The first Italy Tour (“Giro d’Italia”) on May 13, 1909 had 127 cyclists who rode 2448 Km from Rondò of Loreto to Milan in 8 stages. The jackpot consisted of 25 mila lire or ~ 20 dollars, and the 1st winner, Luigi Ganna won 5,325 lire or ~$4. He also won the tours in 1910 and 1911. How times have changed. Each year the Giro is announced in winter and we schedule a trip that allows you to witness as many stages as possible and partake in several days of fully supported cycling.
The Giro d'Italia 2022 itinerary has just been announcedand we are thrilled to have you join us in following the stages on the Island of Sicily.
Day 1 & 2 : After flying into Palermo Airport, we shake out the legs after your travels with some beautiful riding based on the North Coast of Sicily, around the town of Cefalu.
Day 3: We head towards Mount Etna over the mighty Porta Feminna Morta. A climb of over 30 kilometers that has featured in previuos editons of the race.
Day 4 & 5: The next two days revolve around watching the action, live from the roadside along with all the adoring Italian fans, but ofcourse we manage to get in some great rides including climbing Mount Etna.
Day 6 & 7: We base ourselves out of Taormina and tackle not only the Portella Mandrazzi climb but also take in a little GodFather flavour.
Day 8: We bid you farewell from Catania Airport.
Inclusions
Not included
The first Italy Tour (“Giro d’Italia”) on May 13, 1909 had 127 cyclists who rode 2448 Km from Rondò of Loreto to
Call or write for all the options available for witnessing the 2022. This year we will offer a tour for any region the tour passes on a custom basis only. Price will vary based on number of participants, inclusions and number of trip days.
Trips during the Giro are designed for the avid cyclists who wish to ride the classic tour routes & passes while engaging in at least 2 days of watching the event up close and personal. Meanwhile other regions of Italy offer routes for all ability levels and still can accommodate the level of intensity avid riders seek.
This tour complements our very popular tours during the Pro races in France in July and Switzerland in June. You can get a quote or references by calling our office 800.549.2363 or by clicking more info.
Andiamo will be at the airport or train station to meet you and transfer to your first hotel. If you need any assistance in pre or post tour hotels we are more than happy to set up your reservations or make recommendations
Our guides will meet you at Palermo Airport and then transfer you to Cefau. Cefalù is noted for its beautiful sunsets and unpretentious charm. Our hotel is not far from the medieval district. After settling in and building your bikes, we head out for a gentle warm up ride along the Coast towards nearby ceramics center of Santo Stefano di Camastra.
Our Typical Ride: 65km/300m (43mi/1000')
The closest and best riding in the area is through the nearby Madonie Nature Reserve, which takes you high above town and into the magnificence of this great island then ends with a long swooping downhill back to the coast and Cefalu.
Our Typical Ride: 83k/2300m (50mi/7500’)
Cefalu to Nicolosi via the Portella Femmina Morta. Our day starts easy enough crusing along the Coast before heading inland and then turns into a mountain stage with approx. 2,500 m cumulative elevation gain with two ascents: the Portella di Femmina Morta and the final climb of the Salto del Cane.
Todays ride: Upto 122km/2500m (74mi/7,500')
Today it is the 4th stage of the Giro and we will organize the day so that we are able to ride the same ascent up Mt Etna as the peleton, and be there early enough to see the stage finish.
Later, we transfer to the City of Catania and enjoy the festive atmosphere as the Giro sets up for tomorrows stage.
Todays Ride: based on Giro ETA up Etna: up to 73k/2300m (47mi/7500’)
This morning we watch all the action at the stage start. See the riders signing on and get up close to all the team buses. In the afternoon we ride along the lower slopes of Mount etna and through the valley to Taormina.
Todays ride: 73k/2300m (47mi/7500’)
Today, we climb the Portella Mandeizzi and then back to Taormina.
Our loop ride; out of Taormina you take in the nearby “must see” Alcantara Gorges. Marvel at these canyons made of black lava walls up to 50 meters high, in the typical shape of a prism that the rocks have taken during the cooling process post Mt Etna eruption.
Todays Ride: 105km/2200m (64mi/7000')
Today we head out into the Nature reserve of Monte Recavallo. With its beautiful small roads and challenging climbs. We ride in a loop past a visit an area famous for its scenes from the 'Godfather' movie, and eventually back to Taormina, where we will enjoy our final dinner together.
Todays ride: Upto 70km/1800m (45mi/5400')
Departure day. Flights from Catania Airport
With panoramic views of Caldura Bay and Rocca of Cefalù, Hotel Kalura has direct access to a private beach. It offers a pool, a tennis court and a scuba diving school, as well as free high-speed WiFi. Mediterranean-style rooms at the Kalura are air conditioned and include satellite TV and a minibar. All have a balcony and most overlook the sea.
Located at the foot of Mount Etna.
Historic hotel situated in the city centre.
In the tranquillity of the old town… And far from worries Located in the heart of Taormina, the hotel boasts a terrace with breathtaking panoramic views across the beautiful Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna!
*Please note: while these hotels are typically featured, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality due to availability. Please call us if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.
KEEP IT PRIVATE ON AN EXISTING TOUR or CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
If you have at least 6 participants we can keep it private on any of our sheduled tours or on an alternative date (subject to availability). For less than 6, prices may vary and for more than 12 discounts may apply.
To help us get started complete the form below. You can also call us M-Sat 9-5 PST (USA), or to the right, schedule a call or send us a message.
Sometimes a custom trip is participating in one of our exisitng trips on a private basis with a few alterations to trip length, activity level, or adding some side trips. Other times we get to work to create a unique itinerary specific to your groups desires or budget. We then use our expertise to organize a tour especially tailored to your vision.
The first thing we do is get to know you a little. We learn your interests and preferences, find out who’s going and why. Family, friends or associates? Birthday, reunion or corporate retreat? When you speak with our tour designer he/she will work together with you to design a trip that is sure to create great anticipation and excitement for all.
