The excitement is palpable as we set out. The roar of the V4 Rally reverberates around the Emilian hills, as we quickly eat up 435 miles of motorway. Midway, we hear that the evening ferry from Brindisi has been cancelled. And so we decide to reroute towards Barletta where, after hours of asphalt, we finally get a taste of the wild, our arrival in Puglia marked by dirt, dust and gravel. The bike responds safely, its semi-active suspension and Enduro mode transforming every obstacle into some well-deserved fun after a day on the highway. To top things off, a spectacular sunset paints the sky in sweeping strokes of orange and violet.

We set out soon after dawn, hundreds of miles of twists and turns bringing us to the port of Brindisi, our point of departure for a crossing that combines two worlds. The ferry cuts through the Adriatic, while the Multistrada rests on the bridge, ready to take on Greek terrain. We disembark in Igoumenitsa, where western Greece welcomes the new Multistrada V4 Rally bikes with a breath-taking sunset before evening takes hold. Once off the ferry, it’s time for dinner, pita-based of course. As we travel towards Giannina, the landscape changes, with endless olive trees, mountains and winding roads. The V4 Rally adapts with elegance, the Blind Spot Detection system and front LED lights illuminating the Greek roads, for a level of riding comfort that is always impeccable.

The road begins to wind, the pace more technical. The turns on the way to Meteora invite riding pleasure. A pleasure that is only interrupted by two brief stops, the first on the banks of the Arachthos river for a refreshing dip and the second to enjoy the breath-taking view from Plaka Bridge. Once we reach Meteora, with its suspended monasteries and thousand-year-old rocks, the Multistrada dances lightly, exploiting every single one of its horsepower to tackle the climbs and hairpins. The scenery is mystical, the bike perfect. One last push after a long day of riding to reach Larissa where the Multistrada V4 Rally bikes can rest up in the hotel’s garage.

Finally off-road. At an altitude of 8200 meters, Mount Olympus reveals itself in all its majesty. The climb is challenging, the terrain unstable, but the surrounding scenery is pure poetry. A puncture interrupts our climb, but the V4 Rally never gives up. The tyre repaired, we carry on. The view from the top repays our every effort. The mountain conquered, it’s time to head towards Lamia for the night.

After the challenge of Mount Olympus, the day begins with a quick trip to a tire shop to check that the repair we carried out the previous day is good. After a brief stop at the market to taste some local products, we head for the coast. Bends seemingly designed with a compass are immersed in landscapes that continue to change, from the rolling hills to the mountains and, finally, the sea. On the final section towards Mytikas, the Multistrada V4 Rally cannot resist a little off-roading, testament to the multi-functionality of a bike that fears no type of terrain. Once we get to the small maritime town, it’s time to relax for a while, sitting on the jetty that, every morning, receives the fishing boat delivering fresh fish to the traditional restaurants along the seafront. And so ends the fifth day of this incredible journey, one of history, fun and adventure.

Our return journey sees us caress the coast. The coastal road offers grip and breath-taking views. The Multistrada V4 Rally behaves like a sports bike but with the spirit of a traveller. In Igoumenitsa, the ferry awaits. It’s time to head back to Borgo Panigale.