DISCOVER CORSICA
A relaxing ride across this spectacular Mediterranean Island.
As part of our tour portfolio this semi circumnavigation of Corsica is a breathtaking tour taking in the most beautiful and quiet roads any cyclist can wish for.
We will follow the the coastal roads and the central ridge of the Island which includes 631 Km over 6 stages and 10,000 m of climbing. This is a fully supported bike tour allowing you to ride at your own pace point to point each day without the worry of luggage, water or navigation. You will receive route cards, GPS Files, vehicle support and an experienced guide throughout the tour.
We provide you with daily route cards and roadbook which we fully brief at each of the evening meals . We will also give you with the GPS files so you can download them into your units or we have a number of Garmin units for rental. We will stay to the quiet roads as much as possible. We also give you a fantastic cycle jersey so you can ride the tour in style.
The itinerary may change from time to time but is basically a proven route over many years that we feel gives you a true experience of Corsica. If you are reasonably fit you will be able to complete ride with an average distance of 105Km per day. There is always vehicle support in case you get into difficulties. Trust us, this tour is open to all riders of all levels with café and lunch stops, you have all day to ride. You also have the option if you do not want to ride the whole day of taking a scenic ride in the minibus – so you can still ride with friends and enjoy the social aspect of your holiday. You will arrive at the hotels mid afternoon so plenty of time to relax by the pool, stroll along the beach or explore the local villages.
All your luggage is transported between stages. You bike boxes and bags will stay stored in Bastia for your return. There is also mechanical support available so you do not have to worry about anything other than enjoying the ride.
ITINERARY
Arrival Bastia (La Marana) via Ferry or Air
We will pick you up from either the ferry port or the airport and transfer you to the starting hotel in La Marana (just south of Bastia).
Bike building and a test ride before having the welcome meal and briefing in a hotel restaurant.
Stage 1 – La Marana to St Florent [99Km]
After traversing the capital of Corsica, Bastia, the ride follows the coastal road to the Cap de Corse, the northern peninsula of the Island. We stop for coffee at St Severa before turning left inland and tackling the first of the climbs taking us to the west side of the Cap. Again following the coastal road south we reach the hill top town of Nonza where we will have lunch in the square. Then is is just 19Km downhill to the seaside town of St Florent and the the hotel.
Stage 2 – St Florent to Galeria [106Km]
We leave the small town of St Florent and head into the Desert des Agriates and a steady climb to the Bocca di Petraiolu. This stunning region of Corsica is covered in heathland and flowers. The roads are wide and near deserted of traffic. The ride descends towards the port town of L’Ile Rousse where we will take a diversion into the centre for a coffee break before heading upwards towards the Col de Salvi for the stunning views of the bay below. Once the majority of the climbing is out of the way we will stop for some lunch in the hill town of Calenza. We head further inland away from the sea for the final climb, the Bocca Di Marsolinu before descending to another beautiful seaside town, Galeria.
Stage 3 – Galeria to Calacuccia [106Km]
After breakfast on the terrace we will take a gentle warm up before the Col de Palmarella, a beautiful gradual climb with stunning views of the bay from the top. But the descent does not start here. We take a gentle ride around the mountain road in the shape of a horseshoe before heading down to coffee in Curzo. After a small bump we pass through the village of Porto and start the climb of the Bocca di Capicciolu, another rugged summit with spectacular views. We rise sharply up to the town of Evisa where we will take a break for Lunch before ascending the final 7Km of the Col de Verghio, the highest point in the tour. The descent into the finishing town of Calacuccia is amazing and you will be at the hotel in no time.
Stage 5 – Calacuccia to Zicavo [108Km]
From the hotel we drop down to the shores of the lake before heading down through the Ravin de Pitinelli which follows the most beautiful gorge which is worth a photo or two. At the base of the gorge we head over the bridge and ascend the first climb of the day, the Bocca d’Ominanda which is a gentle warm up before descending for Coffee in the bustling town of Corte. Leaving Corte we will be on a wider road for a few kilometres, up and over the Col de Belle Granaje and stopping for lunch early after the village of Vivario. Get those calories in as we now have the Col de Sorba followed straight after with the final climb of the day, the Col de Verde. Its is a long descent and valley ride to the remote village of Zicavo where the rustic hotel has a very warm welcome.
Stage 5 – Zicavo to Solenzara [84Km]
We start a gradual climb from the outset this morning. 400m of ascent over 15 Km to the top of Col de la Vaccia. Then we descend for the same amount to coffee in Vangone. Climbing slightly through Zonza we start the final big climb of the tour, the Col de Bavella. Again, not to steep but has an Alpine feel as you reach the summit where lunch will in the summit café. This is a very busy summit with many holiday homes and huts. The descent is as normal, twisty and skinny but the lack of traffic makes for an exhilarating experience. Soon you will be at the seaside again and as this is a short day you will have time to relax in the pool or book a massage at this luxurious hotel. Dinner will be in the Marina, why not!
Stage 6 – Solenzara to La Marana [128Km]
The final stage takes a transitional route to the first coffee stop at Aleria. Just after leaving the café we will take a left onto the rural roads of eastern Corsica. The undulating route takes us to lunch at around 65Km on the ascent to the Col de Gugliani. The road narrows through small tunnels and past spectacular waterfalls. This route is truly amazing. We rejoin civilisation for the final section into the finish in La Marana.
Depart Bastia (La Marana)
Departures from Bastia Airport. We will get everyone to the airport for the morning flights. But if you would like to stay on for a few days this is a perfect way to relax after a great introduction to the island of Corsica.
TOUR MAP
TOUR SUMMARY
- Price: €1675 (based on twin share)
Single room supplement €555 - Tour Dates
– 26th May to 2nd June 2024 - Start Location – Bastia Airport (see travel details)
- End Location – Bastia Airport (see travel details)
- Total Tour Distance:
– 631 Km (392 Miles) - Total Climbing Distance:
– 10,000 m (32,000 ft) - 6 days of riding
- Accommodation – 2** to 4**** hotels
Tour Difficulty – 2 Cogs (further details)
FULL PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Accommodation 2** to 4**** Hotels 7 days
- Breakfasts for 7 days
- Evening meals for 7 days
- Road Book
- Daily route cards / GPS files
- Exclusive Tour of Corsica cycling jersey
- Gift completion
- Vehicle support throughout (Hot & Cold drinks, snacks)
- Experienced guide
- Hotel luggage transfers
- Transfers to and from Bastia Airport or Ferry Port
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Lunches – normally taken at local cafés on route
- Flights or Ferry
- Holiday insurance
BIKE RENTAL
- Rose Carbon Team GF4
- Shimano 105 Compact Crankset
BOOK THIS EVENT
Please completed the form below to begin the booking process for your chosen event. A member of our team will contact you once received to confirm and complete the booking process. You can find out more information on our booking procedure here.
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