Italy
This starting point was not chosen by chance. Italy is an invitation to discovery, a Country where every corner seems to be preserving a secret, a story, a special flavour.
We started out in Brescia, where Mr Giuseppe Visenzi was born, a fascinating city with a long history, and unmissable sights, such as the Duomo Nuovo, the Duomo Vecchio and the Capitolium, built in 73 BC, which takes us back to such ancient grandeur.
Brescia was not just a place to visit. Here, in Flero, at GIVI’s headquarters, our Transalp 750 was fitted. With Canyon side bags, OUTBACK EVO side and rear cases, tinted windscreen, tank bag and mobile phone holder - all meticulously set up for the journey we were about to embark on.
And our Hevik protective gear and GIVI X.21 EVO helmets to provide the comfort and safety we needed.
From Brescia, we headed toward the Dolomites, in a region that feels like something out of a dream! To get there, we crossed the suggestive Passo San Boldo, a historical pass that was built in only 100 days, on a challenging route for even the most expert riders, with its narrow bends and breathtaking beauty.
Then, we climbed up the legendary Passo dello Stelvio - something every motorcyclists should experience, at least once in their lifetime. There are no words to describe the feeling of freedom, and every curve invites you to admire the surrounding natural beauty.
We continued toward Lake Como, a jewel nestled between the mountains, where we stopped for a coffee on its banks, to contemplate the water reflecting the green hills and the light blue sky.
We needed this break to revive our energy before heading toward Milan, where the Duomo’s majestic presence left us breathless, particularly the stairs to reach the Roof Top. Then, we explored the grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the Sforza Castle and Arco della Pace, each one pivotal in Milan’s rich history.
Napoleon, who built the Arch, seemed to observe everything around us, as if to remind the world of his legacy.
From Milan, we headed toward Turin, and the amazing Egyptian Museum, where my heart started beating even faster. My passion for Egyptian culture peaked there, between thousands-year-old artefact that took me back to the Pharaohs times.
The cultural heritage of this place is simply fascinating - and the connection with our Egyptian past has always intrigued and fascinated me. Mummies, artefacts, stories that unfold through millennia... everything feels like a trip back in time.
Then we headed down the coast, passing through Genoa, before stopping for the night in Pieve Ligure, a fascinating seashore village, where we enjoyed some much deserved rest, with the silence interrupted every hour by the tolls of the bell in the Church of San Michele Arcangelo.
Since we were there, we visited Portofino, a small paradise, where we had lunch while looking at the sea. What I find incredible is the combination between simplicity and elegance Italy is famous for, like no other place.
We crossed the Cinque Terre coast toward Pisa, and tackled three hours of winding roads - but every curve was worth it.
Pisa welcomed us with its famous leaning tower - which we obviously climbed - and the amazing Cathedral. The feeling of being there, surrounded by an architecture that challenges time, and - why not - the laws of physics, is indescribable.
From Pisa, we set off to Rome, the Eternal City.
We set the three days we spent there to good use, exploring the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, with their marvellous masterpieces. The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum witnessed our admiration for the grandiosity of the Roman Empire. And even the simple gesture of placing our hand in the Truth Teller was magical.
We just had to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and climb the stairs up Piazza di Spagna - places filled with history and romanticism.
Every alley in Rome whispers ancient stories, and it is simply impossible not to fall in love with the city.
From Rome, we set off toward the Amalfi Coast, where two days of scenic roads took us to Positano, Maiori and Minori. These places, with their colourful buildings and amazing views, made us feel like film characters.
Between Pompei ruins, the massive presence of the Vesuvio reminded us how strong nature is and how frail human life can be in comparison.
We continued toward Sicily, crossing southern Italy until we reached Taormina, where we enjoyed the most amazing sun in front of Isola Bella. The warm and welcoming weather in this region made us feel like in a tropical paradise.
I will always bring with me the beauty of Sicilian landscapes.
From there, we headed toward the Adriatic Sea, and skirted almost all the ‘boot’s’ sole until Bari, before heading toward San Marino. This small town, nestled between the mountains, greeted us with amazing views of Italy from above, and the feeling of being in a Medieval fairytale.
Every street in San Marino has a story to tell, and every stone is filled with memories.
Going back to Italy, our next stop was Florence, where Michelangelo’s David welcomed us at the Accademia Gallery. The Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, with its massive dome, and Ponte Vecchio were unforgettable scenarios.
After strolling through the Boboli Gardens, we finally awarded ourselves with a Florentine steak - a banquet that connected us to Italian food traditions.
On the road to Bologna, the city of towers, we paid homage to Brazilian soldiers, at the Brazilian Military Memorial in Pistoia, a tribute to the over 400 men who gave their life during World War II.
After this moving experience, we visited the Brazilian Soldiers Memorial of Mount Castello, in Gaggio Montano. Those places reminded us of the sacrifices many people made, for the freedom we enjoy today, and their historical and symbolic significance moved us deeply.
In Bologna, we had the chance to visit the DUCATI Museum, a temple for motorcycle lovers, and a symbol of Italian engineering and passion, where the “handmade” philosophy finds its utmost expression. The spirit of speed and innovation was present down to the last detail, and left us with a beating heart, ready to tackle new adventures.
We set off from Bologna headed toward Venice, and we stopped for a memorable experience at Passo della Futa first.
I’ve been wanting to travel along this iconic road, since I visited Italy for the first time in 2014. A traditional route for Tuscan and Emilia-Romagna bikers, Passo della Futa proved to be anything I had ever imagined, and more, with its exciting curves that seemed drawn for people who love riding on two wheels. The surrounding landscape, filled with hills and lush greenery, made every kilometre even more special and unforgettable.
In Venice - a city like no other - we got lost between the canals and alleys, in a labyrinth no one would ever want to escape from.
Every corner revealed a new angle of the city, until we finally reached the magnificent Basilica of San Marco.
Admiring the amazement of the Pala d’Oro and Piazza San Marco from the Basilica’s balconies, was a moment of pure contemplation and beauty.
Venice seems to float between past and present, and blends romanticism and history in its own unique way, leaving unforgettable memories in those who visit it.
This moment marked our temporary goodbye to Italy, as our Tour led us to Zagreb, in Croatia, and the other 14 countries included in this FIRST STAGE of the World Tour, which we will tackle in several stretches.
These weeks have been intense, 32 days of winding roads, breathtaking landscapes, cities filled with history, and exciting and comforting cuisine.
For those who, like me, were born in a young country, such as Brazil, being surrounded by thousands of years of history is something that transformed us in better versions of ourselves.
This trip across Italy has proven the hospitality, human warmth and passion for details that make this country so special. For its challenging roads and cultural discoveries, Italy is an irresistible invitation for every motorcyclists who wishes to combine adventure and inspiration.
Every road we travelled on has prompted us forward, in understanding what makes Italy so unique. Its history, its warm hospitality, and its unparalleled ability of making us feel at home, even though we are so far away.
At the end of our European Journey, we went back to Brescia, from Switzerland, and we said goodbye to it from Milan, with a heartfelt arrivederci to Italy. We will be back soon, at full speed.
“A Good Road Ahead!”
