Giro d'Italia 2025: Ride the Emotion

A short transfer from Treviso brings you the volcanic Euganean Hills and the historic village of Arquà Petrarca, final resting place of the Renaissance poet Petrarch and your base for the next two nights. Once saddled up, take an easy ride out past the town of Este for an afternoon Espresso and a look at the impressive Castello Carrarese overlooking the town. Return to Arquà Petrarca for an evening Aperitivo and dinner in this medieval gem.

This is a day to get better acquainted with the beautiful Euganean Hills. Both options on this day take you through quiet roads in the vineyards and through the small hilltop town of Teolo, while the more challenging option additionally heads up to the evocative Monte della Madonna monastery. Both routes also include the Passo Roverello, which will be ridden by the pros on their way to the Giro stage 13 finish in Vicenza in two days time.

Today it's time to say goodbye to the volcanic hills, and say hello to another set of hills, the neighboring Colli Berici. Stretching South from the city of Vicenza, the Berici Hills were formed from an ancient ocean bed over 100 million years ago. Today it is a playground for cyclists from the area, with its quiet roads and medium difficulty climbs connecting peaceful villages.

After a mostly flat start out of Arquà Petrarca, ride into the hills or skirt the edge of the Berici before a last descent down into Vicenza via the spectacular viewpoint at Monte Berico, where the Giro is set to finish in one day's time. Soak in the vibe of this beautiful city as it prepares to host a stage of what is often called ‘the world's most beautiful bike race'. 

As anticipation of the Giro's arrival grows, head out for more exploration of the Berici Hills on either a shorter or longer loop. You'll have plenty of time to position yourself strategically on the climb up to the Basilica of St. Mary of Mount Berico, where large screens will allow you to track the progress of the riders as they near Vicenza.

As the lead vehicles pass, get ready to soak in the electric energy of the arrival and the fanatical tifosi (fans). Stage finish witnessed, head back to Vicenza for an Aperitivo and share stories and photos of this memorable day. 

Still buzzing from yesterday's encounter with the Giro, it's time to head to another beautiful Veneto town that hosted a legendary 2024 Giro stage finish, Bassano del Grappa. Along the way there is more fantastic riding in store, culminating with a climb up La Rosina, a medium-difficulty ascent with fantastic views that is a favourite of local cyclists. Top off your day with a wander through Bassano's streets and perhaps a taste of the potent local spirit. Alternatively, transfer directly to Bassano and take advantage of the car-free Monte Grappa Bike Day which has been rescheduled to take place the day before the arrival of the Giro.

Stage 15 - from Fiume Veneto to Asiago - is likely to be one of the key stages of this year's Giro as the race climbs the mighty Monte Grappa on its way to the finish on the plains of Asiago. This is also the day to test yourself on the Monte Grappa in advance of the Giro's arrival so you can view the riders as they approach the summit. After watching the pros pass, return directly to Bassano or continue along the route taken by the Giro on a beautiful loop through Arsié returning along the Brenta River Valley cycling route.

If grappling with the Grappa doesn't sound so appealing, catch the Giro riders near the base of the climb and continue on a beautiful loop that combines the picturesque towns of Possagno and Asolo. Return to Bassano for a final evening in this lively town.

Get the last shot of grappa and have a great trip back home! Alla prossima!