GIRO D'ITALIA
GRANDE PARTENZA

From Trieste to Slovenia, follow the Giro and ride through the homeland of Tadej Pogačar.

Level

Daily avg: 46 km · 520 m ↑

Duration 5 days / 4 nights

Dates 6th May - 10th May

Price from €2199 per person

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01

Giro Team Presentation

Meet the world's best cyclists and feel the excitement building ahead of the Grande Partenza in Trieste.

02

Ride into Slovenia

Cross the border and discover peaceful roads, rolling green hills and the homeland of cycling champion Tadej Pogačar.

03

Predjama Castle & Postojna Cave

Discover a spectacular cliffside castle and explore one of Europe's most extraordinary underground wonders.

04

VIP Giro Finish Line

Experience the thrilling finale of Stage 1 in Koper with exclusive Giro hospitality and privileged race views.

05

Through the Line & Podium

Go beyond the race barriers with a special Giro experience, crossing the finish line and capturing a podium memory.

06

Adriatic Coast & Grado

Cycle through Friuli's picturesque countryside towards Grado, a charming seaside town overlooking the Adriatic.

From the energy of the Giro d’Italia to the quiet roads of Slovenia, this tour brings together race-day excitement and some of the most beautiful riding in this corner of Europe. Based in historic Trieste, you’ll be perfectly placed to experience the Grande Partenza up close.

Across five unforgettable days, you’ll ride through the landscapes linking Italy and Slovenia, from coastal roads to rolling countryside and hidden local routes. The riding is varied, scenic and designed to let you enjoy the region as much as the race itself.

Off the bike, the journey continues with time to discover places such as Predjama Castle, Postojna Cave, Grado and the unique culture of Trieste. Italian, Slovenian and Central European influences come together here in the food, architecture and atmosphere.

At the heart of it all is the Giro. From the Team Presentation to stage starts, finishes and VIP race experiences, you’ll follow the action from a privileged perspective while enjoying the support, local knowledge and hospitality of Italy Bike Tours.

Italy Bike Tours – Guest Stories

Heather during an Italy Bike Tours holiday

Mark | Giro Last 12 days May 2026

★★★★★

The 12 Day Giro Trip was unforgettable!! Full immersion into Italian 🇮🇹 culture! The people, the places, the food, the coffee stops, and the cycling - stupendous! Behind the name “Italian Bike Tours” are a group of people (guides, mechanics, and owners) who really do care about your experience. IBT has captured the concept of “hospitality” and my wife and I had an absolute “ball” on our Giro d’Italia adventure!

Greg | Giro Second Week May 2026

★★★★★

Had an incredible experience during the second week of the Giro d’Italia. Every day brought a unique and unforgettable experience, with the final VIP day, it truly took it to another level. Fausto and the entire IBT team Lorenzo, Marco, Giacomo and Anita made this a trip to remember. Their passion, organization, and hospitality were outstanding from start to finish. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience the Giro in a special way.

Alex | Giro Last 12 Days May 2026

★★★★★

I just returned from the 2026 Last 12 Days of the Giro trip. I had high expectations and they were exceeded in every way. The riding was great. The guides were excellent. The complicated logistics were handled so well they appeared to be effortless. (They are anything but.) An excellent mix of riding, race watching and soaking up all that Italy offers. The food was fabulous, the coffee stops plentiful and the bikes were pampered as much as the riders. For the price charged this trip was a tremendous value. Can’t wait to join you again soon.

Gabriel | Giro Third Week May 2026

★★★★★

Our IBT Giro week exceeded our expectations in every way - start to finish! My husband rode and I was a non-rider and we both had a fabulous time. The entire team is top notch, all of them work extremely hard and have fun doing it. I enjoyed my non-rider hours with Anita and Erica, both wonderful humans. Our leader, Ivan, did such a great job keeping us organized, on time, and happy. Lorenzo, Michele, and Jack were also integral in making our 7 days magical. Stefano took amazing photos and video of it all. Our fellow attendees are now our friends forever. This was one of those trips where it was hard to say goodbye; so we'll say, see you soon! A presto amici!

Darcy | Giro First Week May 2026

★★★★★

Favoloso… Straordinario… Incredibilmente bello… semplicemente 10 giorni fantastici in bicicletta, percorrendo le prime 8 tappe del Giro. Italy Bike Tours è un'organizzazione di prim'ordine. La nostra guida principale, Nicola, è stata flessibile e divertente, tenendoci sempre di buon umore. Il suo staff di supporto: Lorenzo, Davide, Stefano, Michela, Anita e Ivan, si sono dimostrati competenti e disponibili in ogni aspetto del viaggio. Il loro amore per l'Italia e per il ciclismo era evidente ogni giorno. Un ringraziamento speciale a Luca, la mia "super" guida per la tappa 4. Molto disponibile e sempre incoraggiante. Consiglio vivamente Italy Bike Tours a chiunque cerchi un modo attivo, coinvolgente e indimenticabile per vivere l'Italia.

Erin | Giro Second Week May 2026

★★★★★

We had a massively positive experience with IBT for the Giro d’Italia 2026. Everything exceeded our expectations - the rides, the support & amazing staff, the hotels, the transportation, the food and entertainment. Not only was the rider experience great, but the non-rider experience was also terrific, well considered, and pure fun (grazie Anita!). This was truly the trip of a lifetime. We can’t wait to tour with Fausto and the IBT again soon.

01 02

Italy Bike Tours – Experience Tabs

01

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO ON-BIKE

In the Saddle

Ride Through Trieste

Discover the elegant streets of Trieste, where Italian charm meets stunning Adriatic coastal views.

Giro Experience: Through the Line

Feel the excitement of the Grande Partenza and ride in the atmosphere of Italy’s greatest cycling race.

Pogačar’s Homeland

Explore the beautiful roads of Slovenia, home to cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar.

Friuli’s Hidden Roads

Discover quiet country lanes, rolling vineyards and picturesque villages away from the crowds.

The Adriatic Coast

Enjoy spectacular coastal riding, with sweeping sea views and charming seaside villages.

Cycling in Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia

01 Giro d'Italia Experience

Official Nutrition Partner Cetilar Nutrition

Fuelled for every climb.

Cetilar Nutrition supports our riders throughout the week, helping you fuel, perform and recover across every stage.

Discover the partnership

Italy Bike Tours – Editorial Gallery

Italy Bike Tours – Alps & Dolomites Itinerary

Your Giro d’Italia adventure begins with a private transfer from Venice Airport to the historic city of Trieste, your base for the week.

After checking in at the hotel, our team will get you set up with your bike and make any final adjustments before heading out for a relaxed welcome ride. It is the perfect chance to stretch the legs, discover the roads around Trieste and settle into the rhythm of the trip.

Later, we head into the city for the official Giro d’Italia Team Presentation, where the riders and teams are introduced ahead of the Grande Partenza. A spectacular first taste of the atmosphere surrounding the Giro.

Victoria Hotel Letterario | Trieste

After breakfast we cross the border into Slovenia for a beautiful day of riding through quiet roads, green countryside and rolling terrain. Today’s route takes us towards the remarkable Predjama Castle, dramatically built into the mouth of a cliff.

From here we continue through one of Slovenia’s most scenic regions before finishing near Postojna. Off the bike, we will visit the famous Postojna Cave, one of Europe’s most extraordinary underground landscapes.

After the visit, we return to Trieste for a relaxed evening and dinner.

Victoria Hotel Letterario | Trieste

Race day has arrived. This morning we ride directly to the start of Stage 1 in Trieste, joining the excitement as the Giro peloton prepares to begin its journey.

After experiencing the start-line atmosphere, we return briefly to the hotel before making our way across the border towards Koper

Here we will experience the finale of the opening stage with a special Giro hospitality experience, getting close to the action as the race reaches Slovenia. With the Adriatic as the backdrop, it promises to be an unforgettable first stage of the Giro d’Italia.

Victoria Hotel Letterario | Trieste

Today we combine another memorable ride with a second day of live Giro action. After breakfast we ride from Trieste towards Cervignano, covering approximately 66km through the Friuli Venezia Giulia countryside.

We will be there to experience the start of Stage 2 and watch the peloton roll away before continuing our own ride towards the coast. Our destination is Grado, a beautiful lagoon town overlooking the Adriatic.

Subject to final logistics and conditions, we plan to return to Trieste by boat - a spectacular way to finish the day.

Victoria Hotel Letterario | Trieste

Our final morning is dedicated to one last taste of the Giro d’Italia. After breakfast and check-out, we travel to the start area of Stage 3 to enjoy the build-up, watch the teams prepare and see the peloton depart for another day of racing.

It is a final chance to soak up the unique atmosphere of the Grande Partenza before saying goodbye to the Giro. From the start, we continue with a private transfer to Venice Airport for evening flights home.

Arrivederci - and we hope to see you again on another Italy Bike Tours adventure.

Want to stay a little longer? Add extra days before or after your tour and we’ll help you extend your trip.

Contact Lynn

Italy Bike Tours – A Typical Day at Giro d'Italia

Every unforgettable ride deserves the right fuel. Supported throughout the week by Cetilar^® Nutrition , our Official Nutrition Partner.

Fuel up your day with