One of the most enticing things about attending a H.O.G.^® Rally is the opportunity to ride somewhere new: finding great roads and scenic vistas on a road trip in a location you may not have visited.

The Le Marche region is one of Italy’s hidden gems. Whether you want to stay close to Senigallia, venture far away to explore or find somewhere while you’re travelling through Italy on your way to and from the event, we have some top tips – provided by seasoned local H.O.G. members Francesco and Fabrizio from the Route 76 Chapter in Jesi, and Aurora from the Civitanova Chapter. Both chapters will be hosting Guided Tours for the rally – see timings below.

So, set your satnav for some of these locations, and get your camera ready for the photo or video of a lifetime…

HIGHLIGHTS ON THE WAY
Our top tip if you’re riding from the north of Italy is not to miss the Gardesana Occidentale in Lombardy, on the Western shores of Lake Garda – its stunning winding shoreline route with tunnels and mountains won’t fail to impress. If you’re riding from the north of Italy and heading through Piedmont, you’ll discover a magical wonderland of vineyards, classical buildings and simply beautiful roads, with plenty of places to stop for photos. And if you’re heading into Italy from Switzerland, surely the Passa dello Stelvio must be on your bucket list of roads to ride?

From the south of Italy, the Sila National Park in the province of Cosenza is highly rated by motorcyclists, as is a cruise of the legendary Amalfi Coast in Campania. And of course, if you’re travelling to or from Sicily, who would want to miss Mount Etna?

Senigallia itself is pretty centrally located in Italy, in Le Marche region, and is not short of amazing locations – all within a reasonable riding distance.

SOUTH OF SENIGALLIA
Heading south, you won’t want to miss the beautiful environs of Monte Conero, with its spectacular sea views and beaches. Set your satnav for Portonovo, Sirolo or Numana – or join the Civitanova Chapter for one of their guided tours which will take you there.

If you’re looking for spiritual fulfilment further afield, try the Santuario Chiesa della Madonna dell’Ambro (sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Ambro). Every motorcyclist in the Marche region visits this iconic shrine and its stunning surroundings at least once a year. It is located close to Montefortino, in the Sibillini Mountains.

Montefalcone Appennino is a town 138km from Senigallia that derives its name from the hawks that nest on the summit of the mountain it is built on, which looks westward to the Sibillini mountains. It sits on top of a sandstone cliff, at an elevation of 760m above sea level, between the Aso and Tena Valleys, and offers striking views.

If you want to venture even higher, try Bolognola… The town rises in the Sibillini Mountains National Park at an altitude of more than 1,000m above sea level, making it one of the highest municipalities in the Marche region. Nearby are the sources of the Fiastrone River and Monte Rotondo, below the summit of which opens up the Acquasanta Gorge, with its spectacular natural waterfall.

Petritoli is another hillside town not far away, overlooking the green and fertile Aso Valley. Surrounded by olive, mulberry and other hillside trees, it offers superb views that extend from the Sibillini Mountains to the Adriatic coast.

Also nearby is Moresco, a medieval village with walls that date back centuries. Walking through its alleys will bring back the atmosphere of old Italy, and you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Adriatic Sea – on clear days you may even see as far as the coast of Albania, with Monte Conero to the north and the Maiella and Gran Sasso to the south.

NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS
To the north of Senigallia there are some real highlights too, with one of the cultural pinnacles of the Le Marche region being Pesaro – famous as a UNESCO Creative City of Music and the birthplace of opera maestro Rossini, composer of The Barber of Seville among others. Head north on the motorway for roughly 20 minutes and exit at the Pesaro toll booth. The centre of Pesaro has a lovely square and you can also visit Rossini’s house. Give yourself plenty of time to explore.

Further afield, you’ll want to follow the San Bartolo panoramic road with a stop at Fiorenzuola di Focara, mentioned by Dante in The Divine Comedy, and on to Gabicce Monte with its panoramic view of Romagna.

Be sure to visit the gorgeous medieval castle in Gradara, the setting for the famous Italian love story of Paolo and Francesca – another of Dante’s literary greats. Nearby Tavullia hosts motorcycle legend Valentino Rossi's ranch and track and then you can ride on to Urbino, where a visit to the Ducal Palace is recommended.

From there, if you’re a fine food fan be sure to take in Acqualagna, the so-called “capital of truffles”. Then, if you have time, check out the Gola del Furlo nature reserve. If you’re in the mood for more castles, the Rocca di Mondavio is another highlight of the region.

If you want to do this as a tour and return to Senigallia it is approximately 200km overall. Fabrizio from Route 76 recommends turning it into a two-day ride if you want to truly appreciate all of the sights.

GUIDED TOURS
If you’d like to take advantage of local knowledge for some truly memorable half-day tours, you’ll be able to book free Guided Tours hosted by the Civitanova and Route 76 chapters at the Rally. Timings for these tours are below, and a link will be made available before the event to book. Spaces will be limited, so be sure to book yours when the link becomes available. All tours will start from the PARCHEGGIO GIOMETTI CINEMA.

ROUTE 76 CHAPTER TOURS:
Thursday 6 and Friday 7 June
Morning departure 10:45
Afternoon departure 15:45

Saturday 8 June
No morning departure due to parade
Afternoon departure 15:45


CIVITANOVA CHAPTER TOURS:
Friday 7 June
Morning departure 09:45
Afternoon departure 14:45

Saturday 8 June
Afternoon departure 14:45