Mediterranean Island Hopping. Experience the best of Corsica and Sardinia on a new north-tosouth route and a private cruise on Bonifacio s coast

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1 MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND HOPPING 2018 Mediterranean Island Hopping P E D A L Y O U R P A S S I O N ITINERARY OUTLINE Experience the best of Corsica and Sardinia on a new north-tosouth route and a private cruise on Bonifacio s coast Trip Essence / Page 2 Outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, nature and water lovers alike will be dazzled by this trip s dramatic beauty. This new north-to-south route follows the coastline with spectacular seaside views before heading inland towards the secret heart of Sardinia. Distinct and exotic, Italian-influenced Sardinia and French-flavored Corsica enchant all who visit their Mediterranean shores and magical hills. In hilly Corsica, called the beautiful city by the ancient Greeks, we ll cycle by jagged purple-pink rock formations, dramatic white cliffs, and translucent blue coves. In Sardinia, pastel houses fade into chestnut groves and cork forests, rolling hills take us to thousands of prehistoric Nuraghi towers, and sculpted pink rock formations and dunes melt into the sea. Indulge your deepest Mediterranean fantasy on this Italian island hopping tour. Arrival & Departure / Page 7 Ciclismo Classico Daily Itinerary / Page 3-6 Bike Information / Page 7 Terms & Conditions / Page 8 Reserve Your Space! / Page info@ciclismoclassico.com 1

2 TRIP ESSENCE Pedal peacefully along the turquoise Mediterranean Take to the seas on a private island-hopping boat excursion Marvel at the glittering-red granite walls of Les Calanques, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Experience French and Italian cultures back-to-back Cycle through spectacular limestone mountains and along stunning oceanfront cliffs Savor fresh local seafood and learn about the creation of local foods WHAT S INCLUDED Use of a carbon road bike (see page 7 for details) Service of local, professional guides throughout the program Ciclismo jersey and water bottle All accommodations All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 8 dinners A walking tour of Bonifacio Boat excursion with lunch on board TRIP DETAILS 2018 Trip Dates May 23-Jun 2 Jun Jul 4-14 Sep 1-11 Sep Oct 3-13 Ability Level Intermediate Summary of Daily Distances Day 1: 12 miles Day 2: 50 miles Day 3: 50/60 miles Day 4: 35 miles Day 5: 44/53 miles Day 6: Boat cruise (with optional 20-mile ride) Day 7: 35 miles Day 8: 38/48 miles Day 9: 60 miles Day 10: 39/45 miles Day 11: Arrivederci! Optional extra loops available Trip Price $5,995 Single Supplement: $1000 Samples of local enogastronomic specialties Group shuttles at the beginning, during and at the end of the tour Ciclismo is better than any other tour company in many ways: the guides, itineraries, and willingness to go to places less traveled. As guests, we feel Ciclismo truly wants to provide a memorable Italian cycling experience. -BeeBee & Stuart K. Oak Bluffs, MA Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 2

3 DAY 1 CALVI, CORSICA Daily Mileage - 12 miles Riding Terrain - Hilly with some climbs and gorgeous views Hotel - Regina Location: Calvi Website: Bienvenue welcome to Corsica! Our journey begins in the charming coastal outpost of Calvi. Warm your muscles up with a brief ride in the Balagna, the region of Northern Corsica famous for pink granite landscapes and mouthwatering local wine. The Regina Hotel is located in the center of Calvi and offers panoramic views of the sea, the mountains and the Citadel, a legendary fortress at the heart of this seaside resort town. Meals - L, D DAY 2 PORTO Daily Mileage - 50 miles Riding Terrain - Hilly with some climbs and gorgeous views Hotel - Les Flots Bleu Location: Porto Website: Our tour gets off to a great start today with one of the most scenic rides of the entire itinerary. The first miles out of Calvi will challenge you, but the view will it worthwhile. After mile 17, it s smooth sailing along an incredible road that zigzags in and out of the trees, passing mountains lush with eucalyptus trees, meandering cows and goats, and coral-colored points along the sea. From the top of each climb, the reward of a different angle on the red granite coast is outstanding. Once we arrive in Porto, we ll check into Les Flots Bleu Hotel, located right on the beautiful Gulf near the Genoese Tower. The hotel s comfortable and spacious rooms have terraces overlooking the sea. Meals - B DAY 3 PORTICCIO Daily Mileage - 50/60 miles Riding Terrain - Rolling with climbs, descents and coastal riding Hotel - Le Maquis Location: Porticcio Website: Today s ride has an incredible variety of scenery. Just after we start, have your camera ready for the next ten miles as we pass through the astonishing coastal area of Les Calanques, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose red and pink granite spires soar above the sea. For the next few miles, we ride along a wonderful coastal road with white sandy beaches. The last climb to Col de San Bastianu is perhaps the most challenging of the whole trip, but leads into a well-deserved descent into Aiaccio, Corsica s capital. We ll cross the center with a private transfer to reach our seaside hotel in Porticcio. Le Maquis is a luxury hotel located right on the beach. Established in 1949, the refined waterfront hotel offers endless charm to its guests. Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 3

4 DAY 4 PROPRIANO Daily Mileage - 35 miles Riding Terrain - Hilly with some climbs Hotel - Marinca Location: Propriano Website: com/uk/index.php Early in the day we hit the hill of Coti Chiavari on a spectacular and quiet road that winds up through scented bushes. This is the essence of the Mediterranean. Later, the terrain gets flatter and we end at a lovely hotel with time left for a dip in the clear waters of a private beach. Hotel Marinca is located on the far side of Valinco Bay, about three miles from the center of town. In addition to its private beach, it has a pool and wonderful views of Propriano. DAY 5 BONIFACIO Daily Mileage - 44/53 miles Riding Terrain - Hilly with some climbs Hotel - Santa Teresa Location: Bonifacio Duration: 2 Nights Website: Today s road is wide and hilly with views of the craggy coastline and sea to your left. After the start we climb to Sartene, the ancient capital of Corsica. Its austere atmosphere and ancient dark granite buildings will send your imagination into overdrive. The road continues alongside the coast until we reach our final destination for the day, the city of Bonifacio. Located in the very south of Corsica, Hotel Santa Teresa boasts an exceptional setting in the Genovese stronghold of Bonifacio. Situated at the tip of the peninsula, this peaceful haven overlooks the cliffs for superb views of Sardinia and the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel has 44 air-conditioned rooms with ocean views. DAY 6 BONIFACIO Daily Mileage - 20 miles (optional) Today, we take a break from the long rides for a special treat: a private boat cruise! Climb aboard to discover the most interesting coves of the Bonifacio coast before visiting the old city with a local guide. If you can t stay away from the bike, we have a 20-mile optional ride after the boat excursion. Hotel - See Day 5 Meals - B, L Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 4

5 DAY 7 ALGHERO, SARDINIA Daily Mileage - 35 miles Riding Terrain - Rolling Hotel - Calabona Location: Alghero Website: com/ DAY 8 TRESNURAGHES Daily Mileage - 38/48 miles Riding Terrain - Rolling with coastal riding Hotel - Asfodeli Location: Tresnuraghes Website: com/ DAY 9 FONNI Daily Mileage - 60 miles Riding Terrain - Hilly Hotel - Sa Orte Location: Fonni Website: Today, we transfer to Alghero by ferry and then by bus and arrive in the afternoon. Once there, we bike north to the beautiful area of Fertilia, stopping along the way to discover ancient civilizations. We ll also cycle through Capo Caccia, which is known for its impressive cliffs and mysterious underground caves. We end the day in Alghero, arriving with plenty of time to enjoy the town and check out its local crafts made of red coral. Our hotel for the night, Calabona, is a beautiful seaside property facing the splended Riviera del Corallo. Close to both the city center of Alghero and the Grotto di Nettuno, you couldn t ask for a better location. 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 cycle along Bosa s rocky shores, whose natural ebony cliffs are fortified by ancient landslides that jut out into the Mediterranean. Later we stop in the town of Bosa Marina for lunch and a stroll around the town. Tonight, we stay in Tresnuraghes. The Asfodeli hotel is a charmingly casual place to rest our heads tonight, lying just a few miles from local sites like Porto Alabe Beach, Bosa Cathedral, and the Castle of Serravalle. From Tresnuraghes, 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 also pass through Sorgono, an important town since Roman times and home to a 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. Hotel Sa Orte is located in the village, ideal for people who want to discover the real soul of the island. Tastefully designed, this historic nobleman s home was carefully restored and opened as a hotel in Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 5

6 DAY 10 SU GOLOGNE Daily Mileage - 39/45 miles Riding Terrain - Hilly Hotel - Experience Hotel Su Gologne Location: Su Gologne Website: it/en/ DAY 11 ARRIVEDERCI! Meals - B We wind our way towards the Gennargentu Mountains today, stopping in small, attractive towns before reaching Oliena, which is famous for the local Cannonau wine called Nepente. We also stop in Mamoiada, 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 works of art. We continue our journey through local art in Orgosolo, known as the village of murals. There are hundreds in this town of only 5,000 people. Experience Hotel is a 4-star accommodation that lies at the foot of Supramonte, a mountain steeped in folklore. It s 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. It s time to say arriverderci to the charms of the Mediterranean! After breakfast around 9 am, we provide a two-hour group shuttle to Cagliari Airport. Ciclismo Classico info@ciclismoclassico.com 6

7 ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE GETTING TO CALVI Please consult with a tour consultant or refer to Other Information to the right to determine the best route. We offer a group shuttle* from Calvi airport (CLY) at 12:30 pm to our first hotel in Calvi, which will take about 10 minutes. *Please inform the office if you plan on taking this scheduled group shuttle at least one month in advance via this form: DEPARTING FROM CAGLIARI After breakfast, we offer a group shuttle at 9 am to Cagliari airport (CAG) to make your connections, which will take about two hours. 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 a 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. Available for $400. 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. OTHER INFORMATION For Flight Reservations Valerie Wilson Travel Call: or ciclismoair@vwti.com Travel Insurance MH Ross Call: Transportation Rome2rio* * Our preferred website to make all of your travel plans; can be used for any destination ON THE BIKE Included Ciclismo Classico water bottle Two water bottle holders Map holder on handlebars and 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 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 7

8 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 follows: 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 8