Overview
Your Sardinia/Corsica (Sardegna/Corse) trip has been designed to take full advantage of two extraordinary islands rich in natural beauty, history and culture while participating in a variety of bike rides & excursions. Delight in the contrasting flavors of Italy and France as we blend together an intriguing multicultural mosaic of classic coastlines, archaeological marvels, alpine beauty and distinctive architecture. Explore the north of Sardegna before we ferry through the archipelago en route to Corsica's rugged mountains' rosy cliffs. Enjoy your traverse along the island's backbone, where we pass towering peaks within the intoxicating fragrance of Mediterranean myrtle and later glide along its quaint ports and bays
Itinerary
Day
1
Alghero's Charm
1
Where we Visit :
Sardegna,
Meeting Location :
Alghero, Sardinia
Ride out to the Capo Caccia and visit the Grotta di Nettuno, the most beautiful sea caverns in Sardinia. Then, surrounded by the impressive medieval defense walls step back in time as you wander through the narrow cobbled streets of sandstone buildings of Alghero's historical center.
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
2
Coastal Stronghold & Valley Nuraghe
2
Where we Visit :
Sardegna,
Ride past small villages, wheat fields and wild flowers within the Valley Nuraghe, home to the islands first inhabitants. Then glide along the coast into the intriguing Castelsardo, one of the islands best kept medieval monuments.
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
3
Costa Smeralda & Magdellena Island
3
Where we Visit :
Sardegna,
Gallura is a prevalently mountainous region, situated in the north east of Sardinia. The land is rich in granite rock which dates back over 300 million years. We will engage in two days of cycling here and exploring the many treasures available in this fascinating corner of the island. Although Gallura region is renowned throughout the world, above all for the exclusive resort of Costa Smeralda with its enchanting rocky headlands and splendid beaches, the whole territory is a marvelous series of sandy beaches, bays; an oasis of natural beauty.
Along the Paradise Coast we ride to Santa Teresa, with an optional hard loop to the hilltop town of Tempio Pausania. The region is known for its fine handicraft, above all for the production of cork, weaving and the working of granite, but it also boasts a tradition of fishing, hunting and the production of Vermentino, a local white wine. Wine tasting?
The next morning we ride to Palau. It is here that with the passing of time, the wind and sea have smoothed and shaped these rocks into unusual animal forms, which are so striking they seem to have been modeled by artists. The most enchanting of these rock formations that we will visit is Capo D'Orso, which resembles a bear. A ferry then takes us to the island of Maddalena, known for its beautiful coastline, the pink sand, "faoni" crabs and the mussels; after a light seafood lunch in the town of La Maddalena, we return to Santa Teresa.
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
4
Costa Smeralda & Magdellena Island
4
Where we Visit :
Sardegna,
Along the Paradise Coast we ride to Santa Teresa, with an optional hard loop to the hilltop town of Tempio Pausania. The region is known for its fine handicraft, above all for the production of cork, weaving and the working of granite, but it also boasts a tradition of fishing, hunting and the production of Vermentino, a local white wine. Wine tasting?
The next morning we ride to Palau. It is here that with the passing of time, the wind and sea have smoothed and shaped these rocks into unusual animal forms, which are so striking they seem to have been modeled by artists. The most enchanting of these rock formations that we will visit is Capo D'Orso, which resembles a bear. A ferry then takes us to the island of Maddalena, known for its beautiful coastline, the pink sand, "faoni" crabs and the mussels; after a light seafood lunch in the town of La Maddalena, we return to Santa Teresa.
Or we engage in further exploration of the renowned Coasta Smeralda (Emerald Coast), the island's upmarket "Riviera". Also known as the holiday playground of rich Italians and international jet-setters. Here marinas filled with sleek yachts line the coastline, which also sports plenty of lovely beaches nd rocky coves, the white sand offset by pinkish granite rocks and lush blossom-filled landscape. You may want to save room for dinner when you get the chance to sample the delicious types of pork meats (salami, sausages and ham), as well as various local specialties (ziminu, suppa cuata, mazzafrissa, pulilgioni), which have been prepared by the people from Gallura for generations. Lodgings: Family run 3 star on the Coast.
Lodging: Family run 3 star on the Coast..
Dinner: free night out.
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
5
Mesmerizing Bonifacio
5
Where we Visit :
Sardegna,
We board the ferry to the magnificent port of Bonifacio, Corsica. Ideally the dolphins lead the way as we hop the archipelago within the Straits of Maddalena. As we approach our destination we skirt the immense coastal white walls whose layered formation juts out over us and on which the old town of Bonifacio is towering.
The much-photographed Haute Ville, a maze of narrow streets flanked by tall Genoese tenements, rises seamlessly out of sheer cliffs that have been hollowed and striated by the wind and waves, while on the landward side the deep cleft between the peninsula and the mainland forms a perfect natural harbor. A haven for boats for centuries, this inlet is nowadays a chic marina that attracts yachts from around the Mediterranean. Once you passed the door of the drawbridge, the old town, where the dialect remains the Genoese and not the Corsican, closes on itself. For Bonifacio has kept its aspect of origin, or it has just about kept it; Bonifacio is also full of boutiques and cute shops, and your guides will lead a tour along the cliffs or to secluded bays.
On arrival we enjoy a spectacular bike ride through unspoiled "maquis" (brushland) and explore the lovely world renowned beaches at Piantarella and Santa Manza. This could also be a day of hiking if you would prefer.
Lodging: 3 star Inn located in Bonifacio.
Dinner: At Andiamo’s favorite trattoria
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
6
"The Green Heart "
6
Where we Visit :
Sardegna,
After a short transfer up a very windy road, we arrive in Zonza, the "green heart" of the island. Our morning hike offers fantastic unique views of the seven-needled Col de Bavella and passes through lush, high pine forests and plateaus reminiscent of the French Alps. By far this is one of Europe's most breathtaking regions. For lunch we have arranged an abundant tasting of the island specialties, which include several varieties of salami, cheeses and organic vegetables as well as beers and wines. After lunch we bike down through forests, vineyards and small villages to the coast. Before we get to our home for the night, the beach town of Propriano, the stone village of Sartene is very much worth visiting. Lodgings:
Lodging: In Ajaccio
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
7
Prehistoric Corsica
7
Where we Visit :
Sardegna,
We bike within a continual bellevue through evergreen hills and ancient villages to Filitosa, The island's (and one of Europe's) most intriguing prehistoric site dating back to the megalithic period. A local guide leads us through the remarkable ruins. Small, twisty roads bring us along the coast to the gorgeous little village of Porticcio. If you like we venture into Ajaccio for a visit to the Napoleon museum and dinner.
Lodging: In Porto
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
8
Outstanding Coastal Beauty
8
Where we Visit :
Italy,
We follow the coastal road up to Porto. One of the most beautiful rides on Corsica! Our first stop is the ancient Greek town of Cargese. Then we ride through the breathtaking landscape called "les Calanche", bizarre and wild formations of red porphyry -rock created by erosion. Ancient Eucalyptus trees line the road down to the bay of Porto. Because of the colors, the size of the bay and the different attractions, this is one of the most beautiful towns on Corsica.
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
9
Outstanding Coastal Beauty
9
Where we Visit :
Italy,
On day 9 we make the appropriate transfers to ferry terminals or airports.
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Map
Inclusions/Exclusions
Tour Highlights and What's Included
- All 3 & 4-star accommodation with breakfast
- Six full course dinners and 1 lunch
- Winery Visits & tasting
- Organic Corsican food and beer tasting (= one lunch)
- Visit of Sea Grottoes & Prehistoric settlements
- Visits of Abbeys and Castles and handicraft centers
- BIKE RENTAL of quality upright 27-speed touring bikes equipped with handlebar bags (your clipless pedals can be mounted- but remember to bring your shoes, bike gloves and shorts.) Quality road bikes are available upon request at an additional charge
- Route note, maps and marked routes
- All tour transfers including meet/depart, van support and luggage transfer
- Multi-lingual guide(s)
- All entrance fees mentioned in itinerary
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Beverages
- Trip insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal items
- Guide tips.
Pricing & Availability
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