Route Stats
Route: Piazzale Michelangelo → Marradi → San Benedetto in Alpe → Dicomano → Pontassieve → Piazzale Michelangelo
Region: Tuscany & Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Distance: ~165 km (loop back to Florence)
Ride Time: 4–5 hours (with stops)
Road Type: Mountain sweepers, tight hairpins, flowing valley roads
Difficulty: Intermediate
Best Time: April–June & September–October
Florence To Marradi To San Benedetto & Back. The Ultimate Apennines Loop
If you’re riding a Ducati through Tuscany on your own or in a group, this is the kind of day that reminds you why you fell in love with motorcycles in the first place. This loop from Piazzale Michelangelo > Marradi > San Benedetto in Alpe > Dicomano > Pontassieve is all flowing curves, hairpin mountain bends, forested climbs, and proper old-school Italian road culture. It’s not about ticking off tourist hotspots — it’s about rhythm, throttle control, and that soundtrack echoing off stone walls and chestnut trees while you’re thinking about breaking for espresso in a local cafe.
There are some roads that feel good on a motorcycle.
Then there are roads that feel like they were designed for a Ducati.
This is one of them.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Start early. Sunrise if you can.
The view over Florence is spectacular, and the roads are quiet. Let the engine warm properly. Take your photo. Espresso. Gloves on.
From here, head north-east toward the Apennines via Borgo San Lorenzo.
Florence to Marradi
Long open sweepers gradually tighten as elevation increases. The surface is generally good, visibility decent, and traffic light outside tourist season.
The torque of a Monster or Multistrada feels perfect here. On a Panigale or Supersport, you’ll love holding a steady lean through extended curves.
Marradi makes an ideal coffee stop — quiet, authentic, and refreshingly non-touristy.
Marradi to San Benedetto in Alpe
Now you’re into proper mountain territory.
The road narrows. The corners sharpen. Tree cover increases.
Expect:
Tight hairpins
Quick elevation changes
Occasional surface imperfections
Minimal traffic
This section rewards smooth throttle inputs and relaxed arms. Ride it with flow rather than aggression.
San Benedetto in Alpe is small and beautiful — worth a short stop before turning south again.
San Benedetto to Dicomano
The return leg opens up into flowing valley roads.
This is where you’ll likely find that “flow state” — linking corners effortlessly, engine note echoing through the trees.
Dicomano is a practical fuel stop if needed.
Dicomano to Piazzale Michelangelo
The final section softens as vineyards reappear and roads widen slightly.
Traffic increases closer to Florence, so treat this as your cool-down phase.
Roll into Pontassieve with that quiet satisfaction only a mountain ride delivers.
From here, it’s an easy return toward Florence as you’re closing the loop.
There’s something poetic about riding a Ducati through Tuscany alone. The bike feels at home here. The roads feel designed for it.
And somewhere between Marradi and San Benedetto in Alpe, when the road tightens and the engine note echoes through the trees, you’ll understand why this route deserves a place on DucatiOwner.com.
Why This Route Works
Balanced mix of sweepers and technical corners Stunning Tuscan & Apennine sceneryAuthentic Italian riding roads. Light traffic outside peak seasonIt rewards torque, agility, and composure — all things Ducati does exceptionally well.
Some Rider Tips
Start early to avoid cyclists and traffic Watch shaded forest sections for damp patches Fuel before leaving Florence Avoid peak August weekends Stop for photos — you will want them
Best Months to Ride
Spring (April–June) and early Autumn (September–October) offer: Cooler temperatures Better road grip Fewer tourists Clearer mountain visibility High summer can be hot and busier.
The Best Routes
For Your Next Adventure
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