Get in touch
Grand tours project

Giro d’Italia 2026: Week 2 “Experience” – Tuscany, Portofino & Cinque Terre Escape

LAST SPOTS AVAILABLE
  • Tour Type

    Giro d'Italia Experience

  • Riding Level

    Leisure

  • Location

    Tuscany, Liguria & Piemonte, Italy

  • Duration

    5 days | 4 nights | 3 stages

  • Length

    30 - 70 km daily

  • Climb

    Flat & Hilly

18 May, 2026 - 22 May, 2026

Arrive in historic Lucca and ride the spectacular Italian coast! Tackle the Individual Time Trial route from Viareggio before conquering the stunning hills overlooking Cinque Terre and the Ligurian Sea. Immerse yourself in the glamour of Portofino and the rich cycling history of Fausto Coppi's Piedmont, culminating in a beautiful Northern finish.


We’ve been an Official Tour Operator of the Giro d’Italia since 2016 — and in 2026, we’re proud to return as a Premium Tour Operator.
Grand Tours Project invites you on this spectacular 5-day cycling escape, where every kilometre pulses with historical charm and breathtaking beauty. This fully supported tour launches from the serenity of Lucca, allowing you to spin along medieval walls before tackling the adrenaline rush of riding the entire Individual Time Trial race course. You will then conquer the challenging, winding roads above the Cinque Terre and Portofino coastline, rewarded with unforgettable cliffside dining and panoramic views over the Ligurian Sea. The journey culminates in a thrilling ride through the Apennines, securing exclusive VIP Hospitality at the finish line in Novi Ligure, the revered cycling heartland, immersing you in the Giro’s final, electrifying moments just before the professionals arrive. This is coastal cycling luxury, perfected.

Giro d’Italia ‘the toughest race in the world’s most beautiful place’.

Cover photo credit: giroditalia.it

Make it Private

If you'd like to share the adventure exclusively with your friends and family, we would be delighted to turn it into a private tour just for your group. Simply contact us to find out more.

Non-rider option

Non-rider partners are warmly welcomed on our Experience Tours. These journeys are designed to be shared - while riders conquer the roads, non-riders can enjoy cultural activities, scenic viewpoints, local cuisine, or cheer on the riders from our support vehicle. You’ll reunite for shared dinners and watch the pros from the VIP area.
Price: From €3,590

  • Level of fitness: Leisure – perfect for riders who enjoy relaxed yet rewarding days on the bike, covering around 50–70/80 km per day
  • Shorter & longer route options will be available for each day
  • Experience the thrill of the official opening team’s presentation and witness three stages live!
  • Ride along the iconic and stunning Cinque Terre coastline
  • Ride along the official Stage 10 ITT route
  • Cross the Official Giro Stage 10 finish & mount the Winners; Podium
  • Access to the Stage 12 finish VIP Hospitality area
  • 4-Star handpicked premium hotels
  • Expert planning and support from our team (guides & drivers)
  • Premium rental bike available.

DAY 1: Monday 18 MAY

ARRIVAL Lucca, Tuscany

Welcome ride 30 km | FLAT

Upon arrival at Pisa Airport or the main train stations, you will be met and transferred to your lovely hotel just outside the historic walls of Lucca. This afternoon is dedicated to checking in, assembling your bike, and the first iconic ride: a short, relaxing spin (30 km, flat) around and on the famous medieval walls of Lucca. The evening concludes with the tour briefing and your first delicious Tuscan dinner, setting the scene for the week.

DAY 2: Tuesday 19 May

ITT EXPERIENCE

45 km or 65 km | 265 m

After breakfast and check-out, we set off directly on our bikes. We navigate an easy route past the scenic Massaciuccoli Lake before joining the Viareggio route and tracing the entire 44 km of the Stage 10 Individual Time Trial race course. The ride concludes with an ultimate Giro Experience in Massa – you ride across the Stage 10 Finish, mount the Winner’s Podium and enter the Giro VIP Hospitality area to watch the professionals fly past. After the race concludes, we take a strategic evening transfer to Sestri Levante, reaching our hotel in the stunning Cinque Terre area for a two-night stay.

DAY 3: Wednesday 20 May

Iconic Cinque Terre Giro Ride & beach side lunch

40 km or 70 km | 1,780 m

A day of Ligurian cycling and coastal glamour! We start with a scenic transfer to the beautiful port of La Spezia, where we’ll grab a crucial Italian coffee before the ride. The adventure begins as we clip in and immediately hit the breathtaking Ligurian coastline, cycling past dramatic cliffs and sparkling sea views. The excitement ramps up quickly when we merge directly onto the official Giro race route – feel the thrill of the Corsa Rosa beneath your wheels, riding all the way into the stunning seaside town of Sestri Levant – your home for the evening and where we’ll enjoy lunch at a hand-picked, charming restaurant located directly on the beach.
The afternoon culminates with the main event: our expert guides will secure the optimal location along the spectacular Chiavari coast to watch the thrilling Giro stage race past. We’ll cap off this epic day of riding and racing action with a superb group dinner at our hotel.

DAY 4: Thursday 21 May

Apennine Hills & Novi Ligure VIP Finish

50 km or 60 km | 1,000 m

Following check-out and breakfast, we head north with a 45-minute drive toward Genoa to begin our approximately 60 km ride through the Apennines. This is your final challenge ride of the escape, culminating in the finish town of Novi Ligure (Fausto Coppi territory), where you will have exclusive access to the VIP Hospitality area. After witnessing the thrilling finish from this privileged position, the post-race transfer is intentionally short, as our hotel is conveniently located in the same town for a final celebratory evening.

DAY 5: Friday 22 May

DEPARTURE DAY - ARRIVEDRECI

Enjoy a final northern Italian breakfast at your hotel in Novi Ligure. Following check-out, the Grand Tours Project team will provide a private transfer to Torino Airport for your onward travel.

Over the four days, you will conquer the ITT course, navigate the dramatic Cinque Terre coast, and celebrate Giro’s heartland in true VIP style.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

IS THIS FOR ME?

This "Experience" escape is designed for intermediate riders, who wish to also enjoy the food and wine, lovely hotels, and the full atmosphere of the Giro d’Italia.

For our “Experience” tours:

  • Level of fitness: Leisure – perfect for riders who enjoy relaxed yet rewarding days on the bike, covering around 50–70/80 km per day
  • Shorter & longer route options will be available for each day
  • Intermediate cycling abilities & skills
  • Some experience on mountain climbs & descents
  • Adequate training in advance of the trip

The guides will set clear parameters such as road rules, food breaks, and waiting at the top of a pass. Their instructions must be followed at all times.

The safety of everyone is our first priority. You are required to ride safely, respect all road rules, and follow the instructions of our guides and any officials — for your benefit and that of the other riders.

What's Included?

The full Giro d’Italia experience, the best coffee in the world, being cheered by the fans, stunning landscapes, legendary climbs, new friends, pure air & time away from your smartphone are guaranteed on this trip.

  • 5 nights in hand-picked premium 4-star accommodation, selected by our team for comfort, charm, and ideal location
  • Meals: breakfast & dinner
  • Picnic or café lunch during rides
  • Ride the Stage 10 ITT route
  • Stage 10: Cross the official Giro Finish line and mount the podium
  • Stage 12: Access to VIP Hospitality at the finish
  • Energy nutrition
  • Knowledgeable and experienced guide(s)
  • Fully supported tour with vehicle(s)
  • Cleaning kit & tool kit available for use (our team will look after your bike daily)
  • Grand Tours Project cycling kit (Santini full premium kit + custom Scicon rain bag)
  • Handbook with all the details you need to know on your trip
  • GPX files – for bike computer devices
  • Transfers from and to a designated airport/train station, within a predefined time window
  • Non-rider partners are welcome

What’s not included:

  • Flights/transportation to the trip pick-up location
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Premium bike rental – available on request
  • Any other costs such as spa access, massages, museum entry fees, etc.

Giro d'Italia "Experience" Tour Week 3, 2025

I enjoyed the experience. Met really nice people and riding was great. Thanks

Guy

Giro d'Italia "Experience" Tour Week 3, 2022

I really enjoyed my grand tour project experience. Easily the best group I’ve ever ridden with and I would love to join in on a ride in some other far out part of the world.

Chris

Giro D’Italia Grande Partenza "Experience" - Albania, 2025

It was the best trip I have taken in a long time. I enjoyed every bit of it. The leadership, communication, and support were outstanding. I was the slowest rider in the group and I never felt scared or lost confidence in riding every day and doing at my own pace and staying within my comfort level. Will certainly do another ride with this company soon!! Thank you very much to the team and Uri& Fatjon in particular for their support and encouragement!!

Bhoopal

Giro d'Italia "Experience" Tour Week 1, 2022

The guides and support staff were great. Very capable, friendly and never showed frustration when things go wrong as they will when following a Pro race.

John

Related tours

× Image Modal