Giro d’Italia 2026: May spent in the Tuscan hills

There is a special atmosphere that pervades Tuscany when the pink of the Giro d’Italia (multiple-stage road cycling race held in Italy) begins to colour the medieval villages and coastal roads. Watching the peloton speed through the pine forests of Versilia and the historic squares of Lucca is a unique experience, where the silence of the villages is broken by the cheers of the crowd, turning every bend into a piece of sporting history. The stages on 19th and 20th May will not be mere sporting events, but true celebrations that will transform the streets into an open-air stage.

One of the most thrilling moments of this Tuscan edition will be on Tuesday, May 19th, with the stage linking Viareggio to Massa. This is an "individual time trial", a race format in which each cyclist sets off alone, one minute apart from the next, embarking on a solitary battle against the clock.

Whereas in the other stages the peloton speeds past in an instant, in the time trial – which lasts for hours – the race becomes a succession of solitary efforts, where the passage of each rider allows one to gauge their exertion and speed for much longer than in a normal sprint.

Positioning yourself along the route means enjoying a rare opportunity to admire the riders and the aerodynamic technology of the bikes up close.

On Wednesday 20 May, the atmosphere will change completely: the solitary tension of the time trial will give way to the collective energy of the road stage. The peloton will set off from Porcari, in the heart of the Lucca plain, a village that will become the centre of the cycling world for a day. Witnessing the start is a captivating experience, punctuated by the ritual of the “signing sheet”: the moment when each rider takes to the stage to officially confirm their participation in the race. It is a unique opportunity for close contact, amidst the parade of champions making their way through the crowd, the music and the buzz of the team cars revving their engines before the start.

From the plain, the peloton will cross the territories of Capannori and Lucca, winding its way through vineyards and historic villas that make this corner of Tuscany unique in the world. The riders will then climb towards Versilia and Carrara, where the peaks of the Apuan Alps will provide a marble backdrop to their race, before bidding farewell to our region and heading towards Liguria. It is a stage that promises attacks and breakaways, the kind of cycling that has captivated fans for generations.

Experiencing the Giro d’Italia in Tuscany in May means immersing yourself in a time of year when nature is at its best. The mild temperatures allow you to enjoy the spectacle without the summer heat, and the peloton’s rest day (scheduled for May 18th in the area) gives you the time to explore the roads that the professionals will be racing along shortly afterwards.

The 2026 Giro d’Italia will be more than just a sporting challenge; it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience Tuscany in a whole new light. Whether you’re lining the route for the time trial or at the start in Porcari, you’ll take home memories of a special day spent outdoors, surrounded by a passion for cycling and the unique scenery that this region offers in spring.

For an authentic experience of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, let yourself be swept away by the hospitality of Collichiari. Book your accommodation in Peccioli and turn your passion for cycling into an unforgettable stay in the Tuscan hills.

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