Italy (Piedmont, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna)
Published on 31 May 2025
Day one from Acqui Terme past the Vigna dei Pastelli, Grinzane Cavour Castle, La Morra and Barolo. Day two down to Finale Ligure, then through the Trebbia valley to the Penice pass.
A two-day motorcycle itinerary through the UNESCO-listed hills of the Langhe and the Ligurian coast: day one from Acqui Terme to Barolo among vineyards, castles and land art; day two down to the sea at Finale Ligure along the Via Aurelia, then inland through the Val Trebbia, one of Italy’s best roads for riders, to Bobbio and the Penice Pass.
The trip starts in Acqui Terme, a charming spa town in the province of Alessandria, famous since Roman times for its sulphur waters. The heart of town is Piazza della Bollente, where a thermal fountain gushes at 73.5 °C, creating a unique atmosphere of steam and history.
Among the hills of Coazzolo lies the Vigna dei Pastelli, a land-art installation in which the wooden poles of the vine rows have been replaced by giant coloured crayons, symbols of education, nature and memory. Created by the Anfosso Piercarlo farm, it offers a unique view over the Langhe.
Entry is free and, by reservation, you can enjoy tastings of wine and local products.
Grinzane Cavour Castle, an imposing medieval fortress among the Langhe vineyards, was the home of Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, one of the leading figures of Italian unification.
Today it houses the Langhe Museum, dedicated to vines, wine and rural culture, the Cavour Regional Wine Shop of Piedmont and the official seat of the World Alba White Truffle Auction.
La Morra is one of the most charming hilltop villages in the Langhe, famous for its views over the UNESCO-listed vineyards. From the viewpoint, at over 500 metres, the panorama takes in the whole wine landscape. Shortly before, there is a brief gravel stretch.
Nearby, hidden among the vines, is the Cappella delle Brunate: a small deconsecrated chapel turned land-art icon, restored in 1999 by the artists Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett and famous for its bright geometric colours, a symbol of the union of contemporary art, rural landscape and wine culture.
The last stop of day one is Barolo, a small village with a legendary name, considered the capital of Piedmont red wine: this is where Barolo DOCG, one of the world’s most prestigious wines, is made. The village is home to WiMu, the Wine Museum in the Falletti Castle, and many historic wineries.
On day two you head down to the sea. State Road 1, the Via Aurelia, is a historic route along the Ligurian coast and one of the most scenic in Italy: from Finale Ligure it winds between cliffs plunging into the sea, tight hairpins, tunnels cut into the rock and views of the blue Ligurian Sea, all the way to Genoa.
From Genoa you head inland and within the first few kilometres you understand why so many riders consider the Val Trebbia one of the most beautiful roads in Italy: continuous, well-designed, wide and flowing bends, the kind of road that gets you into a rhythm while the bike glides effortlessly. And it is not just the riding: the surroundings are enchanting.
Bobbio is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, set in the Val Trebbia. Its symbol is the Ponte Gobbo, also called the Devil’s Bridge, famous for its irregular arches and the legend surrounding it: a stop full of charm.
At 1,149 metres between Emilia and Lombardy, the Penice Pass is an Apennine pass loved by riders for its flowing bends and open views. It links Bobbio with Varzi and is the perfect finale: gentle climbs, good tarmac and that sense of freedom only the mountains can give.
Big praise for the Triumph 900 Rally Pro, the ideal companion for this trip. Agile and powerful, it handled tight bends, light gravel and scenic roads with ease, always precise and fun to ride. Its gutsy character and comfort in the saddle made every kilometre a pleasure.
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