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Italy - - Sardinian Mountains - Guided Road Cycling Holiday

Turkode Destinasjoner Turen starter 42579 Italia

Turen destinasjon Reisen er levert av 9 dager Cagliari Fra : NOK 0 Oversikt

One of our most popular destinations in the Skedaddle Italia range, the island of Sardinia is home to Skedaddle Italia, and as a result, the road cycling trip here guarantees the best possible routes, accommodation and local fair!

Reiserute

Day 1: Arrival, Cagliari Airport Day 2: Cagliari to Day 3: San Vito to Villanovastrisaili Day 4: Villanovastrisaili to Cala Gonone Day 5: Cala Gonone to Day 6: Orosei to Tonara Day 7: Tonara to Day 8: Orroli to Day 9: Departure, Cagliari Airport This is a place to place tour, exploring the very 'heart of Sardinia' - a beautiful Mediterranean gem famous worldwide for its sea and its coasts, yet more than 80% of its territory is mountainous and hilly, with many peaks well over 1,000m high. The smooth surfaces of the mountain roads are perfect for cycling and are virtually traffic free too. Surrounded by forests and beautiful countryside, it is a wild environment without busy towns or cities. Skedaddle Italia local guides will passionately share and explore the very heart of Sardinia with its well preserved ancient traditions, including those in the kitchen, and the local wines!

We begin by riding the south east coast, a warm up roller coaster ride past sandy coves and emerald green sea. From here we ride through the mountainous region of Gerrei, gradually making our way into the lower Gennargentu range. Back down to the coast, we ride along the stunning 'Orientale Sarda' through the limestone range of Ogliastra, which is considered as the most stunning road in Sardinia and was included in the 100th aniversary of the Giro d'Italia. After touching base on the coast of , we head towards the higher ranges in Sardinia, with gradual ascents and sweeping descents, surrounded by pristine nature and edging our way close to the highest peaks of Sardinia, the Gennargentu. Our final day in Sardinia will lead us down from the mountains to the rolling hills of Marmilla region and back to Cagliari.

The Sardinian Mountains road tour is a step up in intensity from our Sardinia Coastal Explorer holiday and the trip is suited to riders who prefer a few more miles under their belt each day. We also offer a range of other ways to explore Sardinia from trekking to kayaking so if you want to extend your stay please contact us to discuss options.

Day 1: Arrival, Cagliari Airport Following arrival in Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), we make the short transfer to our accommodation nearby. The rest of the day is spent organising bikes as well as exploring this interesting city, which is the capital of Sardinia. Spread over 7 hills, overlooking the Bay of the Angels (where its harbour is situated), Cagliari is a great place to meander and is home to some important Roman ruins such as the Amphitheatre, the Viper’s Cave and Tigellio’s Villa. The ‘Castle’ stands prominently on a limestone hill, about 100m above sea level. Cagliari also has a long sandy beach with clear water and, adjacent to it, a lagoon area where you can sometimes spot flamingos. Depending on flight times, we can visit many of the main sites of interest or you may just want to relax in a local cafe and watch the world go by for a few hours. Over our evening meal we will discuss the riding to come and at this stage you’ll be able to ask any specific questions that you may have.

Day 2: Cagliari to San Vito (B, L) After breakfast we set off and leave the hussle and bustle of Cagliari, heading out onto the coastal road taking us from the long sandy beach of Poetto to the undulating rocky coastline of the south east of Sardinia. We have a choice of two cycling options today; either the inland road which is shorter and climbs through the pink granite mountains, along deep gorges, or the coastal road. The road rolls gently past small hamlets and sandy beaches, emerald green sea reflected between promontories with dominating Pisan towers. We will regroup for a coffee break in , before riding further along the stunning coast, northwards this time, towards the famous Costa Rei coastal marshland area. We are heading for the mouth of the River Flumendosa, one of the main rivers of Sardinia. Following this, we now leave the coast, riding inland and reaching our destination for the night in San Vito, an agricultural region that produces succulent oranges. Our accommodation will showcase Sardinian hospitality and we head out into town to try out some delicious Sardinian food, perfect to refuel for the mountain stage tomorrow.

Approx. distance: 71 Miles / 115 Kms

Day 3: San Vito to Villanovastrisaili (B, L, D) Today’s ride will take us to the southern end of the Gennargentu, the island’s main mountain range and then to the Ogliastra Tacchi or ‘heels’ – cylindrical pinnacle limestone rocks, whose peaks rise to over 1,200m and dominate the landscape. The scenery is truly wild, made even more dramatic by the contrast between narrow and steep gorges, dense forested woods and the imposing limestone peaks. The ride starts off with a gentle climb still following the Flumendosa River, then starts climbing towards the Gennargentu and the Tacchi region. From here we stay high, along very quiet roads, surrounded by outstanding mountains and narrow gorges. Our accommodation tonight is in the quiet town of Villanovastrisaili, placed on the edge of the plateau. As we are in the heart of the Ogliastra region, this is the best place to taste the typical Culungiones and this might be the evening you try the succulent suckling pig.

Approx. distance: 68 Miles / 110 Kms

Day 4: Villanovastrisaili to Cala Gonone (B, L) Another great day in the saddle lays ahead of us. Riding along the plateau of the Gennargentu, amongst the sun blessed terraced vineyards, we’ll soon be stopping to check out the awe inspiring view of the sea as it appears in the distance.

A 30km long descent then takes us to the coast again. After a hearty lunch and Santa Maria Navarrese on the coast, it is time to cycle back up into the mountains along arguably the most panoramic road of the whole of Sardinia. After passing through , the road climbs gradually and steadily on the limestone slopes, the scenery is breathtaking and the sound of nature only interrupted by the hum of your tyres on the smooth tarmac. On reaching the 1,017m high Genna Silana pass, we may as well celebrate with an ice cream before tackling the fast descent along the beautiful and majestic Odoene Valley from where we take in the Gorroppu Gorge – one of the deepest of Europe! -, with the Tiscali mountain range behind it. The final descent to the coast is a series of switchbacks through wooded slopes, through which we will glimpse the blue sea below us at Cala Gonone. This is our destination for today, a small town on the shores of a stunning bay where we can end the day with a swim and in the evening we will sample its culinary delights.

Approx. distance: 71 Miles / 115 Kms

Day 5: Cala Gonone to Orosei (B, L) Yesterday we finished with a magnificent descent to the sea. So today, after a short warm up along the limestone coast, our climb will start from sea level to reach the view point at the pass. We now leave the limestone mountains of the Supramonte behind, heading inland riding first past vineyards which make up the delicious Cannonau wine. From here we head towards Monte Albo, a majestic range that rises from the sea to a height of 900m, its white limestone characterising the landscape. The Monte Albo is the northern most part of our tour and from here we start heading south again, riding town to the west coast, then through the pine forest of Bidderosa. We end our cycling near Orosei, allowing time for a quick swim before dinner.

Approx. distance: 65 Miles / 105 Kms

Day 6: Orosei to Tonara (B, L) Today’s ride will take us into the northern part of the Supramonte, and from there to the highest peaks of the island, the Gennargentu. For the first part of today our route is dominated by the imposing massifs of Mount Corrasi, a limestone block with almost vertical walls, towering above the village of . Cycling on traffic free secondary roads in the Oliena Valley and through the foot hills of the Supramonte, we head towards the town of , famous for its murals that adorn the streets. After a short visit we then climb again to the plateau that leads to the Gennargentu mountains, through forests of oak where pigs and horses roam freely. Our route now takes us to one of the highest passes of Sardinia, Passo Tascusi (1,230m). Here we ride through wooded slopes and along wild and rugged mountain peaks until descending to the quiet village of Tonara, with its characteristic stone houses, where we will stay for the night. Another mouthwatering meal of locally produced pasta and meats, will fuel you up for another day on the bike tomorrow.

Approx. distance: 74 Miles / 120 Kms

Day 7: Tonara to Orroli (B, L, D) From the heartland of the Gennargentu Mountains we now loop back south. From Tonara we sweep down onto the village of Belvì along one of the best descents Sardinia has to offer. From Belvì our route takes us into the little known Mandrolisai area, where we cycle on perfect mountain roads through well kept vineyards and lush forests. After reaching Genna Sa Croce pass we descend into the Upper Flumendosa Valley, and then continue cycling on rolling mountain roads that offer the most amazing views on the lush valleys and bare peaks characterising this part of Sardinia. After passing through the village of Sadali, famous for its caves and many springs, another 10km long descent on near perfect tarmac takes us down to the artificial Flumendosa Lake. After admiring the views on the lake, our route takes us back up through the rolling hills to and Orroli, our end point for the day. Culture buffs may want to visit the nearby archaeological site of Arrubiu, testimony of the local bronze age culture over 3,000 years old, before sitting down for a well earned aperitivo. Our accommodation, set in the heart of Orroli, reflects the traditions of Sardinia, and the meal a culinary Sardinian delight.

Approx. distance: 68 Miles / 110 Kms

Day 8: Orroli to Dolianova (B, L) After breakfast, we set off on our last cycling day taking us from Orroli down to the Mulargia Lake which we contour on our way into the sparsely inhabited Trexenta Region of southern Sardina. Here we cycle on quiet roads along the hill crests dotted with towering wind turbines. A succession of short climbs and fast descents all on virtually deserted mountain roads take us to the edge of the Campidano Plain from where we can already see the old town of Cagliari beckoning us. Our last descent takes us into the little town of Dolianova. This is where our riding officially ends. As we celebate at a local bar with drinks, the team will load up the bikes for the short transfer to Cagliari. Time to head out into Cagliari for our last evening in this bustling Mediterranean city.

Approx. distance: 53 Miles / 85 Kms

Day 9: Departure, Cagliari Airport (B) After breakfast we say our farewells as we transfer you back to Cagliari airport (CAG) for you onward flight home.

Viktig Informasjon

What's Included:

Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) in small hotels / agriturismi Meals as per the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid Support vehicle, for tired bikers and luggage transfers Airport transfer on scheduled arrival/departure days from Cagliari airport (CAG)

What's Not Included:

Bike hire (available if required, GBP 235) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable) Single room (available if required, from GBP 235) Travel insurance Meals not stated in the itinerary Personal clothing and equipment Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

Other useful travel information: Vaccinations: We recommend you have a dental and medical check-up before the holiday Passport: A full passport is required for visiting this destination. Baggage: Your allowable baggage is one main piece of luggage per person, other than your bike and a small day pack. Meals: Breakfast are typically Italian, lunch is a buffet of local and seasonal treats, dinner are either taken at a local restaurant or our accommodation. Travel Insurance: It is a condition of your trip that you are covered by a medical and personal accident insurance policy that includes repatriation to your home country and cover for all planned activities. Grade: 4 Challenging, For cyclists with stamina & a good level of fitness. Long & challenging days with multiple tough or high altitude ascents, with steep sections over extended distances. Long & often technically demanding descents. Road riding for experienced riders. 45-80 miles / 80-130 kms per day. Airport transfers: Group airport transfers are included in the cost of your holiday. To join the airport transfer on arrival, you’ll need to arrive into Cagliari airport (CAG) by 13:00 for a 13:30 transfer. At the end of the tour, we will transfer the group back to Cagliari airport, with an estimated arrival time of 08:30 – please consider this when booking your return travel and allow enough time to check in for your chosen flight. Please note – If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the time windows there may be an additional charge for individual transfers. Terrain: This tour inevitably involves a daily succession of climbs and descents on good quality roads. The first two days are a warm up for the more demanding rides later in the week as we head further into the mountains. The highest mountain passes are all about 1,000m/3280ft above sea level, but the gradients are rarely more than 10%. There are some long climbs, however they are gradual. The same goes for the descents which are never too steep. The roads are generally in good condition, except for short stretches in the vicinity of some of the mountain passes. The traffic is generally light, except at the beginning of the journey around Cagliari. The riding is mostly in remote mountain regions and along quiet coastal roads. Short sections leading to the accommodation could be on gravel. Bike Hire: If you have opted to hire then your bike will typically be a Giant Defy or Contend with Giant/Liv Avails (alu frames) for those preferring a women’s specific frame. They are great bikes with good quality components and generally come equipped with at least one bottle cage, a saddle bag and a small pump. We can also include a helmet which should be requested at time of booking. Please note that your bike will come with flat pedals as standard, so please do bring your own if you use clip-in pedals. Vehicle Support: At strategic points (where access allows), you have the security of our support vehicle. In the vehicle there will be some space for tired riders and you will be able to leave extra layers or spare kit here during the day. Priser / Datoer

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