Alpine Bends, Espresso and Moto Guzzi. A Complete Scenario for the Italian Trip of a Lifetime
02/06/2026
Moto Guzzi has announced a route through Northern Italy that looks like a “Greatest Hits” for every motorcyclist. Since in our editorial office we live by the rule that life is too short for boring motorways, I’ve prepared an optimal strike plan for you.
Table of Contents
🗺️ Route: Northern Italy in Moto Guzzi Style
1. San Daniele del Friuli
This is your first stop after crossing the Austrian–Italian border. The town is famous for…
prosciutto ham that is so good you’ll forget about your aching wrists after the first bite. A
perfect place for a “warm-up”.
2. Arabba
From the lowlands we ride into the heart of the Dolomites. Arabba is a motorcycling Disneyland.
You’re a stone’s throw from the Pordoi and Campolongo passes. Here tyres start disappearing before
your eyes and the smile won’t leave your face.
Distance from San Daniele: approx. 140 km.
3. Passo dello Stelvio
A legend. 48 tight hairpins from the eastern side. This is where you’ll check whether your Moto
Guzzi really has as low a centre of gravity as the brochures promise. A mandatory photo under the
sign at 2758 m a.s.l.
Distance from Arabba: approx. 150 km (via mountain passes).
4. Mandello del Lario
A holy place. This is where Guzzis have been produced since 1921. You must visit the factory
museum and touch the gate from which your favourite machines roll out. You can feel the history
and the smell of oil here.
Distance from Stelvio: approx. 140 km.
5. Como
A short hop to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Coffee in the marina, posing on the
promenade and views like from a Bond movie. The roads around the lake are narrow and atmospheric –
perfect for the character of Italian machines.
Distance from Mandello: approx. 35 km.
6. Venaria Reale
We land near Turin. This is where the monumental palace complex is located (a kind of Italian
Versailles). A bit of culture after days spent on asphalt never hurt anyone, and the approach to
the palace is impressive.
Distance from Como: approx. 160 km.
7. Sassello
We’re back to serious cornering. Sassello is a mecca for local motorcyclists. The roads here are
smooth as a table and the bends are flowing. Bonus: the town is famous for amaretti cookies –
sugar for the road always comes in handy.
Distance from Venaria Reale: approx. 140 km.
8. Lerici
Time to feel sea salt on your helmet. Lerici lies in the “Gulf of Poets”. It’s the gateway to
Cinque Terre. A perfect place for an overnight stay with a view of yachts and a well-deserved
seafood dinner.
Distance from Sassello: approx. 140 km.
9. Bologna
Home of “that other” Italian brand starting with D, but we’re here for the food and architecture.
Bologna is the culinary capital of Italy. Simply eat here everything you can afford before you hit
the road back.
Distance from Lerici: approx. 190 km.
10. Chioggia
Often called the “Little Venice”, but without all the tourist crowds. It’s a great end point of
the loop – you can relax by the canals before pointing your front wheel back towards Poland.
Distance from Bologna: approx. 130 km.
🛠️ Safety and Logistics Summary
The 3x300+ rule: Breaking the route into sections of approx. 300–400 km in the
mountains and a max of 500 km on the motorway drastically reduces the risk of micro-asphalt
mistakes caused by fatigue.
Vignettes and tolls: The Czech Republic and Austria require vignettes (digital
versions are available online). Remember that in Austria some high-mountain sections or tunnels
have additional tolls at the booths.
Fatigue management: Planning overnight stays in places like Olomouc or Faaker
See allows for full mental and physical recovery.
📈 Route Summary (Italian loop):
Total distance in Italy: approx. 1200–1300 km (depending on chosen shortcuts).
Time: Ideally 7–9 days, so you don’t just “tick off” points but actually feel
the dolce vita.
Best time: Late May and early June. The passes (like Stelvio) are usually open
by then and the heat in the south doesn’t melt the asphalt yet.
Prep your machine, check tyre pressure and remember: in Italy espresso is drunk at the bar, and a
Moto Guzzi is parked so you can see it from the restaurant terrace. Left hand up!
#Italy
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