Daily Itinerary

Day 1 Sun, Sep 15 89 km · 2h 35min · 6 stops
1
Porretta Terme - Starting Point Start

The starting point of your Apennine adventure. Prepare for scenic roads ahead.

2
Passo della Croce Arcana Viewpoint

A thrilling mountain pass connecting Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, offering panoramic views of the Apennine range. A great photo spot and a fantastic riding road.

25 km · 45min from Porretta Terme - Starting Point
3
Lago della Ninfa Stop

A charming small alpine lake nestled below Monte Cimone, offering tranquil waters and fresh mountain air. Perfect for a short walk or a coffee break.

20 km · 35min from Passo della Croce Arcana
4
Lunch in Fanano Food

A picturesque medieval village in the heart of the Modenese Apennines, perfect for experiencing local Emilian cuisine. Try 'Borlenghi' or 'Crescentine'.

2.0 km · 5min from Lago della Ninfa
5
Lago di Suviana Viewpoint Viewpoint

A stunning man-made lake nestled in the Apennines, offering breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters. A perfect spot to relax and take photos.

40 km · 1h 10min from Lunch in Fanano
6
Agriturismo Borgo Castellino Destination

A charming agriturismo offering rustic elegance and tranquility near Lago di Brasimone. Enjoy local farm-to-table cuisine.

2.0 km · 5min from Lago di Suviana Viewpoint
Day 2 Mon, Sep 16 66 km · 2h · 5 stops
1
Agriturismo Borgo Castellino - Departure Start

Starting the day from the serene setting of your agriturismo, heading deeper into the Apennines.

2
Lago di Brasimone Stop

Another beautiful Apennine reservoir, often quieter than Suviana. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and reflections on the water.

3.0 km · 5min from Agriturismo Borgo Castellino - Departure
3
Abetone Pass Viewpoint

A historic mountain pass and famous ski resort area, offering fantastic riding roads and fresh mountain air.

50 km · 1h 30min from Lago di Brasimone
4
Lago Santo Modenese Stop

A truly hidden gem: a natural glacial lake at high altitude, accessible via a winding road from Pievepelago. Perfect for a peaceful stop and stunning photos.

8.0 km · 15min from Abetone Pass
5
Dinner and Overnight in Pievepelago Destination

A charming Apennine village, serving as an excellent base to explore the surrounding nature and enjoy traditional mountain cuisine.

5.0 km · 10min from Lago Santo Modenese
Day 3 Tue, Sep 17 68 km · 1h 55min · 4 stops
1
Pievepelago - Departure Start

Leaving Pievepelago, continue your journey through the rugged beauty of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park.

2
Lago Calamone Stop

A beautiful natural lake in the heart of the Apennine National Park, offering breathtaking views of Monte Ventasso. Ideal for a peaceful break and nature immersion.

55 km · 1h 30min from Pievepelago - Departure
3
Lunch in Ramiseto Food

A small mountain town offering authentic local trattorias. Enjoy simple but hearty Apennine dishes.

5.0 km · 10min from Lago Calamone
4
Ligonchio - Overnight Destination

A remote and authentic mountain village, providing a quiet retreat. Enjoy the tranquility of the Apennines.

8.0 km · 15min from Lunch in Ramiseto
Day 4 Wed, Sep 18 295 km · 5h 35min · 4 stops
1
Ligonchio - Departure Start

Begin a longer riding day, transitioning from the northern Apennines towards Lazio's hidden lakes.

2
Florence Scenic Bypass Viewpoint

While not a direct stop, this waypoint marks a scenic bypass around Florence, offering distant views of the city as you head south without entering urban traffic. A taste of Tuscany.

150 km · 3h from Ligonchio - Departure
3
Lago del Salto Viewpoint Stop

Italy's largest artificial lake, resembling a fjord, hidden deep in the Rieti Apennines. Offers spectacular winding roads around its shores and a sense of vast, untouched nature.

140 km · 2h 30min from Florence Scenic Bypass
4
Dinner and Overnight near Lago del Salto Destination

A tranquil village on the shores of Lago del Salto, providing a peaceful evening after a day of riding.

5.0 km · 10min from Lago del Salto Viewpoint
Day 5 Thu, Sep 19 105 km · 3h 10min · 4 stops
1
Fiamignano - Departure Start

Departing from Lago del Salto, prepare for a breathtaking ride into the Gran Sasso mountains.

2
Lago di Campotosto Scenic Drive Viewpoint

A vast, high-altitude artificial lake in the Gran Sasso National Park, surrounded by majestic peaks. The drive around the lake is incredibly scenic and feels truly remote.

60 km · 2h from Fiamignano - Departure
3
Lunch in Assergi Food

A small village at the base of Gran Sasso, a gateway to Campo Imperatore. Find traditional Abruzzese cuisine here.

25 km · 40min from Lago di Campotosto Scenic Drive
4
L'Aquila - Overnight Destination

The provincial capital of Abruzzo, offering historical sites, cultural experiences, and more accommodation options after the mountain roads.

20 km · 30min from Lunch in Assergi
Day 6 Fri, Sep 20 81 km · 2h 25min · 4 stops
1
L'Aquila - Departure Start

Leaving the city of L'Aquila, head south into the heart of the Abruzzo National Park.

2
Santo Stefano di Sessanio Stop

One of Italy's most beautiful medieval villages, perfectly preserved and restored. Wander its cobbled streets and soak in the historic atmosphere.

30 km · 50min from L'Aquila - Departure
3
Lago di Barrea Viewpoint Stop

A stunning emerald-green lake nestled within the Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise National Park. The surrounding mountains and clear waters create a peaceful, pristine landscape.

50 km · 1h 30min from Santo Stefano di Sessanio
4
Barrea - Overnight Destination

A picturesque village perched above Lago di Barrea, offering spectacular views and a tranquil atmosphere within the National Park.

1.0 km · 5min from Lago di Barrea Viewpoint
Day 7 Sat, Sep 21 195 km · 6h 5min · 5 stops
1
Barrea - Departure Start

Leaving the heart of Abruzzo, begin your journey north-west towards the lesser-known lakes of Marche.

2
Lago di Pilato Viewpoint Viewpoint

A viewpoint towards Lago di Pilato, the only natural glacial lake in the Apennines (requires significant hiking to reach, but the drive to the base area offers stunning Sibilline Mountain views).

120 km · 2h 30min from Barrea - Departure
3
Lunch in Matelica Food

A charming town in the Marche region, known for its Verdicchio wine. Enjoy a traditional Marchegian meal.

40 km · 1h from Lago di Pilato Viewpoint
4
Lago di Castreccioni (Cingoli) Viewpoint Stop

The largest artificial lake in the Marche region, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. Offers a tranquil setting and beautiful reflections.

30 km · 45min from Lunch in Matelica
5
Cingoli - Overnight Destination

Known as the 'Balcony of the Marche' for its panoramic views. A charming hilltop town overlooking the lake and surrounding countryside.

5.0 km · 10min from Lago di Castreccioni (Cingoli) Viewpoint
Day 8 Sun, Sep 22 190 km · 4h 45min · 4 stops
1
Cingoli - Departure Start

On your final day, begin the journey back to Porretta Terme, completing the Apennine loop.

2
Pennabilli Scenic Stop Viewpoint

A captivating hilltop village in the Montefeltro region, part of the 'Most Beautiful Villages of Italy'. Offers stunning views and a charming medieval atmosphere.

80 km · 2h from Cingoli - Departure
3
Fuel Stop & Coffee Fuel

A convenient stop for refueling and a quick coffee break before the final leg of your journey.

50 km · 1h 15min from Pennabilli Scenic Stop
4
Porretta Terme - Trip End Destination

Return to your starting point, reflecting on an unforgettable journey through Italy's secret lake roads.

60 km · 1h 30min from Fuel Stop & Coffee