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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1490USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: COR

Trip highlights


  • Exploring Cape Corsica at handlebar level
  • Experiencing the stunning landscape and diverse flora and fauna
  • Visiting tiny fishing ports awash in history
  • Enjoying the freedom of cycling light with all of your logistics taken care of
  • Delighting in the warm hospitality of the accommodation providers

Corsica is known as the 'mountain in the sea' with an incredible diversity of landscapes and a rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive. This circuit explores both the coast and Corsica's interior, through deserts, forests and mountains and along stunning coastal roads. There are a multitude of villages and historical sites to explore en route to the nights accommodation in specially handpicked inns and hotels. During the cycle day you will have several route options, allowing you the flexibility to choose a more demanding or relaxed route with more time for sightseeing. The flexibility, changing landscape and welcoming villages ensure your cycle trip in Corsica is exceptional.

Trip Grading

challenging

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

The trip begins on check in to the hotel in the afternoon. Your bike will be provided today or in the morning. The rest of the day is free to discover the capital of Upper-Corsica. The old port is picturesque and you can take time to visit the freely accessible citadel and the old city which offers a superb panorama out to the sea and the town. For dinner, you should head to the old port which is oozing with atmosphere. Note: luggage transfer is optional (supplement applies). If you choose to carry your luggage, please pack your requirements for the trip in the panniers provided. Your main luggage should be left either at the airport left luggage or the first hotel (please note that you will need to return to the first hotel to collect it at the end of the trip).

Meals:  Nil

This morning you'll pedal along the east side of the Cape of Corsica, only a stone's throw from the sea. You'll then cross the island to join the west coast of the Cape with its dramatic cliffs. The route is strewn with Genoese and Paoline towers as well as old convents and mills, and the landscape, including the small fishing ports, is splendid. Stay overnight in the charming village of Canari. Cycling: a choice of two routes, approx. 59km/36.5m or 79km/49mi

Meals:  B

The route today takes you away from Corsica Cape to head southward, in the direction of Saint-Florent. Depending on the route you choose, you may visit the village of Patrimonio, famous all around Corsica for its vineyards. Tastings are possible in the cellars of the village. This route offers superb viewpoints on the Gulf of Saint-Florent. In Saint-Florent, you should take some time to visit the citadel and to stroll around the port and its small commercial streets. Stay overnight in Saint-Florent. Cycling: a choice of two routes, approx. 31km/19mi or 48km/30mi.

Meals:  B

The ride today takes you into the heart of the Agriates Desert. From hamlet to hamlet, you cross this superb desert covered in the local maquis scrub - which has a great scent and is amazing in Spring when in blossom). Dependent on which route you take, you will be able to ascend into the heights of Balagne to see dramatic landscapes before descending towards the littoral and its Genoese Towers. Returning to the coast, you will soon arrive at your accommodation not far from Ile Rousse. Cycling: a choice of three routes, approx. 48km/30mi, 69km/43m or 80km/49.5mi.

Meals:  B

Today you'll get 2 options: resting or exploring the pretty villages of the Balagne by bike. 2 cycling loops are available today: a short one towards Codole lake or a longer one towards the bewitching stone villages perched in the middle of nowhere, with an astonishing beauty that hasn't changed with time. Overnight in Monticello. Cycling: choice of two routes, approx. 30km/18.5mi or 76km/47mi.

Meals:  B

Continue into the villages of the Balagne, with superb testimonies of the past through old churches and convents. You will follow the border of the Natural Reserve of Corsica until you reach the Golo river valley, your stop for the night. Today will be marked by the numerous animals you will see wandering in freedom: cows, pigs, goats... Transfer from Ponte Leccia to your hotel in Lucciana, a village close to the airport. (about 45 minutes transfer time). Cycling: choice of 2 routes, approx. 51km/31mi (+957m, -1600m), 63km/39mi (+1143m, -1807m)

Meals:  B

Your last day of riding will take you to the villages of Castagniccia known for their chapels, the many natural springs and the ancestral culture of the chestnut. The Royal Milan, this impressive bird of prey, which is very common in the region, will certainly not fail to hover over your heads. You will cross many rivers and streams before coming into view of the coast. Return to Lucciana for your overnight accommodation Cycling: choice of 3 routes, approx. 34km/21mi, 53km/33mi or 57km/35.5mi.

Meals:  B

Your trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with a transfer back to Bastia on request (to the hotel or airport, to collect stored luggage) - please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices
  • 6 nights in 3 star hotels and 1 night in a local inn on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
  • 21 speed hybrid bike rental (hybrid premium, aluminium or carbon road bike or e-bike available - supplement applies)
  • Hybrid & e-bikes include helmet, lock, double back panniers and a small front bag, repair kit
  • Premium road bikes include helmet, lock, a small front bag, repair kit
  • Digital information pack - smartphone app with maps and route book
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Bastia and from Lucciana
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Luggage transfer, you carry your gear in panniers provided. Supplement applies for luggage transfers
  • Excess luggage
  • Bike hire deposit (payable by cash or credit card locally). Deposit is returned on conclusion of trip. Any damage to the bike will need to be paid locally.
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • We recommend bringing a smartphone holder for your handlebars, to follow the route easily using the app.
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

challenging  

CHALLENGING – GRADE 5 This trip requires a good to excellent level of fitness to fully participate in this adventure, particularly if you plan to take the more demanding routes. There are a number of options provided each day and we supply gradients so you are able to make an informed choice about the route to choose. Cycling distances range from 31 to 80km (19 to 49.5mi) each day over undulating to mountainous terrain. The cycling is on low traffic side roads but at times you will encounter heavier traffic. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. Please ensure that you wear a helmet at all times on this trip.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 5 Nov

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season is from 1 Jun to 30 Sep and a supplement applies. Note in high season accommodation in the small villages is limited, you may be booked in a neighbouring village.
Note:
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternate tour suggestions.
Note:
Luggage transfer is not included. Panniers are provided.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1490USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-Bike SupplementUSD$80
  • Aluminium Road Bike Supplement (compact crankset)USD$80
  • Transfer Lucciana to Bastia (centre/hotel)USD$80
  • Carbon Road Bike Supplement (disc brakes)USD$200
  • Single SupplementUSD$440
  • luggage transfer (1-6 bags, max 20kgs per bag)USD$960
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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Corsica & GR20 Walking Tours | UTracks Active Travel

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