Kolb Exclusive Corsica Cycle

Cycling in Corsica

Looking out towards the coast in Corsica

Cycling on the French island of Corsica

Coastal scenes in Corsica

Cycling in Corsica

Cycling on the French island of Corsica

Coastal scenes in Corsica

Duration

11 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

10 nights in hotels

Meals

10 Breakfasts

Price

$USD

Overview

Trip Code: SOG7140

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

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Itinerary

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Day 1
28 May - Join Bastia

The trip begins on check in to the hotel in the afternoon. You will receive luggage tages but most printed documents have been replaced with the digital versions provided with your final documents. 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. Overnight Bastia

Meals: Nil

Day 2
29 May - In Bastia

In Bastia at leisure. Bastia is a charming Mediterranean town. The best way to explore it is on foot and get lost in its narrow streets. If you're in Bastia at the weekend, don't miss the small food market on the market square on Saturdays. On Sundays the large Place Saint Nicolas hosts the flea market. From the old port, you can also book a day at sea to discover the Cap Corse Overnight Bastia

Meals: B

Day 3
30 May - Cycle the Corsica Cape to Canari (59 or 79km/36.5 or 49mi)

This morning your bikes will be delivered to the hotel and from there 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. Overnight in the charming village of Canari. Cycling: a choice of two routes, approx. 59km/36.5m or 79km/49mi

Meals: B

Day 4
31 May - To the Gulf of Saint-Florent on a choice of routes (31 or 48km/19 or 30mi)

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. Overnight in Saint-Florent. Cycling: a choice of two routes, approx. 31km/19mi or 48km/30mi.

Meals: B

Day 5
1 June - Saint Florent

At leisure in Saint Florent

Meals: B

Day 6
2 June - The Desert of Agriates to Monticello (48, 69 or 80km/30, 43 or 49.5mi)

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. Overnight is usually in the charming little town of Monticello, with its lovely town square, port, and nice bars surrounded by beaches. Cycling: a choice of three routes, approx. 48km/30mi, 69km/43m or 80km/49.5mi.

Meals: B

Day 7
3 June - To Calvi

Bike today to Calvi you will cross the splendid villages of Balagne singing names, Sant'Antonino, Pigna, and many others, to discover their discrete charms. You will then reach the active Calvi. Distances: 40 km (D+ : 601m ; D- : 786m ; Min. : 1m ; Max. : 786m) or 50 km (D+ : 730m ; D- : 915m ; Min. : 1m ; Max. : 538m) Overnight Calvi

Meals: B

Day 8
4 June - Loop to Galeria (67Km) or rest day in Calvi

Calvi, splendid city, a beach of azure blue, overhung by mountains (natural barrier: the massif of Monte Cinto) and its rock where dominates a medieval city, a splendid Genoese citadel of the 13th century, is a true small paradise where life is good. You can choose between a day free around to enjoy the discovery of the city and its beaches, or go for a 70km loop towards Galeria. Distance : 79km (D+ : 1029m ; D- : 1030m ; Min. : 1m ; Max. : 432m) Overnight Calvi

Meals: B

Day 9
5 June - Cycle to the Golo River Valley (48, 61 or 73km/30, 38 or 45.5mi)

Begin the day with a transfer to start of the ride and 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... Overnight in the quiet village of Campitello. Cycling: choice of 3 routes, approx. 48km/30mi, 61km/38mi or 73km/45.5mi.

Meals: B

Day 10
6 June - Descend to the Castagniccia region and Lucciana (34, 53 or 57km/21, 33 or 35.5mi)

Your last day of riding will take you either through the villages of the Nebbiu region or through the Castagniccia region, both known for their chapels and chestnut forests. Royal Milan (Red Kites) raptors are widespread in this area and you are likely to see them hovering. Your stop for the night will be in Lucciana, a village close to the airport. Cycling: choice of 3 routes, approx. 34km/21mi, 53km/33mi or 57km/35.5mi.

Meals: B

Day 11
7 June - Trip concludes in Lucciana

Your trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with a transfer to the airport or the harbour station on request - please ask for our rates.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

10 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices
10 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels and guesthouses/inns on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
Luggage transfer (one piece of max 15kg per person)
Information pack - smartphone app with maps and route book per room booked
Emergency hotline
8 days Ebike rental from day 3 to day 10

What's not included

Travel to Bastia and from Lucciana
Lunch, dinner and drinks
Items of a personal nature including but not limited to sightseeing and entry fees and optional activities
Storage of excess luggage
Bike hire deposit (see 'equipment provided' below for details, 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.
Tour guide – this is a self guided trip
Travel insurance - mandatory

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a standard 21 speed leisure hybrid bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a helmet. A security deposit of 200€ per bike is due locally.

Premium hybrid bike

Premium hybrid bike is available on request. Fitted with disc brakes and a lightweight aluminium frame. Trek FX2 - supplement applies. A security deposit of 500€ per bike is due locally.

Aluminium or Carbon road bike

An aluminium or Carbon road bike is available on request. Aluminium models: triple crankset eg Specialized Secteur model or compact crankset eg Trek Domane AL3. Carbon models: V-brake eg LOOK 566 Ultegra or disc brake eg Trek Emonda SL6. Supplement applies. A security deposit of 1500€ is due locally.

E-bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 147cm / 4ft10in. A security deposit of 1000€ is due locally.

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

Exclusive Departure

Surcharge

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

$USD

Options & Supplements*

Reduction Hybrid Bike RentalUSD$-190

*Prices listed are per person

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