Introduction: Crossing into the Tuscan Heartlands

There is a distinct, intoxicating moment on any journey south through Italy when the dense industrial energy of Emilia-Romagna yields to the soft, golden light and rolling cypress-lined contours of Tuscany. Today was that day. Leaving our overnight stop near Bologna, our group of twelve riders clicked into first gear and headed straight for one of the most celebrated ribbons of asphalt in European motorcycling culture: the legendary Strada Statale 65 della Futa, known simply to riders worldwide as the SS65.

Day 7 represents a pivot point in our 15-day Twisties & The Tuscan Sun expedition. We have traded the high-altitude Alpine passes of the earlier stages for the warm, rhythmic, sun-drenched twists of the Apennine Mountains and the cultural riches of Florence. As tour leader, watching the morning fog lift off the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines as twelve exhausts hummed in harmony was purely magical. The tarmac was dry, the morning air crisp, and the promise of Renaissance Florence waiting at the end of the road made every turn of the throttle feel like absolute poetry.

Today’s Route: From Apennine Twisties to the Arcetri Hills

While 85 miles might sound brief on paper compared to our longer transit stages across France and Germany, on the SS65 every single mile demands concentration and rewards you with pure riding bliss. The SS65 connects Bologna to Florence, climbing through the crests of the Apennines via the Passo della Raticosa (968m) and the Passo della Futa (903m). Historically, this route formed part of the original Mille Miglia road race course, and for decades Ducati test riders from nearby Borgo Panigale have used these exact curves to hone their machines.

After conquering the crests, the route sweeps gracefully downhill into the Mugello Valley, passing close to the famous Mugello Circuit before reaching the tranquil shores of Lago di Bilancino. From there, we navigate the historic southern approaches into Florence, bypassing city-centre traffic to climb straight into the peaceful Arcetri hills along Via della Torre del Gallo, arriving at the magnificent Villa Agape-Arrighetti.

The Ride: Morning Curves and Lakeside Sunshine

We rolled out early from our staging post near Ca’ di Giorgio on the SS65. The sun was just rising over the Apennine ridge, casting long geometric shadows across the cambered turns. The second Bologna drops behind your mirrors, the landscape changes dramatically. Chestnut forests, stone farmhouses, and terra-cotta roofs immediately frame the horizon. The tarmac on the SS65 is famous for its consistent grip and flawless flow—hairpins transition effortlessly into sweeping third-gear curves that let you set a steady rhythm.

We paused briefly near Ca’ di Giorgio to soak in the crisp mountain air and allow the group to regroup. The morning light filtered through the canopy, and you could feel the excitement building. Riders adjusted their jacket vents as the Italian summer sun began to warm the pavement. Riding the SS65 feels like riding through living motorcycling heritage; local riders on sports bikes wave as they pass, and every cafe along the road displays vintage photographs of racing legends who carved these same corners decades ago.

Continuing south over the Passo della Raticosa and down towards the Mugello region, the road opens up into wider curves with panoramic views across the Mugello basin. By mid-morning, as temperatures edged into the high twenties, we pulled off at Via Gastone Nencini right on the edge of Lago di Bilancino for a well-deserved coffee break.

Lago di Bilancino is a stunning turquoise lake cradled by the rolling hills of the Mugello region. We parked the bikes along the waterfront promenade and gathered at a lakeside cafe for iced espressos, fresh brioche, and cold water. Sitting under the shade of umbrellas with the shimmering lake reflecting the azure sky was the perfect contrast to the intense focus required on the mountain pass.

After a relaxed hour resting by the lake, we geared back up for the final stretch towards Florence. Leaving Bilancino, we bypassed the busy urban ring roads of Florence by taking scenic backways through the Florentine hills. Climbing up Via della Torre del Gallo, lined with ancient stone walls and towering Italian cypress trees, we arrived at our sanctuary for the evening: Villa Agape-Arrighetti.

Rider Experiences: Reflections from the Saddle

Every rider in our group had been anticipating Day 7, but the reality exceeded all expectations. Over cold drinks on the villa terrace, the conversation was full of enthusiasm and highlights from the day’s riding.

Mark (BMW R1250GS): “I’ve read about the SS65 in motorcycle magazines for years, but nothing prepares you for how smooth and fluid the corners are. You get into this rhythm where the bike just leans effortlessly from left to right. Finishing the ride at a historic villa overlooking Florence is pure magic.”

Sarah & Dave (KTM 1290 Super Adventure S): “The contrast today was amazing—from technical mountain curves in the morning to relaxing by the lake at Bilancino, and then arriving at Villa Agape. Watching the sun set over the Duomo from our hotel terrace is a moment we will remember forever.”

Steve (Triumph Tiger 1200): “Wild Roads has hit the jackpot with this route. Avoiding the main highway and riding the historical Mille Miglia roads gives you an incredible appreciation for Italian motorcycling history.”

Hotel & Evening: Renaissance Charm at Villa Agape

Our home for the night, Villa Agape-Arrighetti, is a magnificent 16th-century Florentine villa nestled in the quiet Arcetri hills, just minutes above Piazzale Michelangelo. Once owned by noble Florentine families and set within four hectares of private parkland, olive groves, and formal Italian gardens, it offers a peaceful haven from the bustling city below.

After parking the bikes securely in the private gated courtyard, our group assembled on the upper garden terrace for evening aperitivi. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the golden light illuminated the red tile roofs of Florence, catching the marble facade of Santa Maria del Fiore and the historic Giotto’s Campanile. We toasted the day’s journey with chilled Aperol Spritzes and locally produced Chianti Classico wine.

Dinner was served alfresco in the villa’s private courtyard under a canopy of stars. We enjoyed traditional Tuscan specialties, including hand-rolled pici pasta with wild boar ragù, Florentine bistecca cooked over charcoal, and artisanal gelato. The atmosphere was celebratory, filled with laughter, shared stories, and deep camaraderie.

Tomorrow: Deep into the Chianti Vineyards

Tomorrow on Day 8, our journey takes us deeper into the postcard landscapes of central Tuscany. We will leave Florence behind and ride south through the heart of the Chianti Classico wine region, navigating the famous SR222 (Strada Chiantigiana). Our route will wind through medieval hill towns, ancient castles, and vineyard-clad slopes towards Radda in Chianti and the UNESCO-listed Renaissance town of Pienza.

With warm weather forecast and some of Tuscany’s most iconic countryside ahead, the group is rested, recharged, and eager for another unforgettable day in the saddle.

Ride This Tour Yourself

If reading about the legendary SS65, lakeside coffee stops, and sunset over Florence has inspired your wanderlust, you can experience it firsthand on our flagship Twisties & The Tuscan Sun Motorcycle Tour. Spanning 15 glorious days through 7 countries, this tour combines Europe’s finest mountain passes with unforgettable cultural highlights, hand-picked boutique hotels, and expert guide support.

Bookings for our 2027 tour departures are now officially open. Places are limited to keep group sizes intimate and riding quality unmatched. Explore full itinerary details, route maps, and availability on our official tour page today.

Frequently Asked Questions: Day 7 & Riding in Tuscany

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