Twisties & The Tuscan Sun July 2026 — Tour Gallery

Lovely early morning start to an epic journey to Tuscany 😍

Pre-dawn chatter at Folkestone as riders get acquainted over hot coffee.

1st stop – cold drink and a quick snack

Legs stretched, bikes resting, and everyone soaking in the northern French sun.

Quick espresso and a wander around Arras’ Grand’Place. France is treating us well.

The historic architecture surrounding Arras Grand’Place in afternoon sunshine.

Crossed into Belgium and straight to Bouillon — castle on the hill, river below. Magic little spot to end Day 1.

The Semois River winding around Bouillon with green hills in the background.

Looking up at the imposing castle ruins perched directly above Bouillon.

Hotel bar, England shirt, World Cup on. Important business to finish the day. ⚽

Celebrating a successful Day 1 across three countries.

Lovely ride into Bavaria! Parking up in Memmingen’s historic Marktplatz for a sunlit morning break.

The stunning Swabian-Bavarian architecture of 6 Marktplatz glowing under the July sun.

Hot coffee, sunny skies, and great conversation in the heart of Bavaria.

Pulled into Garmisch-Partenkirchen with the Alps crowding the sky. This is the life.

The dramatic sheer peaks of the Wetterstein range standing guard over our evening stop.

Soaking in the traditional alpine charm and mountain air upon arrival in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Quiet morning blast along the B182 through Austria. The roads only get better from here.

Taking in the fresh mountain air along Austria’s historic Brenner route.

Made it to the Dolomites. The Eggentaler Hof is home for the next few nights.

Warm Alpine hospitality and breathtaking mountain backdrops at Hotel Eggentaler Hof.

Coffee down, gear on. The Dolomites circuit starts here — 166 km of passes ahead.

Rolling into Corvara. The whole crew’s here before we climb to Gardena.

Brief stop in Corvara to regroup and soak in the alpine morning air before starting our climb up Passo Gardena.

Top of Gardena Pass. That view’s worth every switchback.

Panoramic views from Passo Gardena summit with dramatic spires stretching to the horizon.

Campolongo Pass — lunch above the clouds before Pordoi.

Good food and rich espresso high up on Passo Campolongo.

Bikes resting at Campolongo before taking on the 28 switchbacks of Pordoi.

Highest point of the day. Pordoi’s switchbacks are pure theatre.

Conquering Passo Pordoi at 2,239m elevation — pure satisfaction on two wheels.

Last stop before home. Misty peaks and a final selfie on the Rosengarten.

Final selfie with the misty peaks of Catinaccio standing tall behind us.

Torbole, on the north shore of Lake Garda. Mountains straight up out of the water.

Morning sunlight illuminating the dramatic vertical cliffs above Lake Garda at Torbole.

Bikes loaded and ready for another glorious day in the Italian sunshine.

Crystal-clear waters and sheer mountain faces defining the northern end of Lake Garda.

Lazise for a gelato and a stroll along Garda’s eastern shore. Perfect midday pause.

Soaking in the vibrant atmosphere along the lakeside promenade in Lazise.

Arrived at the hotel in Bologna, super hot day!

Bikes safely parked up in Bologna after riding south through the afternoon heat.

Grateful for cold showers and air conditioning after a scorching 120-mile leg into Emilia-Romagna.

Early email on the SS65 out of Bologna. The Tuscan hills start the second the city drops away.

Coffee stop at Lago di Bilancino. A quick dip wouldn’t go amiss in this heat.

Soaking up the sun and enjoying cold drinks along the shores of Lago di Bilancino.

The calm waters of Lago di Bilancino provided a refreshing mid-ride sanctuary before our final leg into Florence.

Pulled into Florence for the night. The Duomo catches the last light over the rooftops.

Spectacular sunset view over the Renaissance rooftops and iconic Duomo from our hotel grounds.

Relaxing on the villa terrace after a brilliant day on the SS65.

Coffee break in Regione Montiglie. Helmets off, legs stretched, and Via Roma waiting for us.

Savoring authentic Italian coffee before mounting up for the ride north into Valle d’Aosta.

Our fleet of touring bikes lined up along Via Roma, prepped and ready for the ascent into the Graian Alps.

Panniers secured and maps checked—Regione Montiglie proved to be the perfect launching pad for Day 12.

Day 12. La Thuile mountain air, cold water, and a proper base for the morning climb.

The rushing waters of the glacier-fed stream in La Thuile, delivering refreshing mountain air after a great ride.

Stretching out after a rewarding climb up the valley road to La Thuile’s mountain plateau.

Bikes safely parked up at our alpine refuge in La Thuile as evening settles over the Graian Alps.

Day 14. 1 Rue de Valverset. Coffee’s on. The road north beckons.

Final checks and boot straps at Rue de Valverset before hitting the open roads of northern France.

Day 14. Clearing the gear at Domaine de Barive. A quiet view over the courtyard before we pick up the road again.

A sobering, peaceful pause at Douaumont. The ossuary stands tall over Verdun’s old battlefields.

Looking out across the endless rows of white crosses at the national cemetery below Douaumont.

The striking architecture of the Douaumont lantern tower against the July sky.

Our lineup of bikes parked quietly near the entrance of the memorial site.

Lunch and a wander through the city centre. French streets just hit different.

Bikes parked under the shade near the historic arcades of Place Duroc.

Exploring the vibrant architecture and local cafes of Pont-à-Mousson.

Lovely afternoon break by a lake in Bitche before crossing into Germany.

Rolling into Radda in Chianti. Chianti doesn’t disappoint — cypresses, vineyards, hairpins for days.

Riding the sweeping curves of the Strada Chiantigiana (SR222) framed by Tuscan vineyards.

Panoramic views across the Chianti countryside where wine making and motorcycling meet in perfect harmony.

Regrouping in the heart of Chianti. Perfect weather, flawless tarmac, and great company.

Piazza del Campo, Siena. Parked up and soaked in the medieval sprawl for an hour.

Parked up safely outside Siena’s medieval walls before exploring the old town on foot.

Soaking in Siena’s architectural beauty and enjoying authentic Italian espresso.

The iconic cypress roads of the Val d’Orcia, winding gracefully towards Pienza.

Evening light over Pienza and the Val d’Orcia. Tuscany at its absolute peak.

Riders gathering on the terrace to watch the Tuscan sun set over the Orcia valley.

Nightfall in Pienza. Renaissance architecture bathed in warm golden light.

Day 11. Bikes lined up in the Sestri Levante heat. Proper Italian sun and a long stretch of coast left to ride.

Soaking up the vibrant coastal atmosphere in Sestri Levante before heading inland towards Piedmont.

Day 11. Pit stop at Piazza Roma in Gavi. Coffee is hot, the gear is off, and the afternoon run lies ahead.

Day 11. Pit stop in Canelli. Good local cheese and even better company after a long day in the saddle.

Sampling exquisite artisanal local cheeses and regional delicacies in Canelli after a great ride.

Great company and big smiles as the group shares stories from the day’s journey.

The timeless charm of Canelli, surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage vineyard hills.

Bikes safely tucked away for the night as golden hour illuminates the hills of Asti.