Tour Israel During a Historic Giro d'Italia

Passionate cycling fans now have the opportunity to experience one of the sport's marquee events up close in an all-new locale.

Sports Tours International has been named an official tour operator of the 2018 Giro d’Italia and will make its debut in Israel next year along with the Grand Tour cycling event that dates back to 1909. The event will mark the first time a Grand Tour competition has started anywhere outside of Europe.

To mark the occasion, the U.K.-based sports travel specialist announced Thursday it will offer an array of vacation options built around the Giro d'Italia, which will begin in Jerusalem on May 4, 2018.

Sports Tours International is planning ride and watch packages and VIP treatment at the finish lines of the initial stages. Guests will even have the chance to cross an actual finish line and stand on the podium.

Travelers can also cheer on their favorite riders from a special hospitality area and witness the inner workings of the event at the start zone. Guests will be able to rent bikes or bring their own, which the tour operator will help reassemble in Israel.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for cycling fans to experience one of the biggest events on the racing calendar. Sports Tours International has a long history of partnering with the Giro and can provide superb ride and watch packages. Anyone interested should register now as this is bound to be a popular event," said Sports Tours International’s Head of Product and Operations, Alex de Waard, in a statement.

After kicking off in Jerusalem's Old City, riders will start again in Haifa before passing through historic Acre and Caesarea en route to Tel Aviv. Day 3 opens up in Beer Sheva and takes riders 226 kilometers (140 miles) to the Red Sea resort town of Eilat.

Nice pics from Israel! Basso and Contador are riding in Jerusalem with the Major Nir Barkat and Sylvan Adams, Big Start president #Giro101 pic.twitter.com/8MGodVpoNX

— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) September 18, 2017

The competition's later stages will take place in Italy.

READ MORE: Tour Morocco Like a Pro

Sports Tours International is encouraging travelers to book their packages early to ensure a spot.

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