Exotic French Riviera or Italian Motorcycle Vacations

Update: Columbus International was acquired by Motor Bike Trip in March of 2015. Details here.

An Exotic French Riviera or Italian Motorcycle Vacation Isn’t Just A Dream

Recently while rummaging through the attic of an old mansion built in the 1840’s, this writer came across an old tarnished brass lamp and thoughts of Aladdin began to dance through my head. Thought to myself, just what might I wish for if I rubbed this and a genie appeared who did in fact grant me a wish?

Hmmm, I pondered, how about the motorcycle ride of my life along the breathtaking roads of the Italian Tuscany region aboard a sleek exotic European machine? And then, since I’m in Italy, why not ask the genie to provide an Italian woman who reminds me of my favorite Italian movie star, Sophia Loren? Heck, I’d even settle for Elisabetta Canalis on the back of my motorbike.

I imagined she and I hopping aboard a Ducati motorcycle for a tour of some of the great motorcycle roads of the Apennine Mountains of Italy. For good measure, once we got done with the mountain roads, we would visit a genuine Italian motorcycle race track to put a couple of those KTM bikes through their paces and see what they were really made of.

Smitten with this vision, I set down the lamp, went to my computer and got online to search for how I could put the dream together in real life. Incredibly, the search revealed a company by the name of Columbus-International Motorcycle Rentals and Tours that must have been reading my mind. With the exception of the female partner, Columbus-International offers just such a tour:  an 8 day Italian and South France motorcycle vacation beginning Tuesday, April 21st  through Sunday,  April 29th, 2012.

It was almost as if the genie resided inside the computer instead of the lamp. Having found the answer to my wish, I grabbed some brass polish and went back to the lamp to work on conjuring up the Sofia Loren look alike.

Based in Cannes, Columbus International is a Ducati motorcycle rental touring company that organizes guided motorbike trips across the Provence region of southeastern France, Cote Azur, the French Riviera, and the Alps. If you prefer to conduct your own tour, Columbus International offers the largest selection of Ducati motorcycle rentals in France.

France Sportbike Rental and Italy Motorcycle Tour – Trackday Tuscany Motorcycle Adventure

On this South France and Tuscany motorcycle tour you get to ride the incredible roads of Tuscany, enjoy a tour of the Ducati factory, and experience the excitement of racing the new model KTM’s on a track day made for the motorcycle enthusiast.

Italy offers an abundance of great motorcycle roads. A guide will take you on carefully selected routes across Tuscany and the Apennines while a support vehicle transports your luggage. Also included is a a guided tour of the Ducati motorcycle factory. In addition, we have teamed up with KTM to offer you a day at the Misano MotoGP track. Professional instruction will improve your riding as you get to race the latest KTM’s such as the RC8 R, Superduke R or 990 SM R. Are you ready to race?

Trackday Motorcycle Tour Tuscany (8 days) Itinerary:

Saturday – Pick-up from Nice Airport and welcome in Cannes.
Chauffeur pick-up from Nice Airport and transfer to your 4-star hotel. Tour briefing and welcome drinks in the evening. Overnight in Cannes.

Sunday – Cannes to Cinque Terre
We cross the Alps into Italy and take the Autostrada del Fiori along the shore to Genoa. From there, we embark upon the twisting coastal route to Cinque Terre. Overnight in Levanto.

Monday – Cinque Terre to Rimini
We travel across Tuscany via Florence. The Chianti region offers breathtaking motorcycle roads. Our last leg to Rimini leads us through the Casentinesi National Park. Overnight in Rimini.

Tuesday – KTM Trackday at Misano
After a safety briefing in the morning, you will be allocated your pre-selected KTM. The day’s emphasis is to have fun. Professional instructors help improve your lap times. Overnight in Rimini.

Wednesday – Free time to relax in Rimini & Ducati factory visit
A well deserved day of rest gives you time to relax. Guided visit of the Ducati factory in the afternoon. Overnight in Rimini.

Thursday – Rimini to Borgo Val di Taro
We take the winding roads across the Emilia-Romagna region via Maranello and Parma. We stay overnight in Borgo Val di Taro known for its fine cuisine.

Friday – Val di Taro to Cannes
We continue our Italian adventure across the Apennines and then take the motorway back to sunny South of France. Overnight in Cannes.

Saturday – Goodbye and transfer to Nice Airport
Ciao for now. Chauffeur pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Nice Airport.
Included

Rental motorcycle including insurance, fuel and unlimited mileage for 7 days.

Motorcycle guide on a separate motorbike to lead the tour.

Lunches during guided tours and track day.

7 nights including breakfast and dinner in 4-star hotels.

Transfers between Rimini and Misano race track.

KTM track day racing experience including a KTM RC8 R, Superduke R or 990 SM R.

Guided visit of the Ducati factory in Bologna.

Luggage transports between Cannes and Rimini by van.

Chauffeur airport transfers between Cannes and Nice Airport.

Written by +Bob Schrichte for +RentItToday