GIRO D’ITALIA 2025

For the first time in its history, the 108^th edition of the Grande Partenza of the Giro d’Italia will unfold against the stunning backdrop of Albania's cities and landscapes.

On Friday, May 9, the race will kick off in Durres, heading toward Tirana along a medium-mountain stage covering a total of 164 km with an elevation gain of 1,800 meters.

Then, on Saturday, May 10, an individual time trial of 13.7 km will wind through the streets of Tirana, with participants battling for position in the general classification.

Sunday, May 11, the Albania’s Giro experience will wrap up with another medium-mountain stage, this time 160 km long, starting and finishing in Vlorë, with a 2,800-meter elevation gain.

The fourth stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, the first stage on Italian soil, begins in Alberobello, the iconic town of the Valle d'Itri, that enchants with more than 1,500 trulli. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.

Leaving the town of trulli behind, the race heads north, passing through Putignano, and reaches the Adriatic coast at Polignano a Mare. In the hometown of Domenico Modugno, one of the most photographed views of the Apulian coastline can be admired: the towering cliffs on which the town stand and their reflection in the crystal-clear waters of Lama Monachile beach. Strolling through the distinctive alleys of the historic centre, perhaps while savouring a sandwich with roasted octopus, burrata, and sun-dried tomatoes, is an unforgettable experience.

From Polignano, the route turns south, passing through Monopoli, an ancient commercial hub and bridge between East and West. The race leaves the province of Bari and reaches Fasano in the province of Brindisi. Amidst vast olive groves and the unique landscapes of the Valle d'Itria, the race heads to Ostuni, the "white city" of Alto Salento, dominated by the impressive Cathedral and protected by the mighty towers of the Aragonese walls, with its limewashed houses overlook streets, winding alleys, and stairways.

Descending into the land once inhabited by the ancient Messapian people, the route passes through Ceglie Messapica and the fair town of Oria before reaching Lecce, "pearl of Baroque" and final destination of the stage. The historic centre of Lecce, always bustling with life and cultural events, is a treasure chest of beauty and history. Sitting in one of the many cafes and enjoying a Pasticciotto, sipping the typical Salento coffee flavoured with almond milk, is the perfect way to experience the "Florence of the South."

For the fifth stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, we return to Ceglie Messapica. The race crosses the Valle d'Itria region in the province of Taranto, passing through the city of Martina Franca, home to the famous summer opera festival.

By touching Ginosa, the riders enter the region of Basilicata and ascend to the picturesque town of Montescaglioso, a maze of narrow streets overlooking the unique landscape of the heart of the Matera Murgia Park. This rugged and harsh territory gives life to many of the products that enrich the region’s culinary traditions.

Through canyons and valleys, the route reaches Matera, the UNESCO World Heritage site "City of Sassi”, that captivates visitors with its unique and striking beauty.

The 2025 Giro d’Italia continues its journey through the land of Lucania. The sixth stage begins in Potenza and, passing through the town of Avigliano and the Monte Carruozzo Pass, the highest point of the stage, it reaches Campania. For those wishing to explore Basilicata along the path of the Giro d’Italia 2025, a brief detour leads to the stunning Castello Lagopesole, a beautiful example of Federician medieval architecture.

Returning to the Giro’s route, the race reaches Sant’Andrea di Conza, one of the characteristic villages of Irpinia.

Passing through Lioni, famous for its spectacular murals, the route arrives in Avellino, with its tall Clock Tower and the Montevergine Sanctuary, the beating heart of religious tourism in the area, built in 1126 at an altitude of 1,270 meters.

Crossing through Monteforte Irpino, the race descends toward the Tyrrhenian coast and, passing through Baiano, Frattamaggiore, and Afragola, reaches Naples. The Neapolitan city welcomes you with its embrace full of unique colours and flavours. The sight of Vesuvio alone evokes a myriad of sensations that have made Naples famous worldwide: from the fragrant sfogliatelle to the tangy babà, from the wonders of the Pompeii excavations to the folklore of San Gregorio Armeno, there are endless surprises that this city brings to mind.

The seventh stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia takes you entirely through the region of Abruzzo. The race kicks off in Castel di Sangro, once known as Aufidena in ancient times, and today an important hub in the Alto Sangro area. From here, the route winds through Roccaraso and Rivisondoli before descending towards the plains. As the race passes through Pacentro, the charming town that is the birthplace of the family of the famous singer Madonna, it makes its way to Sulmona. Known as the “Città dei confetti” (city of sugared almond), Sulmona proudly stands on a rocky spur, keeping watch over the majestic Morrone Mountain and the towering Majella massif.

As the race moves on, it passes through Pratola Peligna, climbing up to the 1,395-meter-high Vado della Forcella, before descending again through Ovindoli and Celano. The route then heads towards Massa d’Albe, where you can visit the fascinating archaeological site of Alba Fucens, before reaching Tagliacozzo, the final destination of this spectacular Abruzzese stage. Here, you can indulge in the region’s rich culinary traditions and unwind while sipping one of the local liqueurs.

The eighth stage of the 2025 Giro starts in Abruzzo and then weaves through the beautiful hills of the Marche region.

Starting from Giulianova, participants will ride along the Adriatic Sea heading north before venturing into the Val Vibrata. As they enter the Marche region, they are welcomed by the stunning city of Ascoli Piceno, known for its charm and delicious culinary delights.

After conquering the first climb at Croce del Casale, the route descends towards Comunanza. Following a stretch of the renowned Cammino Francescano della Marca, the race heads towards Amandola and Sarnano before tackling the tough climb up to the highest point of the stage: the Santa Maria Maddalena Pass, sitting at an impressive 1,465 meters.

The course then descends towards Pontelatrave and, passing over the thousand-meter mark at Montelago, it continues through Matelica before reaching the final destination of the eighth stage in Castelraimondo.

The provinces of Perugia, Arezzo, and Siena provide the stunning backdrop for the ninth stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia.

Starting in Gubbio, the “city of the Ceri”, the race heads towards Umbertide and Mercatale. As it winds through the breathtaking landscapes of Val di Chiana, riders will be mesmerized by the expansive fields and vineyards that shape the scenery. These fertile lands are home to high-quality products like the Valdichiana Toscana DOC, which pairs perfectly with the unique dishes of the local culinary tradition.

The route continues, passing through Sinalunga, and reaches Buonconvento, a key stop along the historic Via Francigena.

After passing San Martino in Grana and crossing Montaperti, the site of the famous 1260 battle between the Ghibellines of Siena and the Guelphs of Florence, the race finally arrives in Siena, the destination for this stage.

Stage 10 kicks off in the beautiful and noble city of Lucca.

Famous as the hometown of composer Giacomo Puccini, Lucca has music running through its veins. Every year, the Lucca Summer Festival draws crowds from all over Italy.

Another unmissable and iconic event is Lucca Comics & Games, an international convention celebrating comics, animation, games, video games, and the worlds of fantasy and sci-fi.

With its impressive walls, charming churches, and historic towers, this stunning Tuscan city is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Leaving the old town through Porta Elisa, the journey continues toward San Giuliano Terme and Asciano. Just a short distance from the village, set in a timeless landscape, lies the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore—one of the most fascinating religious sites in the area.

Following the path along the Medici Aqueduct, you’ll eventually reach the Arno River and arrive in Pisa, right in the heart of the breathtaking Piazza dei Miracoli.

Viareggio has been a popular tourist hotspot since the early 1800s, when Paolina Bonaparte built a holiday home here and sparked the trend of bathing in the sea waves. Set along roughly 20 kilometres of uninterrupted sandy beaches in the heart of Versilia, Viareggio marks the start of stage eleven of the 2025 Giro d’Italia.

Leaving the Tyrrhenian coast behind, the race heads inland. After passing through Camaiore, the route climbs steadily toward Alpe San Pellegrino. At 1,623 meters above sea level, it’s the highest point of the stage—after which the riders enter the province of Modena and the Emilia-Romagna region.

The descent through Frassinoro brings the route into the province of Reggio Emilia. From there, it winds through Toano and finally reaches Castelnovo ne’ Monti, the end point of this scenic and challenging stage.

Stage twelve begins in Modena, the city that gives its name to the world-famous Balsamic Vinegar. Leaving the city behind, the route heads toward Maranello, home to the iconic Enzo Ferrari Museum.

After passing through Sassuolo, the race enters the province of Reggio Emilia. Midway through the stage, riders reach Canossa, where the ruins of the famous Castle, witness to a pivotal moment in Italian history. Another iconic stop along the way is Brescello, the village that served as film set for those movies inspired by Giovannino Guareschi’s Mondo Piccolo stories.

Crossing into Lombardy, the route enters the province of Cremona and passes through the superb town of Sabbioneta—a Renaissance gem dreamed up by an enlightened prince, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By continuing on, the stage reaches its final stop in Viadana, in the province of Mantova.

Stage thirteen begins in Rovigo, known as the “city of roses.” After just 5 kilometres, the race enters the province of Padua and reaches Monselice—a town that, thanks to its strategic position, has always been a sought-after settlement. Its long history is reflected in the local Antiquarium and the impressive medieval castle.

After crossing Passo Roverello, the route winds through the provinces of Vicenza and Verona. Along the way, riders pass through Soave, where the striking crenellated castle rises above the vineyards that produce the renowned Soave DOC wine.

Continuing through the province of Vicenza and climbing San Giovanni in Monte at 399 meter, the stage finishes in Vicenza. Recovering from the effort with a traditional baccalà alla vicentina, paired with a glass of crisp Breganze Vespaiolo DOC, makes for an unforgettable experience.

In the vast plain leading to the Lagoon of Venice, Treviso hosts the start of stage fourteen of the 2025 Giro d’Italia. The city is surrounded by fields that contribute to the rich food and wine tradition of the Treviso region. Starting from this charming city with its beautiful canals, the race heads to Portogruaro, another stunning town that, with its numerous bridges, medieval walls, and religious architecture, tells the story of its thousand-year history.

The route continues into Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in the province of Udine, and reaches one of the most iconic cities built to defend Venice: Palmanova.

From Udine, the race crosses into the province of Gorizia and arrives in Cormons, the capital of Friulian wine, located in the heart of the Collio Goriziano region, which has held a Protected Designation of Origin (DOC) since 1989.

The Giro then crosses the border into Slovenia, finishing this fourteenth stage in Nova Gorica.

The fifteenth stage of the Giro d’Italia starts in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, in the town of Fiume Veneto, and heads toward Pordenone. From there, the route passes through Vittorio Veneto, in the heart of the Prosecco region. This is where a mosaic of small vineyards covers the slopes of the hills and valleys, dotted with precious vines that have been cultivated for centuries with hard work and passion.

The race continues through Possagno, the birthplace of the famous sculptor Antonio Canova, and reaches Romano d’Ezzelino, where the riders begin the challenging climb to Monte Grappa. At 1,611 meters, this is the highest point of the stage, offering a unique panoramic view that stretches across the provinces of Vicenza, Treviso, and Belluno. To fully experience the beauty, one can even take a hang-gliding flight over the area.

Monte Grappa holds a significant place in Italian history. It was the site of crucial battles during World War I and also saw important events in World War II. Today, it’s a place of remembrance, marked by the military memorial that stands at its highest peak.

The route then descends to Primolano before tackling the final major climb of the stage, reaching 1,106 meters at Dori, and finally arriving in the beautiful town of Asiago, located on its stunning plateau.

Stage sixteen of the Giro d’Italia begins in Piazzola sul Brenta, a town in the province of Padua, where in the district of Isola di Carturo, renowned Renaissance painter Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506) was born.

The race continues toward Thiene, enhanced by its 15th-century castle, before climbing to the 1,113 meters of the Fricca Pass and descending to the Autonomous Province of Trento. In the provincial capital, the Castello del Buonconsiglio houses magnificent late medieval fresco cycles, which are definitely worth a visit. While in Trento, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the region's extraordinary gastronomic traditions: try the Spatzle and Canederli, served with Puzzone di Moena—a bold cheese typical of the area—and paired with a fine glass of Trento DOC wine.

The route then heads to Arco before reaching the final destination of the stage in San Valentino Brentonico. At 1,315 meters, it offers a breathtaking panorama of Lake Garda and the surrounding peaks.

Stage 17 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia kicks off in San Michele all’Adige, home to an interesting ethnographic museum dedicated to preserving the mountain traditions of alpine agriculture, forestry, and livestock farming.

A long ascent leads through Caldes—a village listed among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, located at the gateway to the Stelvio National Park—and continues up to Tonale Pass. At 1,882 meters, it marks the highest point of the stage.

The race then descends toward Ponte di Legno, at the northern tip of Valcamonica, before climbing once more to the Mortirolo Pass (1,854 m). A series of switchbacks characterizes the descent to Grosio, a lovely town in Valtellina on the banks of the Adda River, known for its Rock Engravings Park. From there, riders head back up the valley to reach Bormio, in the heart of Alta Valtellina, where the stage comes to an end.

After such a demanding ride, there’s no better reward than some well-deserved relaxation in this charming mountain town, nestled within the Stelvio National Park. Bormio is famed not only for its thermal spas but also for its rich culinary traditions— offering Bresaola, Casera DOP cheese, Pizzoccheri, including the region’s prestigious wines like Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG and Valtellina Superiore DOCG.

Stage eighteen of the 2025 Giro d’Italia unfolds entirely within the Lombardy region, crossing the provinces of Sondrio, Como, Lecco, and Monza-Brianza.

The stage begins in the town of Morbegno, located where the Val Gerola flows into the Valtellina valley.

Following the course of the Adda River, the race reaches Trivio Fuentes before opening up onto Lake Como at Colico. From there, it follows the lakeshore all the way to Bellano, where the route climbs toward Parlasco, then continues its ascent to Ballabio, before descending once again to the lake at Lecco. After passing between Lake Garlate and Lake Annone, the route reaches Ravellino, a small village sitting at 598 meters above sea level.

Descending further in altitude, the riders arrive in Seregno—already featured in the 2023 Giro—and finally reach Cesano Maderno, the finish line of this thoroughly Lombard stage. The town’s historic centre is well worth a visit: a true gem full of hidden treasures, such as Palazzo Arese Borromeo, Palazzo Arese Jacini, and the medieval Torrazzo. Also not to be missed is the LIPU Oasis of Cesano, a natural paradise for anyone who loves to experience nature without leaving the city.

We’ve reached stage nineteen of the 2025 Giro d’Italia. The starting point is Biella—a city known for its wool and textile production, rich in history, art, and gastronomy. A hearty plate of Polenta Concia, made with Toma cheese and followed by some mostarda, is the perfect way to dive into the local culinary traditions.

After passing Borgofranco d’Ivrea—a strategic point where the Roman Via delle Gallie meets the Via Francigena—the race enters the Aosta Valley. The route crosses Pont-Saint-Martin, a charming village famous for its carnival, and arrives in Bard. Skirting the impressive Fort of Bard and following the Dora Baltea river upstream, the course reaches Verrès.

From here, a tough climb leads up to Col Tzecore (1,623 m), followed by a descent to Châtillon, at the entrance to the Valtournenche valley. Riders then tackle the summit of Col Saint-Pantaléon (1,664 m) before descending again to Saint-Vincent, known as the "Terrace of the Alps", where its thermal baths offer a unique opportunity to relax surrounded by alpine beauty.

Two more climbs stand between the riders and the finish line: Col de Joux (1,639 m) and Antagnod, which at 1,724 meters is the highest point of the stage. This is Val d’Ayas, a place that feels almost enchanted, where the Walser culture continues to pass down timeless traditions through the centuries.

Stage twenty of the 2025 Giro d’Italia begins in Verrès, located at the entrance to the Val d’Ayas and overlooked by the impressive Challant Castle. From here, the route follows the Dora Baltea river downhill, once again passing through the picturesque villages of Bard, Pont-Saint-Martin, and Borgofranco d’Ivrea before arriving in Ivrea. Set in the heart of the scenic Canavese area, Ivrea was known since ancient times as a key trading hub between the Alps and the Po Valley.

After crossing Colle del Lys (1,311 m), the route descends into Villar Dora in the Susa Valley.

The final major climb of the 2025 Giro takes the riders to the highest point of the stage: Colle delle Finestre at 2,178 meters. A descent then leads to Pourrières, a peaceful and charming village nestled in the stunning Val Chisone. From there, the route climbs once more to reach 2,033 meters at Sestriere—Italy’s highest municipality and a true mountain paradise.

The twenty-first and final stage of the 2025 Giro d’Italia winds through the streets of the Eternal City, passing by several landmarks newly restored for the Jubilee Year.

For the Roman time trial, riders will first complete an out-and-back stretch to Ostia, passing through EUR district, the Zodiac Fountain, and Casal Palocco, before entering the city centre for several laps of an urban circuit, covering a total of 141 kilometres.

It’s a major event for the capital, adding to the many celebrations already planned for the Holy Year.

Yet another great reason to spend a few unforgettable days enjoying your own “Roman Holiday.”