Giro d'Italia 2023
Italy Cycling Holiday
Bookings Now Open
Following the Final Weeks of 106th Giro d'Italia
Giro d'Italia 17th to 29th May 2023
Visiting the Italian Alps – ride the Dolomites and conquer Monte Grappa.
Stay at 3 and 4 star accommodation and delight in the Italian cuisine – daily gelato and coffee stops a must!
Tour Departs
Milan, Malpensa Airport, Italy, May 17, 2023
Tour Finishes
Milan, Malpensa Airport, Italy, May 29, 2023
Tour Style
Group Size: 28 Guests – 5 Staff
Rides: Sealed roads, some bikeways
Challenge Rating: Mostly climbing
Accommodation: 3 to 4 star hotels, twin share, optional single supplement when booking
Trip Suitability
Social Riding and Leisure: We understand that your cycling holiday is a HOLIDAY! We understand that you don’t normally ride every day at home. Our ride routes cherry-pick the best areas.
Experienced Riders: Your cycling holiday is actually about the bike! Our epic and challenge ride options seek more vertical metres and longer miles.
Meals Included
All buffet breakfast, 7 x 3-course dinners, drinks included at welcome and farewell dinners
Tour Inclusions
- Professional and experienced cycling guides
- Travel in air-conditioned vehicles
- Transfers from designated collection and drop-off locations
- All meals (as listed on itineraries)
- Mechanical assistance with your bike
- Ride nutrition (including drinking water, sport powders and bars / muffins and fruit)
- 2 x Tour ride jersey and bib-shorts
- Ride files and detailed tour itinerary
Why we Love this Tour
- Travelling in a small group of cyclists on carefully designed ride routes that maximise your safety, enjoyment and challenge
- Mechanical and vehicle support for peace of mind
- Escape by bike on the most stunning routes in Italy, such as Aosta Valley, Lake Como and the Dolomites
- Choose from the challenging ride option or the easier ride option each day
- Watch 5 stages of the 2023 Giro d’Italia live, including stage starts, stage finishes, mountain stages.
Pricing
Price: AUD$8,450 (twin share)
Single Supplement: AUD$1,100
Note: All trip costs are per person, not including airfare and based on two persons per room. If travelling alone we will match you with a person to share. Alternatively, you may choose to have a room of your own by paying the single supplement.
Note: It is a requirement of Bikestyle Tours that you have Travel Insurance for your trip.
Pricing
Standard Bike Hire Price: AUD$792
Details of Bike Hire Fleet – Premium Bike Hire available
See an Italian Bike Race and immerse in the Italian culture
Italian fanatics are known as “tifosi”, and the atmosphere that “tifosi” create at the Giro d’Italia race is incredible to experience, your hair stands on end. As the peloton arrives, the Italian fans issue an almighty cheer, screaming “Via–Via–Via” go–go–go.
There is no bigger cheer than that reserved for Marco Pantani, he was possibly the greatest climber to have ever raced. The Marco “Il Pirata” Pantani supporters club still follows the race searching for an Italian rider that carries the spirit of “Il Pirata”. Today, the young super stars draw all the attention of the “tifosi”.
Experiencing the Giro d’Italia is so much fun, so Italian!
2023 Giro d'Italia Cycling Holiday
Our Giro bike tour to the 106th Giro d’Italia follows the biggest mountain stages in the Italian Alps. Bikestyle guests travel in luxury on our team coach complete with hot showers and reclining seats, just like tour professional riders do. Our carefully planned itinerary takes you to watch the Giro live and includes riding the most iconic ride routes, for you to conquer classic Italian climbs. We also take you along some sensational roads passing beautiful villages and scenic locations. Just like an Italian Classico Wine celebrating Italian culture, our Giro Classico trip celebrates the iconic Italian bike race.
We have our normal riding and non-riding itineraries plus long and short ride options each day. But we’ll also offer our experienced cyclists more time on the bike to conquer more vertical metres on some of the most magical roads in Europe.
Our trip starts in the Aosta Valley, where we are spoiled for climbing. A regular highlight on our Giro d’Italia Trip is our ride around Lake Como in Lombardia with the climb up to Madonna del Ghisallo, as the pros will do. Our trip continues with a spectacular 3 days in Levico Terme where we will catch several of the key mountain stages of this year’s Giro but not before we conquer Monte Grappa, which is a rite of passage for any cyclist in Italy.
The final part of our trip takes us to the Dolomites, with close access to the final mountain stages, where we expect to see the decisive move of the 103rd Giro d’Italia. We will finish our trip with a final amazing day in the Dolomites with the Passo Giau.
See 5 of the biggest Giro d’Italia stages
Stage 13 ★★★★★, Mountain
Stage 15 ★★★★☆, Mountain
Stage 16 ★★★★★, Mountain
Stage 17 ★☆☆☆☆, Sprinter
Stage 19 ★★★★★, Mountain
Giro Classico Tour – Daily Itinerary
Benvenuto
Our staff will welcome you at Malpensa Airport, Milan at 10am. Arrive a day earlier to explore Milan and adjust your travel clocks. Milan is a progressive city and has undergone a modern facelift due to it being host to the World Exhibition. You will find many funky restaurants and bars, fashion boutiques, and great museums
Our Giro Classico bike trip starts in the popular cycling area of the Valle d’Aosta. The name Valle d’Aosta literally means “Valley of Augustus”s named by the Romans who secured the area for the high mountain passes in 25BC for its strategic position. We will be using this strategic position for the next couple of days and venturing up some of these high mountain passes.
Once we settle into our hotel we will take a leisurely ride this afternoon and check our equipment. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner together with a local restaurant preparing a 3-course menu of local ingredients and dishes. Some local wines to accompany your meal will be provided.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- Collection Malpensa Airport, Milan
- Transfer to Aosta Valley
- Warm-up ride
- Welcome dinner, including wine
Our warm-up ride explores some of the local villages. There will be a short climb on offer also, as we navigate the villages perched on the foothills.
Colle San Carlo
Today for our ride we will be heading up the valley to conquer the Colle San Carlo and then on to Courmayeur where we will have the chance to catch the gondola to a lookout on the famous Mont Blanc (4,807m), if the weather is clear and warm this will be a spectacular viewpoint for the area you are exploring, an unforgettable experience.
Tonight, you will be able to explore some of the local delicacies at the local restaurants in the area.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- Ride the Colle San Carlo
- See the famous Mont Blanc
Our ride will depart from the hotel and enjoy a gentle 20km before starting our climb for today, the Colle San Carlo. Colle San Carlo is 10.5km long and bridges 1047 vertical meters with an average gradient of 10%. We will have a good 15km descent to finish our ride.
Colle del Gran San Bernard
Today will be about seeing the race, on our ride we will be tackling the Colle del Gran San Bernardo to view the race. The Colle del Gran San Bernardo will be the Cima Coppi (the highest point) on the 2023 Giro d’Italia, peaking out at 2469 metres, although we will most likely climb until we have a good vantage point to watch the riders come past. Once the Giro has passed we have 30km of downhill back to our hotel.
Tonight, you will be able to explore some of the local delicacies at the local restaurants in the area.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- See Stage 13
- Ride the Colle del Gran San Bernardo
- Reach the Cima Coppi (the highest point) on the 2023 Giro d’Italia
Today our ride takes us to the Cima Coppi (the highest point) on the 2023 Giro d’Italia. We will ride Colle del Gran San Bernardo at a long 33km with an average gradient of 5.7%. It is straight up from our hotel so we will have a 33km descent home.
Ghisallo and Muro di Sormano
After making our way across to the region of Como to start our ride and head for the shores of Lake Como. As we enjoy the flat roads along the lake, we can admire the surrounding mountains as they plunge into the lake. Our first stop is Bellagio which is almost the nautical centre of the lake. Bellagio is a popular tourist town, with great coffee and gelato. We can pause here to enjoy a light snack before heading up the climb to Madonna del Ghisallo. It is a natural stopping point for cyclists and was declared by a local priest as the patroness of cyclists. There is a shrine to many cyclists around the world, not only famous riders. There is also a museum next to the small chapel.
For those wanting a little extra challenge, we can take in the Colma di Sormano on the way back to our hotel
Our hotel tonight is in the province of Como, fittingly we have booked a renovated castle for us to indulge in. We will enjoy dinner together at the castle.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Lake Como and Bellagio
- Climb Madonna del Ghisallo
- Visit the Shrine to Cyclists
- Climb Muro di Sormano - Giro Lombardia climb
Our main ride today is to Madonna del Ghisallo. It is one of our favourite loops in Italy. It is a must for all cyclists. Lake Como and Bellagio are spectacular before you elevate from the shores to a shrine in memory of all cyclists who have died. It is truly, utterly, and unashamedly Italian.
Our easier ride can take the descent from here to our transport, after spending some time in the museum. On the way to the hotel, we have the option to ride Colma di Sormano, leaving us with a downhill run home.
Bergamo and Stage Finish
For day five we will be turning our focus back to the race. Our ride will take us into Bergamo where you will have the opportunity to witness the stage finish with all of its atmosphere. Once the race is over you will be transported back to your accommodation so you don’t have to worry about enjoying the end of the race.
Tonight we will enjoy another great dinner overlooking our castle.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- See Stage 15 of the Giro
- Ride Passo di Valcava
We have an easier day on the bike today. We will have a gentle ride along the valley before climbing the Passo di Valcava (11.8km). We will descend to Capizzpone before continuing to todays stage.
Levico Terme
Today is a rest day for the Giro while the riders transfer from one area to the next. We will be also transferring East today on our way to Levico Terme. Our ride will run from Lake Garda to Levico Terme with multiple distance options available for those wanting to rest their legs. This ride will travel over a large pass and whilst challenging will make for a spectacular day in the saddle.
Once in Levico Terme, you will be able to put your feet up and relax in your new accommodation by the water.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Garda
- Ride along the amazing Lago de Garda
Our ride will start from the town of Garda where we will be treated to amazing views across Lago de Garda. It is a flat ride for the first part of the ride. For those riders who wanted to add a climb in, there is the option to continue from Lago de Grada to Passo Sommo (30km at a gentle gradient).
Monte Bondone
Today we will be tackling the Monte Bondone, the climb is 20.3km long and averaging 6.7%. The pro’s will be finishing the race on this climb today and we may snag the opportunity to see them again on the course as they make their way through stage 16.
For the pros, the initial 60 kilometres of the stage are flat and from then on it will be a climber’s paradise. The remaining 140 kilometres feature 5,500 metres of climbing, making for a gruelling day. The finish climb, Monte Bondone, is 20.3 kilometres long and averages 6.7%. Ivan Basso was the last one to win on this climb in 2006. It will be a day for the GC riders to test their rivals and set up their final week but who will be in Pink?
Once we see the Giro we will return to Levico Terme by bus and enjoy dinner together.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- See Stage 16 of the Giro
- Climb the Monte Bondone
- Visit Trento
We will start our ride from our hotel and ride to Trento where the Monte Bondone starts. The Monte Bondone is 20.3 kilometres long and averages 6.7%. Ivan Basso was the last one to win on this climb in 2006. For those wanting an easier day in the saddle, there will be plenty of options available.
Stage Start – Pergine Valsugana
Today we will be making our way to see the riders roll off the start line in Pergine Valsugana. We’ll take the opportunity to see today’s Giro d’Italia stage start just a short distance from our hotel. We’ll arrive in time to see the team buses arrive and riders sign on. Giro stage starts are great to see, as riders are more relaxed and offer their time to ‘tifosi’ more freely. Locals gather at local cafes, sipping their espresso and discussing today’s articles in La Gazzetta dello Sport.
It will be our last day in this region before we make our way across to Cortina tomorrow. Today’s ride will be shorter to ensure we make the start of the stage, however, don’t mistake short for easy as there is still a sizeable climb on today’s route.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- Stage 17 Start
- Visit Pergine Valsugana
- Ride along Lago di Caldonazzo
Today’s stage start is a short 15km away. For those wanting a flat ride, we will be able to follow along the shoreline Lago di Caldonazzo to the stage start and back to our hotel. For those wanting “another climb” we have a 10km climb option on the way to Pergine Valsugana.
Monte Grappa
Today we will make our way further east as we transfer across to our next location where we will be based for the rest of our trip. We will pedal over the spectacular Monte Grappa. This iconic climb will be one not to miss on this year’s adventure across Italy.
Cima Grappa rises from the plains to a height of 1775 meters. It was a World War 1 battleground and has great significance for the Italian people, particularly the “Alpini”. It is a wonderland for cyclists, offering nine paved routes to the summit, one of which is considered the third hardest climb in Italy. Fare il Grappa, to do Grappa, is the obligatory climb and right of passage of every local cyclist.
From the top, there is a side road that takes you up to the war monument with great views across the Veneto plains. After reaching the summit, we’ll descend to Feltra and continue to Cortina by bus.
Tonight we will enjoy dinner together
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- Ride Monte Grappa
- Visit the World War 1 battleground
We have something special for today’s ride, Monte Grappa. While there are any ascents to the summit our route we see us climb from Romano d’Ezzelino. It is 26.5km long with an average gradient of 6%, resulting in a difficulty score of 1156. It is a beautiful ride with amazing views.
Showdown 5 Peaks
Today will be our last opportunity to see the riders as they make their way up the famous Tres Cime climb. We will follow the last 20 km of today’s stage to the summit of Tres Cime. We will have time to reach the summit and return down to the lower slopes of the climb to what the final mountain battle for the pink jersey. Don’t worry, we won’t be tackling five peaks on today’s ride.
For the pros, today will be one of the hardest days of the 2023 Giro, with five giant peaks featured on today’s stage the GC contenders will be sure to battle it out as fatigue has well and truly set in.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- Ride the final climb of Queen Stage
- See Stage 19
While the Giro will complete 4 additional climbs before reaching Tres Cime, we will start our ride today will start from Cortina d’Ampezzo at the base of today’s summit finish leaving the 20km climb ahead of us. Once at the top and a few photos, we will descend to the lower slopes and some warm temperatures to see the race.
Sella Ronda Loop
From here we will be turning our attention from the race to our own riding experience. On today’s ride, we will make our way around the gorgeous Sella Ronda route taking in the best scenery the Dolomites have to offer.
If you search for information about Sella Ronda, it will inform you that it is a ski circuit around the massif of the Sella mountain range. It is more than a ski route, as the road also navigates the four passes that circumnavigate the Sella Towers and Piz Boe, the highest point.
Tonight we will have earnt a relaxing drink at the hotel
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- Ride the Sella Ronda Loop
- Experience one of the most scenic rides in the world.
- Climb the Pordoi where Jai Hindley sealed the 2022 Giro Pink Jersey
Today will be one of the best days you will spend on a bike. We will tackle the route in a clockwise direction, starting with the Pordoi, one of the highest roads in Italy. Next is the Sella Pass followed by the Gardena Pass, before the fun descent to Corvara.
Passo Giau
Today’s final stage of the Giro is 750km away in Rome so we will make the most of our location and ride Passo Giau located near our hotel. This ride will be sure to test the legs but will be packed with more scenic views of the Dolomites as we wind our way through this stunning region of Italy.
We will finish our ride in time to catch the final stage at a local bar and rest our legs. Tonight we will have our farewell dinner, enjoying some of the local delicacies and cuisine that Italy is famous for.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
- Passo Giau
- Farewell Dinner
- Final night in Cortina
We will start or ride from our hotel and tackle the Passo Giau. It is 15.8km long with an average gradient of 6.7%, and peaks at 2235 meters above sea level. Following the Passo Giau, we have our final 9km of climbing up to the ski town of Pocol before descending back to our hotel.
Arrivederci, Farewell
Today is our final day on our Giro d’Italia bike tour, and we have run out of important Giro stages to follow. We’ve banked many memories and established new friendships. Sadly, we say farewell. We have one transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport this morning, arriving by about 4pm. If you’re booking flights home, allow 2 hours for a flight within Europe and 3 hours for an International flight.
If you are staying on in Milan or Europe, we wish you a pleasant stay. We wish you all safe travels back home and see you again one day soon.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
Ride Challenging Climbs with the most experienced Tour Operator at Grand Tours
Bikestyle Tours has been organising and operating Grand Tour cycling tours for more than 25 years, 2023 marks our 28th year of sharing the excitement to see the biggest bike races in Europe.
Our Italy bike tours travel to North Italy to ride the Dolomites and the Italian Alps. Irrespective of the season, mountain conditions can change and for some of our guests, it’s the first time they’ve seen snow while on a bike. Each year, road closures in the mountains are possible and Giro stages are sometimes rerouted or cancelled because of late season snowfalls. But rest assured, our professional guides understand the conditions, manage safety, and have contingent plans to ensure your experience of a most memorable riding experience.
Snow is not unusual even at the height of Summer, during August or September – it does enhance the scenery! Our local knowledge, mountain experience and thorough planning minimises any disruption to your cycling holiday.
Stay in quality accommodation with Italian hospitality and Italian food
We choose 3-star and 4-star accommodation on our Italy bike tours and regularly return to family run hotels that have dedicated bike facilities – they have bike washdown areas, secure bike storage rooms, mechanical stands and some have an evening laundry service for cycling apparel. Rest assured, we also travel with a good supply of bike-washing equipment, mechanical spares and we have a tool-kit complete with a professional bike mechanic.
On many nights we eat at a local restaurant or from the great hotel kitchen. Italian culture is the most celebrated through its food – influenced by local ingredients and lovingly evolved from their “Nonna”, their grandmother’s recipe. A most welcoming sound over a home-cooked Italian meal “Mangiare, Mangiare”, eat-eat. Remember to restrain yourself on the first 2 courses, as often Italian meals have 4 or 5 courses. Yes, an Italian dessert is better in Italy.
Why Book with Bikestyle Tours?
A COVID-Safe plan
- All staff and guests must complete a pre-travel questionnaire prior to the start of the trip
- Bikestyle Tours complies with the COVID requirements of the local authorities (Tourism and Accommodation, Bike Tours); such as controls for social distancing, cleaning and hygiene, vehicle transport
- All guests must be fully vaccinated to join the tour
- Check your departure and return requirements for your country of residence
Are Trips Guaranteed Departures?
We make every effort to guarantee departures to give you peace of mind that once you’ve booked your trip – you’re going! We do not cancel trips due to insufficient numbers leaving you stranded.
