Client Blog: Michelle and Stewart’s Harley adventure through Italy

When Michelle and Stewart from Essex got in touch to plan another EagleRider adventure, I couldn’t have been more excited. They’re a fun-loving, adventurous couple who absolutely love their bikes, and this was their third trip with EagleRider and NC Travel. We’ve worked together before on some fantastic USA rides, so when they said they wanted to experience the Italian version of the Harley Davidson tour, I knew it was going to be something special.

Here’s their story of what it was like to take on 'The Italian Job' with EagleRider.

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What a trip! We’ve just come back from The Italian Job with EagleRider, a 14-day motorcycle tour of Italy, and wow, what an experience! This was our third EagleRider trip booked through Nikki at NC Travel, and honestly, she smashed it again.

We kicked things off in style, flying Business Class from Heathrow to Milan with British Airways (we’re never going back to economy now!). Nikki sorted us a smooth private transfer from the airport, and we even added an extra night before the tour at the same hotel used by the group, just to settle in and start soaking up those Italian vibes early.

Day 1: Hotel San Martino

Our base for the first couple of nights was Hotel San Martino in Treviglio, and that’s where the adventure began.

After checking in, we headed to EagleRider to meet our tour leaders, check out the bikes and get our jackets, helmets and briefing done. The excitement was unreal - our Harley Davidson Road Glide Special gleaming in the sun, ready for 14 days of open road freedom.

The welcome dinner that night set the tone perfectly - great food, good company and plenty of laughs.

Day 2: Let the ride begin

We hit the road through the Pianura Padana flatlands and into the Emilia Romagna region before crossing the Apennine Mountains to reach Pisa. Yes, we did the obligatory Leaning Tower photo! Then came Volterra, a beautiful, ancient town that looks like it belongs on a film set, and finally Siena, where we stayed at the lovely Hotel Minerva. Walking through the medieval streets felt like stepping back in time.

Day 3: Through wine country

Next up was Montalcino, home of the world famous Brunello wine. A coffee surrounded by vineyards? Don’t mind if we do! Lunch by Lake Bolsena was pure magic before heading on to Fiumicino for the night at Hotel Isola Sacra.

Days 4 & 5: Sorrento and The Amalfi Coast

Positano

Leaving Fiumicino, we cruised along the Tyrrhenian Sea, into Campania, and down to the Amalfi Coast - honestly one of the most romantic and breathtaking places we’ve ever seen. Our hotel, Settimocielo, sat high above Sorrento with stunning views. We spent the next day exploring, and while some of the group headed to Capri or Pompeii, we just enjoyed la dolce vita, Italian food, sea views and sunshine.

Day 6: South to Maratea

This was a dream ride - coastal roads, little villages and views that made us stop just to take it all in. We reached Maratea, known as “The Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea”, where we stayed at the Grand Hotel Pianeta Maratea. Beautiful spot, full of character and charm.

Day 7: The Trulli of Alberobello

From Maratea, we rode coast to coast to Alberobello, famous for its quirky Trulli houses, round white huts with conical roofs. We actually stayed in one - it felt like living inside a fairy tale.

Day 8: Magical Matera

Next stop, Matera, the ancient cave city that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and movie location. We joined a walking tour and learned all about its fascinating past before staying overnight at Hotel Nazionale.

Days 9 & 10: Castles, gelato and shoemaking towns

We headed north with a lunch stop at Melfi, under a medieval castle, and a gelato break in Manfredonia. Then on to Vieste, and later Montenero di Bisaccia, a shoemaking hub, staying at the modern Hotel Horizon. The views were amazing.

Days 11 & 13: Umbria to Florence

Florence

From the coast, we rode through Monte Sibillini National Park into Umbria, visiting Assisi (home of St Francis) and overnighting in Gubbio at Park Hotel ai Cappuccini, a converted convent that was five star luxury through and through. Then it was on to Florence for two nights at Villa Nerioli, the perfect base for a bit of relaxation, sightseeing, and of course, more gelato.

Florence stole our hearts - art, architecture and atmosphere everywhere you look. We even managed to squeeze in a private city tour and a visit to Michelangelo’s David.

Day 14: The final ride

Our last day of riding was bittersweet, cruising through the Tuscan hills and over the Apennines back to Treviglio, where we dropped off our bikes and celebrated at the farewell dinner. The group had become like family by then.

The highlights

Honestly, there were too many to count. The scenery was jaw-dropping at every turn, the roads were made for motorbikes and the local knowledge of our EagleRider guides meant we saw parts of Italy we’d never have found ourselves. If the weather looked off, they’d simply change the route, sunshine guaranteed.

We loved the history, the culture, the food (which was far cheaper than back home) and the company. Every hotel was unique, every meal was an event and every ride felt like freedom.

A few words on the service

EagleRider, top class. They even swapped my bike for a different model at no extra cost when I changed my mind. Their focus was simple - it’s your holiday, it should be perfect.

And Nikki at NC Travel is the reason we keep coming back. Her attention to detail is second to none. Even when a transfer looked like it might go wrong, one quick call and she had it sorted. On a past Vegas trip, a hotel tried to charge us for an extra night - Nikki had it fixed overnight and the refund was already back on our card by morning. That’s what we call service.

The Verdict

This was our third adventure booked with Nikki and EagleRider, and it won’t be the last. Italy was stunning from top to bottom - the people, the scenery, the food, the bikes - all just perfect.

We’re already planning our next one, The Three Bs Tour in the USA: Blues, Bourbon and Barbecue. And of course, we’ll be booking it through Nikki at NC Travel. Roll on 2027.