of the bikes, a bottle of water placed on each machine, and we’re ready for Day 2 of our journey—or rather, the first real riding day: from the Eternal City of Rome to Assisi. But before the engines come to life, there’s one important thing to do: breakfast. After a hearty meal, we gather for our first rider briefing, and the anticipation for the day ahead is clearly visible on everyone’s faces. Leaving Rome turns out to be surprisingly easy. While it seems as if all of Italy is heading into the capital this morning, we are riding in the opposite direction. Before long, Rome becomes smaller and smaller in our mirrors. The final kilometers through Lazio pass quickly, and soon we cross into the beautiful region of Umbria. The mountains grow higher, the roads become twistier, and the scenery more spectacular with every kilometer. Endless olive groves line the route, and where there are no olive trees, vast hazelnut plantations stretch as far as the eye can see. But what would an Italian morning be without a proper espresso? And not just any espresso—a rich, creamy one with a crema that makes every coffee lover’s heart beat a little faster! So we stop in Narni and enjoy our coffee on a charming little piazza. And yes, some of you may recognize the name. The famous land of Narnia from C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia was actually inspired by the Italian town of Narni. Re-energized, we continue along beautiful backroads filled with endless curves toward Montefalco, where we stop for lunch. From gelato to lasagna and many other Italian specialties, everything was on offer—and every bite was a delight. But the day still had more in store for us. Our destination today, Assisi, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Umbria. Wandering through its narrow medieval streets, soaking up the history, and enjoying the views across the rolling hills is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. And if you’re wondering what else makes this remarkable town—whose history dates back to around 90 BC—so special, well, you’ll just have to join Barbara and me on a future tour. We’ll be happy to share its secrets with you in person. As our second day of the tour and first riding day slowly comes to an end, it’s time for dinner and a chance to recharge our batteries for tomorrow’s adventures. Enjoy the photos, and we’ll see you again tomorrow! Barbara & Axel

When we looked out the window in the morning, we were once again greeted by a blue sky and a few scattered clouds; the weather already promised a perfect day for riding. After breakfast and a quick briefing, we set off out of Assisi and followed the road northwest for the time being. After the first promising set of curves winding their way up behind Lake Trasimeno, we took another short coffee break, enjoyed the view, and once again devoted ourselves to the things that make all our hearts race. Motorcycling and roads where one curve follows another. Of course, a quick stop in Cortona was a must before we continued on, and once again the road led us from one curve to the next, lined with breathtaking scenery. In Urbino, we enjoyed our lunch before setting off for San Marino. But our day wasn’t over yet; before dinner, we set out to explore San Marino, with its towers, narrow streets, and a view of the surrounding area that is truly one of a kind...

Welcome to the Valentino Rossi Moment of Our Tour – Welcome to Day 4! As the headline already suggests, today was a very special day for several reasons. First and foremost, today was all about Valentino Rossi. Not only did he shape my youth, but to this day he remains an icon and a true symbol of motorcycle riding perfection. Yesterday we were already in Urbino, his hometown, and from our base in San Marino we were only a stone’s throw away from one of the most famous pilgrimage sites for motorcycle enthusiasts. So, our first destination this morning was the Adriatic coast. This is where you'll find the VR46 Fan Shop, the famous Ranch, and the Riding Academy of the nine-time World Champion. A place that every motorcycle fan should visit at least once. We jumped on our bikes and followed small, winding roads as we got closer and closer to our Valentino Rossi moment. Once there, we parked our motorcycles, explored the story and achievements of this legendary rider, and of course a visit to the souvenir shop was a must. Afterwards, we continued to Misano, where we stopped at the Simoncelli Race Circle and took a look at the famous race track before beginning our actual journey toward Florence. Leaving the coast behind, we once again found ourselves riding along incredibly narrow and twisty roads, climbing back toward San Marino and steadily approaching Tuscany. But along today's route, an unexpected highlight was waiting for us—something nobody had mentioned beforehand. The Edelweiss Picnic! Barbara had secretly left shortly after our departure from the hotel and prepared a fantastic surprise lunch for the group. And believe me when I say: the surprise was a complete success. Not only were eyes wide open, but so were our appetites. After all, spending hours riding these beautiful back roads is guaranteed to make you hungry. With full stomachs and big smiles, we continued our journey toward Florence. Corner after corner on breathtaking roads, surrounded by everything that makes a perfect motorcycle day: stunning scenery, spectacular views, the mandatory Italian gelato—because that's simply part of the experience—and the unforgettable beauty of the Tuscan countryside. And now we have arrived in Florence, where we will spend the next two days. A city that is always worth a visit, offering everything from culinary delights and world-famous art to the magnificent architecture of the Renaissance. That concludes the 300 kilometers of today's riding adventure. As always, it's difficult to put a day like this into words. Some experiences simply have to be lived. Hopefully, the following photos will give you yet another reason to discover Italy with us on two wheels. See you tomorrow! Barbara & Axel

Greetings from our 50/50 Rest Day in Florence! Sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But it's actually quite simple. Today, our group split into two halves: one half joined me for a short motorcycle ride, while the other half explored the beautiful city of Florence together with Barbara. That would probably be the shortest possible description of the day. But how could that possibly make you jealous? So I simply can't resist sharing a few more details. The Ride: For those who still felt the urge to swing a leg over their motorcycle, even on a rest day, the adventure began at 8:45 a.m. sharp. The morning rush hour had already faded away, leaving the roads open for a fantastic ride. Within minutes, we found ourselves surrounded by the rolling green hills and mountains of Tuscany. Our destination was clear: Mugello, home to one of Italy's most famous racetracks and the venue of the MotoGP just two weeks ago. Once there, you can pay a small fee to ride all the way up to the paddock area. And if you're lucky—as we were today—you might even catch some action. In our case, it was a group of highly motivated Superbike riders putting on a spectacular show. The roar of their engines and the symphony of exhaust notes brought huge smiles to all our faces. From there, we headed deeper into the mountains and climbed up to Passo del Giogo (882 m / 2,894 ft). The roads up here can be described in one simple way: never boring. Corner after corner, beautiful scenery, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy everything that makes motorcycling so special. But after all, this was supposed to be a rest day. So we kept things relaxed and eventually made our way back to Florence. Because let's be honest—it was definitely time for our daily serving of gelato. And we're fairly certain it would be unhealthy not to have it. A wonderful little ride came to an end, and our riders still had plenty of time left to explore Florence on their own. The Explorers: For the other half of the group, the day started a little more leisurely. After enjoying some extra sleep, they headed into Florence with Barbara. And the reason is obvious: Florence is the heart of the Renaissance—a city overflowing with art, history, culture, and unmistakable Italian charm. Around every corner you'll find masterpieces, historic squares, and hidden gems, all easily explored on foot. Whether the day began at the magnificent Duomo di Firenze, Brunelleschi's masterpiece with its iconic dome and the symbol of Florence, or at the famous Ponte Vecchio, was decided spontaneously. In the historic center, everything is wonderfully close together. And for those looking for an unforgettable lunch, there was the perfect opportunity to enjoy one of Tuscany's culinary highlights. This region is home to the famous Chianina cattle, and a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina remains a dream meal for anyone who appreciates a great steak. A little fun fact: the Chianina is not only the oldest cattle breed in Italy but also one of the largest in the world. As you can imagine, the portions can be enormous. Our recommendation? One steak is usually enough for two people—and sometimes even three. So... does that sound a little more jealousy-inducing now? The good news is that this tour doesn't happen just once. Tuscany, Florence, and Italy as a whole are always worth the journey. As for us, we're off for another gelato before tomorrow's adventure begins. And yes—having ice cream tomorrow will be absolutely mandatory as well. Why? You'll find out tomorrow. Until then, Barbara & Axel

One last look at Florence, and then our journey continues towards Rome. Greetings from Day 6 of our tour! With Florence, we have reached the northernmost point of our journey, and from here on, our route gradually takes us back south. The sun is already shining, and the sounds of Florence’s morning traffic can be heard all around us – but that’s nothing that can stop us! So, off we go. Our first destination awaits on the hills across the Arno River. After crossing to the other side of the city, we arrive at Piazzale Michelangelo, where a spectacular view over Florence rewards us. A few photos later, we continue along small country roads towards one of the sweetest highlights of the tour. We’re talking about San Gimignano, home to a multiple Gelato World Champion. And no, that’s far from being the only highlight of this remarkable town. Founded around 300 BC, San Gimignano is known as the “Manhattan of Tuscany” for good reason. During the Middle Ages, building the tallest tower was considered a symbol of wealth and prestige – and prosperity can still be felt here today. The region is famous for its saffron, truffles, and excellent wines, giving us every reason to spend a little more time exploring. Eventually, it’s time to get back on the bikes. Volterra is just around the corner. Part of the group takes the opportunity to discover this town, which is more than 400 years older than San Gimignano, and their riding day comes to an end at the hotel. The rest join me for an additional ride towards the coast to explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy even more of Tuscany’s beautiful roads. Another fantastic day of the tour is behind us, and tomorrow we’ll immerse ourselves in the world of Chianti. But first, it’s time to recharge and enjoy the evening. See you tomorrow! Barbara & Axel

Welcome to Chianti! Today's headline is pretty obvious: Welcome to Chianti! Today, we are surrounded by vineyards wherever we look. Our journey takes us from Volterra to Siena, following beautiful roads right through the heart of the Chianti region. Add a bright blue sky, and honestly – what more could you ask for? From a riding perspective, this is definitely the best day of the tour so far. The asphalt offers fantastic grip, and the road winds its way from Castellina through Radda and Greve all the way to Castello di Meleto. In Radda, we enjoyed our daily espresso and took a short stroll through the charming village before continuing deeper and deeper into the famous wine region. The history of Chianti and its world-famous wine dates all the way back to the Etruscans. And for that, we can certainly say a big thank you! The Sangiovese grape produces some of Italy's finest wines, enchanting the palate with notes of red fruit. As tempting as all the wineries along the route were, we had to be patient and wait until dinner before finally treating ourselves. As already mentioned, we enjoyed a delicious lunch just outside Siena before our route led us straight into the city itself – and Siena is simply not to be missed! Our next stop was Piazza del Campo. Whether it truly is the most beautiful piazza in Italy – or perhaps even in the world – is something you'll have to decide for yourselves. The best way, of course, is to come along with us on tour one day. Afterwards, we headed to the hotel. And how could we possibly resist the temptation to finally enjoy a wine from the region? Barbara surprised us with a welcome glass upon our arrival, and I would say we had definitely earned it after all those curves and the seemingly two billion vines surrounding us. So that was our riding day. Now it's time to relax at the hotel before heading out for dinner, and tomorrow we'll continue with the second part of the Chianti region. Until then, enjoy the pictures! Barbara & Axel

This morning, instead of the usual bright blue sky, we were greeted by overcast skies, though that was set to change as the day went on. We didn’t let that spoil our mood, though, and set off. It’s not actually very far from Siena to Pienza, but we wanted to ride our motorcycles. So we followed the road through the rolling hills, cypress-lined avenues, and countless vineyards so typical of Tuscany. We enjoyed coffee next to the Monte Oliveto Maggiore monastery, visited the thermal springs and the associated canal system in Bagno Vignoni, which dates back to Roman times. There, Axel surprised us with a delicious picnic. In the afternoon, we stopped for coffee in Montalcino, which is famous for its Brunello wine. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to taste it, but rumor has it that the wine’s aroma alone was enough to convince us to buy it. As soon as we arrived at the hotel, we took the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather and stroll through Pienza, whose charm invites you to linger.

One last time on this tour, we meet up after breakfast for the daily briefing by the motorcycles and go over the plan for the day. Even though a touch of melancholy creeps in, we’re looking forward to a day that will once again treat us to beautiful scenery, nearly perfect road conditions, and that typical Italian hospitality. We leave Pienza behind and follow our route south. Of course, we don’t take the highway, but instead enjoy the road conditions that make our hearts race. Turn by turn, we make our way toward Rome. Along the way, we stop for an affogato and to admire the beautiful cathedral in Orvieto, reflect briefly on the transience of life while gazing at the village of Civita di Bagnoregio, enjoy another Italian lunch, and savor the day in true “La dolce vita” spirit. Finally, we brave Rome’s city traffic once more and return home with a wealth of wonderful memories in our luggage. Over dinner, we relive these memories and enjoy the evening in the company of people who have become friends over the course of the tour. Good night and until next time. We’re already looking forward to our next tour together. See you soon... Axel and Barbara