Saturday 17
May 2025
197 km
Altitude Gain 3800 m
Starting in
A major Apennine stage with significant elevation gain (3700 m) and hardly any flat ground to play with. The route takes on roads often featured in the Tirreno-Adriatico, climbing in sequence Sassotetto (Santa Maria Maddalena pass), Montelago, Castel Santa Maria, and Gagliole. Expect an arrival of select groups.
Host city:
Giulianova, on the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo, is a popular tourist city known for its long sandy beaches and crystal-clear sea. The historic center boasts monuments such as the Church of San Flaviano and the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima dello Splendore. Giulianova is also a key departure point for exploring the Abruzzese coast, offering numerous beach resorts and a lively city life filled with restaurants and entertainment venues. The city is perfect for those seeking a combination of sea, history, and tradition.
Giulianova boasts a rich culinary tradition closely tied to the sea. Among the most representative gastronomic specialties are brodetto al giuliese and seafood lasagna, two dishes that enhance the authentic flavors of the Adriatic. Brodetto al giuliese is a traditional local seafood soup prepared with a variety of fresh fish such as scorpionfish, weever, cuttlefish, and gurnard. The uniqueness of this version of brodetto lies in its slow cooking process and the addition of tomato, bell pepper, and vinegar, which give the dish an intense and enveloping flavor. It is served with slices of homemade bread, perfect for savoring the delicious sauce.
Seafood lasagna is another excellence of Giulianova’s cuisine, a refined first course that combines the delicacy of egg pasta with the richness of seafood. The layers of pasta sheets are filled with a white sauce made from shellfish, mollusks, and delicately flavored fish, all enriched with béchamel sauce and Mediterranean herbs. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish, perfect for seafood lovers.
In addition to these two specialties, Giulianova’s cuisine offers many other dishes that highlight local seafood products, such as spaghetti with clams, mixed fried seafood, and dishes based on mussels and clams.
No culinary journey in Giulianova would be complete without tasting liquore al doppio arancio, a typical local digestif made by infusing the peels of local oranges. Its intense aroma and citrusy flavor make it the perfect way to end a seafood meal, offering a pleasant note of freshness and sweetness.
The historic center of Giulianova, located on a hill overlooking the sea, is a true architectural and historical gem. The Belvedere, the city’s best panoramic point, offers a spectacular view of the Adriatic coast and the surrounding hills. The charming Piazza della Libertà, the heart of the city, is surrounded by prestigious historic buildings, such as the Ducal Palace and the Church of Sant’Antonio.
Wandering through the alleys of the historic center, visitors can admire numerous monuments and points of interest, among which the Cathedral of San Flaviano stands out. This impressive octagonal church houses valuable works of art. The port of Giulianova, one of the most important along the Adriatic, is a fascinating place where visitors can watch fishing boats and taste local culinary specialties in the many waterfront restaurants.
The beach, with its fine golden sand, is a true paradise for sea and sun lovers. Here, visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy various water sports. The Monumental Seafront of Giulianova, one of the most beautiful in Italy, is a long tree-lined avenue that runs along the beach, perfect for a stroll or an outdoor run.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna dello Splendore, located on the hills overlooking the city, is a place of great spirituality, where a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary is venerated. The sanctuary also offers a breathtaking Overview of the coast and the inland areas.
Castelraimondo, nestled in the rolling hills of the Marche region, is a small village with deep medieval roots. The Castle of Raimondo and the historic center, with its cobbled streets, preserve the charm of bygone times. The town is a prime destination for nature lovers, thanks to its proximity to the Monti Sibillini National Park, and for those who appreciate traditional Marche cuisine, featuring delicacies such as ciauscolo and vincisgrassi.
The local cuisine boasts flavorful dishes that highlight high-quality ingredients and narrate the region’s rich culinary history. One of the signature dishes of the Marche region is Vincisgrassi, a local variation of lasagna made with layers of egg pasta, a rich meat ragù, and a generous amount of béchamel sauce. Unlike traditional lasagna, vincisgrassi ragù includes offal, giving it a bold and authentic flavor. This hearty and indulgent dish is often a highlight of festive meals.
Among the signature cured meats of the Macerata hinterland is Ciauscolo, a soft, spreadable salami made from finely ground pork, seasoned with garlic, pepper, and wine. Its delicate taste and creamy texture make it perfect for spreading on rustic bread. Another prized cured meat is Salame Lardellato, distinguished by small cubes of lard within the meat mixture, adding exceptional tenderness and an intense, lingering flavor.
A standout among local main courses is Coniglio in Porchetta, a dish that best represents Marche’s culinary artistry. The rabbit is flavored with wild fennel, spices, and local herbs, then slow-cooked until tender, resulting in a rustic yet flavorful meal, best paired with seasonal vegetables or legumes.
For dessert lovers, Crescia Fogliata is an authentic delight. This traditional pastry features an ultra-thin, flaky, and layered crust encasing a filling of apples, raisins, and nuts. Its delicate taste and spiced aroma make it a perfect treat to enjoy at the end of a meal, especially with a glass of local sweet wine.
Lastly, a staple in Castelraimondo’s cuisine is Lenticchie di Colfiorito, a small, flavorful lentil variety renowned for its nutritional benefits. These legumes are ideal for soups, side dishes, and traditional recipes, pairing excellently with meat dishes or serving as a main ingredient in vegetarian meals.
The winemaking and distilling traditions of Castelraimondo reflect the identity and richness of the Marche region, offering fine wines and uniquely characterful spirits. From mineral-rich whites to sparkling reds and aromatic liqueurs, each sip tells a story of ancient traditions and masterful craftsmanship.
One of the most representative wines of the area is Matelica Verdicchio DOC, a fresh and mineral-rich white wine made from Verdicchio grapes grown in the rolling hills of the Macerata hinterland. Unlike Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, this wine is known for its greater structure and longevity, featuring citrus and floral notes that evolve over time. It pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, fresh cheeses, and local specialties.
A truly unique enological gem is Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG, a rare and prestigious sparkling red wine produced using a triple fermentation process, the final one occurring in the bottle. This method creates a fine perlage and a rich flavor profile, with notes of red berries and spices. Vernaccia is perfect for pairing with traditional desserts or alongside cured meats and aged cheeses.
One of the most historic beverages in the Marche tradition is Vino Cotto, made by slowly cooking grape must until it becomes a dense, aromatic liquid, then aged in wooden barrels for years. With its sweet and complex taste, featuring hints of dried fruit and caramel, vino cotto is ideal as an after-dinner drink or paired with traditional sweets and biscuits.
Among the region’s renowned spirits is Varnelli, a premium anise-flavored liqueur with an intense and aromatic taste, crafted using artisanal methods and natural ingredients. Traditionally used to enhance coffee, Varnelli is also enjoyed neat or on the rocks, thanks to its persistent and refined aroma.
Finally, Amaro Sibilla, originating from the Monti Sibillini, is an herbal liqueur with a strong and balsamic flavor, made from a meticulous selection of roots and medicinal plants. Its recipe, passed down through generations, makes it a perfect digestif, best enjoyed after a hearty meal or as an ingredient in bold-flavored cocktails.
From its imposing medieval tower to its centuries-old traditions and charming hilltop villages, this region offers visitors a captivating journey through history and beauty. The undisputed symbol of the town is the Torre del Cassero, a 30-meter-high tower dominating the landscape. Built in the 14th century by the Da Varano family, rulers of Camerino, it was once part of a larger defensive complex, of which it remains the only intact structure. Its grandeur and breathtaking views over the town and surrounding hills make it a must-visit landmark in Castelraimondo.
One of the most anticipated annual events is the Infiorata del Corpus Domini, a festival that blends art, faith, and community spirit. Every June, the town’s streets transform into a vibrant carpet of flower petals, forming intricate compositions depicting sacred images and decorative patterns. The creation of these masterpieces requires days of meticulous work and the dedication of numerous artists and volunteers, who preserve this centuries-old tradition. The resulting spectacle of colors attracts visitors from across Italy, offering an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Castelraimondo is also home to a unique national institution: the Museo Nazionale del Costume Folcloristico. This museum houses a vast collection of traditional costumes from every Italian region, showcasing history through finely crafted fabrics, embroidery, and accessories. Each exhibit reflects centuries of artisanal craftsmanship and cultural identity, allowing visitors to explore the evolution of folklore and fashion across different eras.
Among the most charming villages in the area is Crispiero, a hidden gem nestled in the hills, known as the birthplace of Nazareno Strampelli, a renowned 20th-century agricultural geneticist. His childhood home, now open to visitors, serves as a site of historical and scientific significance, where one can learn about his pioneering research that revolutionized global agriculture. Beyond its historical and scientific importance, Crispiero offers picturesque scenery and an authentic atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquility in the Marche countryside.
For lovers of unspoiled landscapes and medieval charm, Castel Santa Maria is an unmissable destination. This historic hamlet retains its old-world allure, with stone houses, narrow streets, and breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys. The village serves as an ideal DEPARTURE point for hikes and nature walks, with numerous trails winding through forests and hills. A haven of serenity and authenticity, Castel Santa Maria is the perfect place to reconnect with history and nature.
Durazzo (Durrës) - Tirana (Tiranë)
Tirana (Tiranë) - Tirana (Tiranë) TUDOR ITT
Valona (Vlorë) - Valona (Vlorë)
Alberobello (Pietramadre) - Lecce
Ceglie Messapica - Matera
Potenza - Napoli
Castel di Sangro - Tagliacozzo
Giulianova - Castelraimondo
Gubbio - Siena
Lucca - Pisa TUDOR ITT
Viareggio - Castelnovo ne' Monti
Modena - Viadana (Oglio-Po)
Rovigo - Vicenza
Treviso - Nova Gorica/Gorizia
Fiume Veneto - Asiago
Piazzola sul Brenta - San Valentino (Brentonico)
San Michele all'Adige (Fondazione Edmund Mach) - Bormio
Morbegno - Cesano Maderno
Biella - Champoluc
Verrès - Sestrière (Vialattea)
Roma - Roma
