Francesco

Day 1 – Salerno, Costiera Amalfitana, Rignano Garganico
The fateful day had arrived! At 9am I was already at the Ducati Salerno Dealer where, after the last checks and tests, I finally left!
The weather was particularly cloudy, it rained at times… but I didn’t care!
From Angri I headed straight for the spectacular Amalfi Coast.
The roads overlooking the sea held out unparalleled views.
Meanwhile I had already become familiar with the bike, handy and agile, despite the narrow and winding road. The coast was a spectacle, but halfway it started to rain. However, I did not stop: I entered the Urban Mode and away without problems.
I took the highway to reach Foggia. It was still raining but riding the Multistrada V4 Rally I was completely comfortable and felt very confident. I didn’t notice the time passing, I was too busy driving. To close the first day I went to Rignano Garganico, a small village on the top about 12 km from San Giovanni Rotondo. To reach the village there was a beautiful road full of hairpin bends and with a wonderful view: moreover, it was the hour of sunset.

Day 2 – Foresta Umbra – Costa del Gargano
Here is the “Multistrada effect”: after spending the first night there, I woke up early because I couldn’t wait to start again, despite the 3° temperature. I took the road to the Foresta Umbra natural reserve, an ancient forest surrounded by exciting curves. Now I felt my bike, I had taken a lot of confidence. I found it funny and incredibly light.
I then headed towards the Gargano coast. The southern part gave me amazing views, views of the cliffs and the immense turquoise sea.

Day 3 – Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Gravina di Puglia, Matera
It rained all night.
At 9.30am I left for Polignano a Mare, which unfortunately I could only cross because of the work in progress in the center, which have prevented me from seeing the beautiful beaches and cliffs of the country. I went to Alberobello. It kept raining, but I was very careful, then the Urban Mode proved ideal on that occasion.
I crossed a beautiful countryside, with its white walls, finally I arrived in Alberobello that with its typical Trulli you feel transported to a fairy world. Finally, it stopped raining and the sun came out. Gravina di Puglia! I stopped between its majestic rocks and the bridge of the Aqueduct. Next stop: Matera and its Sassi, UNESCO heritage. Amazing! Under the rays of the sun, I enjoyed every kilometer until Potenza where I stayed overnight.

Day 4 – Potenza, Cilento, Palinuro, Sapri, Maratea
After spending the night near Potenza, back on the bike and off again in the street.
As per itinerary, I headed towards the Tyrrhenian coast and crossed the Cilento park, walking through winding roads between beautiful villages like Rofrano, Alfano, Laurito, places where time seemed to have stopped. I stopped at Palinuro, which was semi-deserted. I took the road to Camerota and, after climbing a little inland, I was satisfied by an amazing view of the sea. Turn after turn the V4 has not missed a shot, ready even at the bass.

Day 5 – Maratea, Scalea, Tropea, Scilla
Before starting the descent of the Tyrrhenian coast, I wanted to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the area: the Christ Redeemer of Maratea. From there, I went back to Tropea, where I stopped with its rock and its wonderful rock on the sea.
Finally, I reached Scylla: a jewel!

Day 6 – Taormina, Acitrezza, Augusta, Siracusa/Ortigia
Unfortunately, when you plan a trip you have to consider also the possibility of bad weather.
I had to take the ferry to Sicily, and it started raining. A lot!
I don’t usually get scared of the rain, but that time it would have been too dangerous to get back on the bike.
I kept an eye on the forecast, but it did not stop. Unfortunately, I had to give up the tour that I had planned.

Day 7 – Marzamemi, Porto Palo di Capo Passero, Ragusa Ibla, Madonie
The next day the sun had finally risen, and I headed to Marzamemi, a small fishing port, and immediately after to Porto Palo di Capo Passero. From there, I head inland: first to Pachino, then Pozzallo with its beaches, Modica, Ragusa, up to the Madonie Park, through breathtaking landscapes. I spent the night in Nicosia.
Finally, after more than 2,200 km, many exciting turns, an exceptional V4 engine, an extraordinary bike, this adventure is also over.