On the Roads of Marche’s Motor Heritage: an itinerary taking in hills, history and motorbike museums

The itinerary starts from Pesaro, an elegant and lively city overlooking the Adriatic. Known for its musical tradition and sea views, Pesaro is also home to an important chapter in the history of Italian motoring: the Officine Benelli Museum. It is here, among historic workshops and impeccably restored collections, that the journey dedicated to the theme of the day begins: motorbikes and coastal views. A visit to the Benelli Museum is a deep dive into the nerve centre of mechanics and innovation in Le Marche. The exhibition recounts over a century of motorcycling evolution, featuring the iconic models, rare prototypes and testimonies of the Benelli family, pioneers who contributed to the worldwide fame of Italian two-wheelers. The museum tour gives you an understanding not only of how the bikes have evolved technically, but also of the associated culture and lifestyle. It's the perfect introduction to the on-road experience that comes next. After the visit, the itinerary sets off from Pesaro, with a stop in Tavullia, a small town known worldwide as the home of motorcyclist Valentino Rossi. We continue towards the San Bartolo Panoramic Road, one of the most evocative routes on the Adriatic coast. Right from the first few kilometres, the road climbs gently up the headland in a succession of flowing bends that invite easy, relaxed riding. Here, land meets sea in a constant dialogue: on the left is the hill of the Monte San Bartolo nature park with its lush vegetation, while on the right is the Adriatic sea, which appears and disappears between the hairpin bends in a play of light and reflections. This scenic stretch is famous for its flowing curves, ideal for riders who want a balanced, continuous ride without too many technical or challenging stretches. Each bend offers a different view: from hidden coves to sea stacks, from deep-blue inlets to grassy slopes descending towards the sea. This is more than just a route from A to B, it's a visual and sensory experience, a journey that tells the story of the relationship between humans, the landscape and travel. Along the route, you will pass through some of the stunning coastal villages in the nature park, little towns that seem almost suspended between land and sea. Among these are Fiorenzuola di Focara, known for its colourful houses and quiet narrow streets overlooking the Adriatic, and Casteldimezzo, a hilltop village that offers natural terraces giving a view of the entire promontory. Continuing south, you gradually descend towards new scenery, where slower stretches alternate with more open segments. The vegetation changes, the sea draws nearer and the road seems to take on a softer pace, preparing for the return. The last part of the itinerary naturally leads back to Pesaro, closing a loop that combines history, riding and great scenery.

After an overnight stay in Pesaro we head to Urbino, a Renaissance city suspended between hills and history; the day starts by heading south-west towards the Apennines. This is the start of a single large motorcycle loop, an entire stage dedicated to technical riding, wild nature and the most iconic roads of the Marche hinterland. Leaving Urbino we descend towards the SP3 Flaminia, one of the oldest and most fascinating historic roads in Italy. Travelling along it means crossing a natural corridor shaped over the centuries, the same route that has connected the coast with the Apennines since Roman times. The road begins with regular, flowing bends that allow you to pick up your pace, accompanied by gentle landscapes: fields, tiny villages and hills that herald the approach to the mountains. The first major destination is the Furlo Gorge, a natural wonder that narrows the Via Flaminia into a spectacular passage. Rock walls rise on either side of the road, while the lake and the waters of the Candigliano create a play of light that amplifies the feeling that you are crossing a really special place. Here, the Flaminia becomes living history: you can admire the famous Roman tunnel that was dug into the rock over two thousand years ago and bears testimony to the strategic importance of this pass. The drive is pleasant and immersive, perfect for getting into the pace of the day. Beyond the Furlo, the loop points towards Cagli, a historic town nestled between the valleys and hills. The road here is smooth again, ideal for an easy ride before the most challenging stretch. From Cagli, head towards Apecchio into an area where the scenery becomes wilder and the environment gradually changes to denser forests, more pronounced mountain ridges and narrower valleys. The route gains in altitude and the atmosphere becomes typical of the Apennines. Once in Apecchio, the most eagerly awaited stretch for those who love technical riding begins: the ascent to Mount Nerone. This is one of the most iconic roads for motorcyclists in Le Marche and central Italy. The sharp bends, tight corners and changes in gradient all require concentration, fluidity and the ability to read the road. As you ascend, the landscape opens up as the Apennine ridges emerge one after the other, forming a continuous stretch. The summit of Mount Nerone is the day’s most spectacular viewpoint: from here the view takes in forests, valleys and ridges, and on clear days you can even glimpse the Adriatic. From the summit, the descent towards Piobbico begins. This stretch is as technical as the ascent, with tight bends, shady sections and a variable pace that requires attention. The road descends rapidly as hairpin bends alternate with sweeping curves, all immersed in the wilderness of the massif. This is an exciting, varied route that is never monotonous as it leads progressively towards the valley floor. Once you reach Piobbico, the ride becomes smoother again. The village introduces a gentler landscape of green hills and small towns that accompany the final part of the loop. From here, we continue along well-paved roads that lead back towards Urbino, to round off a day that completes our Apennine itinerary. 

After an overnight stay in Urbino we take the SP9, a pleasantly smooth road that immediately enters the heart of the Marche hills. Gentle curves, fields and isolated farmhouses create a relaxing rhythm, perfect for an itinerary dedicated to today's theme: historic villages and scenic roads. The first stop is Urbania, nestled along the Metauro River, which retains its authentic medieval layout. Continuing on, the route takes us through Fermignano, which is closely linked to the Metauro river and its famous three-arched Roman bridge. The entrance to the village is striking, as it highlights the artisanal history and industry of the town, with the tower and mill being recognised symbols of the area. The roads connecting Urbania and Fermignano are smooth and pleasant to ride, with gentle bends that follow the contours of the hills. From Fermignano we continue northwards, gradually leaving the more populated hinterland and rediscovering the open landscape of the Marche countryside. At this stage the road becomes smoother and more regular, offering a continuous and relaxed riding experience. Here, you join the part of the route known as the "Giro del Catria", a stretch appreciated for its harmony, wide bends and readable road. The Giro del Catria isn't as technical as the Apennine section and offers a smooth ride, perfect for enjoying a day with a balance between scenic views and riding. Continuing towards the coast, the route climbs slightly until it reaches Novilara, an old village perched in a panoramic position. This is one of the most evocative destinations on this stage: from here, the view opens out over the valley, the hills spreading like a mosaic with the Adriatic Sea in the distance. Our arrival in Pesaro marks the end of the day's loop: a unique route, entirely dedicated to the hills, historic villages and flowing roads that characterise the heart of Le Marche.