bus tours italy 2024

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Coach / Bus Tours in Italy 2024/2025

Take in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of Italy. There are 201 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 3 days up to 22 days. The most popular month for these tours is September.

201 Coach / Bus trips around Italy with 6,463 reviews

• Coach / Bus

Sicily & Aegadian Islands (10 days/9 nights) - starting from Catania

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Italy from North to South

I am giving this review 4 stars because I did enjoy my time in Italy because I am the type of person who would not let disappointments hinder my enjoyment of a trip. To start with I was not picked up at the airport as promised, I realize my flight was approx. 45 minutes late ( the lateness was due to the airline while we were already sitting on the runway). I arrived at 10:15, collected my luggage and headed to the meeting point, there was no one there with my name on a placard, I walked around checking different places close to my meeting point, finally at 11:25 I took a taxi that cost me 57 euros(82 CAD) for the trip to the hotel that took about 45 minutes, when I arrived the guy on the desk told me they were looking for me at the airport ??? My itinerary did disclose that the day excursion to Capri is not included between certain months, although I don't remember paying less than someone who went in October and did get this excursion. While travelling to Sorrento the representative we had on the bus informed us we could book a trip to Capri for 165 euros (wow), so I am wondering why this tour group could offer the trip but my booking agency could not, I wandered around Sorrento on the main street and came across 2 companies offering the trip to Capri for 60 euros, remember that folks if you have the time to find a local company, I would highly recommend it. Another contention with me was the solo supplement, while I was investigating this trip there was no mention of extra supplement until I hit the Book Now button, I found this to be deceiving. I paid $945 for solo supplement for a 12 day trip, of course you meet people while travelling and someone shared with me that she was doing the 9 day portion of the trip and was paying $400 USD, now I totally understand the exchange rate between CAD and USD but I really think another $445 for 3 extra days is extravagant to say the least, this is a Canadian company taking advantage of Canadians. When we returned to Rome during our travels we stayed at the same hotel I was at on my first night in Rome where I had a double room, it was comfortable by most standards. I cannot say the same for my return stay, I was in a single room and may as well been sleeping on the floor, the bed was ROCK hard. I really enjoyed Rome and have plans to return but definitely not with this company and will not use this company to book any further trips. You have disappointed me Wingbuddy and I won't give you the opportunity to do so in the future, so this is good-bye.

Italian Holiday (7 Days)

The ease of travel, opportunity to see different cities and a mind blowing amount of top tourist sites makes this guided tour a great option. There's one major miss on the trip...food and wine. When you think of Italy, you think of great pasta and wine, but the options included were lack luster. If the travel guide would provide details on the selected options it would have driven us to find alternative eats and drinks.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover Italy

It was overall a great trip!

Best of Italy (Summer, 13 Days)

The tour was great. You see a lot of Italy. Lots of site seeing and the food was amazing.

Splendor of Sicily 8 Days Tour - from Catania

Everything is good.Mr.Omar help me a lot.

Sicilian Landscapes: Catania-Catania (8 days/7 nights)

Meals need to be improved, especially dinners. Stop at the mall was waist of time. We were not informed about swimming opportunities so we left our swim attire on the bus.

Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

Entire trip was good. Eduardo a good guide and very conscientious. Very helpful All locations good Some downtime while we were waiting for the buses could have been used for personal site seeing.

A Taste of Italy: 11 Days

It was an enjoyable cross-section of Italian culture The architecture,the people, the food & wine with lashings of history thankyou very much.

A Taste of Italy: 8 Days

MIRACLE OF ASSISI It all started when my wife noticed she had left her mobilephone in the public restroom near The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, in the bus which had run more than half hour after we left Assisi. Impossible to return. So, I called my wife's mobile phone from mine, and a man answered, but we could not communicate because he spoke Italian. When I asked our tour guide, Sabrina to replace me, she found the man was a friar, and the mobile phone was kept in the church office. OK, the mobile phone was safe, but how could we get it back? Then, Gigi, the driver of our bus, used the network of bus drivers, and wrote the scinario. Mr.A, the driver of the tour visiting Assisi the next day, would receive mobile phone from the church, and carry it to a sightseeing spot where he could meet Mr.B, the driver on the way back to Rome. Thus, the mobile phone was delivered to the hotel in Rome by Mr.B, before we returned to Rome. Thanks to Sabrina, Gigi and two other drivers - and also the anonymous woman who found the mobile phone in the restroom and brought it to the church -, the mobile phone was successfully relayed and we could fully enjoy the tour without sacrificing any of our itinerary. OTHER IMPRESSIONS •Hotels: Hotel St.Martin in Rome locates near the Termini station and was convenient. Hotels in Florence and Venice were far from the city center but not bad considering the price of this tour. •Meals: almost average. Lunch at Montepulciano was superb. •On the first day, "Rome at sunset tour" is offered. It is a night walking tour which visits several famous spot such as Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and so on. But I'd like to say, Visit Them In Daylight if you have time. Once again, Thanks to Sabrina and Gigi!

Italian Expresso - 5 days

Tour was great. The tour guide was difficult to understand however. It was advertised that there was a washroom on the bus but we were not permitted to use it.

Mini Tour of Sicily from Catania to Palermo

The accommodation was excellent, the meals were great, the tour guide and driver did their jobs well. At times we were standing for too long listening to guides. Need to consider the age demographic and look at finding more seating on the walking tours. Some of the towns we visited were for free time and there was really nothing to see or do- wasted hours. Please consider the locations and the number of stairs as this impacted our enjoyment. The tour stated suitable for children through to 90- a little misleading. Overall we enjoyed the tour, just a few glitches that could be addressed. ????

The Best of Italy

Spectacular country. Well planned and executed tour by Globus.

Best of Italy (Classic, Summer, 11 Days)

The first hotel in Rome Romanico Palace Hotel was a dump, dirty and dingy. When arriving in Rome after a long plane ride, I would have expected a nicer hotel for the money we paid. Also, we paid a premium for a small group (20 people) but ended up with the larger group (60 people) on several occasions such as breakfast in two hotels that was chaos BTW and some tours. When we pay extra to be in a smaller group, I expect that this would be honoured by Insight. We were disappointed and didn’t get what we paid for.

Rome, Florence & Venice

My tour was amazing, my tour guide Alessia is amazing, very helpful, she is the best!

Italy Coach / Bus Tour Reviews

I would recommend it to my friends.

Everything about this tour was outstanding! I have no comment only praise!

Regions in Italy

• South Italy (76)
• Sicily (38)
• Central Italy (27)
• Northern Italy (22)
• Campania (16)
• Puglia (15)
• Tuscany (15)
• Amalfi Coast (13)
• Italian Lakes District (10)
• Apulia (10)
• Lombardy (7)
• Cinque Terre (5)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Coach & Bus Companies (with Reviews)
• Italy Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Itinerary Ideas for 10 Days in Italy, 2022-2023
• Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Discover the Best Italy Vacation Packages 2024/2025
• What is the best time to visit Italy in 2024/2025?

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Enjoy la bella vita in Italy

Beauty is everywhere in Italy—its spectacular scenery, rich history, lavish artistic masterpieces, and its beloved cuisine. Discover the romance of Italy when you fall in love with this legendary country.

Venice's Grand Canal is lined with grand, ornately adorned buildings dating back to the 13th to 18th centuries.

Roman Colosseum

Rome's architectural marvel allowed 50,000 spectators to view gladiatorial contests, wild animal hunts—including bears, elephants, and giraffes—and even "sea battles" on water channeled in via aqueducts.

• Sistine Chapel

A restoration of Michelangelo's richly painted ceiling frescoes in the late 20th century not only removed layers of dirt and grime—it also erased the fig leaves and loincloths that Pope Pius IV had added to the nude figures in the 1500s.

Perched on a cliff of volcanic rock, overlooking the verdant valleys of Umbria, Orvieto is full of rich history, from its gorgeous stone buildings to the elaborate system of tunnels and wells built beneath the city by the ancient Etruscans.

The volcanic ash that blanketed Pompeii when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD preserved its contents so well that archaeologists found loaves of bread, walnuts, figs, and eggs among the ruins.

The charming coastal city of Sorrento is built into the cliffs above its world-class beaches and crystalline seas.

Duomo in Florence

It took two centuries to create the cathedral in Florence, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and artistry. Step inside for a few minutes to enjoy the gorgeous frescoes inside the dome.

Historic Bologna has become legendary for its cuisine, including the Bolognese sauce that bears its name.

• Trevi Fountain

It's tradition to throw coins over your left shoulder, using your right hand, when you visit the grand Trevi Fountain in Rome. Throwing just one ensures that you'll return to Rome someday, while tossing two more coins into the fountain means your wishes for love and marriage will come true.

Italian Cuisine

Italy lays claim to one of the world's truly great national cuisines. Treat yourself!

Amalfi Coast

Campania's seductive Mediterranean landscape overflows with delights for all the senses, from intoxicating blossoms to brilliant views and marvelous cuisine.

• Isle of Capri

Candy-colored boats and buildings line Marina Grande, beside the aquamarine sea on the Isle of Capri.

MIchaelangelo

From his David to the Sistine Chapel, viewing the great artist's works are an unforgettable art lover's dream.

Try the world's most famous pie in the country that invented it, and the mozzarella that is its signature topping.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence

You can shop for souvenirs right along this medieval span, where jewelers and art dealers keep shop right over the Arno River.

• Roman Forum

Walk in the footsteps of Julius Caesar in these remarkably well-preserved ancient ruins, once the very heart of Rome.

One of the world's truly unique and unforgettable cities, Venice offers its romantic canals, gorgeous churches, and delicious food.

The heart of the Roman Catholic Church is the home St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the residence of the pope.

Italy Tours

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• Rosscarbery
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• The Glyde Inn
• Thingvellir National Park
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• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
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• Corrib Cruise
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• Culloden Battlefield Visitor Center
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• Daliborka Tower
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• Edinburgh Tour
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• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
• Evening Canal Cruise
• Falconry Exhibition
• Famous Blacksmiths Shop
• Field of Mars
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• Florence Walking Tour
• Fort Augustus
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• General Post Office Museum
• Giant’s Causeway
• Glamis Castle
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Glen Grant Distillery
• Glencoe Mountains
• Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
• Glenfiddich Distillery
• Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter)
• Glengesh Pass
• Goathland Station (Hogsmeade from Harry Potter)
• Golden Circle
• Golden Lane
• Goriska Brda
• Gothic-Baroque Cathedral of St. Mark
• Government Palace
• Gower Peninsula
• Grafton Street, Dublin
• Grampian Mountains
• Great Orme Tramway
• Gruz Harbor
• Guinness Storehouse
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Hallgrímskirkja
• Harlech Castle
• Harry Potter Walking Tour
• Harry’s Bar
• Hebridean Smokehouse
• Hekla Volcano
• Heroes’ Square
• Highland Safaris
• Hillsborough Castle
• Hofburg Palace
• Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra
• Horgabost Beach
• Horseshoe Pass
• Houses of Parliament
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• Inverewe Gardens
• Iron Age House
• Isle of Benbecula
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• Isle of Harris Distillery
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• Italian Chapel
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• Jupiter’s Temple
• Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
• Kashmir Goats
• Kensington Palace
• Killarney National Park
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• Lake Bohinj
• Lake District
• Lake Windermere Cruise
• Lanhydrock House
• Lava Center
• Lazienki Park & Palace
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• Liberty Monument
• Limerick Panoramic Tour
• Lissadell House
• Literary Tea with Scones
• Little Museum of Dublin
• Llandudno Tram
• Loch an Duin
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• Lochboisdale
• London Pub Food Tour
• London Tour
• Lovespoon Workshop
• Luskentyre Beach
• Lynch’s Castle
• Machynlleth
• Malo Jezero
• Matthias Church
• Mayflower Steps
• Medieval Castle Banquet
• Mercato Centrale
• Merry Ploughboy Pub
• Mljet Island & National Park
• Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto
• Moscow University
• Mount Snowdon
• Mount Stuart House
• Nace Homestead
• Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh Heritage Centre
• National Slate Museum
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• North Yorkshire Moors Railway
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• Old Market Square
• Old Royal Palace
• Olive Oil & Wine Tasting
• Olympic Stadium
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• Our Lady of the Rocks
• Oxford Walking Tour
• Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Palace of Science and Culture
• Palace Square
• Palaces for the People
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Pembroke Castle
• Penderyn Distillery
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• Peter and Paul Fortress
• Petrodvorets
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• Pitlochry Pub Lunch
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• Postojna Cave
• Powerscourt House
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• Provand’s Lordship
• Rannoch Moor
• Rector’s Palace
• Red Deer Encounter
• Reykjavik City Tour
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• Ring of Brodgar
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• Robba’s Fountain
• Roman baths
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• Royal and Ancient Clubhouse
• Royal Castle
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• Royal Cathedral
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Royal Military Tattoo
• Royal Route
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• Schiller Theater
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• Secret Lagoon
• Seine River Cruise
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• Senate Square
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• Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Sheepdog Demonstration
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• Skellig Experience
• Skofja Loka
• Skogafoss Waterfall
• Skogar Folk Museum
• Slieve League Cliffs
• Smallest House in Britain
• Smolny Cathedral
• Snowdonia National Park
• South Pole Inn
• Spanish Steps
• Spean Bridge
• Speyside Distilleries
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• Square of the Five Wells
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• St. Fagans National Museum of History
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• St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Step Dancing
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2025 Tours: Book Early, Save $200pp - Use Code EBD25200

Taste of Italy

Starting from $2,345

Get your first taste of the delights of Venice, Florence, Rome, and more on this enchanting Italian tour. You'll  get to enjoy the ancient ruins, architectural and artistic masterpieces, and…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2025 Tours: Book Early, Save $300pp - Use Code EBD25300

Taste of Italy with Sorrento

Starting from $3,745

Enjoy a little more time—and a lot more beauty—on this extended tour of Italy. Visit the most spectacular sights of Venice, Rome, and Florence with our Taste of Italy tour, then move on to the…

Tuscan Treasures with Cinque Terre

Starting from $2,095

Stay in a luxurious spa town to explore Tuscany’s medieval gems, enjoy gourmet food and wine, and discover the captivating villages of Cinque Terre.

Italy at a glance

1 euro per person or 10% when dining

Avg.Summer Temp

Avg. winter temp, peak tourist season.

June, July & August

Local lingo

Figurati (Don't worry about it)

Che figata (How cool!)

Amore a prima vista (love at first sight)

Must-have souvenirs

Murano glass

truffle pasta

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and our tour director was wonderful! He really made this trip one to remember for a long time!

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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27. Bologna Food Experience: Factory tours & Family-Style Lunch

28. Tour Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and Parma ham

29. Chianti Wine Tour from Florence

30. Bernina Express Tour Swiss Alps & St Moritz From Milan

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Italy Tours in 2024

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If Italy has been on your travel wishlist, 2024 is the year to bring your travel dreams to life. We have curated this collection of Italy tours in 2024 to inspire your custom trip. Float along the canals of Venice, sip fine wines in the rolling hills of Tuscany, and explore the ancient sites of Rome. Experience the food, wine, art, and culture that makes travelers fall in love with Italy. Revealing iconic cities and stunning landscapes, our tours of Italy in 2024 offer the perfect introduction.

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9  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,217

Immerse yourself in Italy with unique and interactive experiences at every turn. Travel through Italy’s heartland with stops in bustling, metropolitan cities and countryside estates before walking the cobblestone avenues of ancient gladiators, sailing down gentle waterways, and basking in the Tuscan sunshine. The architectural and artistic masterpieces, colorful frescoes, and gorgeous mosaics will give you something to take your breath away before you master the art of Italian cuisine and learn the techniques behind the perfect pizza, creamy gelato, and chocolate delights. Cathedrals, castles, museums, and monuments are waiting to be explored, and expert guidance in addition to customized experiences at each location make this luxurious, 9-day adventure through Italy the perfect family break.

14  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $5,007

Capture the essence of history, culture, and cuisine during your customizable, 14-day highlights tour of Southern Italy and Sicily. Indulge in the alluring splendor of heritage featured in colorful towns around the Amalfi Coast and within the elegantly-preserved architecture of Palermo. From walking the excavated streets of Pompeii to strolling beneath luxurious, Baroque adornments in Lecce, your Southern Italy and Sicily tour embraces grandeur and immerses you in unrivaled beauty.

10  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $3,695

Embark on this 10-day luxury tour of the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Positano, and Rome that combines modern comforts with historic Italian delights. A picturesque canvas of seaside towns inhabited with warm indigenous hospitality and vibrant beach culture, the Amalfi is Italy’s meridian of relaxation and beauty. Sip champagne and dine on seafood at one of the many gourmet restaurants along the crystal blue seashore and find yourself enjoying gelato at “The Terrace of Infinity” in Ravello, perched upon the jagged cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean. Travel back through ancient civilization and visit the marvels that define Rome, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast.

Dynamic pricing from  $3,665

Embrace the wonderment of Rome, Florence and Venice as you enjoy the highlights of these iconic cities on this 10-day itinerary. From lavish gardens to the impressive museums, romantic cafes to private corridors, you have the key to the picturesque treasures of Italy.

7  Day Custom Tour

Dynamic pricing from  $2,501

Soak up the essence of Italy during this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Discover hidden gems around every corner of Italy’s charming cities, stroll along cobblestone streets while taking in the smell of roasting espresso beans and freshly wood-fired pizza, and hear the sounds of church bells as they ring across the piazza. In Italy, you will explore ancient sites, bask in world-renowned artistic masterpieces, and taste local delicacies such as artisan olive oil and regional wines from the many vineyards that dot the rolling hills. Experience three very different and unique regions in Italy on this luxurious, 7-day excursion that will leave you with vivid and lasting memories.

Dynamic pricing from  $3,575

Northwest Italy is yours to explore on this tailored tour that leads from the rich city of Turin to the spectacular coastline of the Cinque Terre and the magic metropolis of Milan. Every step of the way, you will treat yourself to the tantalizing flavors of Italian cuisine and witness the breathtaking unspoiled backdrops of Italy’s countryside while learning more about the local culture and heritage.

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We recommend visiting the most iconic and historic cities on trips to Italy in 2024. Rome, Florence, and Venice are an excellent introduction to the old-world charm and romantic ambiance.

• Rome : As the capital and largest city in Italy, Rome offers an incredible mix of iconic ancient ruins, historic sites, museums, architecture, food, and culture. Rome is also very easy to get around, with a compact city center that allows you to see many of the main attractions on foot in just a few days.
• Florence : Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is packed with beautiful works of art and architecture to discover around every corner, from the Duomo Cathedral to Michelangelo’s iconic David . With walkable cobblestone lanes along the Arno River, Florence offers a charming, quintessential Italian atmosphere that makes it easy to immerse yourself in culture, cuisine, wine, shopping, and history.
• Venice : With its intricate network of winding canals and alleyways, iconic gondolas, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and lively Piazza San Marco, Venice offers enchanting Italian tours in 2024. Exploring Venice's car-free streets, getting delightfully lost among the bridges and waterways, and soaking in centuries of art, culture, and history makes for an unforgettable, bucket-list trip to Italy.

Beyond the classic cities, consider exploring the picturesque Tuscan countryside, coastal villages along Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, and the island charms of Sicily, a few of the best places to visit in Italy in 2024.

• Tuscany : With its postcard-perfect rolling hills, vineyards, medieval towns, and bountiful food and wine scene, Tuscany lets travelers sample the relaxed Italian countryside lifestyle at its best. From exploring Renaissance gems like Pisa and Lucca to wandering the Chianti Winelands, Tuscany has no shortage of stunning landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and charming villages to lose yourself in.
• Cinque Terre : Cinque Terre’s famous string of five colorful cliffside villages along the Mediterranean coastline offers some of Italy’s most breathtaking natural beauty, linked by scenic hiking trails. Cinque Terre gives visitors a quintessential taste of Italy's irresistible coastal charm in a uniquely picturesque setting.
• Amalfi Coast : With its towering cliffs plummeting into the sparkling Mediterranean, pastel-colored fishing villages, endless lemon groves, and postcard-perfect vistas around every turn, the jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast beckons travelers to indulge in Italy at its most stunning. Explore the coastal hamlets like Positano and Ravello, and soak up the glamorous atmosphere that makes the Amalfi Coast a memorable Italian escape.
• Sicily : As the largest island in the Mediterranean and with a culture all its own, Sicily gives visitors a taste of ancient history infused with Mediterranean flavors and island beauty. With Greek and Roman ruins dotting vibrant cities like Palermo and Catania, along with Mount Etna’s volcanic landscapes, sparkling beaches, delicious cuisine, and charming seaside villages, Sicily beckons with the chance to soak up a one-of-a-kind slice of Italian lifestyle.

If you're visiting Italy, this exciting country offers endless possibilities for creating memorable moments. From tours of ancient sites to gliding Venetian canals, here are the top experiences for Italy trips in 2024:

• Visit the breathtaking St. Peter's Basilica and discover the Vatican Museums.
• Tour the historic Colosseum and let your imagination run wild, picturing the gladiator battles once held there.
• Cruise Venice’s Grand Canal by gondola to admire the Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge.
• See Michelangelo’s renowned statue of David and other Renaissance masterpieces at the Galleria dell'Accademia museum in Florence.
• Learn traditional culinary techniques during an immersive pasta-making class in Rome or a pizza-making demonstration in Naples.
• Sample flavorful wines and olive oils at a working vineyard or farm in the rolling hills of Tuscany.
• Wander through the ruins of ancient Pompeii for a glimpse into daily life during Roman times.
• Visit medieval hill towns like San Gimignano in Siena for stunning valley views and boutique shopping.

With over 3,000 years of history, world-famous art, and a rich culinary heritage to savor, planning the perfect length for your first visit to Italy deserves careful consideration. While some try to squeeze Italy's treasures into just a few days, to truly soak up the atmosphere and experience the best of Italian culture, most travelers prefer to spend a minimum of 10 to 14 days on their vacation.

Popular itineraries often focus on Italy's star attractions in Rome, Florence, and Venice, which could be covered in a quick one-week visit. However, to allow time to fall in love with each destination, get a taste of local life alongside sightseeing, and take day trips to surrounding highlights, two full weeks provide ideal pacing. You’ll still need to be selective, as seeing all of Italy in one vacation would take months, but the best two-week trips make for magical memories.

Beyond the essential stops in Rome, Florence, and Venice, many travelers add a fourth location, such as the Tuscan countryside, Milan, the Amalfi Coast, or Sicily, to round out a two-week Italy vacation. Whether you adore food, wine, history, art, hiking, or slowing down, two weeks sets you up to discover top regions and experience the best things to do.

Learn more: How to Plan a Trip to Italy: Frequently Asked Questions

With so many incredible destinations to discover, planning your ideal Italy itinerary with our specialists means we can focus on the logistics and you can fully immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine. We recommend maximizing your time by considering these most popular trips for 2024:

• See the iconic sights, savor the essential flavors, and experience the local lifestyle that makes Italy an unforgettable destination on our Best of Italy for First-Timers tour.
• Our Italy Family Vacation for First-Timers is the perfect introduction for families seeking the sights, tastes, and adventures that make Italy an unforgettable destination steeped in culture, excitement, and, of course, incredible pasta, pizza, and gelato.
• Our Rome, Florence, and Venice: Highlights and Hidden Treasures of Italy Tour promises iconic Italia at its finest. It blends must-see sights, like the Roman Colosseum and the canals of Venice, with lesser-discovered gems for an authentic experience.

Explore more ideas with our best luxury Italy itineraries and inspiration in our Italy travel guide .

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“Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a world class museum with an incredible renaissance art collection. Enjoy a guided tour with a Local Specialist to make the experience more memorable, especially when in front of Botticelli’s stunning ‘Birth of Venus’ painting”

Pino, Travel Director

See Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel

One of the most important structures of the Catholic faith, the Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel is a must-see on a tour of Italy. Though the chapel walls have witnessed centuries of worship, it’s the renaissance ceiling paintings of Michelangelo that will leave you in awe.

Visit the glamorous Isle of Capri

Enjoy the classic Italian summer in Italy’s picture-perfect Gulf of Naples. Famed for its crystal grottos, dramatic coastlines and endless glamour, our trips to Italy are complete with a day of freedom spent under a striped umbrella, watching sailboats pass by.

Cruise your way through Venice

The charm found in the canals of Venice is nothing short of irresistible. Admire gothic palaces and postcard bridges whilst adrift in a gondola, gaining an understanding of life in a city that floats. Exploring a city by foot will never be the same after a trip to Venice.

Journey to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii

An unfathomable history lesson is found in the archaeological ruins of Pompeii. Buried and preserved by the ash of a volcano eruption in the year 79, in this Italian town you will discover the progressive life of early Roman times as you walk within the parameters of an open-air time capsule of life on Earth.

Go shopping in Italy's fashion capital Milan

Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace. These are some of the prestigious fashion brands that call the Italian city of Milan home. In between yearning through boutiques and department stores, stop to sample the city’s delicacies like breaded veal cutlet and ossobuco.

Our top 5 things to do in Italy

It's the moments of quiet stillness that take your breath away on a Trafalgar tour through Italy. Sitting in the calm halls of the Vatican. Floating on the canals of Venice. Standing beside the ruins of Pompeii.

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters are found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo dress Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River will show you the building’s architectural brilliance.

Vatican Museums

A collection of Christian artwork that spans centuries and stirs the soul is found in Rome’s Vatican Museums. From the intricate ceiling by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel to the detailed Pope portraits from the 16th century to today, you will be lost for words once inside this blessed museum complex.

Doge's Palace

Home to the leader of Venice from its opening in 1340, Doge’s Palace summarizes the sparkle of this city. An opulent example of Venetian Gothic architecture and home to numerous historical works, this museum is a must when you visit Venice.

Best museums in Italy

The epicenter of the Catholic faith and the birthplace of art’s most renowned masters. Our guided tours of Italy will take you to the many museums found here, whether in the Sistine Chapel, by the canals of Venice or in the grand galleries of Tuscany.

The authentic carbonara experience will take place in Rome, covered in salty Pecorino Romano cheese. A simple dish inspiring heart-warming meal times, this pasta will connect you with Italy’s rich culinary customs - an impressive evolution from its supposed heritage as a coal-miner’s meal.

Pollo alla Cacciatora

Literally translating to ‘hunter’ in Italian, cacciatore offers an appreciation for Italy’s meals of days gone by. Typically a preparation of rabbit or chicken, it’s the simmering tomato stew that makes this dish so mouthwatering. Satisfy a genuine hunger and consume with hand-ripped bread.

Italy tours are best served with an oversized slice of tiramisu. Cementing this country's obsession with espresso, this cake of layered biscuits soaked in coffee is the perfect after hours pick-me-up before an evening stroll through the charming streets.

Best food in Italy

A date with Italian food will likely start and end with a slice of pizza. But it’s the menu items that we share with you in between that will take your appreciation to new heights; think cacciatore and Carbonara with a slice of tiramisu in between.

What to pack for Italy

A classic linen outfit

The Italians are famous for their equal parts glamorous and effortless dress sense. Look the part with a few ensembles featuring classic linens in navy and white.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Italy, you might find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to remember the traditional Italian recipes you learn.

With such a large expanse of space to explore, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about Italian history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A small blanket

When exploring the soul-stirring setting of Tuscany, a picnic may call. Come prepared with a small blanket to cover in wine and cheese.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

A classic memoir that brought the romance of Tuscany to the world, there’s no better time to read this book than when venturing through the country yourself.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

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Ciao Bella Italia!

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

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Destination must-see's.

Cinque Terre:

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means that it is a valuable and protected place on earth. Feel like you have stepped back in time when you visit this collection of colorful medieval villages sitting high on the edge of the sea.

Visit a place that was frozen in time in the summer of A.D. 79. Soak in 2,000 years of history at the excavated ruins of Pompeii as a local expert provides you with a detailed view of this incredibly preserved archaeological site.

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and perhaps one of the most recognizable places on the planet. It sits right in the center of Rome and was constructed by emperors of the Flavian dynasty. Imagine being there in its day!

Go off the beaten path to see the Castello Sestiere area with a local guide and get to know authentic Venice. You’ll be able to walk canal by canal through streets lined with historic buildings and old churches. See how the locals live every day with each step you take in this unique city.

Destination Must-Do's

Get a Taste of Sicilian Street Food:

Each region of Italy has its own dishes of renown, and Sicily has a rich street food culture. Chickpea fritters (panelle), fried potato croquettes (crocchè) fried risotto balls (arancine/arancini), and cannoli are just some of the items you may find while sampling the local fare.

Tour Lucca:

The fascinating medieval city of Lucca is surrounded by 16th-century Renaissance walls. Choose to see it by bike or on foot, but either way will bring you to see the Cathedral of San Martino, the Piazza Napoleone and the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, all sites you simply should not miss.

Visit Capri:

On a beautiful day, take a boat trip from the stunning Amalfi Coast to the lovely Mediterranean island of Capri. There, a local expert will bring you on a tour of a dreamy place that can only be described as paradise on earth.

Drink wine:

Just about anywhere you go in Italy, you’re going to encounter fantastic wine. Whether you’re in Tuscany, Stresa, Piedmont, Umbria or any other region of this beautiful country, taste the wine. Buy a few bottles and bring it home to enjoy with friends and family.

Expert Advice

Some of what you think of as traditional Italian foods are actually American interpretations and not widely available there. Some examples are heavy cream sauces such as alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmigiana (however, you may find these items in more tourist-oriented restaurants).

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Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

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A world beyond. Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. 

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Viva Italia!

From the historic piazzas of Rome to the pastel-tinted fishing villages of Cinque Terre, the quiet back alleys of Assisi to the vine-clad hills of Tuscany, and the sweet views of Lake Como to the world-class art of Florence, unlock the best and brightest sights of Italy with Cosmos. Stroll through the medieval-walled city of Siena, ponder the curious tilt at the Tower of Pisa, sample traditional Neapolitan pizza in Naples, and step back in time in Pompeii. A Cosmos Italy tour will have you living la dolce vita in every way.

Italy Highlights

Discover the wonders of sun-kissed Sicily, from the flamboyant capital city of Palermo to the ultra-chic Taormina Riviera. As you follow the island’s sparkling coastline, you can expect archaeological treasures, UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient works of art, and a cool gelato on every corner.

Lake Maggiore

Protruding into Switzerland with Italian shores shared by Piedmont and Lombardy, Lake Maggiore is not only gorgeous, it’s a peaceful alternative to Lake Como. With its prestigious Italian gardens, intriguing palaces, and scenic landscapes, it’s a must-visit.

High above postcard-perfect plains below, Assisi is the home of St. Francis of Assisi (born 1180) which brings thousands of Christian pilgrims every year. Whether you’re religious or not, you’ll be struck by the town’s quaint historic centre and striking UNESCO World Heritage Site – Basilica di San Francesco.

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A world beyond. Hassle-free planning, regional Tour Directors & Local Guides, Handpicked hotels and inclusions, seamless transportation, VIP access, and rare Local Favourites that go beyond the guidebook. 

Adventure is knocking. Turn “never thought I would” into “glad I did” with a budget-friendly tour that includes all the essentials plus a great mix of included excursions and free time. 

Cruising Elevated. Cruise on Suite Ships with the widest stateroom views from your window-facing bed. Relaxed luxury flows throughout the ship in every detail plus personalise with Classic, Active, and Discovery excursions.

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Bella Italia

From the pastel hues found along its dramatic coasts to the lush green hilltops that envelop its medieval, magical villages, Globus invites you to discover the beauty of Italy. Glide along the canals of Venice and gaze upon the colourful cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Stroll the stylish avenues of Milan and sip wine below the Duomo in Florence. Explore Italy's greatest architecture, artworks, and amazing culinary delights as well as its hidden havens and less-travelled lanes, from Sorrento’s lemon-tree lined streets to Alberobello’s ancient alleyways.

Italy Highlights

Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art. Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, as well as the spectacular Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square.

Centuries ago, gondolas were the main form of transportation in Venice. Today, Venetian gondoliers continue generations of family tradition to squire visitors through the city’s winding waterways while serenading passengers with romantic Italian ballads.

The archaeological site of Pompeii provides a treasured glimpse into Roman life near the Bay of Naples. This once thriving Roman city was consumed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. See the preserved site of excavated ruins that reveal remarkable frescoes, artwork, and artifacts within its streets and dwellings.

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Giro d'Italia 2024 – the comprehensive team guide

Get the lowdown on all 22 teams at La Corsa Rosa, from leaders and riders to watch to their main objectives

Alpecin-Deceuninck

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The first Grand Tour of 2024 gets underway on May 4th when the Giro d'Italia begins in Turin. Tadej Pogačar is the main attraction as he makes his Giro debut as part of an attempt to win both the Tour of Italy and Tour de France.

UAE Team Emirates aren't the only outfit to watch, with prime contenders coming from Ineos Grenadiers who will be backing last year's runner-up Geraint Thomas, and Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale behind leader Ben O'Connor.

Visma-Lease a Bike come into the race missing Wout van Aert and hoping that Cian Uijtdebroeks can challenge for the GC, and Movistar's newest hire, Nairo Quintana, is chasing stages after separating his collarbone in a crash at the Volta a Catalunya and lacking the form to race for the overall classification.

Other teams will be fully focussed on stage wins or minor classifications like the points, mountains or new Intergiro competition.

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• Team leader: Kaden Groves
• Objective: Stage wins, points classification
• Riders to watch: Quinten Hermans
• Riders: Kaden Groves, Tobias Bayer, Nicola Conci, Quinten Hermans, Jimmy Janssens, Timo Kielich, Edward Planckaert, Fabio van den Bossche

Kaden Groves leads Alpecin-Deceuninck into the fourth Grand Tour of his career following successes at both the Vuelta a España and Giro d'Italia over the previous two seasons.

Last year, the Australian enjoyed the best season of his career with seven wins, including two stages at the Volta a Catalunya and a victory in Salerno at this race. He'd round off his year with three wins and the points jersey at the Vuelta, confirming his arrival as one of the peloton's top sprinters.

This May, he heads back to Italy facing a sterner test with a far stronger field of sprinters than he faced in Spain, where Filippo Gann was often his closest competitor. He's also endured a slow start to the season, with no victories to date and ninth on stage 5 of the UAE Tour his sole top-10 placing.

Still, he's the main man for the Belgian team in Italy, and there's room to grow into the race with stage 5 looking like the first of five nailed-on sprint days (stages 3 and 4 look a tough ask for all but the hardiest fast men).

With the team's biggest stars Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen focussed on July's Tour de France, Welsford and the rest of his team will enjoy the freedom to get out and fight for stage wins across the three weeks, even if there are no real mountain goats in the squad.

Look out for Quinten Hermans in the hunt for stages. The Belgian hasn't since hit the heights of a 2022 season which saw him podium at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, but he took his first win in two years at Itzulia Basque Country and he's strong in the hills.

Expect riders such as Edward Planckaert , Jimmy Janssens , and Tobias Bayer to figure in the lead-out train for Groves as well as heading out into the breakaway to seek their own chances. (DO)

• Team leader:  David Dekker
• Objective:  Stage wins
• Riders to watch:  Jenthe Biermans, Ewen Costiou
• Riders:  Jenthe Biermans, Louis Barre, Ewen Costiou, David Dekker, Donavan Grondin, Michel Ries, Alan Riou, Alessandro Verre

The French squad aren't one of the strongest squads in the WorldTour and that – plus their understandable focus on the Tour de France – shows in their Giro d'Italia selection.

The team are without their main stars in Classics man Luca Mozzato, sprinter Arnaud Démare, and hill climber Kévin Vauquelin. Instead, the eight-man squad is a definite 'B team', with Dutchman David Dekker likely their best chance at success.

Dekker has yet to win a race at professional level, though he did come close at the Giro last year, missing out in the stage 2 sprint as Jonathan Milan sped to victory. This year, his best results have been podium spots at the GP Monseré and a stage at the Région Pays de la Loire Tour.

Elsewhere, riders such as Jenthe Biermans and Ewen Costiou have both tasted success this year – at Pays de la Loire and the Route Adélie de Vitré – though neither will be among the first names anybody reaches for when tipping stage winners.

Look out for the team in breakaways, which figure to be their best chance at victory without a top-tier sprinter or climber on board. (DO)

• Team leader:  Lorenzo Fortunato
• Objective:  GC top 15, stage wins
• Riders to watch:  Max Kanter
• Riders:  Simone Velasco, Davide Ballerini, Anthon Charmig, Lorenzo Fortunato, Max Kanter, Henok Mulueberhan, Vadim Pronskiy, Christian Scaroni

Climber Lorenzo Fortunato , he of the breakaway Monte Zoncolan victory three years ago, leads a struggling Astana Qazaqstan into the first Grand Tour of the season. The Kazakhstani squad is well down in the UCI rankings and will be desperate to pick up points in order to hang on to their WorldTour status in future.

The Italian represents their best chance at success on the GC and in the mountains here, having twice finished inside the top 16 during his time at Eolo-Kometa. He hasn't had much to shout about this season, barring a top 10 at Tirreno-Adriatico, though he does have GC success at the Vuelta Asturias and Adriatica Ionica Race on his palmarès. One to watch when the road angles upwards.

Fellow new signings for 2024, Davide Ballerini and Max Kanter , will be hoping for glory on flatter ground. The two fastmen won't have Mark Cavendish or Cees Bol to lead out here, but they'll instead hope to replicate recent success at the Tour of Turkey.

On stage 2, albeit among a far weaker sprint field than the Giro's, Ballerini led out Kanter for the German's first win in his new colours and indeed the first win of his career. Could the confidence boost bring him another victory in Italy?

Elsewhere, Italian champion Simone Velasco and fellow former Gazprom-RusVelo man Cristian Scaroni will be leading the team's charge in the breakaways and on hilly ground, though likely not so much in the higher mountains. (DO)

• Team leader:  Damiano Caruso
• Objective:  GC top 5
• Riders to watch:  Antonio Tiberi, Phil Bauhaus
• Riders:  Antonio Tiberi, Rainer Kepplinger, Phil Bauhaus, Damiano Caruso, Andrea Pasqualon, Wout Poels, Jasha Dimitri Sütterlin, Torstein Træen

As one of the more GC-focussed teams at the race, Bahrain Victorious look to head to Italy with at least a top 5 placing in Rome in their minds. 36-year-old Damiano Caruso , a veteran of 18 Grand Tours will lead the charge once again.

The Sicilian was a career-best second here three years ago and was fourth last time out, though over three minutes away from the last step on the podium. He figures to be the team's best bet for success this May, even if he's getting on in years and has shown very little in the way of form this spring, including at the Tour de Romandie.

Instead, plenty of eyes will be on Antonio Tiberi , the 22-year-old racer still known more for killing the San Marino Minister of Tourism's cat two years ago than anything he's yet achieved on the bike.

That could be slowly changing, however, given Tiberi's increasingly promising performances over the last two seasons. He was 18th at the Vuelta a España last year and took a top 10 in Catalunya in March before finishing third overall at the Tour of the Alps.

Given the swift progress he's been making, a top 15 or even top 10 might not be out of the question for Tiberi, though Caruso is still definitely the man most likely to bring home a major GC result. Wout Poels , sixth at the Tour of the Alps, is in good form, and could also show something, though likely not towards the top of the GC.

Watch out for Phil Bauhaus in the sprints. The German won a tough uphill sprint at Tirreno-Adriatico and has podiums to his name at the Tour Down Under and UAE Tour, too, so he should be in the mix on several flatter stages. (DO)

• Team leaders:  Sam Welsford, Dani Martínez
• Objective:  Stage wins, GC top 5
• Riders to watch:  Florian Lipowitz
• Riders:  Daniel Martinez, Giovanni Aleotti, Jonas Koch, Florian Lipowitz, Ryan Mullen, Maximilian Schachmann, Danny van Poppel, Sam Welsford

With Bora-Hansgrohe's big focus of the season being the Tour de France with new signing Primož Roglič and GC super-domestiques Jai Hindley and Aleksandr Vlasov, it's no surprise that the team's Giro squad has a distinctly 'B Team' feel.

Still, Dani Martínez is a capable GC rider who can count a Giro d'Italia top-five finish on his palmarès, and the team can have hopes of a similar result here.

Martínez endured a down year in 2023, even with a Volta ao Algarve overall win coming early in the spring. A second place and two stage wins at the same race this spring has been his finest display in 2024, though his form is a question mark given he hasn't raced since Tirreno-Adriatico six weeks ago.

Florian Lipowitz isn't a rider many would've felt the need to take note of even as recently as a week ago, but the German climber has made a breakthrough at just the right time, racing to fourth and then a very narrow second on the summit finishes at the Tour de Romandie. The 23-year-old is likely to end his third career WorldTour stage race with a podium and is now certainly one to watch on his Grand Tour debut.

Giovanni Aleotti and Max Schachmann will all be on hand for GC support while also being capable of striking out on their own when they get the chance.

Away from the GC battle, Australian sprinter Sam Welsford is the man to watch for Bora-Hansgrohe, with Ryan Mullen on hand as pilot fish. The 28-year-old has been a late bloomer, turning pro just two seasons ago, but has racked up four WorldTour wins since last summer.

The former track star made his Grand Tour debut at last year's Tour and the main objective of his second three-week outing this May will be adding a first Grand Tour stage win to his palmarès. (DO)

• Team leader:  Stefano Oldani
• Riders to watch:  Kenny Elissonde, Stanisław Aniołkowski
• Riders:  Stefano Oldani, Stanisław Aniołkowski, Nicolas Debeaumarche, Kenny Elissonde, Rubén Fernández, Simon Geschke, Benjamin Thomas, Harrison Wood

As is the case with Arkéa-B&B Hotels, it's a stretch to say that Cofidis are among the strongest squads at the Giro. Another French team, their Grand Tour priorities lie elsewhere, as shown in their squad selection.

There are no GC names or top-tier sprinters here. Instead, former stage winner and sole Italian in the lineup, Stefano Oldani , heads up the eight-man team. His only career win to date came at the Giro two years ago, triumphing from a large breakaway in Genoa for Alpecin-Fenix.

He's good in the hills and likes to take his chances in the sprints – at last year's Giro, he was in the break three times and scored five top-10 placings. So Oldani looks to be Cofidis' best bet for success here.

Outside of him, the team will be looking for breakaway chances, with a handful of veteran racers likely to lead the charge. Kenny Elissonde , Simon Geschke , and Rubén Fernández are the men in question, though none of the trio have yet taken a top-10 result in 2024.

Polish rider Stanisław Aniołkowski , newly signed from the defunct Human Powered Health team, is another name to watch. He's a fast finisher and has taken top-five results at the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico so far this season. (DO)

• Team leader:  Ben O'Connor
• Objective:  GC podium
• Riders to watch:  Aurélien & Valentin Paret-Peintre
• Riders: Ben O'Connor, Alex Baudin, Aurélien Paret Peintre, Valentin Paret Peintre, Damien Touze, Bastien Tronchon, Andrea Vendrame, Lawrence Warbasse

Ben O'Connor can head into his first Giro d'Italia start since 2020 in high spirits, coming off the back of the best spring campaign of his career and with a first career Grand Tour podium spot well within his sights.

The Australian has a fourth place at the Tour de France on his palmarès but will be hoping to go at least one better this May, and he'll start the Giro full of confidence following a series of impressive results over the past two months.

After starting his season with a big solo win at the Vuelta a Murcia, he took second at the UAE Tour with a Jebel Jais stage win to boot. Recent outings in Italy have seen him finish fifth at Tirreno-Adriatico and second at the Tour of the Alps, and he now heads to Piemonte as the bookies' third favourite.

The 28-year-old will enjoy support from the Paret-Peintre brothers, Aurélien and Valentin , on a team which has already racked up more wins than they did in the entirety of the 2023 season.

Aurélien is responsible for the latest of these, winning the final stage at the Tour of Alps as Valentin finished fourth overall. His fifth place at Liège-Bastogne-Liège was another indicator of his strong form, and, aside from O'Connor the brothers will be ones to watch for the French team this May. 

Andrea Vendrame is the team's Italian representative with the 29-year-old always good for one top result per outing. Three years ago he scored a breakaway win in Bagno di Romagna and comes into the Giro with two second places at the Tour de Romandie under his belt – one in a hilly sprint, and another from a summit finish breakaway. (DO)

• Team leaders:  Fabio Jakobsen, Romain Bardet
• Objective: Stage wins, points classification, GC top 5
• Riders to watch:  Chris Hamilton, Tobias Lund Andresen
• Riders: Romain Bardet, Tobias Lund Andresen, Christopher Hamilton, Fabio Jakobsen, David max Poole, Timo Roosen, Julius van den Berg, Kevin Vermaerke

Dutch squad DSM-Firmenich PostNL will be among a number of teams heading to the Giro looking to strike a balance between racing for their GC man and racking up sprint stage victories.

For the latter, they'll look to new signing Fabio Jakobsen , the rider they revamped their sprint squad for over the winter as he joined from QuickStep. He'll make his Giro debut with six Grand Tour stage wins plus a Vuelta points jersey to his name, and he'll touch down in Piemonte as one of the top-tier sprint favourites.

Jakobsen has only tasted victory once so far in 2024 as he gets used to his new surroundings. He and his team will be hoping for more in Italy as his rivals there will pose a sterner test than the sprint field at the Tour of Turkey.

On the GC side, Romain Bardet can start his third Giro with renewed confidence after finishing his run-in to the race with a fifth place at the Tour of the Alps and having finished best of the rest behind Pogačar at Liège-Bastogne-Liège.

The 33-year-old is far from a spent force at Grand Tour level, having finished sixth at the Tour de France just two years ago. Among this GC field, a top 10 or even a top 5 should be a realistic goal.

Elsewhere, look out for Chris Hamilton in the breakaways on hilly and mountainous terrain. The Australian likes to get out in long-range moves, picking his days at every Grand Tour he starts and will be aiming for an upgrade on his second place in Bagno di Romagna three years ago.

Second-year pro sprinter Tobias Lund Andresen is another to look out for. The Dane went to the Tour of Turkey as a lead-out man for Jakobsen but instead came away with three stage wins heading into his Grand Tour debut. (DO)

• Team leader:  Hugh Carthy
• Objective:  Stage wins, GC top 10
• Riders to watch:  Simon Carr
• Riders:  Hugh Carthy, Alexander Cepeda, Stefan de Bod, Andrey Amador, Simon Carr, Esteban Chaves, Mikkel Honoré, Georg Steinhauser

Hugh Carthy leads the US squad into his seventh Giro as a man looking to recapture the form which saw him finish on the podium at the Vuelta a España four years ago.

The climber had looked on course for a similar result at the Giro in 2021 before fading during the final week and he has an eighth, a ninth, and a DNF to show for his past three outings in Italy.

It's a mountainous Giro, which suits Carthy, though the two time trials will likely see him shed minutes to other contenders. Another top 10 and a stage win – it'd be his first victory in three seasons – would be a great outcome.

Fellow Briton Simon Carr is the member of the squad who has the most to show for his season so far, having opened his season with a long breakaway win at the Trofeo Calvià and having pulled off a similar long-range break triumph in the mountains of the Tour of the Alps.

He'll certainly be off up the road during this, his third Giro, and it wouldn't be a surprise at all to see him add to his breakaway win tally.

South American racers Esteban Chaves and Alexander Cepeda are more than capable of pulling off a result in the hills and mountains, though neither have shown much sign of top form so far in 2024. Chaves' third place on the opening day of the Tour of the Alps is the strongest sign of form from either. (DO)

• Team leader:  Laurence Pithie
• Riders to watch:  Lewis Askey
• Riders:  Laurence Pithie, Lewis Askey, Cyril Barthe, Clément Davy, Lorenzo Germani, Olivier le Gac, Fabian Lienhard, Enzo Paleni

Yep, it's another French team shorn of their top leaders and a Groupama-FDJ squad missing David Gaudu, Stefan Küng, Valentin Madouas, and Lenny Martinez.

The team have opted for a young squad for the Italian Grand Tour, with 21-year-old second-year pro Laurence Pithie heading the lineup after a very impressive spring campaign. The New Zealander has scored 13 top-10 placings this season, including a win at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and a seventh place at his Paris-Roubaix debut.

As such, he's easily Groupama-FDJ's best chance at success at the Giro, even if he hasn't raced since Roubaix. Look out for him in breakaways and also in the sprint finishes, with the hillier finals slightly more to his taste than the pan-flat days.

Elsewhere, Lewis Askey looks the man most likely to challenge for a result. The 22-year-old has been quiet so far in 2024, but took a clutch of top 10s at the Vuelta a España last year and also finished second at Paris-Tours.

Other promising youngsters on the team, including 21-year-old Enzo Paleni and 22-year-old Lorenzo Germani, will likely be given free rein to learn and make breaks where they can. (DO)

• Team leader:  Geraint Thomas
• Riders to watch:  Filippo Ganna, Thymen Arensman
• Riders:  Geraint Thomas, Thymen Arensman, Tobias Foss, Filippo Ganna, Jhonatan Narvaez, Magnus Sheffield, Ben Swift, Connor Swift

A year on from a devastating late loss of the maglia rosa in that Monte Lussari time trial, Geraint Thomas returns to the Giro d'Italia as the solid second favourite, behind the flying Tadej Pogačar but clear of the 'best of the rest' including Ben O'Connor, Damiano Caruso, Cian Uijtdebroeks, Romain Bardet, and more.

Once again, Thomas comes to the Giro having shown little in the way of Grand Tour-winning form, though slow – almost anonymous – starts to the season have been his modus operandi for some time now. Last year, he rounded out his Giro preparation with a spring-best 15th overall at the Tour of the Alps before finishing second to Primož Roglič. This time around he finished 13th.

Thomas is on track to challenge for the top placings, then. But how the team can take the fight to Pogačar remains unclear. The Slovenian's long-range solos and aggressive attacking style aren't a particularly good match for Thomas' steadier riding.

Thymen Arensman , sixth here last year, is a capable 'option 1b', though even in a two vs one fight, Pogačar should still be favourite. The Dutchman has looked good this spring, taking fifth at the Volta ao Algarve and sixth at Tirreno-Adriatico, and could be on for another high placing, depending on how much he'll be sacrificing himself for Thomas.

Elsewhere, six-time stage winner Filippo Ganna is impossible to ignore in a Giro with two time trials, even if the first of them concludes with 7km of climbing. Tour of the Alps stage winner Tobias Foss and Classics talents Magnus Sheffield and Jhonatan Narváez are all capable of adding stage wins to the team tally, depending on the freedom they're allowed. (DO)

• Team leader:  Biniam Girmay
• Riders to watch:  Madis Mihkels
• Riders:  Biniam Girmay, Lilian Calmejane, Kevin Colleoni, Madis Mihkels, Simone Petilli, Adrien Petit, Dion Smith, Roel van Sintmaartensdijk

It has been two years since Biniam Girmay made history as the first Black African winner of a stage in the Giro d'Italia, and he's coming into this year's race as much less of an unknown.

A winner of a stage of the Tour de Suisse last year and the Surf Coast Classic after the Tour Down Under, Girmay missed out on any victories in his Tour de France debut. The Eritrean returns to the Giro d'Italia with high hopes and a team dedicated to delivering him to a win.

Should Girmay falter, then the team can look to Madis Mihkels . The Estonian has shown signs of form this year with a series of top-10 finishes from the Surf Coast Classic and Paris-Nice to Scheldeprijs and Paris-Roubaix.

Beyond those two riders, there's little else among Intermarché-Wanty's Giro squad to suggest a big result is on the way. The likes of Lilian Calmejane , Kevin Colleoni , and Dion Smith should be visible in the breakaways, though. (LW)

• Team leader:  Michael Woods
• Riders to watch:  Simon Clarke, Nick Schultz
• Riders:  Michael Woods, Simon Clarke, Marco Frigo, Hugo Hofstetter, Riley Pickrell, Nadav Raisberg, Nick Schultz, Ethan Vernon

Israel-Premier Tech enjoyed a thrilling Giro d'Italia last year with Derek Gee lighting up the race by going on the attack in seven different stages and finishing second on four of them. Gee might not have won a stage but he was awarded the most combative rider award and earned valuable points toward the team's return to the WorldTour level in 2026.

Their GC hope will be Michael Woods , who last year staged a coup in the Tour de France to win the stage to Puy de Dôme from the breakaway. The Canadian would do well to target the second stage to the Santuario di Oropa and a shot at taking the maglia rosa .

The team will bring back Simon Clarke , a stage winner at both Tour de France and Vuelta a España who also went in several breakaways last year, coming closest on stage 6 when he and Alessandro De Marchi were caught in the final 300 metres. He'll be hoping once again to try and complete the Grand Tour stage win triple.

Nick Schultz , winner of the opening stage of the Volta a Catalunya, holding off Tadej Pogačar with a late burst to the line, is another rider capable of grabbing a stage win. In Ethan Vernon , winner of a stage in last year's Tour de Romandie, and Hugo Hofstetter , the team also has two men capable of challenging in the sprints. (LW)

• Team leaders:  Caleb Ewan, Luke Plapp
• Objective:  Stage wins, points classification, GC top 10
• Riders to watch:  Eddie Dunbar
• Riders:  Alessandro de Marchi, Edward Dunbar, Caleb Ewan, Michael Hepburn, Luka Mezgec, Lucas Plapp, Max Walscheid, Filippo Zana

Jayco-AlUla head into the Giro d'Italia with Australian champion Luke Plapp as their overall contender. The Australian champion has only one Grand Tour under his belt, a 95th-place finish at the 2022 Vuelta a España, so he's relatively untested.

He's had a strong spring, though, finishing sixth at Paris-Nice with a second place atop Mont Brouilly to boot, and also took third at the first summit finish at the Tour de Romandie last week. It may be a long shot for Plapp to challenge for the very top GC placings, though his team also enjoy several options for stage wins.

With the return of Caleb Ewan , the team have a formidable sprint presence and the team to back him up with Max Walscheid and Luka Mezgec among those providing the motors. Ewan has never finished a Giro despite five starts and five stage wins, though maybe this year will be his first as the team are sending Dylan Groenewegen and Michael Matthews to the Tour de France.

Expect Alessandro De Marchi to be on the attack, as is his style, after his successful solo breakaway in the Tour of the Alps. Eddie Dunbar , who finished seventh overall in the Giro last year, is the team's second go-to for the GC. However, the Irishman's run-up to the Grand Tour this spring has been somewhat disrupted by injury. (LW)

• Team leader:  Jonathan Milan
• Objective:  Stage wins, points classification, GC top 10
• Riders to watch:  Juan Pedro López
• Riders:  Jonathan Milan, Andrea Bagioli, Simone Consonni, Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier, Daan Hoole, Juan Pedro Lopez, Jasper Stuyven, Edward Theuns

With the reigning maglia ciclamino added to their squad over the winter and a former maglia rosa holder heading to Piemonte in top form, Lidl-Trek can be confident as they get the first Grand Tour of the season underway.

Sprinter Jonathan Milan will lead the way for the US team this May having burst onto the scene last year with a stage win and four second places en route to the points classification win.

But for his relative lack of positioning experience, the Olympic/world/European track champion would have won even more last May, though this time around he'll have more help in the finals in the form of Simone Consonni , Jasper Stuyven , and Edward Theuns .

A couple of wins and points jerseys across the Volta a Valenciana and Tirreno-Adriatico suggest Milan hasn't lost a step since moving from Bahrain Victorious, and he'll begin the race as a top-tier sprint favourite.

Juan Pedro López enjoyed 10 days in the Giro lead two years ago on the way to a youth classification win and, if he didn't really kick on from that in 2023, he's heading back to Italy with both his first-ever race win and first-ever stage race win in his pocket.

The Spaniard beat the likes of Ben O'Connor, Antonio Tiberi, and Romain Bardet to comfortably conquer the Tour of the Alps to round out his Giro preparation, and he can look to the Giro now with more wins in his sights, and perhaps even a return to the overall top 10 in Rome. (DO)

• Team leader:  Nairo Quintana
• Objective:  Stage wins, GC top 15
• Riders to watch:  Fernando Gaviria, Einer Rubio
• Riders:  Nairo Quintana, Ruben Guerreiro, William Barta, Davide Cimolai, Fernando Gaviria, Lorenzo Milesi, Einer Rubio, Pelayo Sanchez

Movistar have brought back Nairo Quintana this season after the Colombian's disqualification from the Tour de France in 2022 left him teamless last year. They have been hoping that the 34-year-old can fill a gap as GC contender.

However, after his crash in the Volta a Catalunya, Quintana is in no shape to replicate years gone by – including his triumphant May in 2014 – and challenge for the highest GC placings.

Instead, the team will likely have to be content with targeting stage wins. Depending on his shape, Quintana might ride into form to be up there during the strenuous final week, while Fernando Gaviria will battle on the sprint stages. He's another rider battling to recapture his form of the past, having not won a Grand Tour stage in five years.

Einer Rubio is the team's GC dark horse. The last of three Colombians on the team, the climber was the winner of the severely shortened stage 13 to Crans-Montana at last year's Giro on the way to an 11th-place overall finish. He's been relatively quiet this spring, though, barring a couple of summit finish top 10s at the UAE Tour.

Elsewhere, Ruben Guerreiro is a frequent attacker and has the 2020 Giro mountains classification on his palmarès, while Will Barta , who won the final stage of the Volta a la Valenciana with a long solo breakaway, is another one to watch. (LW)

• Team leader:  Matteo Fabbro
• Objective:  Stage wins, minor classifications
• Riders to watch:  Mattia Bais, Davide Bais
• Riders:  Matteo Fabbro, Davide Bais, Mattia Bais, Giovanni Lonardi, Mirco Maestri, Andrea Pietrobon, Davide Piganzoli, Jhonatan Restrepo

Wildcard squad Polti-Kometa are definitely underdogs in the Giro d'Italia and, like all good ProTeams, they'll surely be present in every breakaway attempt to put on a good show for the tifosi .

The team scored a rare wildcard stage win on their first Giro appearance three years ago, with Lorenzo Fortunato delivering the goods from the breakaway on Monte Zoncolan. He's moved on to the ailing Astana Qazastan this season, though, so the team will have to seek success elsewhere.

Matteo Fabbro is his prospective replacement, coming on board from Bora-Hansgrohe. The 29-year-old is a solid climber, though perhaps less talented than Fortunato. Fifth place at the 2021 Tirreno-Adriatico is a career highlight, while this year his top results are 10th at O Gran Camiño and 11th at the Tour of the Alps.

Davide Bais scored another stage win for the team at last year's Giro, triumphing from a three-man break on stage 7 at Gran Sasso d'Italia. His older brother Mattia is another man who loves a breakaway and he showed some good form recently with third place at the Giro della Romagna. Mirco Maestri and Tour Colombia stage winner Jhonatan Restrepo are further options for the breaks.

The team have to get lucky again to get into a breakaway that sticks to have a chance at another success like that, and aside from a stage win, they'll undoubtedly be on the hunt for another stint in the mountains jersey like Bais enjoyed last year. (LW)

• Team leaders:  Julian Alaphilippe, Tim Merlier
• Objective:  Stage wins, points classification
• Riders to watch:  Mauri Vansevenant
• Riders:  Julian Alaphilippe, Josef Černý, Jan Hirt, Luke Lamperti, Tim Merlier, Pieter Serry, Bert van Lerberghe, Mauri Vansevenant

With Remco Evenepoel fully focussed on the Tour de France (and recovering from a broken collarbone from a crash in Itzulia Basque Country), Soudal-Quickstep start the Giro d'Italia with their eyes on sprints and stage wins.

Tim Merlier has been a huge asset to the team since joining from Alpecin-Deceuninck last year, racking up 18 wins since then. He provided their only spring Classics triumphs this year at Nokere Koerse and Scheldeprijs, and, having not raced a Grand Tour last year, will make his bow for the squad this May.

He's undoubtedly their focus for the sprints and a bid for another maglia ciclamino to go with those won by Paolo Bettini (twice), Mark Cavendish, Fernando Gaviria, and  Elia Viviani. Talented youngster Luke Lamperti will be a key part of Merlier's train.

Julian Alaphilippe has shown glimmers of good form in recent weeks and will lead the charge for stage wins on the hilly stages and in mountain-stage breakaways.

Jan Hirt , sixth here in 2022, is another prospect for the latter and, along with young talent Mauri Vansevenant – who comes off two top-10 finishes at the Ardennes Classics – is the team's best chance at a high GC placing in Rome. (LW)

• Team leaders:  Alberto Dainese, Michael Storer
• Objective:  Stage wins
• Riders to watch: Matteo Trentin, Marius Mayrhofer
• Riders:  Matteo Trentin, Alberto Dainese, Robin Froidevaux, Alexander Kamp, Alexander Krieger, Marius Mayrhofer, Michael Storer, Florian Stork

Tudor Pro Cycling have earned their entry into the Giro d'Italia with a truly competitive team in 2024. Veteran competitor Matteo Trentin is the most experienced in the team and, along with Alberto Dainese and Michael Storer , will be leading the charge for stage victories.

Dainese is a two-time Giro stage winner and also has a Vuelta a España stage on his palmarès. He made the move from DSM over the winter to have more freedom and will be well-supported for the bunch sprints this year. So far in 2024, he has one sprint win, coming at the Région Pays de la Loire Tour.

Another newcomer is Storer, who won two stages and the mountains classification at the 2021 Vuelta. The Australian has racked up top-10 finishes at the UAE Tour and Tour of the Alps and finished second on the hard mountain stage to Borgo Valsugana at the latter race.

Marius Mayrhofer , winner of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race last year, has several top 10s across races including Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne and several stages of Tirreno-Adriatico. He'll have underlined a few of the stages with climbs before a flat finish in his road book, and of course, the always-aggressive Trentin will surely be on the attack on several days. (LW)

• Team leader:  Tadej Pogačar
• Objective:  Overall victory
• Riders to watch:  Juan Molano
• Riders:  Tadej Pogačar, Rui Oliveira, Mikkel Bjerg, Felix Großschartner, Vegard Stake Laengen, Rafał Majka, Juan Sebastian Molano, Domen Novak

If there's one team at the Giro d'Italia with a single obvious goal lying ahead of them, it's UAE Team Emirates, and Tadej Pogačar , who head into the race with the maglia rosa in mind. Given the season Pogačar has enjoyed so far, anything less than overall victory would be a disaster, especially with no Jonas Vingegaard or Primož Roglič around to challenge him. 

Despite the presence of another Tour de France winner on the start line, and with the entire Giro ahead of us, the main questions hanging over Pogačar's head seem to be 'How much can he win by?' and 'Can he conserve his energy to complete the Giro-Tour double in July?'

He's raced a limited schedule of just 10 race days heading to the Grande Partenza in Piemonte, but he's already won seven times, including dominant displays at Strade Bianche (an 81km solo), the Volta a Catalunya (by almost four minutes), and Liège-Bastogne-Liège (a 35km solo).

Nothing is set in stone in cycling and anything can happen over the course of three weeks of racing, but UAE Team Emirates have put all their eggs in the Pogačar basket this Giro for a reason. Rafał Majka and Mikkel Bjerg figure to be among his top domestiques.

Elsewhere, there's no sign of a Plan B with the team's squadron of talented GC riders absent from the start list. Juan Sebastian Molano and Rui Oliveira will be the go-to riders for the sprinter-friendly stages, though neither will be top favourites for victories in what is a very strong sprint field. (DO)

• Team leader:  Domenico Pozzovivo
• Objective:  Stage wins, GC top 10, minor classifications
• Riders to watch:  Giulio Pellizzarri
• Riders:  Domenico Pozzovivo, Luca Covili, Filippo Fiorelli, Martin Marcellusi, Alessio Martinelli, Giulio Pellizzari, Alessandro Tonelli, Enrico Zanoncello

At the grand old age of 41, Domenico Pozzovivo found another lifeline for his career in VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè, joining the team in late February after parting ways with Israel-Premier Tech over the winter.

It's been more than a decade since the Italian won a Grand Tour stage (at the 2012 Giro), but he has 24 Grand Tours in his legs and has been a consistent top-10 finisher, including eighth at the Giro two years ago.

A top-10 finish at the Giro would be a huge result for the team which has raced every Giro but one since the 1990s. If Pozzovivo can stay healthy and avoid crashes, he's certainly capable of such a result, having done so in the recent Giro d'Abruzzo and Settimana Coppi e Bartali.

Other riders capable of winning include Alessandro Tonelli , the only other rider over 30 in the young team, the winner of a stage in the Volta a la Valenciana this year. Enrico Zanoncello is a quick finisher who won the opening stage in Abruzzo.

The team won't be putting pressure on Giulio Pellizzari , but the 20-year-old is a talent on the rise and his eighth place in the Tour of the Alps is a very promising sign for a solid overall finish. (LW)

• Team leaders:  Olav Kooij, Cian Uijtdebroeks
• Objective:  Stage wins, GC top 5
• Riders to watch:  Christophe Laporte, Attila Valter
• Riders:  Christophe Laporte, Edoardo Affini, Koen Bouwman, Robert Gesink, Olav Kooij, Jan Tratnik, Cian Uijtdebroeks, Attila Valter

Visma-Lease a Bike's historic Grand Tour triple in 2023 will be exceedingly difficult to duplicate this time around with no Primož Roglič and Jonas Vingegaard recovering from his Itzulia Basque Country crash.

However, the 'killer bees' will be hoping that Cian Uijtdebroeks can live up to his promise as a GC hopeful that was so heavily touted in Belgium after his Tour de l'Avenir victory in 2022.

The 21-year-old finished eighth overall at last year's Vuelta a España, and so is making his Grand Tour debut following his contentious mid-contract transfer from Bora-Hansgrohe. He hasn't yet shown himself to be competitive against the likes of Tadej Pogačar this spring, his best results being fifth at O Gran Camiño and seventh at Tirreno-Adriatico, so he may have a mental disadvantage in that regard.

Sprinter Olav Kooij will make his Grand Tour debut after racking up 13 wins last year. He won't have Wout van Aert on lead-out duties but will be among the top favourites on the flat stages.

Elsewhere, Jan Tratnik and Attila Valter will be first on hand to provide support to Uijtdebroeks in the mountains, while European champion Christophe Laporte will be on lead-out duties as well as seeking stage wins of his own. (LW)

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Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Prior to joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, Demi Vollering, and Anna van der Breggen.

As well as original reporting, news and feature writing, and production work, Dani also oversees How to Watch guides and works on The Leadout newsletter throughout the season. Their favourite races are Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix and their favourite published article is from the 2024 edition of the latter: 'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix

The first Grand Tour test and a rare team time trial – La Vuelta Femenina

High notes – The defining climbs of the 2024 Giro d'Italia

Vuelta Asturias: Morgado makes it two in a row for UAE Team Emirates

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Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

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Install the Sky News app for free

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes