Ride the coastline of Sardinia and Corsica, two islands and two countries combined in one trip! Both distant from France and Italy, the two islands have preserved their traditions and a strong cultural identity. This self-guided bike tour incorporates fantastic coastal rides, great sea and mountain landscapes, local accommodation and cuisine are amongst the highlights of this exciting trip!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival day
Transfer to Cannigione to meet up with the Cycle Rep for a briefing on the route, handover of bicycles and information pack.
Day 2: Cannigione - Santa Teresa di Gallura (38km / 24 miles)
Start with a sensational coastal ride to Palau, where you can admire the Maddalena archipelago. Nestled in the hills overlooking the coast, the lovely village of San Pasquale is the ideal base for your lunch break. Quiet country roads will take you to the charming town of Santa Teresa. A quick detour to Capo Testa offers a great view over the straits of Bonifacio to Corsica beyond.
Day 3: Santa Teresa di Gallura - Porto Vecchio (65km / 41 miles)
A 50 minute ferry ride takes you to beautiful Bonifacio that welcomes visitors on the top of a limestone cliff. Spend some time roaming around the narrow alleys of the old citadel. On your way to Porto Vecchio, cycle inland and then onto a beautiful coastal road where the beaches of Santa Giulia and Palombaggia are - well worth a swimming stop. Porto Vecchio old town comes alive at dusk offering great dining and shopping opportunities.
Day 4: Porto Vecchio - Zonza (48km / 30 miles)
This is the King of the mountain day! The 15km climb to the famous Col de l'Ospedale is softened by the beautiful view of the coastline. The change in landscape from the coast is dramatic the pine tree forest of the natural park brings memories of the Alps, while the Ospedale reservoir offers a refreshing stop. The small mountain hamlet of Zonza will be your base for tonight,
Day 5: Zonza - Sartene (40km / 25 miles)
Ride through the small villages of the Alta Rocca region and descend to the Rizzanese valley, rich with vineyards. After a refreshing stop at the Caldane thermal bath, your day ends in Sartene, probably the most Corsican town in Corsica.
Day 6: Sartene - Santa Teresa di Gallura (54km / 34 miles)
The winding coastal road leading to Bonifacio boasts some spectacular views over the straits of Bonifacio and onto Sardinia. Roccaspina is the most renown beach of the many you will find along the way. In Bonifacio say au revoir to Corsica and taking the ferry back to Santa Teresa, buongiorno to Sardinia.
Day 7: Santa Teresa di Gallura - Cannigione (47km / 29 miles)
Venture inland in the Galluran hills, riding though Vermentino vineyards and cork oak forests. After the villages of Bassacutena and Arzachena you return to Cannigione, where you can celebrate the end of this beautiful trip.
Day 8: Departure day
After breakfast, transfer to the 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* 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 we will).
Night 1 - 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 that maybe used in Cannigione:
Night 2 - Santa Teresa di Gallura
Hotel Muita di Mari
This hotel is a modern 3 star hotel in the centre of Santa Teresa offering Galluran hospitality, characterised by a warm and personalised welcome.
Night 3 - Porto Vecchio
Hotel Holzer
Hotel Holzer welcomes you in a warm and friendly atmosphere in the lively city centre of Porto Vecchio.
Night 4 - Zonza
Hotel Clair de Lune
The Clair de Lune is located in Zonza, a town located at the foot of the Bavella needles, is comprised of 16 rooms and welcomes you all year round.
Night 5 - Sartene
Hotel des Roches
This hotel is located close to the curt centre of Sartene and comprises of 60 rooms and a panoramic restaurants serving local cuisine.
Night 6 - Santa Teresa
Hotel Muita di Mari
This hotel is a modern 3 star hotel in the centre of Santa Teresa offering Galluran hospitality, characterised by a warm and personalised welcome.
Night 7 - 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 that maybe used in Cannigione:
- 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.