Giro d’Italia 2026 - Grande Partenza
Immerse yourself in the passion, drama, and breathtaking beauty of cycling’s greatest race
as the Giro bursts into life in its opening stages.
Cycle Bulgaria’s stunning landscapes and enjoy exclusive VIP moments
Follow the Giro d’Italia into new territory and experience Bulgaria in the most exhilarating way - on the bike, on the race route, and up close to cycling’s biggest stars. From the electric energy of the team presentation to the perfectly organised guided rides, every moment is designed to make you feel part of this legendary event.
This exclusive 6-day journey blends world-class riding with the thrill of witnessing the Giro’s historic Balkan debut. Your adventure begins on the shores of the Black Sea in Burgas, where a relaxed coastal ride and the official team presentation immerse you immediately in the magic of the race. Pedal to the ancient town of Sozopol, explore the cobblestone lanes of UNESCO-listed Nesebar, and feel the adrenaline as you watch the pros thunder across the finish line from VIP hospitality.
Ride through rolling hills and rural landscapes toward the dramatic medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, then follow the Giro to Sofia for an unforgettable stage finale in Bulgaria’s vibrant capital. With iconic cycling moments, spectacular scenery, and deep cultural flavors, this tour is the ultimate way to live the Giro d’Italia 2026 - authentic, intimate, and completely unforgettable.
Grande Partenza
Guided Rides
VIP Hospitality
Mechanical Support
Transfers
Non-Riders Welcome
Guest Reviews
Signing up to be a guest rider for 12 days with a World Tour team? Vicariously, it felt that way. Everything was prepared for you - the meals (many of the dinners were included and reflected the local cuisine where we stayed), the bikes (checked and cleaned on a daily basis), the training plan (there was the option to do a shorter ride or take a rest day and join the non-rider program), the guides (as mentioned in other reviews, former pro riders) and support staff that would come with us. All we had to do was ride and commiserate 🏔️ 🏔️ 🏔️ 🏔️ to our heart's content.
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I just wanted express my sincere appreciation for all your help and planning to make this a trip of a lifetime!! All of your staff have been so professional and kind ❤️ We also have the pleasure of meeting Alberto’s father today on our drive to Milan. We will be spreading the word and recommending you to any and all of our cycling friends. Take good care Clive!
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We came for the joy of cycling and being closer to the Peloton. We left with much much more. The cross cultural experience of meeting wonderful people from all over the world. Further the pro’s were remarkable, not just their care on the road, but more importantly the care off the road. And let’s not forget Lucy and the wonderful meals she prepared! Amazing tour group, amazing people. Special thanks to Pavel, John, Sylvia, Alex and Nicola!
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This group of guys is wonderful, we participated with them in the most beautiful stages of the Giro d'Italia 2025 and they were simply fantastic!! Organized and available to everyone (riders and companions) no one is left alone. We hope to meet again soon! BRAVISSMI.
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We had a wonderful two days with Italy Bike Tours and the Giro d’Italia. Alberto was our host/guide and took care of our every need! I appreciate their attention to every detail. I will give them a rating of 10/10!
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A very well organised company that caters for all abilities and goes out of their way to assist in any way possible. We did some fantastic rides with some very experienced guides that where very familiar with the rides and had support vehicles and backup in all the right places. We had a great holiday and would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Read moreIn the Saddle
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD to on-bike
- Kick off in Burgas and pedal along the Black Sea.
- Ride the Scenic Coastal Route to Sozopol.
- Experience the Finish Line in Burgas.
- Conquer the Mid-Stage Ride to Veliko Tarnovo.
- Ride, immerse yourself in the energy, and capture the thrill of the Giro at Bulgaria’s capital finish.
beyond the ride
What to look forward to off-bike
- Visit boutique wineries, taste local wines, and enjoy a gourmet lunch among the vines.
- Discover Historic Nesebar, stroll in its cobblestone streets and visit its Byzantine churches.
- Climb to Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo.
- Experience Sofia’s Heritage and witness the Giro finale.
- Shop, sip coffee, or visit UNESCO-listed Boyana church in Sofia.
Itinerary:
Bulgaria
Enjoy the team presentation and the first three stages of the Giro!
Bulgaria + Calabria & Amalfi Coast
Want more? Fly into Italy and catch two extra stages!
31 km | 180 m
Welcome to Bulgaria! After a private transfer from Sofia, you’ll arrive in Burgas, a charming Black Sea city and your base for the week at the elegant Primoretz Hotel.
Your afternoon begins with an essential bike fit session to fine-tune comfort and performance for the days ahead. Once your setup is dialed in, enjoy a relaxed warm-up ride to stretch the legs and ease into the atmosphere of the race.
The day concludes with the official team presentation - a thrilling opportunity to see the pro riders up close and feel the excitement build as the Giro comes to life.
Primoretz Hotel | Burgas
78 km | 600 m
Today offers a chance for an active day with a scenic ride to the charming town of Sozopol south of Burgas.
The route follows peaceful roads along the coastline, allowing you to enjoy beautiful sea views and quaint villages. It’s a perfect day to relax on the bike and get to know your fellow riders and start to feel the bulgarian amazing culture.
Primoretz Hotel | Burgas
71 km | 380 m
Start your day with a ride to Nesebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich history and stunning old town.
After exploring the area, and see all the team buses and riders ready for the beginning of Giro, return to Burgas to witness and experience the excitement of the Giro finish line in the VIP hospitality area.
Feel the pulse of the crowd and the adrenaline as the pros cross the line - a truly unforgettable cycling moment.
Primoretz Hotel | Burgas
60 km | 730 m
After a transfer to the mid-stage point, begin your ride toward the finish in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s historic former capital perched dramatically on steep hills.
Your route takes you through varied and picturesque landscapes, ending with the thrilling opportunity to cross the finish line alongside the professional peloton - an extraordinary way to experience the Giro’s drama firsthand.
After the ride, enjoy the second finish line in the VIP area in the first rolling stage of the Giro.
Grand Hotel Therme | Veliko Tarnovo
50 km | 410 m
Start your day riding from your hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, in the west direction.
Witness the final moments of the stage as the race charges into the heart of Bulgaria’s capital, and enjoy every pulse of the action from VIP hospitality. It’s the perfect vantage point to soak up the atmosphere, energy, and emotion of the Giro’s third stage.
InterContinental | Sofia
Your adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, a transfer to the Sofia airport will conclude this extraordinary journey through Bulgaria - cycling along stunning coastlines, historic towns, and scenic hills, all while following the excitement of the Giro d’Italia.
24 km | 470 m
Welcome to Italy! Your flight from Sofia lands in Lamezia Terme Airport (Calabria), where your Italian journey begins. Following a private transfer, you’ll arrive in Cosenza and check in at the Royal Hotel - your stylish base for the first two nights.
In the afternoon you’ll enjoy a ride through the hills surrounding Cosenza: a relaxing spin to loosen the legs after the flight and get to know the rest of the group.
The day wraps up with a relaxed briefing and a laid-back evening together - the perfect way to ease into your italian adventure.
Royal Hotel | Cosenza
56 km | 600 m
Today the Giro d’Italia finishes right in Cosenza.
After a morning ride on the Giro’s final kilometers, in the afternoon you can live the city with the giro’s emotion: fans gather along the streets, the noise grows, helicopters pass overhead, and the anticipation builds. You position yourself along the final stretch of the course, and then the magic happens: the explosive speed of the peloton, the tactical chaos, the roar of the crowd, and the drama of the final sprint.
Royal Hotel | Cosenza
64 km | 1250 m
A scenic transfer brings you to the central part of the stage. From here, your ride begins across the rugged and beautiful landscape of Basilicata - rolling hills, open valleys, and quiet mountain roads.
The route leads you all the way into Potenza, where you reach the official Giro d’Italia finish line, surrounded by the energy of the race’s arrival.
After the stage, a private transfer will take you to Maiori on the Amalfi Coast.
Reginna Palace Hotel | Maiori
Your adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Napoli Airport. It’s time to say goodbye and take home a week filled with unforgettable moments: Giro finishes, mountain rides, coastal roads, southern landscapes, and the unmatched energy of Italy’s greatest race.
Dates & Prices Bulgaria
| Dates | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed. 6 - Mon. 11 May | From €1999 |
|
Dates & Prices Bulgaria + Italy
| Dates | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed. 6 - Mon. 14 May | From €2999 |
|
Ridley Bikes & Gear
Ridley ASTR GRX600 – Explore epic landscapes! Lightweight, responsive, and adventure-ready. Perfect for gravel, touring, and thrill seekers.
Ridley FALCN – Lightweight, aerodynamic road bike designed for speed, precision handling, and all-day comfort on performance rides.
E-Kanzo Adventure *or similar – A powerful motor, long-lasting battery, and comfortable design. Perfect for gravel roads, scenic routes, and iconic climbs.
COLNAGO V3
COMPONENTS:
- Shimano 105 12 Speed Di2 Drivetrain (50/34 Chainset and 11-34 Cassette)
- Fulcrum Racing 600 Wheelset
- Pirelli P7 Sport 28mm Tyres
- Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo Flow saddle
- (Sizes: XXS(42S), XS(45S), S(48S), M(50S), L(52S), XL(54S), XXL(56S), XXXL(58S))
3T ULTRA
COMPONENTS:
- Shimano GRX 822 1x - 40T 1x Chainset, 12 Speed 10-51T Cassette
- Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
- Shimano GRX Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- Selle Italia Model X Superflow
- Sizes: 48 - 61
The nuts and Bolts
What's Included?
- 5 nights' 4*/5* accommodation*
- Transfers from/to specified airports
- All breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 5 dinners*
- Water and coffee are complimentary during meals that are included in the package
- Beautifully planned rides
- Experienced team of local professionals
- GPX Routes
- Van and mechanical support with snacks and water
- Viewing the Team Presentation
- 1 "Through-the-Line" and Podium experience
- 3 VIP Finish Line Hospitality
- 3 Stage views*
- Bike cleaning service
- IBT cycling jersey
- IBT water bottle
- City taxes
- For those who choose to add Calabria & the Amalfi Coast, enjoy everything mentioned earlier, plus:
- 2 stage views
- 1 dinner
- Flights from Sofia to Lamezia Terme (Calabria)
What's Not Included?
- Travel insurance (must be purchased before the tour)
- Flights
- Beverages
- Bike Hire & helmet
- Nutrition
- Tips and gratuities
At a Glance
- Level: Perfect for medium-to-fit riders and cycling enthusiasts looking to embrace the excitement, challenge, and iconic roads of the Giro d’Italia.
- Total Kilometers: Covering approximately 290 km (180 miles) over 5 thrilling riding days.
- When: Wed. 6th May - Mon 11th May.
- Start: The tour begins in Sofia, Bulgaria. A private transfer will bring you to Burgas.
- Finish: The tour ends in Sofia, Bulgaria.
- Nearest Airport: Sofia Airport (SOF) is the perfect option for both arrivals and departures.
- Top Tip: Bring a flag from home - waving it on the climb instantly turns you into part of the Giro spectacle!
- Average Age of Guest: 50 years old, but open to all ages.
- Male vs Female %: Well balanced, ideal for groups of friends, couples, and solo travelers alike.
| Where to Meet |
Please arrange to meet us at Sofia Airport (SOF) at 11 am on Day 1. 24 hours before meeting, we will contact you via WhatsApp to confirm the name of the staff member meeting you. |
|---|---|
| Drop off Location |
Following the conclusion of the tour, we will run a transfer to Sofia Airport (SOF), leaving the hotel at 10.30 am. For those flying into Italy, the drop off location is Napoli Airport (NAP). For alternative destinations or departure times, please contact us at alberto@italybiketours.com. |
| Transfer Time |
Please consider have something to eat before we collect you from the airport. The transfer time from Burgas is 3h45 on day 1. The transfer from the last hotel in Sofia back to the airport on day 6 is 25 minutes. |
| Riding in Bulgaria |
Most roads are paved and in good condition, with light traffic in the towns. Some scenic routes include well-maintained gravel, suitable for road, gravel, or e-bikes. Hilly and coastal areas offer smooth, rideable surfaces with occasional climbs. |
| Cuisine |
Bulgaria offers a rich culinary tradition with fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy specialties like banitsa (cheese pastry), shopska salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and feta), kavarma (slow-cooked meat and vegetables), and tarator (cold cucumber soup). Don’t miss local wines, rakia (fruit brandy), and hearty pastries found in both towns and countryside. |
| Hotel Facilities |
The hotels on this tour have pools and spas so we recommend bringing swimming costumes. The hotels also have good WiFi and bar service. All our hotels have air conditioning. Hotels may charge extra for the use of these facilities. |
| Private Tours & Groups |
We welcome the opportunity to discuss a private tour with you should you be in a group of six or more. A private tour allows you to choose dates and personalize the itinerary according to your requirements. |
| Weather |
In May, Bulgaria enjoys mild and pleasant weather. Coastal areas like Burgas and Sozopol see temperatures around 18–24°C (64–75°F), perfect for cycling and sightseeing. Inland and hilly regions, including Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo, are slightly cooler, averaging 15–22°C (59–72°F), with occasional spring showers. |
| What Happens Next? |
Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. Please check your SPAM/JUNK folder should you not have received an email in this time. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page. |
Hotels
PRIMORETZ HOTEL ★★★★★
GRAND HOTEL THERME ★★★★
INTERCONTINENTAL SOFIA ★★★★★
ROYAL HOTEL ★★★★
REGINNA PALACE HOTEL ★★★★
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Get In Touch
If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy, please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back!
ITA: +39 320 638 4713
Or you can chat to us online by clicking the button at bottom right of page.
Drop us a direct email to: info@italybiketours.com
