Swept Away in Sardinia. An idyllic combination of cycling, culture and sea SWEPT AWAY IN SARDINIA 2016 ITINERARY OUTLINE CLASSICO

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1 Swept Away in Sardinia An idyllic combination of cycling, culture and sea Sardinia is an island of extraordinary diversity. With over 2000 km of coastline, you ll view high cliffs diving into the turquoise sea; stretches of white, sandy beaches; and miles of salmon-colored rock formations. Within the island s interior lies another world: canyons dotted with ancient mountain villages, forests filled with chestnut and cork trees, and golden fields filled with herds of sheep. ITINERARY OUTLINE Trip Essence / Page 2 Daily Itinerary / Page 3-5 Arrival & Departure / Page 6 Bike Information / Page 6 Terms & Conditions / Page 7 Reserve Your Space! / Page 7 Sardinia s long history includes being ruled by Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Arabs and Spanish (just to name a few). Add to this it s special location in the Mediterranean close to Corsica, Tunisia and Algeria (closer to Sardinia than even Sicily!) and you ll see how Sardinians have developed a distinct culture and language that sets it apart from mainland Italy. Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 1

2 TRIP ESSENCE Peaceful pedaling along the turquoise Mediterranean Al fresco BBQ with modern-day Sardinian shepherds Glimpses of rare animals including eagles, wild sheep, and griffin vultures Cycling through spectacular limestone mountains & alongside stunning oceanside cliffs Feasts of savory, local foods paired with cool, crisp white and distinctive red wines from grapes that are native to Sardinia Stays at charming seaside hotels and enchanting country inns WHAT S INCLUDED Carbon bike rental, see page 6 for details Service of local, professional guides throughout the program Ciclismo jersey and water bottle All accommodations All breakfasts, 7 dinners, 2 lunches TRIP DETAILS 2016 Trip Dates Itinerary available as a private group departure, dates can be chosen based on your preferred time to travel and the best time to visit the location Ability Level Intermediate Summary of Daily Distances Day 1: 10 miles Day 2: 35/46 miles Day 3: 29/48 miles Day 4: 32/57 miles Day 5: 30/40 miles Day 6: 50/57 miles Day 7: 39/45 miles Day 8: hike Day 9: 53 miles Day 10: Arrivederci Optional extra loops available Trip Price Please contact us for pricing, adjustments to the itinerary can be made upon request Shuttles during and at end of tour Cycling clinics Traditional Sardinian music Visits to Neptune s Cave near Alghero and the Mamoiada Mask Museum Hiking on Mount Supramonte Our guides were fantastic. They made the trip for us. They were great in arranging things to accommodate us all, they were GREAT fun, funny and competent! - Ann P. & Jim G. Chapel Hill, NC Have something else in mind? Itinerary available as a private tour or... Create a custom itinerary with help from our experienced travel consultants! Contact Us info@ciclismoclassico.com Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 2

3 DAY 1 ALGHERO WARM-UP Daily Mileage - 10 miles Riding Terrain - Gentle and steady with an easy climb Hotel - Hotel Calabona Location: Alghero Duration: 2 Nights Welcome to Sardinia! We meet at the hotel at 12:30 pm for a light lunch and introductions followed by bike fittings and a quick spin to the Sanctuary of Valverde for a map review and an overview of our tour. For our first night s feast, we will find that there are many homemade pastas and wonderfully seasoned foods to enjoy at renowned Ristorante La Movida. This beautiful seaside hotel faces the splendid Riviera del Corallo (Riviera of Coral), with a spectacular view from the promontory of Capo Caccia (Cape Caccia). Its close proximity to the city center make it a perfect choice for Alghero. DAY 2 LOOP TO CAPO CACCIA Daily Mileage - 35/46 miles Riding Terrain - Hilly with some flat terrain Hotel - See Day 1 Today we bike north, to the beautiful area of Fertilia, stopping along the way to discover the ancient civilization of nuraghi, as far as Capo Caccia, where we have the chance to visit one of the most amazing caves in Europe, The Grotto di Nettuno. The erosion of calcareous rocks, mostly done by the rainwater, formed this cave. Return to Alghero, and enjoy some time around town checking out the local crafts made out of red coral. DAY 3 BOSA Daily Mileage - 29/48 miles Riding Terrain - Cliffside roads with a few climbs Hotel - Hotel la Pischedda Location: Bosa index_2.php?lang=eng Today s ride follows the spectacular coastline to Bosa, a natural oasis for rare birds like the reed warbler, the Kingfisher and the Griffon vulture. You ll spin along Bosa s rocky shores, whose natural ebony cliffs are fortified by ancient landslides that jut out into the Mediterranean. Stop in the town of Bosa Marina for lunch and stroll around the town. Sites worth seeing are the local cathedral, the Malaspina castle, the museum of sas conzas, and the old tanneries used in the 18th-century for local, typical craftwork. This hotel is located in the heart of this charming, historical town, just a few minutes away from Malaspina Castle, the Temo River and the beautiful ocean. Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 3

4 DAY 4 CUGLIERI & SANTA CATERINA DI PITTINURI Daily Mileage - 32/57 miles Riding Terrain - Hilly Hotel - Hotel La Baja Location: Santa Caterina di Pittinuri asp?s=1&lang=uk The sweet aroma of juniper berries and wild olives will help invigorate today s ride. In Cuglieri, find yourself surrounded by mountains, woods and rivers. After repeated raids in the 9th-century, this old city was abandoned, and then rediscovered and founded as a new city, Curulis Nova, now called Cuglieri. The area is a magnificent archaeological site, home to sarcophagi and a basilica with three naves. From here, we ll pedal down the coast to the village of Santa Caterina. Our small hotel is situated on a natural promontory, overlooking an enchanting little bay. All rooms have balconies and a beautiful sea view. DAY 5 FORDONGIANUS Daily Mileage - 30/40 miles Riding Terrain - Flat and rolling Hotel - Grand Hotel Terme e Spa Location: Fordongianus html Today, after a rolling ride by the sea, leave the coast and enjoy a flat terrain en route to Fordongianus, passing by Paulilatino, in the heart of Sardinia. This area is dotted with pastures and remote villages, in which you might get caught up in a sheep traffic jam. Our hotel boasts a spa, perfect for a massage or why not simply relax by the pool sipping a cocktail before a well-deserved dinner? This hotel offers a spa and a pool to soothe your tired legs after a day of riding, right in the heart of Sardinia. DAY 6 BARBAGIA Daily Mileage - 50/57 miles Riding Terrain - Several solid climbs Hotel - Sa Orte Location: Fonni Today we ride inland to Barbagia, a rugged landscape rich in living traditions. The silence of these untouched mountains will give you the impression that time has stopped. The name Barbagia comes from the Latin word barbaria, used by the ancient Romans to reference the once secluded areas inhabited by ancient barbarians. As you ride through this beautiful area, be on the lookout for more rare animals, such as wild boars and eagles. We will pass through Sorgono, an important town since the Roman times, and it is the birthplace of a very popular, local wine called Mandrolisai. Our destination is the town of Fonni, the highest town in Sardinia with beautiful vistas of the Gennargentu mountain range. The hotel is located in the village of Fonni, in the ideal location for people who want to discover the real soul of the island and is very much appreciated by walkers and hikers. Tastefully designed, this historic nobleman s home was carefully restored and opened as a hotel in Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 4

5 DAY 7 OLIENA & SU GOLOGONE Daily Mileage - 39/45 miles Riding Terrain - A lot of uphill roads with mountainous landscapes Hotel - Hotel Su Gologone Location: Cala Gologone Duration: 2 Nights DAY 8 SUPRAMONTE HIKE Daily Mileage - 2 hour hike Riding Terrain - Sneakers or hiking boots recommended We wind our way towards the mountains of Gennargentu today, stopping in small, attractive towns before reaching Oliena, which is famous for the local cannonau wine called Nepente. Mamoiada is known for the masks of the Mamuthones, which are often on display and populate the streets during festivals and celebrations. We ll visit the mask museum to learn more about these eerie and mysterious masks. Orgosolo is known as the village of murals. There are hundreds in this town of only 5000 people! Our hotel lies at the foot of Supramonte, a mountain steeped in folklore. It is a large, white villa that blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape of juniper trees and wild olives. With a swimming pool and views of the horizon, this hotel combines quality service, comfort and tradition. Today we re taking a day off the bike to hike and enjoy the beautiful area called the Supramonte. The hike includes a bit of climbing, but is rewarded by fascinating views and vistas over the valley. We ll share a barbecue in the mountains with local shepherds and learn about their archaic culture. In the afternoon, visit the area of Su Gologone or relax at the hotel. Hotel - See Day 7 DAY 9 S. MARIA NAVARRESE Daily Milage - 53 miles Riding Terrain - Climbing and coasting Hotel - Lanthia Resort Location: S. Maria Navarrese DAY 10 ARRIVEDERCI We ascend from 328 to 3,280 feet towards the Genna Silana pass, and then back down to sea level on what is sure to be one of the best rides of your life. We ll pass by Dorgali, a major agricultural center well known for its locally produced products, and then head out towards a beautiful and remote part of this mysterious island, where you ll have a bit of a climb before reaching the coast. Celebrate with a dip in the beautiful pristine water of this stretch of coast of Sardinia: a beautiful background to enjoy our great accomplishment. The Lanthia Resort is a precious jewel located between the forests of Ogliastra and the crystal blue sea of Santa Maria Navarrese. It has a lounge bar, restaurant and swimming pool, as well as a large garden just a few steps away from the sea. After breakfast we will shuttle you to Cagliari where you can catch a flight or ferry to the mainland. The shuttle takes 1.5 hours and we will leave around 9 am. Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 5

6 ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE GETTING TO ALGHERO Fly to Rome (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP), and arrange a one-way domestic flight to Alghero (AHO). Take a taxi from Alghero s airport to our first hotel (25 min). DEPARTING FROM S. MARIA NAVARRESE We provide one group shuttle to Cagliari airport (CAG) around 9 am after breakfast (approx 1.5 hrs) where you can fly to Rome, Milan, Venice, and many other major cities in Italy and Europe. OTHER INFORMATION For Flight Reservations Valerie Wilson Travel Call: or ciclismoair@vwti.com Travel Insurance MH Ross Call: Transportation Rome2rio BIKE INFORMATION Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Bianchi carbon fork, Shimano 105 triple groupset, an adjustable stem, and a wheel set laced with 32 spokes and 25mm tires. Included on all tours Aluminum Hybrid More relaxed riding at a look-around-you pace, this is our custom-built, highperformance aluminum hybrid bicycles with straight handlebars. We also have woman-specific frame. Included on all tours Bianchi Intenso and Vertigo The carbon frame guarantees maximum performance with minimum stress for the riders, thanks to Bianchi s special C2C (Coast to Coast) frame design/ geometry and different material combination. Carbon bikes are equipped with compact crank and 11/32 cassette. Available for $250 Bianchi Intenso or Vertigo with Shimano included on all intermediate and advanced tours at no extra charge Tandems Cannondale road or hybrid: racing posture with 700c wheels, or a more straight up position and 26 inch wheels. Co-motion Periscope: accommodates smaller team or even children. Available for $400 Honey tandem: light and responsive and perfect for experienced tandem riders. Available for $400 ebikes Available on all easy and athletic beginner tours, some intermediate and advanced tours. Please contact us for more information. Available for $400 Bike type outside of Europe may vary, please contact us at for more information. ON THE BIKE Included Ciclismo Classico water bottle Two water bottle holders Map holder on handlebars (or Garmin Edge GPS) Handlebar bag Tire pump Combination bike lock Gel-padded saddle Choice of pedals Card with your tour leaders mobile phone numbers Garmin Edge GPS Included on all carbon bikes and premium tandems (Co- Motione and Honey) $30 rental fee for other bikes Pedal Options Flat pedals Half-toe pedals (without straps) Toe cage pedals Things to Bring Helmet Optional: clipless pedals with shoes Optional: your own saddle Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 6

7 INSURANCE, TERMS & CONDITIONS Insurance Ciclismo Classico will not assume responsibility or liability for any loss or damage of personal effects or for any injury or loss during the duration of the tour. Therefore, we highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance. Information on travel insurance will be sent to you via once trip deposit is received. We recommend MH Ross, but travelers may choose the insurance carrier of their choice. Cancellations and Refunds All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing as soon as possible to Ciclismo Classico. Exceptions to their cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. There is no refund for unexpectedly leaving a trip early or arriving late. The purchase of short-term travel insurance policy is strongly recommended. Cancellation fees are determined as followed: Days before departure Cancellation fee 121+ days - 50% of the deposit* days - 100% of the deposit* days - 30% of the trip price days - 60% of the trip price days - 100% of the trip price *You may transfer your trip deposit to another departure in the same tour season up to 90 days before your original departure with payment of a $100 per person transfer fee. Prices quoted are subject to adjustment without prior notification. OR your deposit (currently $600) may be carried forward to the following year as a credit toward the final balance of a tour. At the time of booking, we will ask for another $600 deposit to secure your spot. Carried-forward credits expire at the end of the year to which they are applied. Alterations to the tour itinerary Sometimes modifications may be made to the itinerary. We will notify you of any changes that may affect your arrival, departure or lodging. Any changes to the program are made in the best interest and safety of the group. To review our policies, please visit RESERVE YOUR SPACE! To reserve a space, call Ciclismo Classico at Or, mail your deposit and contact information to: Ciclismo Classico attn: Rosa 30 Marathon St Arlington, MA At the time of registration, a deposit of $600 per person is due, payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or check, made payable to Ciclismo Classico, along with your full name, mailing address, phone number(s) and address. We cannot confirm reservations without a deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before departure payable by check, credit card, wire transfer or money order. All travelers must review and sign a terms and conditions statement and a waiver form. Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 7