Tuscan Bike Tours

[koko64]

Anyone have the details of the company that does bike riding tours through Tuscany? I lost the details quite awhile ago.

The company supplies the bikes (Ducatis), and has a run vehicle following the convoy, so no need to carry luggage. The ride lasts 4-5 days through great roads and stops overnight at wineries for the local cuisine (and of course wine). The leader of the tour takes you on all the good roads with local knowledge. All is included except for airfares. You just gotta' meet them in Florence.

Sounds like heaven on a stick.

[stopintime]

I think Edelweiss...  http://www.edelweissbike.com/en/touren/?kid=435

Ducati Dream Tour did a similar thing before WDW, but there is no mention of it this year.

[koko64]

Thanks mate.
The guy running the tour has a good range of Ducatis to choose from. I think an MTS1200 would be a good choice for the GLW and myself.

[stopintime]

This year?

[koko64]

Planning/hoping for next year. It's on my bucket list.

There is an Aussie company that does these tours too.

This year we are going to Uluru, but not riding its just too far.

[beethoven]

Have done two tours with these guys.  Very professional and choice of many bikes. If you go this far you should do Sardinia and Corsica. Three of us from Fremantle did the Tuscany/ Sardinica/ Corsica last September. Includes Ducati Factory and Museum tour.

Regards, Al

http://www.adriaticmototours.com

[koko64]

Cheers.

[748s]

There was a company based in Tuscany called  Ducati Tours had to change name to red bike tours (for copyright reasons).
Seems to have faded away, both websites available to buy.

[koko64]

I'll check 'em out.

We may have to organize our own. The GLW can fall asleep easily and will need regular stops.
The "Heart of Italy" tour with Eidelweiss sounds nice and local without too big a day. 130-310kms per day is doable. It just does the Florence, Perugia loop over 7 days.

[koko64]

Found the CIMT (Central Italy Motorcycle Tours). They have a range of  base locations but also the Tuscan Motorcycle Touring Centre, a restored farmhouse that is now a hotel South of Florence on the doorstep of Chianti. You stay there and ride to wherever you like or join the organized tours.
Anyone heard of these guys?

The rental Ducatis available, (you might be surprised), are an M900ie, 900SSie, ST3, Gran Canyon and a Monsterized (their words) St4s. Not a MTS1200 among them! I like it. Sounds more relaxed, flexible and informal with good rates (I wonder why). Now I may end up working on a few bikes, but what could possibly go wrong?

I guess the M900ie, ST3 and GC are looking good. This could be just what we want. More flexible and not over organized with the choice of going out alone or with the group rides.

[koko64]

Been corresponding with owner Francesco who is an air cooled desmodue enthusiast. This company has a relaxed, laid back approach to their itinerary. Will hire the M900 and take an Airhawk pillion seat in my luggage. The M900 is a 2000 model. The GC is no longer available as he had trouble keeping it on the road and getting spares. I guess one customer crash is all it would take. Hoping to book for the next Tuscan Spring.

[stopintime]

Sounds very nice - keep us updated 

[koko64]

One of our daughters has been to Tuscany three times and is helping us with our tour plan. The company has nine guided tours but will help you plan your own non guided tours. You head out for the day and return that night to the farm for dinner. You only take a back pack for the day. That will suit us for the localized experience we are after. The approach is to concentrate on the hidden treasures of the Chianti region via back roads after seeing the well known places like Assisi, Siena, Chinque Terra, Lucca, etc. I love exploring the back roads and boutique wineries and Trattorias of our local Yarra Valley wine region and want to do the same in Chianti. Francesco said that relaxed riding and exploring the small villages, local hidden treasures and avoiding the tourist traps was their specialty.

I will give a report when it happens.

Check out the TMTC Tuscan Motorcycle Touring Centre.

[stopintime]

I will give a report when it happens.

No, you'll give me heads up, so I can join you for a glass if I'm in the area at the time 

[koko64]

Excellent idea. . Be finally good to meet you.