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SOUTHERN ROADS OF ITALY AND THE HEART OF GREECE
This tour is scheduled only per request for groups of four riders or more.

A great tour, which will lead you to the exploration of the wonders of the south of Italy and the central part of Greece. You’ll start with the Costiera Amalfitana, an area no visit to the south of Rome should do without. This coastal road is so stunningly beautiful that it will remain in your heart forever. The small villages along the coast in their pastel colors and narrow alleys, which wind up and down the cliffs, will take you back in time and to a different pace of life. Positano and Amalfi the main towns of this coastline offer great shopping and sightseeing opportunities (Capri, Sorrento and surroundings).
Your tour will continue south to another exclusive resort: Maratea. This town is the only sea town of the Basilicata region sandwiched between Campania and Calabria. From here excursions to visit the inland of the Cilento National park and the one of Pollino will set up a wonderful day ride. 
Once you leave Maratea you say good-bye to the Thyrrenian Sea and cross over the mountains to the Ionian and Adriatic coast. But before we reach the other coasts, we have two significant stops at the national park of the small Dolomites of Lucania and in Matera by the Sassi and Chiese Rupestri: fascinating medieval cliffhanging constructions. On the way we stop in Alberobello, a town that has a central section completely built up by Trulli constructions. Trulli are round shaped houses with cone shaped roofs, traditional of Puglia. A second interesting stop on the transfer day is by the unique Castel del Monte, built by Federico of Svevia and steeped in mystery regarding its octagonal geometry and relations to the equinoxes. It is a very interesting visit.

A comfortable overnight ferry ride will transport you and your bikes to the Ionian port town of Igoumenitsa in Greece.  From here you’ll start discovering the cradle of western civilization.  Greeks are known for their openness and hospitality.  Greece has been described as having its mind at the west and its heart at the east.  A country full of contrasts, rugged terrain, and breath taking beauty.

While in Greece we’ll visit among others - places such as the stone formations of Meteora with their monasteries built on top of them – still a mystery how the monks did some 600 years ago, Delfi, where its Oracle could foresee the future, Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, Palea Epidavros with its renowned and best preserved ancient theater in the world, we’ll cross a bridge with the longest suspended deck in the world, and charming islands like Lefkada with its exquisite sunsets.
Two chances to ride in the Gargano peninsula, with stunning nature, more twisty roads and a wonderful sea, make it a very enjoyable diversion after you experience in Greece and before returning to Naples on the way to Rome. 
Daily route
Day 0.

Arrive in Rome; transfer to hotel, meet the tour leader and other tour members, welcoming drink and general tour briefing with completion of all paperwork. For people arriving in the morning there is a possibility of a city tour of Rome with a professional guide. Welcoming dinner. Overnight in Rome

Day 1.  

South out of Rome through the hills of ancient Albalonga, where Romolus and Remus came from to found Rome, we reach the Circeo peninsula, which is said to carry the profile of the "maga Circe", the potent witch that fell in love with Odysseus and kept him prisoner for many years on the Island of Ponza. In the evening we reach the Costiera Amalfitana.

Day 2 and 3.  

You have two days to enjoy every corner of this 60 km long coastline. Each road is entertaining each corner reveals a spectacular view and each house has a story to tell. Amalfi is named after a nymph who Hercules loved but who suddenly died. Hercules distraught by sadness decided to bury her in the most beautiful place on Earth, the bay of Amalfi. During these two days you also have the chance to visit the excavations in Pompei or take a boat trip to the Island of Capri. Two overnights in Sorrento

Day 4.  

We leave the Costiera and visit Paestum's archaeological site, another must when in this region. Greek and Roman ruins, temples and painted tombs dated as far back as the 3rd century BC make up for a interesting visit. After the visit to Paestum. We have a ride to Maratea and Parco del Pollino.  Overnight in Maratea.

Day 5.  

Loop ride the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National park. Pay a visit to the Certosa di Padula a very interesting monastery. Experience some incredible views from the Vallo di Diano.

Then we head our bikes to Brindisi to get on our Ship in the evening: destination is: Igoumenitsa in GREECE.

Day 6.  

Welcome to GREECE.  After a good night’s sleep on the ferry, we head towards Meteora.  The road to Meteora winds through the pass of Katara (meaning “the curse” in Greek).  It is an excellent motorcycle ride.  Meteora, meaning ‘suspended in air’ is a unique set of rock formations in the middle of a valley.  On top of the rocks monks have build monasteries dating back to the 14th century.  This is a site not to be missed.

Day 7.  

Today the road takes us to Delfi – a walk through time. During the Mycenaean period, the female deity of Earth was worshipped in this small settlement. The development of the sanctuary and oracle though, began in the 8th century B.C. with the establishment of the cult of Apollo. The most significant ruins to be visited are the Temple of Apollo, the Teasury of the Athenians, the Altar of Chians, the Stoa of the Athenians, the Theater of the Sanctuary, the Stadium, the Castalia Spring, the Tholos, the Polygonal wall, and the Gymnasium. We'll arrive with enough time to visit as much of the ruins as you'd like.

Day 8.  

Riding through the back roads of this ancient land, we’ll enter the capital of Athens, with final destination the Plaka where we’ll spend the night.  Plaka is the oldest part of Athens. Most of the streets have been closed to automobile traffic but motorcycles can generally go through, which is a good thing for us. Plaka is full of outdoor restaurants and cafes but the best ones remain well hidden - after all who wants to go where all the other tourists go... Tourist shops are plentiful and packed with souvenirs. From here the Acropolis is only a short walk away.

Day 9.  

Our destination today is Nafplion.  This former capital of Greece (1828 to 1834) is located in a picture perfect place on the Argolic Gulf with its rocky shores and mighty castle looking into calm blue water.  Along the way we’ll visit Palea Epidavros - A small ancient town home of the theatre of The Sanctuary of Asklepios.  This is a must see. It is the most renowned and best-preserved ancient theater in the world. It is constructed of stone and can seat 12,000 people.

Day 10. 

Heading west on the Peloponisos Peninsula, we’ll visit the city of Argos.  Dating in the Bronze Age, Argos is believed to be the oldest city in Greece.  The ruins of the temple of Hera are definitely worth a visit.  Moving towards our final destination – the island of Lefkas – we’ll cross a 4-pylon cable-stayed Bridge that has the longest suspended deck in the world (2,252m / 7,388ft).  Lefkada as is commonly called by the Greeks, nestles away in the center of the main Ionian Islands and is the only island linked to mainland Greece. A swing bridge gives easy access by road. You will probably find some of the most picturesque views around, looking out from the calmer waters of the east coast overlooking the famous Onassis island of Scorpios, the other islands and mainland Greece and in contrast on the west coast you will find the best beaches and most spectacular sunsets. Lefkada maintains its charm because of its strict building laws, which do not allow high storey buildings.

Day 11. 

Our last day in Greece. The winding back roads of this region will take us to our final destination of the day – Igumenitsa.  After a short ferry crossing in Aktio, we’ll arrive at the port of Igoumenitsa where the bikes will be loaded to the ferry heading back to Brindisi.

Day 12.  

We leave BRINDISI and head our bikes to the Gargano mountains and Riviera.

Our destination is Gallipoli for a beautiful series of twisty roads and breathtaking scenery on the sea. Leaving Gallipoli we’ll ride north to Naples. Overnight in Naples

Day 13.  

Fast ride to Rome and Time at leisure to enjoy the eternal town. Possibility of guided optional tour of the city

Farewell Dinner and Overnight in Rome

Day 14.  DEPARTURE  
GUIDED TOUR
Riding days: 13
Support vehicle: Yes
Hotel level: 3 star: 10 nights
4 star: 3 nights
Airport transfers Yes
Welcome and farewell dinners: Yes
Starting/Ending in: Rome-Brindisi /Rome
Riding ability level: Experienced
Shopping opportunities: Positano, Amalfi, Maratea, Gallipoli, Lecce, Vieste
Riding distances per day: 200-300kms
Dates
July 7-21, 2006 / September 6-20, 2006
Prices (Per person:)
single occupancy, riding solo
double occupancy, riding solo
double occupancy, two-up

€ 2174
€ 1812
€ 1538

Motorcycle rental:  
V-Strom 650, CBF600F
Moto Guzzi California 1100
Ducati ST3, Multistrada, GS1150
RT1150, GS1200

€ 1312
€ 1535
€ 1715
€ 1972

* Prices in US$ based on Euro to Dollar exchange rates as of January 24, 2006
 
Adventures in Motorcycling
Adventure Cycles in the Sun

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