{"id":35365,"date":"2026-05-26T11:26:44","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T11:26:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/?post_type=inspiracion&#038;p=35365"},"modified":"2026-05-26T12:30:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T12:30:51","slug":"europe-grand-tours-travels","status":"publish","type":"inspiracion","link":"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/en\/cities\/varias-ciudades\/europe-grand-tours-travels\/","title":{"rendered":"Travelling in the footsteps of Europe\u2019s Grand Tours"},"content":{"rendered":"<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From the Giro to the Tour and La Vuelta: three legendary races that are also a different way to discover mountains, villages, lakes and landscapes to enjoy with or without a bike.<\/h5>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Europe\u2019s Grand Tours \u2014the <strong>Giro d\u2019Italia<\/strong>, the <strong>Tour de France<\/strong> and <strong>La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong>\u2014 are much more than sporting competitions: they are moving maps that cross some of the continent\u2019s most spectacular landscapes every year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watching them live is a thrilling experience, but their routes also inspire getaways outside of the race dates. A weekend in the Dolomites, a route through the French Pyrenees or a few days between Asturias, the Basque Country and Andalusia can become the perfect trip for anyone who loves cycling, nature, characterful villages and panoramic roads.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Giro d\u2019Italia: Dolomites, lakes and Alpine villages<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.giroditalia.it\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Giro d\u2019Italia<\/strong><\/a>, the famous <em>Corsa Rosa<\/em>, is one of the most beloved races on the cycling calendar. In 2026 it takes place from <strong>8 to 31 May<\/strong>, with 21 stages and a 3,468-kilometre route. The edition starts in Bulgaria and finishes in Rome, but its most travel-inspiring section for lovers of Italian landscapes is in the north.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/boris-misevic-6q_27bbs3yy-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"carretera curva mota\u00f1a dolomiti\" class=\"wp-image-35342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/boris-misevic-6q_27bbs3yy-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/boris-misevic-6q_27bbs3yy-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/boris-misevic-6q_27bbs3yy-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/boris-misevic-6q_27bbs3yy-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/boris-misevic-6q_27bbs3yy-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/boris-misevic-6q_27bbs3yy-unsplash-1.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/boris-misevic-6q_27bbs3yy-unsplash-1.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What makes the Giro special is its mix of epic challenge and beauty. It is a race of tough mountain passes, Alpine villages, narrow roads and picture-postcard finishes. In a single edition it can move from coast to inland valleys, from historic cities to demanding summits, from the lakes of the north to the mountains that have shaped part of its legend. In 2026, the route includes Alpine stages such as <strong>Aosta-Pila<\/strong>, <strong>Cassano d\u2019Adda-Andalo<\/strong>, <strong>Feltre-Alleghe<\/strong> and <strong>Gemona del Friuli-Piancavallo<\/strong>, perfect for imagining a journey through valleys, lakes and mountain passes.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Giro-inspired getaway: a weekend between lake and Dolomites<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A great way to experience the spirit of the Giro without having to coincide with the race is to plan a getaway between <strong>Verbania, Lake Maggiore and the mountains of northern Italy<\/strong>. Friday can begin with a lakeside walk among gardens, historic villas and small landing stages. On Saturday, the route can continue towards the Alpine valleys, with stops in mountain villages and at natural viewpoints. Travellers bringing a bike should choose sections suited to their fitness level: you do not need to climb a legendary pass to enjoy Italy\u2019s cycling scenery.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another, more mountainous option is to use the area around <strong>Feltre and Alleghe<\/strong>, in the Dolomites, as a reference point. It is an ideal trip for a long weekend: scenic roads, Alpine lakes, trails, terraces with views and villages where cycling is part of the landscape. In spring and summer, you can combine an easy bike ride with walks, local gastronomy and visits to small mountain towns. The closest airport to Feltre is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.volotea.com\/en\/flight-offers\/venice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Venice<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hugo-l-casanova-88pbp37fjss-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ciclisti su strada dolomiti\" class=\"wp-image-35344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hugo-l-casanova-88pbp37fjss-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hugo-l-casanova-88pbp37fjss-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hugo-l-casanova-88pbp37fjss-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hugo-l-casanova-88pbp37fjss-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hugo-l-casanova-88pbp37fjss-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hugo-l-casanova-88pbp37fjss-unsplash-1.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/hugo-l-casanova-88pbp37fjss-unsplash-1.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tour de France: Alps, Pyrenees and the legend of the yellow jersey<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letour.fr\/en\/\"><strong>Tour de France<\/strong><\/a> is the world\u2019s great benchmark for stage racing. In 2026 it takes place from <strong>4 to 26 July<\/strong>, starting in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.volotea.com\/en\/flight-offers\/barcelona\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Barcelona<\/strong><\/a> and finishing in <strong>Paris<\/strong>. The route covers 3,333 kilometres and will feature 21 stages: 7 flat, 4 hilly, 8 mountain stages, one team time trial and one individual time trial.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"428\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2722829241.jpg?resize=640%2C428&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"monumento tour de france biciclette Col d'Aubisque in Francia\" class=\"wp-image-35346\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2722829241.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2722829241.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2722829241.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 edition will be especially interesting for mountain travel. The Tour will pass through the <strong>Pyrenees<\/strong>, the <strong>Massif Central<\/strong>, the <strong>Vosges<\/strong>, the <strong>Jura<\/strong> and the <strong>Alps<\/strong>. Its mountain-top finishes include <strong>Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre<\/strong>, <strong>Plateau de Solaison<\/strong>, <strong>Orci\u00e8res-Merlette<\/strong> and <strong>Alpe d\u2019Huez<\/strong>, which appears twice on the route. The highest point of the race will be the <strong>Col du Galibier<\/strong>, at 2,642 metres.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What makes the Tour unique is its ability to turn a road into a myth. Climbs such as Alpe d\u2019Huez, Galibier and the Pyrenean passes are not only sporting stages: they are pilgrimage sites for amateur cyclists, active travellers and lovers of high-mountain landscapes.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Tour-inspired getaway: a weekend in the French Pyrenees<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a first getaway inspired by the Tour, the <strong>French Pyrenees<\/strong> are a perfect choice. The area around <strong>Pau, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.volotea.com\/en\/flight-offers\/lourdes-tarbes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Lourdes<\/strong><\/a><strong>, Gavarnie and the nearby valleys<\/strong> combines cycling, nature and charming villages. Friday can be devoted to arriving calmly and strolling through Pau or Lourdes. On Saturday, the day can focus on a route towards Gavarnie, famous for its glacial cirque and the mountain atmosphere that surrounds it. Trained cyclists will find a genuine challenge on the nearby passes; those who prefer a calmer ride can enjoy trails, viewpoints and panoramic roads at an unhurried pace.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read also<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/en\/cities\/lourdes\/reasons-to-visit-lourdes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Great reasons to visit Lourdes<\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2776983063-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"panorama valle Lourdes\" class=\"wp-image-35348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2776983063-1.jpg?w=1002&amp;ssl=1 1002w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2776983063-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2776983063-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another possibility is to travel to the <strong>French Alps<\/strong> and use the area around <strong>Bourg-d\u2019Oisans<\/strong>, closely linked to Alpe d\u2019Huez, as a base. You do not need to cycle up its 21 bends to feel the atmosphere of the Tour: simply explore the villages in the valley, head to the viewpoints and discover how a climb can become part of sporting history.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a: tough mountain passes, changing landscapes and unpredictable finales<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lavuelta.es\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a<\/strong><\/a> has a personality all of its own: it is often explosive, mountainous and full of stages where the landscape changes quickly. In 2026 it takes place from <strong>22 August to 13 September<\/strong>, with 21 stages and 3,275 kilometres. The route starts in <strong>Monaco<\/strong>, crosses southern France and Andorra, and then enters Spain with stages in Catalonia, the Valencian Community, Murcia and Andalusia, before finishing in <strong>Granada<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_1156555285-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a a su paso por San Vicente de la Barquera, Cantabria\" class=\"wp-image-35351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_1156555285-1.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_1156555285-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_1156555285-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 edition includes 6 mountain stages, 4 medium-mountain stages, 4 flat stages, 4 hilly stages, one hilly stage with a summit finish and 2 individual time trials. Key points include <strong>Font Romeu<\/strong>, <strong>Andorra la Vella<\/strong>, <strong>Aram\u00f3n Valdelinares<\/strong>, <strong>Alto de Aitana<\/strong>, <strong>Calar Alto<\/strong>, <strong>Sierra de La Pandera<\/strong>, <strong>Pe\u00f1as Blancas<\/strong> and <strong>Collado del Alguacil<\/strong>, before the finish in Granada.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the exact route changes every year, La Vuelta is often strongly associated with places of powerful character: the green landscapes of <strong>Asturias<\/strong>, the intense roads of the <strong>Basque Country<\/strong>, the northern passes and the high-mountain scenery of the south, such as <strong>Sierra Nevada<\/strong>. Its appeal lies in that variety: in just a few days, the race can move from Atlantic coasts to arid sierras, from mining villages to monumental cities, from impossible slopes to urban finishes.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A La Vuelta-inspired getaway: Granada and Sierra Nevada<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a trip inspired by La Vuelta, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.volotea.com\/en\/flight-offers\/granada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Granada<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/en\/cities\/granada\/sierra-nevada-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sierra Nevada<\/strong><\/a> are a safe bet.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The weekend plan can begin on Friday afternoon in Granada, with a walk through the Albaic\u00edn quarter and views of the Alhambra from one of its viewpoints. On Saturday, the getaway can head towards Sierra Nevada: travellers with a bike will find demanding roads and long climbs, while those looking for a more relaxed day out can go up by car, take a walking route or enjoy the villages of the Alpujarra. Sunday is for returning to Granada, visiting the city at a slower pace and ending the trip with tapas, viewpoints and Andalusian atmosphere.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2654967845-1.jpg?resize=640%2C480&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"panprama sierra nevada granada\" class=\"wp-image-35353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2654967845-1.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2654967845-1.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2654967845-1.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2654967845-1.jpg?resize=800%2C600&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2654967845-1.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2654967845-1.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/shutterstock_2654967845-1.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For those looking for a completely different landscape, another possible getaway is inspired by northern Spain: <a href=\"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/en\/cities\/asturias\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Asturias<\/strong><\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.volotea.com\/en\/flight-offers\/bilbao\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Basque Country<\/strong><\/a>. In Asturias, the trip can combine coast, mountains and rural villages; in the Basque Country, scenic roads, gastronomy and cities such as <a href=\"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/en\/cities\/bilbao\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bilbao<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/en\/cities\/san-sebastian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">San Sebasti\u00e1n<\/a>. These are perfect destinations for understanding why La Vuelta is not just a race of mountain passes, but also a way to discover the diversity of Spain.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tips for travelling in the footsteps of a Grand Tour<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Travelling during the race has a special charm: atmosphere on the roads, decorated villages, fans waiting for the peloton and an energy that is hard to find at other sporting events. But it also requires organisation. You need to check road closures, book accommodation in advance and choose carefully where to watch the cyclists pass.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outside the official dates, the experience is calmer and more flexible. You can drive along part of the stages, cycle certain sections, stop in villages that flash past on television during the race and spend more time eating well, walking and enjoying the landscape. It is a good option for <strong>travellers who want to be inspired by cycling without depending on the calendar or the crowds<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a weekend getaway, the ideal approach is to choose one specific area and avoid trying to cover too much:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>in the Giro, a lake and an Alpine valley;\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>in the Tour, a mountain pass or a Pyrenean valley;\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>in La Vuelta, a sierra, a base city and a panoramic route.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That way, the trip keeps the best of cycling: the thrill of the road, but also the pleasure of stopping.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tuvalum-y8_p3yjamok-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"ciclista en carretera monta\u00f1a\" class=\"wp-image-35356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tuvalum-y8_p3yjamok-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tuvalum-y8_p3yjamok-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tuvalum-y8_p3yjamok-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tuvalum-y8_p3yjamok-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tuvalum-y8_p3yjamok-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tuvalum-y8_p3yjamok-unsplash-1.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/tuvalum-y8_p3yjamok-unsplash-1.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Three races, three ways of looking at Europe<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Giro d\u2019Italia invites you to travel through an Italy of elegant mountains, peaceful lakes and villages where the bicycle is part of local culture. The Tour de France opens the door to the grand landscapes of the Alps and the Pyrenees, with roads that are living sporting history. La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a offers a journey that is more changeable, intense and surprising, between the green north, southern sierras and cities full of character.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following the Grand Tours does not necessarily mean cycling for hours or seeing every stage. It can simply mean choosing a destination with a cycling story, taking a panoramic road, sitting on a mountain terrace or discovering a village that appears on television for just a few seconds every summer. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From the Giro to the Tour and La Vuelta: three legendary races that are also a different way to discover mountains, villages, lakes and landscapes to enjoy with or without a bike. Europe\u2019s Grand Tours \u2014the Giro d\u2019Italia, the Tour de France and La Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\u2014 are much more than sporting competitions: they are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35358,"template":"","topics":[2537],"destination":[2899,2650,3066,2830],"class_list":["post-35365","inspiracion","type-inspiracion","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topics-outdoor-beaches","destination-varias-ciudades","destination-granada","destination-lourdes","destination-venecia"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Travelling in the footsteps of Europe\u2019s Grand Tours - VOLARE MAGAZINE | VOLOTEA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From the Giro to the Tour and La Vuelta: three legendary races that are also a different way to discover mountains, villages, lakes and landscapes to enjoy with or without a bike.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/en\/cities\/several-cities\/europe-grand-tours-travels\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Travelling in the footsteps of Europe\u2019s Grand Tours - 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