Regional Information

We are based in Lunigiana, a beautiful but less well known area in the northern corner of Tuscany, it is an unspoiled area of breathtaking natural beauty set between the Apennine mountains and the Mediterranean sea. This gives you the opportunity to see some of the well known sites while enjoying the hospitality and beauty of this region.

Lunigiana is a magical region, it’s name meaning land of the moon, it runs from the Apennines to the mouth of the Magra river and is conveniently placed, to visit places such as Pisa, Lucca, Equi Terme the Cinque Terre and the Ducati factory at Bologna (closed in August).

The rolling landscape is sprinkled with castles of the Malaspina or Medici period, and the people are friendly and welcoming.

Lunigiana has always been part of an important ancient Pilgrimage route known as the Via Francigena. Around 1000 AD pilgrims, merchants and clergymen set out on journeys from the four corners of Europe to visit Rome. Among the most ancient itineraries The Via Francigena or Via Romea, dates back to 990 – 994. Part of this route led the pilgrims along the Cisa Pass, high above the Lunigiana valley, a route that we follow on the bikes, as the Cisa Pass is now also an important pilgrimage for motorcyclists from all over Northern Italy and beyond, it’s winding route offering exciting riding and stunning views.

The dramatic coastline of nearby Liguria is known as the Golf of the Poets, as Shelley, Byron and D.H lawrence who all lived there whilst writing some of their best known works. It also contains the Passo del Bracco, which winds along the hills above the coast, providing great sea views and breathtaking roads.

The beautiful castle town of Fosdinovo is precariously perched on the edge of a mountain overlooking the valley right down to the coast at the Golf of the Poets. Dante was imprisoned here and wrote part of his well known work, the Inferno. There is also a pizzeria nearby with a private motorcycle museum, containing classic, mainly Italian motorcycles, dating back to the thirties, all lovingly restored by the owner and his son. Think Sammy Miller Museum, with Sammy being an Italian pizza chef.

"I've never experienced anything like it. It's just so different from UK riding"
Helen Beazer - London