The Gran Sasso Motorcycle Expedition in May 2026 is a 5-day trip with 3 full riding days through one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Known to local riders as a top-tier destination, the Gran Sasso Mountains feature sweeping valleys, thrilling passes, and authentic Italian villages. This short, affordable long-weekend tour offers an ideal mix of scenic riding and cultural exploration.
Riding through countless hairpins and thrilling twisties, we’ll experience enchanting regional and national parks, sleepy old borgos (ancient villages), hidden medieval gems, imposing ruins, as well as the breath-taking ‘Tibet of Europe’ - a vast 2000m high plateau at the heart of the Gran Sasso national park. But this expedition is not just about the road—it’s a journey through the soul of central Italy, told through its landscapes, traditions, and flavours. As we ride deeper into the heart of Lazio, Abruzzo and Umbria, we’ll experience age-old culinary traditions that have been passed down for generations. Stopping at rustic trattorias and family-run osterias, we’ll indulge in handmade pastas and fire-roasted meats, enjoy bold Montepulciano D’Abruzzo wines, and share a true local ritual—grilling our own Arrosticini (tender skewers of lamb), over glowing embers.
Designed for passionate riders, this short escape is more than just an epic ride on Italy’s most spectacular mountain roads—it’s a deep dive into the rich heritage of old Roman and Latin cultures, blending history, adventure, and exceptional cuisine with the sheer joy of motorcycling.
Trip at a Glance
Self-Guided Flexibility: Follow our leader or navigate solo with provided GPX/Google Maps.
All Bikes Welcome: Premium rentals available or join with your own motorcycle at a reduced rate.
Luggage: Support vehicle included for all participants.
Skill Level: Intermediate (Smooth mountain passes, valleys and low traffic secondary roads).
Highlights
**3 riding days + arrival and departure support = 5-day total trip**
Stunning Gran Sasso mountain passes with sweeping curves.
Hidden villages and local food experiences.
Low-traffic roads ideal for spirited riding.
Medium daily distances, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Affordable long-weekend adventure without compromising quality
Who This tour Is For
This tour is ideal for riders who:
Want to explore the Apennines and its more remote landscapes and roads.
Prefer medium difficulty roads with plenty curves and the odd gravel path.
Want to stay off the beaten track and explore the less obvious regions.
Enjoy breathtaking routes, local food, and countryside hotels.
Riding Difficulty and road Types
Daily distances range from 200 km to 240 km. Total distance 700km.
Roads include smooth mountain passes, valleys, and low-traffic secondary roads.
Overall difficulty: Medium
Road surface: ~95% asphalt
Traffic level: Low
Ride through the stunning and untouched natural parks of central Italy Apennines on a thrilling route packed with twists, turns, and breathtaking mountain views. Perfect for riders seeking more remote riding with very little cars on the road, this scenic journey combines adrenaline and unspoiled Italian landscapes.
Tour Plan
DAY 1 (21/05): ‘WELCOME TO ROME’
Airport pickup - hotel check in – registration and tour briefing – motorcycle pickup and warm up ride - dinner and rest.
DAY 2 (22/05) 200 km: ‘ INTO THE ITALIAN HEART’
Recharged and ready for the journey ahead, we’ll depart the Eternal City along some of the oldest Roman roads, heading east toward the stunning Adriatic coast. Following the historic Via Tiburtina, we’ll pass through Tivoli—Italy’s renowned città d’arte, home to two breathtaking UNESCO-listed Roman villas. From here, the road begins to twist and climb as we take on the exhilarating curves of the Apennine Mountains, weaving through pristine natural reserves. We’ll pause for lunch in Rieti, the exact geographical centre of Italy, before pressing on through more gripping mountain roads, finally arriving at the gates of the awe-inspiring Gran Sasso National Park.
DAY 3 (23/05) 240 km: ‘TO THE TIBET OF EUROPE’
Through endless twisties and mountain passes, we’ll carve our way across the breath-taking Gran Sasso National Park, making this one of the most unforgettable days of our lives. Panoramic views of deep valleys and rugged peaks will frame our electrifying ride to Campo Imperatore, where a special treat awaits— grilling and enjoying our own Arrosticini and Pecorino cheese in the heart of nature. Awestruck by the sheer beauty of the landscape, we’ll continue along more exciting roads before finally resting our helmets on the majestic Monte Velino. As the day winds down, a hotel spa awaits, offering the perfect way to relax and recharge.
DAY 4 (24/05) 220 km: ‘THE RIDERS’ PLAYGROUND’
Our final day in the saddle will be the perfect finale to this unforgettable motorcycle adventure, taking us through the thrilling twisties of the Sirente-Velino and Simbruini Mountains Natural Parks. Carving through more than 100 hairpin bends and sweeping curves, we’ll ride through lush forests, ascend to breath-taking peaks at 1,600 meters (5,000 feet), and pause for a scenic mountain-view lunch. The journey continues past cascading waterfalls, charming hilltop villages, medieval castles, and ancient ruins steeped in history. Finally, after a feast of spectacular roads, nature, and culture, we make our triumphant return with a ride throug the legendary city that Oscar Wilde called “the one city of the soul”—Rome. Here, a grand final-night celebration awaits, marking the perfect end to our epic Italian motorcycle tour.
DAY 5 (25/05): ‘DEPARTURE DAY’
Breakfast – return the motorcycle and fly back home, or stay some extra days in Rome.
What is included:
3 Days Motorcycle rental
4 nights 4* hotel & breakfast (shared double room)
4 dinners (wine allocation included)
Group airport pickup
End of tour dinner party (wine included)
Experienced Italian tour leader (English/Spanish/Italian speaking)
Detailed travel pack with GPX / Google maps
Roadside assistance
Support vehicle (Carrying 1 bag per person)
Third party motorcycle insurance
What is not included:
Fuel
Lunches
Entrance fees to optional experiences and sites
Return to airport
Alcohol (except for dinner allocation)
Tolls and parking
Tips
Flights
Anything not listed above
Pricing Options
-
Includes roadside assistance and support vehicle for luggage transportation.
-
Moto Guzzi Guzzi V7
Aprilia Tuareg
BMW F900R
Yamaha Ténéré
Ducati Scrambler 800
Security deposit €1500
Optional HP Insurance excess (damage/ theft €1500)
Optional VIP insurance excess (damage €500, theft €1000)
-
Ducati Desert X
Hypermotard 950
Ducati Multistrada 950/V2
Honda Africa Twin
Guzzi V85 TT
BMW 900GS
Security deposit €2000
Optional HP Insurance excess (damage/ theft €2000)
Optional VIP insurance excess (damage €700, theft €1100)
-
Moto Guzzi Stelvio
BMW R1250GS / RS
Triumph Tiger 1200
KTM 1290s ADV
BMW R Nine T
Ducati Scrambler 1100
Security deposit €2500
Optional HP Insurance excess (damage/ theft €2500)
Optional VIP insurance excess (damage €800, theft €1250)
-
Ducati Multistrada 1150/V4
BMW R1300GS
Security deposit €2500
Optional HP insurance excess (damage/ theft €2000)
Optional VIP insurance excess (damage €700, theft €1100)
-
BMW R1300GS Adventure
Security deposit €3000
Optional HP Insurance excess (damage/ theft €3000)
Optional VIP insurance excess (damage €1250, theft €1500)
-
Harley Davidson Electra Glide, Road Glide, Street Glide, Road King, Sport Glide, Heritage.
Motorcycle security deposit without optional insurance €10000.00
Optional basic insurance €20 p/d
(deposit €5000, theft excess €10000, damage excess €5000)
Optional Casko insurance €30 p/d
(deposit €1000, theft excess €3000, damage excess €2500)
-
Item description
-
You can select any of these extras on your Rider Form, after you reserved your place.
Single room supplement €100 p/d
Optional HP insurance €20 p/d
Optional VIP insurance €40 p/d
Modular helmet €5 p/d
Spidi tech jacket €10 p/d
Spidi gloves €3 p/d
GPS €10 p/d
Telephone support €3 p/d
-
Minimum number of participants: 8 (If the minimum attendance is not reached the tour may be cancelled and your money refunded).
Start/finish: Rome city (fly to Ciampino or Fiumicino airports)
You can follow our tour leader or ride independently with the provided maps.
The roads will be mostly easy and medium, 90% tarmac.
Minor itinerary changes possible due to roads conditions, weather, hotels availability.
We advise you consider your own comprehensive travel insurance covering flights, personal accident etc.
-
Advance payment to secure your place now €600.
You can select bike and any desired extras at the next step.
A receipt with the total will be emailed to you.
The balance is due 60 days before the tour. You will receive a new payment link to settle this.
After booking you will receive an email to complete your Rider Form. Look out for this to enter all your details and preferences like chosen motorcycle, dietary requirements, room upgrade, extra insurance etc.
If you have any questions check our dedicated FAQs page, message us on Whatsapp, or get in touch here:
What Riders Say About This Tour
“ARI head Fabio Affuso is a real talent in scouting. Accommodation, restaurants and, of course, the route/roads: road trips with All Routes Italy are truly something special. The participants in the Gran Sasso tour were a close-knit group who quickly became a real group of friends. Everyone receives the route via GPX on their smartphone and can drive at their own pace, which makes the trip very relaxing. Definitely worth repeating!” - Ralf
“Riding with All Routes Italy Motorcycle Touring was an unforgettable experience! Fabio is not only a skilled and professional guide but also a true motorcycle enthusiast who knows Italy’s roads, landscapes, and hidden gems like no one else”. - Hamad
Read all reviews on our dedicated Reviews page.
FAQ
Q: What level of riding experience do I need for this tour?
A: The Gran Sasso Expedition is suitable for beginners taking it easy, as well as advanced riders pushing their limit.
Q: Do I have to ride at the group’s pace, or can I ride at my own faster/slower pace?
A: You are welcome to ride at your own pace, and catch up with the group at the various planned stops.
Q: Is the Gran Sasso tour suitable for two-up riding with a pillion?
A: Absolutely. While the roads are twisty, the asphalt is generally high-quality and the distances are medium, making it a comfortable experience for passengers.
Q: Is May a good month to ride in Abruzzo and the Apennines?
A: May is the perfect month to ride in Abruzzo and the central Italy Apennines. While it is still a transition month, days are mostly clear and sunny. The roads will be near empty and a great playground for us riders.
Q: How technical are the roads in the 'Tibet of Europe'?
A: The roads are sweeping and rhythmic rather than tight and hair-pinned (unlike the Amalfi Coast). It is rated as "Medium Difficulty" and is perfect for riders who enjoy flow and open landscapes.
Q: What kind of clothing do I need for this trip? How cold will it be?
A: In May the temperatures fluctuate between 23 and 9 Celsius. We recommend proper riding gear plus extra layers to wear at higher altitude and early in the morning, when the temperatures can be at the lower end.
Guide Bio
This tour is curated by Fabio Affuso, founder of All Routes Italy, combining 20+ years of Italian riding knowledge with a focus on photography-worthy routes and authentic culture. Find out more on our About Page.
View all 2026 motorcycle tours in Italy or check the Tuscany tour for more dreamy landscapes.