Tour Type
Giro d'Italia Experience
Riding Level
Leisure
Location
Bulgaria
Duration
6 days | 5 nights | 3 stages
Length
20 - 75 km daily
Climb
Flat & Hilly
Arrive on the sun-drenched Black Sea coast to witness the exhilarating Team Presentation, marking Bulgaria's historic Giro debut! Ride across ancient lands - home to Greek myths and legends - following portions of the first three history-making stages. Immerse yourself in the celebratory race atmosphere before discovering the vibrant capital, Sofia. Be part of cycling history!
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 offers this unique, fully supported opportunity to launch the Giro d’Italia in a location steeped in ancient history. Over several days, you will ride the portions of stages across Bulgarian lands, where the legacy of the Thracians, the Roman Empire, and Byzantine history gives way to the modern peloton.
You will chase the professional race from the vibrant Black Sea coast and the UNESCO-listed ancient town of Nesebar, inland to the cultural capital of Plovdiv, where Roman amphitheatres still stand. Enjoy exclusive proximity to the action with VIP Hospitality at the Stage 1 start, and feel the thrill of a lifetime as you ride to the Stage 3 finish in Sofia. The experience culminates with a moment on the official Giro winners’ podium, perfectly blending cultural immersion with the high-octane energy of the Grand Tour.
This tour represents a once-in-a-lifetime historic moment and an unparalleled opportunity to discover the ancient landscapes and vibrant culture of Bulgaria. By combining essential daily cycling with VIP access and historical sightseeing, you indulge your love of the Giro d’Italia while experiencing one of Europe’s most captivating and undiscovered destinations. Throughout the tour, you’ll stay in 4- and 5-star accommodation, hand-picked by our experienced team for their comfort, charm, and ideal location near the race and ride routes.
Giro d’Italia Giro d’Italia ‘the toughest race in the world’s most beautiful place’.
For further Giro experiences across Italy, be sure to also look at our tours focusing on the high mountains, Tuscan landscapes, and the spectacular Grand Finale in Rome.
Cover photo credit: giroditalia.it
Make it Private
Non-rider option
Upon arrival at Burgas Airport (BOJ), the Grand Tours Project team will transfer you directly to your beach-side hotel in the historic port city of Nesebar. After checking in and assembling your bike, you will enjoy a relaxed Welcome Ride along the coast to spin out any travel fatigue. Late afternoon is dedicated to the thrilling official Team Presentation event, where you will see all the Giro d’Italia riders and teams up close. The day concludes with the tour briefing and a welcome dinner, where you will receive your full itinerary and toast the start of your Giro experience.
Today offers a stunning ride along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, taking you north past ancient Roman ruins to the charming resort town of Obzor before returning to Nesebar. This provides a beautiful backdrop for your first full day in Bulgaria. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy exploring Nesebar or relaxing on the beach.
Ride the kilometres of the race route as you cycle from your hotel to the host city of Burgas. Today is dedicated to the adrenaline of the official Stage 1. A change of clothes and then you will have exclusive access to the VIP Hospitality area where you can watch Stage 1 unfold on the big screens before the peloton arrives and the first Maglia Rosa is awarded.
Today is dedicated to the adrenaline of the official Stage 2 start line. You will have exclusive access to the VIP Hospitality area, allowing you to mingle with team staff, sponsors, and former pros while watching the frantic preparations unfold. After the peloton rolls out, you will be transferred to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. After checking in, you will hop on your bike for a unique ride through the town’s charming, historic centre, past its incredible Roman amphitheatre and watch the race arrive into Plovdiv.
Today is the spectacular finale of your time in Bulgaria. After checking out of your Plovdiv hotel, you will be transferred to a key point on the Stage 3 race route. You will then ride the final 80 km or 50 km of the route, experiencing the unique thrill of riding the actual course before the professionals arrive. The climax of your tour is reaching the finish line in the capital city of Sofia, where you will cross the line and enjoy an exclusive moment mounting the Giro Winners’ Podium for photos. You will then transition to the VIP Hospitality area to enjoy food and drinks while watching the professional race finish unfold. The day concludes with a grand farewell dinner in Sofia, celebrating your successful Grand Partenza experience.
Today marks the final day of your historic Grand Partenza Experience. Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Sofia, taking a moment to reflect on the exhilaration of the past five days – from the Black Sea coast to the unique feeling of standing on the winners’ podium in the capital. Following check-out, our team will provide a private transfer to Sofia International Airport for your onward travel.
If you seek something more challenging, our Grand Tours Project ‘Ride Every Kilometre’ tour might be for you – click here for more information.
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.
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