Explore Tuscany during the Giro d’Italia

The 2024 Giro d'Italia, Italy’s most famous cycling race, weaves through Tuscany, bringing its excitement to one of Italy's iconic regions. As cyclists worldwide come together to tackle the challenging stages of this race, visitors can immerse themselves in Tuscan culture, history, and landscapes.

Join us as we explore the Tuscan Stages of the Giro d'Italia, where we’ll uncover the best local cuisine and cultural highlights that Tuscany offers. From the charming streets of Lucca and the vibrant beaches of Viareggio to the serene countryside of Rapolano Terme, each stage of the race allows visitors to discover new faces of this region.

Whether you're a cycling enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking a memorable vacation, Tuscany invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey during the Giro d'Italia.

The 2024 Giro d’Italia will showcase two Tuscan stages. The first stage is scheduled for May 8th, 176 km from Genoa (in Liguria) to Lucca. Tailored for sprinters, this route offers captivating views as it predominantly follows the shoreline.

Cyclists will traverse known locations, including Rapallo, Sestri Levante, Sarzana, Carrara, Massa, and Camaiore, before facing the most demanding section: Monte Magno. The stage concludes as the riders reach Lucca, entering through the city’s historic ring road encircled by the picturesque Renaissance walls.

Lucca offers visitors many opportunities for exploration: within its lovely historical city center, there are several landmarks to visit starting, of course, with a stroll along the city’s ancient walls. You could continue to one of the many historic churches, such as the Cathedral, also known as the Cattedrale di San Martino. This cathedral is a remarkable example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Its façade is particularly noteworthy, featuring elaborate sculptures and marble reliefs. Nearby, in Piazza San Martino, there’s a café that provides a perfect spot for enjoying an aperitivo at sunset.

Another must-visit site is the iconic Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. Located next to Via Fillungo, the main shopping street of Lucca, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro offers a blend of historical charm and vibrant day-to-day life. This square is particularly distinctive because of its elliptical shape, a legacy of the ancient Roman amphitheatre that once stood on this site. Today, the piazza maintains the outline of the original structure and is full of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

For a panoramic view of the city, we recommend climbing the Guinigi Tower, which offers 360 views of the city and its surroundings. Its distinctive feature is the crown of ancient oak trees that grace its summit.

Two cultural experiences not to be missed in Lucca include visiting composer Giacomo Puccini’s birth home (Puccini Museum) and the beautiful Botanical Garden.

The second Tuscan stage of the Giro will occur on May 9th, spanning 177 kilometres, with 12 kilometres traversing dirt roads. This leg of the race is dedicated to honouring Gino Bartali, an Italian cyclist renowned for his achievements in professional road racing during the mid-20th century. Bartali is celebrated for his sporting success and courageous actions during World War II when he played a pivotal role in aiding Jewish people by transporting forged documents hidden within his bicycle frame.

The route offers a panoramic journey from the coastal town of Viareggio to the serene countryside of Rapolano Terme. Cyclists will initially ride along the picturesque coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea. As they venture inland, the route unfolds through charming Tuscan villages and rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves. Finally, the stage finishes in Rapolano Terme, renowned for its thermal baths.

Viareggio, the starting point of this segment, is an important maritime location dating back to Roman times. By the 19th century, it had blossomed into a fashionable seaside resort, attracting elite visitors and artists. In the late 19th century, the city also established its iconic Carnival.

Viareggio's beaches are ideal for families with children as lifeguards occupy them. They also have designated play areas and rental services for beach umbrellas and toys. Additionally, the sandy shores gently slope into the Tyrrhenian Sea, creating shallow waters and making the experience safer for young swimmers. Furthermore, families can take boat trips from Viareggio's harbour to explore several known locations, like Elba Island or the Cinque Terre.

A stand-out feature of this maritime town is the charming promenade, ‘La Passeggiata’, which runs along the coastline. La Passeggiata offers a variety of amenities, such as ice cream shops, cafes, boutiques, and plenty of restaurants that serve delicious fresh seafood.

Rapolano Terme, where this stage of the Giro d’Italia will end, is a charming Tuscan town renowned for its natural thermal springs and serene surroundings. Here, you can truly immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Sienese countryside by embarking on leisurely walks or hikes along panoramic trails.

The town is distinguished by its historic thermal baths, including the renowned Terme Antica Querciolaia, where visitors can experience the healing properties of the mineral-rich waters. Since ancient times, these thermal springs have been known for their therapeutic benefits, making Rapolano Terme a popular destination for wellness retreats and relaxation. Beyond its spa facilities, Rapolano Terme boasts a quaint town centre filled with medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming piazzas.

While enjoying the Giro d'Italia in Lucca, Viareggio or Rapolano Terme, consider exploring the beautiful Tuscan region with its amazing cities, wine districts, and medieval towns.

Take day trips to iconic art and historic cities such as Florence (80 km from Lucca), renowned for its Renaissance masterpieces, or Siena (only 30 km from Rapolano Terme), with its stunning medieval architecture and famous Palio horse race. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is easily reachable from Lucca or Viareggio.

For wine enthusiasts, indulge in wine tasting, known for its world-class wines and picturesque vineyards. Explore the charming hilltop town of Montalcino, celebrated for its production of Brunello di Montalcino wine, and discover the scenic beauty of the Val d'Orcia, where rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves create a picturesque landscape.

Furthermore, there are many charming towns and villages to visit in Tuscany, like San Gimignano, which is known for its well-preserved towers, cathedral, and panoramic skyline views. Or Cortona, steeped in mediaeval charm and filled with historic architecture. Lastly, we suggest visiting Volterra, an ancient Etruscan city filled with history where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside.

When visiting Tuscany, you must experience its celebrated traditional cuisine. Indulge in authentic Tuscan dishes such as ribollita, pici pasta, and bistecca alla Fiorentina in the welcoming atmosphere of local trattorias and family-run osterias. For a deeper exploration, consider planning a food tour to explore local markets, artisan food producers, and vineyards, offering opportunities to taste the region's finest cheeses, olive oils, and wines.

For outdoor enthusiasts, we recommend cycling tours through the stunning countryside or hiking across the rolling hills to soak in the breathtaking views. Visiting one of the many thermal baths or spas throughout the region might be the perfect activity for those seeking relaxation amidst nature.

Finally, take the chance to play at some of Tuscany's beautiful golf courses, famous for their stunning scenery and challenging layouts. Tuscany caters to every golfer, providing memorable experiences for all skill levels.

As you plan your journey to Tuscany during the Giro d'Italia, remember that the region offers far more than just the cycling race. Explore our website to find the perfect villa to rent in Tuscany for an unforgettable Giro d'Italia experience. At Salogi, we understand that every guest has unique preferences and interests. That's why we're here to help tailor your vacation to suit your needs, whether you're interested in exploration and outdoor excursions or indulging in local food.

Get in touch and start planning your dream vacation today.