Discover the beauty of the fabled Costa Smeralda and the island of La Maddalena contrasting with the granite mountains and cork forest of Tempio, the rolling hills and wide pastures of Anglona and ending with the royal cities of Castelsardo, Sassari and Alghero...
Upgrade to an E-bike featuring a 400wh battery with a 100km range for additional £100pppw (please note a deposit payment is required when hiring an E-bike)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival day
Transfer to the first hotel in Cannigione to meet up with the Cycle Rep for a briefing on the route, handover of bicycles and information pack.
Day 2: Costa Smeralda loop tour (54km / 34 miles)
Riding up into the hills of San Pantaleo and down to the jet set Porto Cervo along to Baia Sardinia and back to Cannigione.
Day 3: La Maddalena archipelago (60km / 37 miles)
From Cannigione along the coast to Palau, where you take the ferry (ferry tickets extra cost) to the vibrant town of La Maddalena and cross the bridge to Caprera - the home of the Garibaldi museum, and then back through Palau to Cannigione.
Day 4: Cannigione – Tempio Pausania (51km / 32 miles)
Today you venture inland to Arzachena and up into the hills and lakes of Sant’Antonio di Gallura and onto Calangianus and Nuchis and finally up to Tempio Pausania.
Day 5: Tempio Pausania – Castelsardo (49km / 30 miles)
From Tempio Pausania travel onto Aggius and through the Valle della Luna (Valley of the Moon). Cycle to the dramatic town of Castelsardo located on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 6: Castelsardo – Sassari (55km / 34 miles)
Ride from Castelsardo along the coast to Lu Bagnu and then inland to Nulvi and Osilo enjoying the spectacular views of the Anglona rolling hills and pastures. End your day in Sassari, the 2nd largest city in Sardinia.
Day 7: Sassari– Alghero (39km / 24 miles)
From Sassari ride along the back roads to the fortified town of Alghero.
Day 8: Departure day
After breakfast, transfer to Olbia airport.
Accommodation List
We believe that the accommodation is a very important factor of a bike tour, therefore we take the greatest care in carefully selecting small family run 3 star hotels and country lodges with excellent regional cuisine.
The following properties have been selected for this tour (please note that they are subject to availability and we reserve the right to change hotels should the need arise).
Nights 1, 2 & 3 - Cannigione
Hotel del Porto
The hotel is situated on the front overlooking the port and marina in the town centre of the popular holiday resort of Cannigione.
Other hotels which may be used in Tempio Pausania:
Night 4 - Tempio Pausania
Hotel Pausania Inn
Surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation (including cork oaks, myrtle, and lentisk), the hotel greets you with stunning views of the Mountains of Aggius.
Night 5 - Castelsardo
Hotel Riviera
This charming 3 star property is set in the heart of Castelsardo, close to the town Centre, Doria Castle and Baia Ostina.
Other hotels which may be used in Castelsardo:
Night 6 - Sassari
Hotel Vittorio Emanuele
The hotel is located in an ancient building which has been entirely restored, in the heart of Sassari. Some of the original architectural features from early 1900, are still preserved. It is ideally situated to visit the centre of the old town.
Other hotels that may be used in Sassari:
Night 7 - Alghero
Hotel Villa Piras
The hotel is located in the town of Alghero. Its location allows you to walk to the beaches, the old town, and harbour and all major points of interest in Alghero.
Other hotels which may get used in Alghero:
- Will I have a guide to assist me?
Not on the self guided tours however they will only be a phone call away.
- What happens if I get tired along the way?
On self guided tours it's best to stop and take a rest but remember to always drink plenty of water.
- What happens to my baggage?
Your baggage travels on the van, under the care of the guides. You will usually find your things waiting for you in your room at the hotel.
- All the way by bike? I'm not a professional!
You don't need to be! To get the most out of your holiday, all we suggest you do is get in some training, preferably a couple of weeks before the start of your holiday.
- How far must I pedal each day?
It's up to you. The legs we have programmed take 3 to 5 hours, at "tourist" speed. You can pedal longer, choosing an alternative route, if you so wish.
- How do I get to the starting point of my tour?
Starting and finishing points of our tours have been planned so that they are close to the island's airports to make things easier for you. Transfers are included in the price of the holidays.
- I'm travelling alone - do I have to pay a single supplement?
The prices quoted for our tours refer to accommodation in double rooms based on 2 sharing with bed and breakfast however a single room supplement is available. Please note that there is also a single traveller supplement.
- Shall I bring my own bike?
The price we have quoted includes the price of the bike however should you wish to bring you own we will deduct the bike hire from the total price.
- I know this is a pedalling holiday - but what if I want a rest as well?
All our tours finish up in splendid seaside resorts - if you wish, you can extend your stay for a further relaxing week/days. Call us for details on 01202 484858.
- What should I bring with me?
We suggest that you bring your normal clothes that you would wear when cycling in the UK, ie cycling shorts, and tops, training shoes (the pedals do not have any form of toe clips or clip-on’s) plus your normal holiday luggage. Listed below are other items that we recommend:
- Small first aid kit
- Small torch
- Cycle helmet
- Hat
- High factor sun cream
- Mobile phone
- Saddle sore cream !!!
- Do you do Guided Tours
All our tours are also available as a guided holiday. We will try our best to find a suitable date for you to join other cyclists, which is a great opportunity to meet new friends and see the island at the same time. Guided Tours are subject to set departure and arrival days and we can quote you a price on request.
On the Guided Tours there are always two guides, one on the support van which travels along the whole route with you providing refreshments and a van-ride if you feel tired. The other guide bikes along with you to point the way and keep the group together since people will be pedalling at different speeds. Tours the groups usually consist of 15 to 20 bikers.
On a guided tour the support van will always be there to take you to the top of the next hill, or even directly to the hotel if you wish.
- Can you do the cycle tours all year round?
Yes
- Can families with children do the cycle tours?
The minimum age for cycle tours is 10-11 years old. Younger ages (ie 8-9 year olds) can be catered for with a tailor made itinerary that avoids the hardest climbs. Younger than that, there is 1 trail gator device available.
Equipment
The bikes we use have been purpose built for the tours, listed below for those of you that like the details are the technical specifications.
Trekking Bike
|
Components |
|
Model |
Frame |
|
Aluminium, front suspension with lockout |
Groupset |
|
Shimano Alivio |
Saddle |
|
Royal |
Brakes |
|
Shimano |
Tyres |
|
Schwalbe Marathon Plus, antipuncture |
Rear Carrier |
|
25kg Pannier |
|
E-Bike
Components |
|
Model |
Frame |
|
Aluminium, front suspension with lockout |
Groupset |
|
Shimano |
Battery |
|
Ion-Lithium 500wh, upto 120km, 4 assistance levels |
Saddle |
|
Royal Milano/Glamour |
Tyres |
|
Schwalbe, antipuncture |
Rear Carrier |
|
25kg Pannier |
All bikes come with a small tool kit and there is one lock provided for every 2 bikes.