Southern Italy Delights and Twisties CUI2602

Benvenuti in Italia! A warm welcome to our guests as they join us for their Edelweiss Tour through the **Heart of Italy!** And what a fantastic group we have this time – a true collection of Edelweiss veterans and passionate motorcycle riders**: **Yanina** – joining us for her **2nd Edelweiss Tour &  Thomas** – an incredible **6th Edelweiss Tour!** **Carol & Daniel** – both returning for their **5th Edelweiss Tour** **Terri & Joe** – also celebrating their **5th Edelweiss Tour** **Petra & Norm** – both back for their **3rd Edelweiss adventure** With so much touring experience in one group, this promises to be a very special week. We can’t wait to share the **best roads, spectacular landscapes, winding curves, and unforgettable culinary highlights** that the Heart of Italy has to offer. **Let’s ride, explore, laugh and enjoy Italy!** We’re looking forward to an absolutely fantastic tour with all of you! **Mel & Michael**

From Florence to Perugia – Curves, Movie Magic & Hannibal’s Legacy Florence is behind us, and our first day of riding lies ahead. Today’s route takes us deep into the heart of Tuscany, combining some of Italy’s finest motorcycle roads with beautiful landscapes, movie history, and even a legendary battle. We leave **Firenze (Florence)** behind and soon find ourselves riding through the rolling hills of Tuscany. Via **Regello and Loro Ciuffenna**, our route winds its way through picturesque villages, vineyards, olive groves, and countless sweeping bends. This is Tuscany at its very best – away from the busy roads and right in the middle of the scenery we came here to enjoy. Through **Talla**, we eventually reach **Arezzo**, where we stop for a well-deserved lunch. Arezzo is not only one of Tuscany’s beautiful historic towns, but also a place of movie history. Several scenes from Roberto Benigni’s Oscar-winning masterpiece **“Life Is Beautiful” (La vita è bella)** were filmed here. Walking through the old town, you may recognize some of the locations from this unforgettable movie. But there is little time to linger – after all, we are here to ride! From Arezzo, we continue via **Palazzo del Pero and Castiglion Fiorentino** towards **Cortona**. Perched high above the Val di Chiana, this beautiful medieval town became famous around the world through the movie **“Under the Tuscan Sun.”** And once you see the views from Cortona, it is easy to understand why this landscape has inspired so many artists, writers, and filmmakers. From Cortona, our route takes us towards **Lake Trasimeno**. Near **Tuoro sul Trasimeno**, we encounter a very different chapter of Italian history. In **217 BC**, this was the site of the famous **Battle of Lake Trasimene**, where Hannibal and his Carthaginian army inflicted a devastating defeat on the Roman forces. Today, there are no armies on these shores – just peaceful villages, beautiful landscapes, and the shimmering waters of Lake Trasimeno. We follow the lake via **Passignano sul Trasimeno**, enjoying the final curves and spectacular views before leaving Tuscany behind and heading towards **Perugia**, our destination for the day. Another perfect Edelweiss riding day – **great roads, breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, famous movie locations, and, of course, plenty of Italian dolce vita.**

The first stop on today’s tour is Assisi. Since the early Middle Ages, Assisi has been one of Europe’s most significant pilgrimage sites and a major destination for both pilgrims and day-trippers from the region. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the year 2000. Nestled in the rolling hills of Umbria, Assisi sits enthroned above the valley like a timeless jewel. The birthplace of Saint Francis captivates visitors not only with its profound spiritual significance but also with its charming, winding alleys, medieval architecture, and unique atmosphere. We visit the Basilica of Saint Francis (Basilica di San Francesco). This majestic double church forms the heart of Assisi and stands as one of Italy’s most important architectural landmarks. Our journey continues to Colfiorito. Far from the tourist crowds, you will experience the authentic side of Italy here. Situated in the Umbria-Marche Apennines, this high plateau is renowned for its unique karst landscape and the cultivation of the famous Colfiorito lentils. We drive on through the Monti Sibillini National Park—a mountain massif in the heart of Italy where the highest peak, Monte Vettore, reaches an elevation of 2,476 meters. The winding roads offer a truly enjoyable driving experience amidst a veritable treasure trove of nature. For lunch, we will naturally sample the famous lentil soup. Leaving the high plateau via winding roads, we head to Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Located within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park (in the Abruzzo region), this beautiful medieval mountain village is world-famous for its model of sustainable tourism and the renowned *Albergo Diffuso* concept (a "scattered hotel" with rooms distributed throughout the village). This is precisely where we will spend the night.

Three Bikes, Endless Curves & the Heart of Abruzzo Today, we split the group. Terri, Yanina, Joseph, and Thomas want to take the opportunity to visit some distant relatives in the area, so only three motorcycles head out to ride the original Edelweiss route. From Santo Stefano di Sessanio, we make our way through Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi and Capodacqua, before continuing toward Bussi sul Tirino. And once again, Abruzzo shows us exactly why it is such a fantastic destination for motorcyclists: quiet roads, virtually no traffic, spectacular scenery, and one great corner after another. Via Piano d'Orta and San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore, we reach Caramanico Terme and then climb towards the Passo San Leonardo at 1,282 meters (4,206 ft). From there, the road winds down towards Pacentro and eventually brings us to Sulmona. Sulmona is a city with a fascinating history. It was the birthplace of Publius Ovidius Naso – better known as Ovid, one of ancient Rome's greatest poets. Born here in 43 BC, Ovid left his mark on the city so strongly that its main street is still called Corso Ovidio today. After a short visit, there is no time to linger – the mountains are calling! We leave Sulmona behind and continue through Anversa degli Abruzzi to the beautiful Lago di San Domenico, before climbing once again towards Passo Godi. From here, we enter the spectacular world of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. Established in 1922, it is one of Italy's oldest national parks and one of the country's great wilderness areas. Wolves, Marsican brown bears and Abruzzo chamois call these mountains home. Riding through Villetta Barrea and Opi, with dramatic mountains rising all around us, it is easy to understand why this part of Italy is so special. The roads are fantastic, the scenery is breathtaking, and around every corner there seems to be another postcard waiting for us. And of course, we keep riding! Via Alvito and Serre di Conca, we eventually reach the end of another spectacular day in the saddle. Only three motorcycles today – but plenty of curves, incredible landscapes, fascinating history, and that unmistakable Abruzzo magic. Three bikes. One incredible route. And another day that reminds us why we ride.

Today, we head down to the Tyrrhenian Sea. We fire up our motorcycles and ride along winding, very narrow roads to Capriati a Volturno. This charming little village is known for its lakes, waterfalls, and picturesque trails. We take a short break here at a small café in the village square. Next, Matese National Park awaits. Situated in the Apennines between the regions of Campania and Molise, it features a limestone mountain range, deep valleys, beech forests, and the karst basin of Lake Matese. At the lake—located at an altitude of around 1,000 meters—we take a moment to enjoy the tranquility and the magnificent panoramic view. For lunch, we treat ourselves to delicious pizza in Caserta before turning onto the highway toward Naples. Our destination for the day is the Amalfi Coast; as soon as we exit the highway, a winding, very narrow road leads us straight to the coast. The Amalfi Coast captivates with its unique towns, spectacular sights, and the essence of *dolce vita*. We check into our hotel right by the sea.

### Rest Day on the Amalfi Coast – Curves, Coastlines & Dolce Vita A rest day on an Edelweiss tour doesn’t necessarily mean the motorcycles have to stay parked. Especially not when we are in a place like the **Amalfi Coast**! So today, some of the group opted for a boat trip along the spectacular coastline, while the others chose their motorcycles. And honestly, both are pretty hard to beat! Our ride takes us on a spectacular loop combining breathtaking coastal roads, charming villages, stunning views, and, of course, plenty of curves. From the **Costiera Amalfitana**, we first head toward **Castellammare di Stabia**, then continue through **Vico Equense** to **Sorrento**. It quickly becomes clear that this is going to be anything but an ordinary rest day. From Sorrento, we follow the coast toward **Massa Lubrense**, continuing through **Termini** and **Marina di Nerano** to **Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi**. The road winds its way through the landscape, with spectacular glimpses of the deep blue Mediterranean appearing around almost every corner. And then comes one of the highlights of the day: **Positano!** Its colorful houses seem to cascade down the steep mountainside all the way to the sea. Beyond Positano, the road disappears into a seemingly endless series of bends – exactly what we came for! We continue along the world-famous **Amalfi Coast** toward **Amalfi**. Dramatic cliffs on one side, the sparkling Mediterranean on the other, and in between, a road that seems to cling impossibly to the mountainside. It simply doesn’t get much more spectacular than this on two wheels. From Amalfi, we finally leave the coast and climb back into the mountains toward **Agerola**. Once again, we enjoy magnificent views before completing our loop and returning to the **Costiera Amalfitana**. A rest day? Maybe. But it is one that reminds us exactly why we love riding motorcycles: **spectacular roads, breathtaking scenery, Italian lifestyle – and a big smile underneath the helmet.** **La dolce vita – on two wheels!**

From the Amalfi Coast to Morano Calabro and a Picnic in History Today we leave the spectacular **Amalfi Coast** behind us – but not before enjoying one last dose of those legendary coastal curves. From **Costiera Amalfitana** we ride through **Cetara** and **Vietri sul Mare**, following the Mediterranean for a little while longer before turning inland. The scenery changes almost instantly. The blue sea disappears behind us, and the landscape opens into the rugged mountains and valleys of southern Campania. We join the **A2 motorway towards Reggio Calabria**, but don't worry – this is not going to be a motorway day! We leave the A2 at **Campagna** and head into the mountains, riding through **Sicignano degli Alburni, Polla and Padula**. Soon, the roads become exactly what we came for: winding, quiet and surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of southern Italy. And then comes the highlight of the day. #Mel's Secret Picnic Spot Just outside Padula lies a truly magical place: the **Battistero di San Giovanni in Fonte**. This extraordinary early Christian baptistery is considered one of the oldest in the Western world. Its central baptismal font is fed directly by a natural spring beneath the building – a detail that makes this little historical gem particularly fascinating. And this is where **Mel has prepared a sensational picnic for the group**. Forget busy restaurants and crowded tourist spots. Today, lunch is served surrounded by history, greenery and the peaceful sound of flowing spring water. There are places where you simply stop for lunch – and there are places where lunch becomes part of the adventure. **This was definitely one of those places.** With full stomachs and happy faces, we get back on the bikes and continue south. The route takes us through **Lagonegro and Lauria**, before joining the A2 once again for a short section towards Reggio Calabria. At **Mormanno** we leave the motorway for the final time and enter the mountains of Calabria. The road winds through the impressive landscape of the **Pollino National Park**, leading us towards our destination. And then, almost hidden among the mountains, we arrive in **Morano Calabro**. A perfect end to a day that had everything: the legendary Amalfi Coast, fantastic mountain roads, a little history – and, of course, **Mel's unforgettable picnic at San Giovanni in Fonte**. Sometimes the best memories of a motorcycle tour aren't made at the biggest attractions. Sometimes they're made around a picnic table, with good food, great roads and even better company. **And today was definitely one of those days.**

Our accommodation in the village of Morano Calabro is located in the heart of Pollino National Park. We begin today’s route on winding roads, driving through deep gorges and across high plateaus, passing meadows and upland pastures. Pollino National Park, spanning the regions of Basilicata and Calabria, is the country's largest nature reserve. It extends all the way to the Ionian Sea—and that is exactly where we are making a stop today. We reach the day's highlight in Craco, an Italian ghost town. This small village is now an abandoned site that even attracts Hollywood. Its inhabitants have long since departed, leaving behind a spectacular setting—one that even James Bond couldn't resist. Plagued by malaria, raids, and severe natural disasters, Craco has stood completely empty since the 1970s. It is certainly a bit eerie. Yet, thanks to its fairytale-like setting and unique charm, this abandoned place draws not only tourists and artists but also film directors. After a lunch break featuring delicious pasta, we continue to our accommodation in Matera. Matera is the city of cave dwellings and rock-hewn churches known as the *Sassi*. The *Sassi* consist of two rocky hillsides where, in many places, the rock was hollowed out—side-by-side and stacked atop one another—and fitted with facades. Consequently, while the cave dwellings look like ordinary houses from the outside, inside you find yourself within a grotto. Originally, people used natural caves for shelter. Over the course of millennia, a sprawling cave city carved into the rock emerged, with dwellings arranged side-by-side and stacked vertically. As you walk through the narrow streets of Matera’s *Sassi*, your path almost always takes you over the roof of a dwelling. We are staying here tonight—not in a cave, however, but in our very modern hotel opposite the Sassi.

Matera – Culture for Some, Curves for Others While Petra, Terri, Yanina, Joe, and Tommy spent the day exploring the extraordinary city of Matera on foot, Norm put on his helmet and joined Mel and Michael for a private motorcycle tour through the fascinating region of Puglia. From Matera, we first followed some wonderfully winding roads to Noci and then on to Alberobello – one of the most unusual towns in Italy. The famous trulli appear almost like something from a fairy tale: small, whitewashed round houses topped with distinctive conical stone roofs. The UNESCO-listed old town is a maze of narrow lanes lined with these charming little buildings, many of them still inhabited or lovingly converted into shops, cafés, and restaurants. But we couldn't stay too long in this magical place – there were still plenty of curves waiting for us! Our route then took us to Polignano a Mare and the Adriatic coast. Spectacularly perched on white limestone cliffs, Polignano a Mare is one of Puglia's most beautiful coastal towns. The houses seem to cling to the cliffs, while far below, the turquoise waters of the Adriatic crash against the rocks. The town's most famous landmark is Lama Monachile, a small and spectacular cove surrounded by steep cliffs right in the heart of town. From the panoramic terraces, we enjoyed fantastic views along the coast – the perfect spot for a lunch break and, of course, a few photos. From the coast, we continued through Conversano, Turi, and Gioia del Colle, eventually making our way back toward Matera. The roads became twistier again, the countryside opened up, and traffic remained pleasantly light. That's the beauty of a rest day – everyone can choose their own adventure. While five of our guests discovered the mysterious Sassi of Matera and the fascinating history of this unique city on foot, Norm enjoyed some genuine Edelweiss riding with Mel and Michael – great curves, beautiful landscapes, unforgettable Italian towns, and plenty of motorcycle fun.

The Final Riding Day – and a Perfect Finale Far too quickly, it was here – our final riding day! And it started with a little adventure that nobody had expected. Right at the start, our support van simply refused to start. Battery? Starter? Electronics? We tried everything we could think of, but the van wasn't having any of it. Luckily, there was an IVECO dealer nearby, and they immediately sent out a service team. The diagnosis was quickly made: the battery was defective. A new battery was installed, and suddenly our faithful companion was back in action. Problem solved! With a little delay, but feeling much more relaxed, we finally set off on our last day in the saddle. Leaving Matera, our route took us through Miglianico, Grassano, and Irsina, riding through the beautiful landscapes of Basilicata before reaching Gravina in Puglia. From there, we continued toward Castel del Monte, the spectacular 13th-century castle commissioned by Emperor Frederick II. The route then led us through Abbondanza and Corato toward the Adriatic coast. In Trani, we made our final fuel stop before continuing to Bisceglie and our hotel. And when we arrived, Mel had – as always – another surprise waiting for us: a little boat beer! After the long day in the saddle, it was the perfect way to relax, enjoy a cold drink, and celebrate the final kilometers of an incredible tour. After a short rest, we headed out for our farewell dinner. One by one, everyone shared their personal highlight of the tour. There were plenty of stories to tell – fantastic roads, spectacular scenery, fascinating towns, great food, and, most importantly, all the unforgettable moments we had shared along the way. And there was one thing everyone agreed on: This was our best Edelweiss Tour so far! What an incredible compliment. For us as guides, there is hardly a better way to finish a tour. And what is the conclusion from Mel and Michael? An amazing tour with truly sensational people. They came as strangers – and they left as friends. And that is exactly what Edelweiss is all about.