Giro-E: Racing the Giro d'Italia Route on E-bikes

Ever wonder what it's like to race alongside international cycling superstars in an Italian Grand Tour? Now, a ticket to the Giro-E is all you’ll need to ride the "world’s toughest race in the most beautiful place."…. on e-bikes.

In Italy, cycling is a type of religion.It’s a land where you’ll find bikes outnumbering the number of parked cars. Where you’ll see locals of all ages riding on two wheels from dusk ‘til dawn. And where you’ll feel the excitement surrounding its annual bike racing event—the <a href="https://www.giroditalia.it/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giro d’Italia</a>—months&nbsp;in advance.Following closely behind Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia is one of the cycling world’s prestigious three-week-long Grand Tours. Since 1909, Giro fans have been gathering around their television sets to witness the nation’s top cyclists embark on a gruelling race around the country.Whether riders are zipping through the twisting vineyards of Prosecco Hills or trekking up the scarped edges of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/destination/europe/italy/dolomites" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Dolomites</a>, Giro d’Italia’s scenic route shines a spotlight on Italy’s incredible diversity and beauty—it’s easy to understand why bicycles have been synonymous with Italian culture for over a century.&nbsp;

For avid cyclists, the thought of participating in a Grand Tour like the Giro d’Italia—racing alongside elite athletes as echoes of the roaring crowd fill the air—has historically been reserved for that of a daydream. But as a company that’s in the business of turning dreams into reality, we had to find a way for our travellers to experience the thrill of it all for themselves.&nbsp;

Giro-E: A Professional Cycling Dream

Thanks to the 2018 introduction of the Giro-E biking event, a golden ticket is all that’s required to live out your wildest cycling dreams. Giro-E, the only stage event in existence reserved exclusively for pedal-assisted <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/get-inspired/your-e-bike-questions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">e-bikes</a>, is the brainchild of RCS Sports, the same organizer of the Giro d’Italia.The event comprises 18 stages ranging from 70 to 115&nbsp;kilometres daily, along the same route, and during the same time the Giro&nbsp;d’Italia takes place. Best of all, it’s open to riders of all levels—from amateur cyclists to self-proclaimed pros; there’s a route and region perfect for everyone.Veteran Trip Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/who-we-are/meet-the-designers/georgia-yuill" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Georgia Yuill</a>, our go-to expert for&nbsp;the Dolomites, had the chance to experience the Giro-E’s third official year in 2020, scoping out the circuit for future guiding endeavours. For Georgia, dropping into the Giro-E was like dropping&nbsp;into the Olympics and being allowed to run around the track ahead of the sprinters who are competing.“For the amateur, it’s like stepping into the big game and being part of that," Georgia said. "The Giro d'Italia is one of our annual major sporting events that people tune into even though they’re not cycling, like the World Series or the Superbowl. It’s an emotional event for Italians and the sport is growing everywhere around the world.”

The (Bike) Path to Glory

The Giro-E’s 2020 regional sectionals comprised six slots, with each slot passing through Italy’s bounty of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/get-inspired/2017/06/29/the-8-best-biking-routes-in-italy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">contrasting landscapes</a>: <ul><li>Slot 1 Sicily</li><li>Slot 2 Calabria and Apulia</li><li>Slot 3 Abruzzo, Marche, Emilia Romagna, San Marino</li><li>Slot 4 Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia</li><li>Slot 5 Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Veneto, Lombardy</li><li>Slot 6 Lombardy, Piedmont</li></ul>Georgia was designated Slot 1.&nbsp;“As the Giro-E, we’re advancing all of the professionals. We don’t start at the same point; we start further into the route," she said."By the time we finish our route at our pace, the Giro d’Italia racers come through and will cover the same final distance that we did.”

Georgia’s captain was <a href="https://www.maxlelli.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Max Lelli</a>, an ex-pro racer who lead the ENIT team to the most victories. <a href="https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/moreno-moser" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Moreno Moser</a>, also an ex-pro racer, was great support for her along the routes as he shared a wealth of technical racing tips.“You’re riding with people who are very accomplished and captains who want you to be successful," she said. "I certainly came off learning so much about cycling and the world that surrounds it. They’re very passionate, and you just get taken into the professional side of the event.”

An E-Bike Boost

Although the circuit comprises steep ascents up rolling hills, up the mountainous Dolomites and even up Sicily’s active Mount Etna volcano, the boost from the e-bikes provides riders with as little or as much assistance needed—you don’t have to be an elite athlete to race alongside one.“Cycling up Mount Etna in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/destination/europe/italy/sicily" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sicily</a> was phenomenal. The Giro d’Italia racers were getting closer and closer….we had to get off the road so it wouldn’t conflict with their speed! We were moving at an accelerated speed the entire time, so going uphill is much faster," she said. "One of the great benefits is that the road has been cleared for you. There’s a sensation that you can really allow yourself to go at maximum speed.

This year’s Giro-E concludes at the end of May, but there are high hopes for those wishing to live out their Olympic dreams in the future.“Every year comprises a different route, and so once we hear where the Giro d’Italia is racing, we can design our own B&amp;R trip to move in parallel with it," she said. "Dolomites stages are always some of the most exciting aspects of the Giro. We could design a pre-event experience on classic Dolomites routes, following which travellers participate in some stages of the Giro-E.”

From the azure coastlines of Sicily and Sardinia to the twisting trails of the Dolomites, exploring Italy is best done on two wheels. <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/start-planning/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get in touch with Georgia</a> to see how she can craft your biking adventure of a lifetime.

Italy

A visit to Italy conjures images of crystal blue seas and vineyards dappled with sunshine. But let’s not forget the sun-kissed lemon groves and truffle-laced forests. Indulge in the Italy that few others see: In fact, once you are embraced by the goodwill and aromas of all corners of this land, you may just forget to return home.The secret to Italy? Communing with Italians (some of whom work in our Tuscan office). That’s why we don’t just find the best pasta on Yelp-we find out when our local friends are free, then invite you to a feast on their estate. (Grazie, Lungarellas!) We don’t merely visit the Statue of David—we host a private dinner party at the Academia. And we don’t just “see” Italy- we plunge you directly into la dolce vita. Fellini wishes he could do Italy like us.

Discover Italy

Crafted from the finest ingredients, get in deep and up close with our expertly designed portfolio of biking & walking tours in Italy.

Italy | Butterfield & Robinson

$5,995 based on two travellers. $4,995 based on four travellers.

$5,595 based on two travellers. $4,395 based on four travellers.

The Dolomites’ stunning peaks have drawn mountaineers for centuries, yet somehow they remain one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Explore the two most enchanting corners of the gorgeous Dolomites region: the Alpe di Siusi and Alta Badia. Experience the region’s remarkable people, unforgettable hikes, and sumptuous cuisine. Your taste buds will never forget the gastronomic surprises in store, the perfect reward after an invigorating (and jaw-dropping) alpine hike.

A spectacular alpine hideaway

Explore the gorgeous (and little known) Alpe di Siusi. Experience the region’s remarkable people, unforgettable hikes, and sumptuous cuisine. Your taste buds will never, ever forget the gastronomic surprises in store, the perfect reward after an invigorating (and jaw-dropping) alpine hike. B&amp;R Travel Expert Georgia Yuill was named Top Travel Specialist for the Dolomites 2020 by Condé Nast.

Our Super Tuscan has been finely crafted for the traveller who delights in truly exquisite accommodation, exceptional wine and wants to suss out the idyllic countryside through a well-structured blend of activity—pedalling past hilltop hamlets, ambling among vines tended by generations of winemakers and (optionally!) rising to salute the famous Tuscan sun on a yoga mat. In between, you’ll savour traditional cuisine made from the freshest ingredients. It’s a robust build. Fancy a taste?B&amp;R Experience Designer Courtney Mundy has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Experience the epitome of luxury with our Super Tuscan—a finely crafted journey with exquisite accommodation, exceptional wine and immersive activities. Pedal past hilltop hamlets, stroll through vines tended by generations of winemakers, and dance in cycling shoes through silvery olive groves. In between, you’ll savour traditional cuisine made from the freshest ingredients. It’s a robust build. Fancy a taste? 

Embodying the finest of the region

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Our Super Tuscan has been finely crafted for the traveller who delights in truly exquisite accommodation, exceptional wine and wants to suss out the idyllic countryside through a well-structured blend of activity—pedaling past hilltop hamlets, ambling among vines tended by generations of winemakers and (optionally!) rising to salute the famous Tuscan sun on a yoga mat. In between you’ll savour traditional cuisine made from the freshest ingredients. It’s a robust build. Fancy a taste?

Nowhere does the slowing down feel more apropos than Piemonte, the birthplace of 'Slow Food', where epicurean delights await around every corner and verdant vineyards abound. On this trip, you'll indulge in fresh cuisine paired with many of the best vintages (on us, natch), ride through UNESCO-listed villages and sparkling wine hubs, then kick back at your intimate and gorgeous stay.

Our little secret in Italy

Nowhere does the slowing down feel more apropos than Piemonte, the birthplace of Slow Food, where epicurean delights await around every corner and verdant vineyards abound. We pair our meals with many of the best vintages (on us, natch), then kick back at the intimate and gorgeous La Villa.

Discover one of the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world as you saddle up on an electric-assisted mountain biking journey through the Dolomite Mountains. Nestled in the north of Italy, this alpine land offers a unique blend of cultures and cuisines, stunning landscapes, always inviting hospitality and endless fun and exploration through its peaks and valleys. Pedalling through two of the region’s corners, the Alta Badia and the Alpe di Siusi, your rides can be as moderate or challenging as you wish, all guaranteed to be backdropped by craggy peaks, tranquil meadows and delightful (and delicious) mountain huts.B&amp;R Experience Designer Georgia Yuill has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Reason To Believe Title

Take on the Dolomites on two wheels

$5,995  based on two travellers. Request a detailed itinerary for pricing for more than 2 people

Prepare to savour some of the best meals of your life. Did we say meals? We meant wines (think Barolos and Barbarescos). Wait – we meant views (think Italian Riviera). Oh, shoot, no. We meant hotels (there’s a reason they call them Splendido).

Discover the true magic of old Italy, surrounded by olive groves and our charming local friends. We make every step count with routes featuring sublime coastal roads, cobbled paths that weave through whitewashed towns and distinctive stone trulli. End your journey with two nights in UNESCO-listed Matera, with its ancient cave dwellings inhabited for thousands of years.

The magic of old Italy

Bask in olive groves and gorgeous whitewashed villages as you stroll along the aquamarine Adriatic in one of Italy’s most blissfully low-traffic corners (we’re the only walkers here!). Back at hotel Sant’Angelo – a B&amp;R exclusive in UNESCO Matera – feast on the freshest seafood you’ve ever had while you quaff luscious local Primitivo.

Savour a feast prepared by our local friends—and enjoy it in their backyard. Take in the evening energy of Siena and join in the laughter radiating from the piazza. Dine under the stars, at a winery, on a meal prepared by our private chef. We don't just visit Tuscany—we bring its story to life.Please note the hotel lineup for 2024:May 5th: Villa di Piazzano, Grand Hotel Continental, Pieve AldinaFor all other departures: Villa di Piazzano, Grand Hotel Continental, Le FontanelleFor information about the hotels assigned to your departure, kindly contact your Travel Advisor. You can also download the detailed itinerary to view the complete hotel lineup.

With lavish rolling hills, medieval towns and meandering roads keeping it all together, Tuscany is a biker’s idyll. There is something eminently peaceful in riding through hilltop towns that have stood watch since the Middle Ages, passing vines tended by generations of winemakers and savouring traditional cuisine made from the freshest and tastiest local ingredients. On this biking trip through Tuscany, we not only introduce you to our local friends, but we also take you into their backyard where they'll welcome us with open arms and a home-made feast prepared just for us. Welcome to our authentic Tuscany. 

Explore Italy's most exalted region

Savour a feast prepared by our local friends—and enjoyed in their backyard. Take in the evening energy of Sienna and join in the laughter radiating from the piazza. Dine under the stars, at a winery, on a meal prepared by our private chef. We don't just visit Tuscany—we bring its story to life.

Tell the kids you’re are going to Puglia and they’ll ask “where-ya?” Tell them you’re going to snorkel in the sparkling Adriatic, make pasta by hand, and zipline over olive groves and they’ll ask a different question: “when-ya!?”Note:&nbsp;The activities on our Puglia&nbsp;Family Adventure trip are recommended for children age 8 years and older.

Visit lively Baroque towns, walk seaside trails and finish high in the Mediterranean sky on the upper slopes of Mount Etna. Between our explorations of history, we'll reward our appetites with an incredible array of classic Sicilian cuisine, from farmhouse lunches to Michelin-starred dining.Please note the hotel lineup for 2024:Il San Corrado di Noto,&nbsp;Gagliardi Boutique Hotel, Villa Neri

Sicily has long extended a welcoming hand to visitors throughout the ages. It is a cultural crossroads where civilizations of Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians, Arabs, French and Spanish have all left their mark over the centuries—artistically, architecturally and gastronomically. Our journey focuses on the eastern regions of the island, where we’ll visit the lively baroque town of Noto, walk seaside trails, and finish high in the Mediterranean sky on the upper slopes of volcanic Mount Etna. Between our explorations of history enhanced by local guides, we’ll reward our appetites with an incredible array of classic Sicilian cuisine, from casual lunches at an almond farm and a wine producer's home to Michelin-starred dining. The entire experience is a pure indulgence for the senses. 

Pure indulgence for the senses

Savour a feast prepared by our local friends—and enjoyed in their backyard. Take in the evening energy of Sienna and join in the laughter radiating from the piazza. Dine under the stars, at a winery, on a meal prepared by our private chef. We don't just visit Tuscany—we bring its story to life.



“A dream place"—that’s how Steinbeck described Amalfi. And when you take in the Path of the Gods, the hotels (we stay at Le Sirenuse, just like he did), the food and the Limoncello, you’ll understand why. Dream place? More like fantasy land—but who are we to correct a Nobel laureate?

In the Footsteps of Gods

Revel in Ravello, enjoy lunch delivered by horseback, stay in breathtaking—and B&R-exclusive—hotels and experience "The Path of the Gods."

A Dream Place...

Looking to luxuriate at a private Amalfi villa? Want to plan a birthday celebration in Positano with your best friends? Just say the word and we’ll start weaving our magic. 

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Amalfi Coast Walking | Butterfield & Robinson

Crowning Italy’s northern border, the Dolomites are widely regarded as one of the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world. Trails wind between massive peaks, offering new vistas at every turn and charming rifugi (mountain huts) that welcome hikers and bikers alike.&nbsp;Evenings are a delightful mixture of South Tyrolean and Ladin cultures, where you can dine on distinctive culinary specialties and savour the region's fine wines.

Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, the Dolomites stand as a testament to Italy’s distinct, breathtaking beauty. With soaring peaks, dramatic cliffs and lush valleys, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for bikers and hikers alike. Trails wind between massive peaks, offering new vistas at every turn while charming rifugi stand ready to welcome visitors. Amidst the stunning terrain is a vibrant blend of culture and history that makes every experience completely unique.  

Experience the Italian Alps 

experience the italian alps

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Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

$5,395 based on two travellers. $4,995 based on four travellers. $4,595 based on six travellers.

$5,695 based on two travellers. $5,495 based on four travellers. $5,195 based on six travellers.

In the south of Italy, two unique and closely interconnected regions beckon exploration. Basilicata boasts the impressive city of Matera—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture, a city built into the rock that saw the origins of European civilization. Puglia’s olive groves, gorgeous, whitewashed villages, delectable food and generous hospitality, set against the aquamarine Adriatic, is simply idyllic. Together, Puglia and Basilicata capture the true magic of old Italy.  

The history, landscape and architecture reflect the myriad civilizations that were drawn to the region’s influential port towns and position on the Adriatic; the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Normans and Spanish have all left their mark here. Be immersed in a magical place where art, culture, nature and gastronomy come together in perfect harmony. We'll visit sundrenched coasts, whitewashed towns, fortified farmhouses (Masseria), and distinctive stone trulli. The culinary highlights include fresh seafood, local wine and olive oil. Everything is more sumptuous in Italy’s south, making for a journey you won't soon forget. 

Experience old-world Italy in the heel of the boot

Travel beyond as we're the only ones who will take you to both the crystalline waters of Lake Como and over to the stunning Swiss side, wandering through charming Lugano and Ticino. Soak in the incredible views from the water on not one, two, but three separate boat cruises.

Where grandeur and elegance go to relax

Go beyond the crystalline waters of Lake Como as we’re the only ones who pop over to the stunning Swiss side, wandering through charming Lugano and Ticino. Soak in the incredible views from the water on not one, two, but three separate boat cruises.

To truly understand Italy’s most enigmatic island, we explore it by sea, setting sail in an exquisite&nbsp;gulet&nbsp;which will serve as our home during our voyage. Biking or hiking off the ship each day, we explore sheep-covered hills, vertiginous limestone cliffs that plunge into the cobalt sea, and the glam of Costa Smeralda. Unforgettable? Cruising to La Maddalena and Corsica.

Here, sweeping mountain vistas and the spectacularly placed Caesar Augustus (your Relais &amp;&nbsp;Châteaux away from home) conspire to make the sirens sing. Go at your own pace—with local guides at your beck and call—as you traverse the glittering coast (on foot and by private boat), and take in Amalfi’s idyllic mix of luxury and rustic charm.B&amp;R Experience Designer Courtney Mundy has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

From elegant streets to mountain vistas, there’s more than one “Path of the Gods” waiting to be discovered here. Enjoy the freedom to explore and uncover the secrets of this enchanting region—why the Sirens sing, the stories behind the gigantic lemons and how to navigate paths alongside chattering goats. The perfect blend of luxury and rustic charm reveals itself as you traverse the glittering coast, wander mountain trails and take in the stunning Amalfi Coast from the sea.&nbsp;

Amalfi's stunning coastline

$11,995 based on two travellers. $11,595 based on four travellers. $11,095 based on six travellers.

While we’ve been travelling to Tuscany for decades, this is the first release in our challenging trip series. We’ve paired famous race trails with the&nbsp;crème de la crème&nbsp;of gravel bikes. The payoff is not just the challenge of riding along gravel with heart-pounding ascents and thrilling descents, but also the unbelievable places it takes you.

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. And a post-ride aperitivo&nbsp;is even more refreshing when sipped in our friend’s garden.

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo led by our friends Domenica and Giuseppe. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. A post-ride lunch is even more delicious when enjoyed in our friend’s masseria. And the sound of live music is more enchanting when paired with an exclusive dinner in a fortified castle. After just a few days here, you’ll quickly see why Puglia has our heart. 

Adventure awaits on the Adriatic

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. And a post-ride aperitivo&nbsp;is even more refreshing when sipped in our friend’s garden.

It’s hard not to be seduced by Sicily, from its sparkling beaches, Sicilian cuisine and historical hilltop villages. Everything that makes Italy loveable is magnified here, where cultures collide. Where Greeks and Romans, Phoenicians and Arabs, French and Spanish civilizations have all left their mark over the centuries—artistically, architecturally and gastronomically.  

A charming postcard destination of dry-stone fields of thick, twist-trunked carob trees, sparkling salt pans beside blue lagoons and sweeping vistas of grain and vine. But more than all these riches, what makes Sicily unforgettable is the warmth of the welcome.  

Sicily’s charm captivates and seduces all who visit 

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Italy

Giro-E: Racing the Giro d'Italia Route on E-bikes

Giro-E: A Professional Cycling Dream

The (Bike) Path to Glory

An E-Bike Boost

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