Throttle through the spectacular Dolomites on an unforgettable 10-day moderate-budget motorcycle adventure in Italy. Conquer iconic mountain passes, immerse yourself in charming villages and local culture, explore fascinating historical sites, and capture breathtaking photography every step of the way.
Begin your epic motorcycle road trip from Voúla, heading west towards Preveza.
Enjoy the initial ride through the Greek landscape.
Ensure your motorcycle is fully fueled and all gear is securely packed for the long journey ahead.
Embark on a scenic ride through central Greece, covering approximately 400 km.
Enjoy the diverse landscapes and coastal views as you approach Preveza.
Plan for fuel stops and short breaks every 2 hours to stay refreshed. The route is well-maintained and offers good riding conditions.
Arrive in Preveza, a charming coastal city.
Check into your accommodation and take some time to unwind after the long ride.
Explore the picturesque old town of Preveza, known for its Venetian architecture and lively pedestrian streets.
Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the harbor.
Look out for local craft shops and charming cafes.
Savor a delicious dinner at a local taverna, enjoying fresh seafood characteristic of the Ionian coast.
Try grilled octopus or local fish specialties.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a coffee in Preveza before continuing your journey.
Take a pleasant ride along the coast to Igoumenitsa, the main port for ferries to Italy (approx.
100 km).
Follow signs for 'Porto' and 'Italy ferries' upon arrival in Igoumenitsa.
Complete check-in procedures and board your overnight ferry to Ancona, Italy.
Ensure your motorcycle is securely parked on the ferry.
Arrive at the port well in advance of departure time, typically 2-3 hours before.
Enjoy lunch on the ferry as you begin your crossing of the Adriatic Sea.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the ferry, taking in the sea views, and preparing for your arrival in Italy.
Have dinner at one of the ferry's restaurants or cafes.
Enjoy breakfast on the ferry before disembarking in Ancona, Italy.
Prepare your motorcycle for departure.
Be ready to disembark promptly once the ferry docks.
Begin your journey north from Ancona.
Ride through the scenic regions of Marche and Emilia-Romagna, heading towards the northern Italian plains. Aim for a destination like Verona or Trento.
The Autostrada (motorway) offers fast travel, but consider scenic detours if time permits. Ensure you have Italian road maps or GPS updated.
Stop for a quick and authentic Italian lunch at a roadside trattoria or autogrill.
Resume your ride, pushing further north towards the Dolomite foothills.
Your destination for tonight could be near Bolzano or a charming town just south of the main mountain range, setting you up perfectly for tomorrow's mountain riding.
You'll start to see the majestic peaks of the Dolomites in the distance as you approach.
Arrive in Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol.
Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening in this unique city, which blends Italian and Austrian cultures.
Dine at a traditional restaurant in Bolzano, sampling the local cuisine which features a delicious mix of Italian and Tyrolean flavors.
Try Knödel (dumplings) or Schlutzkrapfen (spinach ravioli) alongside a glass of local wine.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe in Bolzano before heading into the mountains.
Embark on your first major Dolomite pass adventure!
Ride towards the stunning Pordoi Pass (Passo Pordoi), one of the most famous and scenic passes in the region, offering 360-degree panoramic views.
The roads are exceptionally well-maintained and offer fantastic curves for motorcycling. Be mindful of cyclists and other vehicles.
Spend time at the summit of Pordoi Pass, soaking in the incredible mountain vistas.
Grab a coffee or snack at one of the mountain refugios.
Continue your ride through other scenic sections of the Dolomites, making your way to the elegant mountain town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, often called the 'Queen of the Dolomites'.
This route will likely take you over other smaller but equally beautiful passes.
Enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming center of Cortina d'Ampezzo, known for its high-end boutiques and stunning mountain backdrop.
Admire the traditional architecture and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at one of Cortina's fine restaurants, experiencing Italian-Tyrolean fusion cuisine.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your resort, fueling up for another day of Dolomite adventures.
Head out to explore another iconic pass, Falzarego Pass (Passo Falzarego).
This pass is not only a fantastic ride but also holds significant historical importance from WWI, with fortresses and trenches that can be explored.
Consider a short stop to visit the outdoor museum or the cable car up to Lagazuoi for incredible views and more WWI history.
Take the cable car from Falzarego Pass up to Lagazuoi for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and a chance to explore the WWI tunnels.
This offers excellent photography opportunities.
Experience an authentic mountain lunch at a 'rifugio' (mountain hut) near Falzarego, enjoying hearty local dishes with stunning views.
Descend into the charming valley of Val Badia, known for its traditional Ladin culture and picturesque villages like Corvara in Badia or Badia.
Enjoy the ride through green meadows and alongside traditional chalets.
These villages offer a glimpse into the unique cultural heritage of the Dolomites.
Before dinner, enjoy an Italian aperitivo in one of the charming Val Badia villages, savoring local drinks and snacks.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Val Badia, reflecting on your first few days of this incredible motorcycle journey.
Conquer the famous Passo Sella, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Sella Group and the surrounding Dolomite peaks. It's a key part of the Sella Ronda motorcycle circuit.
Be prepared for spectacular hairpin bends and numerous photo opportunities. Road conditions are usually excellent in July. There are several cafes at the top for a quick break.
Continue your Sella Ronda experience with a ride over Passo Gardena, another stunning pass connecting Selva Val Gardena and Corvara.
Enjoy the Alpine scenery.
Often less crowded than Sella, offers different perspectives of the Dolomites. Look out for paragliders taking off from nearby peaks.
Enjoy a traditional South Tyrolean lunch in the charming village of Ortisei, the main town of Val Gardena.
Try local specialties like Schlutzkrapfen (spinach ravioli) or speck.
Wander through the picturesque pedestrian zone of Ortisei, known for its traditional wooden sculptures and vibrant main street. Browse local artisan shops.
The village is very walkable and offers great photo opportunities of the surrounding mountains and unique architecture.
Take a scenic ride to Corvara, another beautiful village in Alta Badia, known for its stunning views and as a hub for outdoor activities.
Prepare for the evening.
Ride one of the most famous passes in the Dolomites, Passo Pordoi, offering incredible 360-degree views and a memorial to fallen cyclists and motorcyclists.
Enjoy the thrilling ascent and descent.
Consider taking the cable car from the pass to Sass Pordoi for even more expansive views (weather permitting). There's a small museum and shops at the summit.
Experience a section of the iconic Great Dolomite Road, a scenic route showcasing some of the most dramatic landscapes and geological formations in the region.
This road offers continuous stunning views, passing through forests and past towering rock faces. It's a perfect stretch for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Head south towards Bolzano for lunch.
Bolzano is a vibrant city blending Italian and Austrian cultures, with a charming old town.
A quick stroll through Bolzano's Waltherplatz and the arcaded streets, perhaps catching a glimpse of the Gothic Cathedral. This is a brief stop before continuing your journey south.
Start your significant journey south from Bolzano, aiming to cover substantial distance towards your ferry port for the return to Greece.
Enjoy the Italian countryside.
Plan your route to avoid major city traffic where possible, favoring more scenic motorways or main roads.
Embark on a long riding day through the heart of Italy, covering significant ground towards a ferry port like Bari or Brindisi on the Adriatic coast. Enjoy the diverse landscapes.
Plan fuel stops and consider rest breaks every 1.5-2 hours. Motorways are efficient for covering long distances.
Stop for a quick and satisfying Italian lunch at a roadside trattoria or autogrill.
Continue your journey towards the southern Italian coast, aiming to reach the Puglia region or a city like Bari to prepare for your ferry crossing to Greece.
Book your ferry in advance, especially for July, as it's peak season. Options include Bari to Igoumenitsa or Brindisi to Igoumenitsa/Patras.
Arrive at the port of Bari (or Brindisi) for check-in and boarding of your ferry to Igoumenitsa, Greece.
Allow ample time for port procedures, especially with a motorcycle.
Ferry schedules vary, so confirm your departure time. Having a cabin will make the overnight journey more comfortable.
Enjoy the ferry crossing across the Adriatic Sea.
Relax, enjoy the sea views, and have dinner on board. This will be an overnight journey.
Ferries usually have restaurants, cafes, and seating areas. It's a great opportunity to rest after your long rides.
Your ferry arrives in Igoumenitsa, Greece.
Disembark and prepare for your final leg of the journey back to Voúla.
Be ready to disembark efficiently with your motorcycle. Customs and passport control will be conducted upon arrival.
Begin your ride from Igoumenitsa towards Preveza, retracing part of your outbound journey.
Enjoy the coastal roads and Greek landscapes.
The route offers scenic views of the Ionian Sea. Consider a brief stop in Preveza for coffee.
Enjoy a final Greek lunch in Preveza, perhaps by the waterfront, before the last stretch of your trip.
Complete your incredible motorcycle journey with the ride from Preveza back to your starting point in Voúla.
Reflect on your amazing trip through the Dolomites and Italy as you enjoy the familiar roads back home.
This 10-day itinerary for Dolomites, Italy can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.