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Inspired by the striking scenery and dreamy destinations you’ve seen on screen throughout the stages of this year’s Giro d’Italia? Not sure what to do now it’s over? To help plan your own tour to take in Italy’s iconic art, history, food, and natural beauty – whether you want to hike, bike, wander or drive – the Italian National Tourist Board has created detailed itineraries to follow every fascinating stage, including local recipes to recreate at home. Here are some highlights to add to your next Italian itinerary…
Emanuele Attanasio,, spokesperson from the Italian National Tourist Board, a key sponsor of the event, said: “We were delighted to see an Australian, Jay Hindley, win this year’s prestigious Giro d’Italia cycling race, and we would like to congratulate him for his outstanding effort. Italy is the number one destination in Europe for Australian travellers right now, and we are sure Jay appreciated the support of Australian fans cheering him on from home whilst planning their long-awaited trips back to Italy.”
Stages 4 & 5: SICILY
From golden sandy beaches along the Ionian coast to the biodiverse Etna Park surrounding Europe’s highest active volcano, the Giro’s fourth and fifth stages in Sicily roamed from picturesque coastline to rural hinterland to rugged mountain landscapes. Highlights included the coastal town of Avola, home to world-famous almonds and Sicilian wine Nero d’Avola, and the extravagant architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ‘Late Baroque Cities of the Val di Noto’, including Palazzolo Acreide, home of the magnificent Basilica of San Sebastiano, and Catania, with its impressive old town, ‘lucky’ Elephant Foundation and impressive Ursino Castle which houses the Civic Museum.
Imposing Mt Etna is one of the must-sees for visitors to Sicily. The ‘moonscape’ towards the mountain is in complete contrast to the picture-perfect coastline below and attractions to explore include the Astrophysical Observatory and the historic Rifugio Sapienza, a historic alpine hotel, bar and restaurant where visitors can enjoy rustic dishes including caponata, parmigiana, mushroom and pistachio dishes. Winding back down from Etna’s barren volcanic vistas, visitors can keep an eye out for vultures, eagles, black pigs and Sanfratellani horses in the Nebrodi ranges.
Charming villages to explore in the area include medieval gem Novara di Sicilia with its alleyways, churches and sandstone buildings; seaside Ganzirri and Messina, the finish line for stage five known for its world-famous gelato, granita and cannoli, the astronomical clock in Piazza Duomo and an array of photogenic fountains.
Stage 7: CALABRIA & BASILICATA
This seventh stage of the Giro is all about unique towns from the seaside to the mountains. Highlights include Diamante in Calabria, a favourite with sun-lovers and snorkellers famed for its September Chilli Festival; coastal Maratea, characterised by romantic whitewashed houses and a staggering 44 churches; and the winding narrow streets and balconies overflowing with blooming geraniums in Trecchina.
Moving from villages to the city, Potenza, the capital of Basilicata, is divided into two distinctive parts, the hilltop old town with intimate alleys and compact squares, and the modern city down below. Don’t miss the museum and gallery inside Palazzo Loffredo, followed by a tasty local dinner of pasta with cruschi peppers – simple but so satisfying.
Stage 11: EMILIA ROMAGNA
The eleventh stage of the Giro is all about history, but in good news for amateur cyclists, it’s also one of the flattest stretches, making it an ideal part of the country to explore on two wheels at your own pace. Also known for its food and wine heritage, there will be no shortage of places to stop to refuel with local cured meats and cheeses along the way.
Literature lovers should stop in Cesena to explore the oldest civil library in the world, the Malatesta Library, while the historic centre of Forlimpopoli has numerous historic icons to discover, including the remarkable 14th century Rocca Albornoziana. Looking for dinner options on the road? The local tagliatelle and meatloaf with a glass of Sangiovese is a regional delicacy.
In the regional capital Bologna, discover an incredible 28 kilometres of porticos throughout the historic centre. Feast on traditional tortellini ragù and mortadella in the central Piazza Maggiore – a quintessential visitor experience – marvel at the world’s largest sundial inside the Basilica of San Petronio, then climb to the top of Torre degli Asinelli for a panoramic view over the city.
Stage 13: LIGURIA & PIEDMONT
Riders during the thirteenth stage of the Giro d’Italia pedalled through scenery which changed like the wind. From sandy beaches and rocky cliffs to scrub-covered hills to rolling vineyards and forests – an itinerary made for nature lovers. Regional highlights to explore include Sanremo, the Western Ligurian city of flowers which has a labyrinth-like medieval centre with covered passageways ringing the old town before diving dramatically to the blue Tyrrhenian Sea below.
Heading inland through the Colle di Nava pass which joins Liguria and Piedmont, home to lush lavender fields between June and August, experiences to tick off include a visit to one of Italy’s storybook villages, Garessio, a hot-air balloon flight or funicular ride in Mondovi or alpine views from the final resting point of this stage, Cuneo.
Stage 15: PIEDMONT & AOSTA VALLEY
Following the path of the Giro during the fifteenth stage of the tour was like stepping back in time, making it a favourite with visitors embracing the trends of slow and eco-friendly tourism. Distinctive areas to explore include the vineyards and castles of Canavese, the historic Roman bridge in Pont St Martin, the ancient splendour of the city of Aosta, home to Roman architecture and ruins, and the enchanting, restored town of Verrogne, where the streets are paved with rock.
Cyclists flock to the Gran Paradiso National Park where the terrain includes meadows, lakes and 59 glaciers, as well as the occasional stone or wooden chalet. Wildlife to look out for include chamois, golden eagles, squirrels, marmots and ibex.
Stage 16: LOMBARDY
The Giro’s sixteenth stage began in what’s known as the Riviera dei Limoni (Lemon Riviera), the western shore of Lake Garda which resembles a sublime slice of the Mediterranean thanks to its abundant citrus trees and oleanders. Start the day with a lakeside breakfast at the piazza in Salò followed by a stroll under the painted ceilings of the Palazzo del Podestà.
Following a steep mountainous ascent, visit one of the world’s largest collections of rock engravings near Valcamonica before making your way along the legendary hairpin bends towards Valtellina – much more pleasant on four wheels than two! Tirano is an ideal stop to recharge the visitor batteries with its famed buckwheat tagliatelle, sciatt (melted cheese filled pancakes) and hearty polenta. In Aprica, the final pitstop for this stage, pretty houses painted with frescoes of mountain landscapes are a photographer’s delight.