Giro d'Italia “Grande Partenza” Abruzzo Experience

  • Location

    Abruzzo region, Italy

  • Duration

    5 days | 4 nights

  • Length

    30-80 km daily (depending on ability)

  • Climb

    100 - 1,400m daily (depending on ability)

5 May 2023 - 9 May 2023

The Giro d’Italia, “the world’s toughest race in the most beautiful country”. The first Grand Tour on the UCI calendar and where the official teams commence their battles to become the best that year. And the 106th edition of the Giro d’Italia promises to fulfil the requirement to be the toughest race… we already know it is the most beautiful country.

The Grand Partenza starts in Abruzzo, a region of Italy bordering the Adriatic Sea. There are three stages, starting with an Individual Time Trial, a flat stage and then a hilly stage that passes from Abruzzo to other regions further south.

Our Grande Partenza Experience tour offers you access to the Official Presentation of the Teams on arrival day; to ride all of Stage 1, to ride a section of the Stage 2 race route, cross the official finish line, stand on the winner’s podium and have access to the VIP zone to watch the sprinters race to the finish; and then at Stage 3 watch the signings and start before heading west to ride Stage 7’s climb to the Gran Sasso d’Italia.

In summary, in five days: some riding, some VIP experience, total immersion in the Italian cycle culture that is the Giro d’Italia, plus Abruzzo food and wine. Perfetto!

With the Giro starting in Abruzzo and finishing in Rome - two amazing places worthed to visit- why not join us for an unforgettable experience at both the Grand Partenza and then for the final stage at the Grand Finale?

Total price: From €2,890

  • Level of fitness: MEDIUM - fit enough to ride 2 to 4 hrs or 50 to 80 km per day
  • Watch the world's best cyclists fight for the pink jersey
  • Ride on all 3 stages, just hours before the pros ...
  • Access to the Official Presentation of the Teams on arrival day
  • Cycle across the finish line, and stand on the winners podium at least on 1 stage
  • Entry to the VIP Giro Club at the Finish Line on Stage 2 in San Salvo
  • Enjoy the VIP Start line in Vasto Stage 3 & Challenge yourself climbing up to Gran Sasso d ́Italia
  • Expert planning and support from our team (guides, mechanics, drivers)
  • Max group size of 14 (Max client to guide ratio 7:1)
  • Bike rental (carbon frame and Shimano Ultegra Di2 or equivalent) available
  • Day 1 - Friday, 5 May

    Arrival day

    Welcome ride & Official Presentation

    Benvenuto in Abruzzo!. We will meet you at either Abruzzo or Roma Fiumicino airports and transfer to your hotel.

    Our team will help you to check in and unpack your bike. After a light lunch or snack we’ll test ride the bikes and head along the coast and return. Back at our hotel we can adjust the bikes, and then head over to the Giro d’Italia Opening Presentation of riders and teams. After the presentation we will enjoy an apero or two during the Experience tour briefing and before our first Italian dinner together.

    Hotel near Marina di San Vito
  • Day 2 - Saturday, 6 May

    Stage 1 - ITT FOSSACESIA MARINA to COSTA DEI TRABOCCHI

    18.4 km | 100 m

    Everything is relative of course, but today we ‘only’ need to ride 18.4 kilometres of the Individual Time Trial. After breakfast, we’ll ride to Fossacesia Marina and start from the departure ramp riding on the cycle path along the coast. This is a chance to ride your most explosive and attempt to emulate the pros (with their aerodynamic helmets and race kit). Don’t forget to Strava the ride to compare with each other and the pros! There is an option to continue riding or to return to the hotel to change before heading back to Ortona to celebrate with the passionate and cheering Italian crowds and watch the pros arrive at the finish in Ortona. Back at the hotel you can freshen up before we head to our restaurant on the coast.

    Hotel near Marina di San Vito
  • Day 3 - Sunday, 7 May

    Stage 2 - Marina di San Vito to San Salvo

    50km | 250 m or 70 km | 300 m

    Today we have two options. The shorter ride is from the hotel and the longer version is from Ortona. Both follow along a mixture of coastal cycle paths and roads to San Salvo where we’ll cross the official finish and stand on the Winners podium. Stage 2 of the Giro finishes in San Salvo.

    The pros will arrive after 204 kilometres and the Giro organisers promise an exciting group sprint finish. We’ill change into more comfortable clothes and enter the Giro VIP area to watch the sprinters race to the finish - an experience never forgotten.

    After, we will then transfer back to our hotel for apero and dinner.

    Hotel near Marina di San Vito
  • Day 4 - Monday, 8 May

    Stage 3 - VASTO Start line VIP + Ride: Tocco Da Casauria to Gran Sasso d ́Italia

    58 km | 1400 m

    After a leisurely breakfast, we will transfer to Vasto for the start of Stage 3. You will have access to the VIP start area where you can observe the teams preparing (a good opportunity to chat with race members and riders) and then experience the increasing crescendo of excitement: of the riders signing in and then setting off on Stage 3 with the roar of the crowds. After this excitement, we’ll transfer to Tocco da Casauria to climb the Gran Sasso d’Italia of Stage 7. 56 kilometres of climbing later, the GTP van will be there and perhaps you’d like to enjoy a rewarding descent towards L’Aquila. The GTP van will then transfer you to our hotel near Rome. Our final dinner for the Giro d’Italia Grand Partenza will be here.

    Hotel in Rome
  • Day 5 - Tuesday, 9 May

    Departure and Arrivederci!

    The departure day has arrived already. Perhaps you plan to continue your travels and visit Rome. If not, we will assist you in checking out and arrange for you to be transferred to the airport for your trip home or ongoing journey.

    We hope the Giro d’Italia Grand Partenza Experience fulfils your expectations and that you are tempted to join us again next year or on another of our grand tours. Meanwhile, safe travels and see you on the road soon.

    If you have the time, join us as we head to Amalfi Coast where the next 3 stages are being held - highlights include a super accommodation in Sorrento, southern Italian style and hospitality, cycling in dramatic landscapes and a historic city and ancient ruins and ta daa - Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi coast with Vesuvius as the backdrop.