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Italy Cycling - Sardinia
Sardinia - you've heard of it no doubt, but where is it again?? Located in the Mediterranean Sea, just south of the French island of Corsica is where we find Sardinia, and at times you may think you are in the Caribbean as you look through the clear blue waters of this historical island's coastline. There are more than 300 days of sunshine per year on this island and the terrain while not flat does offer a slightly less challenging ride than Tuscany! Wind and rains come in the winter mostly and occassionally in the fall and spring, but most of the time the climate is excellent for cycling. On this trip you are best to arrive by plane at Cagliari; flights from several points in Italy and other European cities are possible. Once on the island you will be charmed by the incredible history, from as far back as 16th century B.C.! Ruins, UNESCO sites, sandy beaches, wine, and unique foods make Sardinia a totally new and different Italian cycling experience!
Tour Details
General Tour Information
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights - This is a new trip in 2012 in self guided format; previously it was only operated for private groups.
Dates: March 15-November 15. This is self-guided touring and offers total freedom of dates - you can choose whatever dates you wish. We can accomodate small parties of 2 persons up to large groups. Custom guided groups are possible for groups of 6 or more; please inquire.
Level 2+ to 3 - moderately hilly and rolling routes with some short climbs; distances are above average moderate at about 59 km/day.
Options
Ride options - additional riding always possible
Florence/Rome addons before or after the tour - these are good stopover points for flights to Sardinia/Cagliari.
Custom tours for groups
Local Coordinators
Marco and Giuliana are our local Italy experts, either one of them or another colleague in Cagliari will meet you for orientation on arrival day as well as provide emergency support throughout your trip.
Customer Comments from other regions of Italy
"I wanted to write and let you know how marvelous out trip to Tuscany was and thank you for arranging such a wonderful biking tour. Giuliana and Marco were terrific and made sure we had everything we needed. The route maps were easy to follow, our hotels were terrific and the bikes satisfactory for our Tuscany adventure!! "
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Julie S./USA
Itinerary
Click on a day to see that days itinerary.
DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7
Day 1 | Arrival in Cagliari
Transfer to Sardara or train to San Gavino on your own
We pick you up at train station in Sadara and transfer you to the hotel which is about a 5 minute trip. The first stop is the charming village of Sardara, where we recommend setting some time aside to explore the narrow cobbled streets. The most interesting monument is the Nuraghic pit temple found near the church of St. Anastasia close to the curative water spring. The quiet villages with simple rural churches are a testimony of Sardinian culture still connected to the land and slow paced lifestyle.
Bike set up and orientation at 6pm with our local support person, and after that you can enjoy a welcome, gourmet dinner at hotel. (D) Note: to arrive at Cagliari, we recommend a flight from Rome or Florence or other connecting city in Europe. You can train from Caliari to San Gavino; and then we will transfer you.
Antica Casa Diana
4
Sardara
The hotel welcomes you into its friendly and family atmosphere. All the rooms are tastefully furnish...
Day 2 | Bike ride to Barumini, Villanovaforru and Collinas - Distance 57 km
Afer a nice breakfast, you can start your first ride at your leisure. Taking minor roads you roller coaster in the hilly region of the Marmilla, where the highlight is Barumini, a small village situated in the middle of Sardinia that is known for the most important archaeological site of the island; the nuraghic complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from 16th century BC. The nuraghe is the main type of ancient megalithic edifice found in Sardinia. It is a symbol of Sardinia and its distinctive culture, the Nuragic civilization.
Sardinia is well-known not only for its natural beauties but also for its typical and peculiar buildings called Nuraghe, first appearing during the Bronze Age, symbol of this island. A guide will introduce the history. On the way back too your hotel, another worthwhile visit is the village of Villanovoforru. (B) Lunch and dinner on your own, suggestions provided.
Antica Casa Diana
4
Sardara
The hotel welcomes you into its friendly and family atmosphere. All the rooms are tastefully furnish...
Day 3 | Bike ride to Arbus, Portixeddu and Capo Pecora; 60km
After a nice breakfast, again at your leisure, you leave the hills of Sardara with an easy start. You cross the wide Campidano plane, cultivated with wheat, artichokes and saffron, and olive groves. The first climb to Arbus comes next where you can stop for a caffe. Next some more climbing await you, with a final destination in Portixeddu and its long sandy beach; an ideal stop for the night. A short extension 4 km and you can admire the granite peninsula of Capo Pecora. Dinner on your own, suggestions provided. (B)
Hotel Sardus Pater
3
The Hotel Sardus Pater has been recently opened at the sea village of Portixeddu, in the country of ...
Day 4 | Bugerru, Masua, Pan di Zucchero, Nebida Fontanamare e Sant Antioco; distance 70 km
Your ride today will take you along the coast with stunning views of long sandy beaches and rugged promontories. The first stop can be the little fish village Bugerru. Then pass the old mining centers of Masua and Nebida, which today is like taking a step back into the past. In front of Masua admire the Pan di Zucchero, an outcropping of rock 133 meters high with two natural arches. Your final destination is Sant'Antioco island, linked to the mainland by a 3 km isthmus. The best seafood awaits you tonight for an included dinner. (B,D)
Hotel Moderno Sant'Antioco
3
Sant'Antioco
Modern Hotel, located at the center of the country Sant'Antioco , is completely renovated and manage...
Day 5 | Bike ride to Tratalias, Narcao, Santadi, Grotte Is zuddas, Teulada; 62km.
A nice long day riding through more Mediterranean scented scenery. Leaving St Antioco, you ride inland to Tratalias and Narcao towards the wine area. The town of Santadi, founded in the Middle Ages, is in the heart of the Sulcis, in a countryside covered by holm oaks, lentisk, olive groves and vineyards. Famous for its “carignano” grapes, other native grapes are Monica, Vermentino, Nuragus. Soon after take a stop at the carsick caves of Is Zuddas. Be sure to taste the unique full-bodied red wines from here tonight at your dinner.
SosVentos Village
Teulada
SosVentos Village is a modern holiday village in the traditional Saradinian architectural style furn...
Day 6 | bike ride to Teulada, Baia di Chia, Pula; distance 45 km
Your last ride is terrific: ride along craggy cliffs with ancient fortified watchtowers alternate with little sandy coves and long stretches of sandy beaches, and where the terrain is up and down until Baia Chia. The crystalline waters have a Caribbean feel, it is only the Mediterranean vegetation and in particular the juniper trees, “Ginepro” typical of this region, that remind you are in Sardinia. At last you arrive Pula village with important Phoenician settlement of Nora. Dinner on your own again tonight. Lodging hotel lantana or Relais is Morus
Lantana Resort
4
Pula
Lantana Hotel & Residence is a newly built hotel with the latest in modern amenities. The design giv...
Day 7 | Departure Day - after breakfast transfer to Cagliari is available
You finish in Pula and there are buses to get you back to Cagliari, or we can arrange a private transfer. In Cagliari you can get a flight to a connecting city.
What's Included
Deluxe lodging 3 and 4 stars - double room with private bath, buffet breakfast daily, all luggage transfers from hotel to hotel, local emergency support throughout your tour during daylight riding hours, arrival orientation and bike set up, route maps, route cue sheets with suggestions for visitation and site information, all pre and post travel planning services and a package of pre-travel documents sent electronically to help you prepare for your trip.
There is not an upgrade option available for this tour, but all hotels are superior standing. See the information shown for each day in the Itinerary tab.
Lodging
Lodging on this tour is the same as that found in guided group tours costing $3000 and more!
Cycling in Sardinia is one of the best ways to experience this famously historic and relatively moderate terrain. The history adds to the romantic countryside and it offers so much to implore you to get off your bike and discover. Traveling from one famous village to another along small country roads, this bicycle tour can be adapted to your needs.
Accommodation: See the list of hotels in the Itinerary tab for the most up to date hotel information.
Options
Ride options - longer/shorter
Florence/Rome addons
Custom tours for groups
Tour Rates
Price Per person based on double occupancy: 1385 Euros per personSingle supplement (for a single occupancy room) when 2 or more persons traveling: 455 Euros
Solo supplement (traveling alone): TBD Euros.
Triples available in some locations, please inquire.
Hybrid Bike Rentals are available for a supplement of 105 euros, please see the Bike Rental tab for all details about the bikes we offer. Road bikes are also available for 160 euros.
Private transfer Cagliari to San Gavino: 65 euros up to 4 persons.(convert from euros)
Bike Info
Bike rentals are available for every tour. We offer top quality custom built hybrid and road bikes.
Note: pedals are flat or with clips; if you bring your own clipless pedals and shoes we can install them.
Bike: [Click for image and more details ] Custom hybrid; aluminum frame with carbon fork, Shimano Ultegra or Deore; 3x9. Bikes come equipped with handlebar bag, lock, water bottle, gel saddle, tire repair kit, cycle computer. Hybrids are fitted with thin tires for better road performance.
Racing models also available see details .
Moderately hilly terrain, rated as intermediate to advanced.
A Cannondale tandem is also available for experienced tandem riders. Persons from 5 ft to 6-5 can be accommodated. Bike quality is top; averaging $1500 each retail.
Photos from Sardinia
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