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Italy - - Island Flavours - Self-Guided Leisure Cycling Holiday

Turkode Destinasjoner Turen starter 42543 Italia

Turen destinasjon Reisen er levert av 8 dager Pula Fra : NOK

Oversikt

Sardinia’s south-west corner is brimming with unrivalled views and fantastic flavours, and there's no better way to discover this beautiful region than by bike!

Reiserute

Day 1: Arrival into Cagliari Airport - Transfer to Day 2: Loop Ride – Marmilla and Barumini Day 3: Villanovaforru to Arbus Day 4: Arbus to Nebida Day 5: Nebida to St Pietro Island and St Antioco Island Day 6: St Antioco to Teulada Day 7: Teulada to Pula Day 8: Departure From Pula - Transfer to Cagliari Airport Detailed road books and maps will take you along a route that combines undulating country lanes and coastal roads, allowing you plenty of time to explore, whilst your luggage is transferred from place to place. Long sunny days allow for a gently-paced cycling holiday, giving you plenty of time to fully immerse yourself in this enchanting island.

Sardinia is passionate about its production of organic foods and the island is bursting with intense flavours; cheeses, wines, countless varieties of bread, cured meats, saffron, juicy fruits and much more. Your cycling holiday will take you on a journey of flavours, giving you plenty of opportunity to stop and visit wineries, farms, traditional bakeries, fisheries and olive oil mills. Throw in the delicious aroma of fresh Mediterranean herbs that will accompany your cycling, and you'll have a true journey of the sense.

If you would prefer to join a group of cyclists on one of our scheduled dates, we also offer a fully guided version of this trip, or if you have a day or two to spare why not extend your trip with some trekking or sea kayaking. Our local team can join you for a day’s guiding or we can provide the information and equipment to allow you to enjoy the routes self-guided, just give us a call for further info.

Day 1: Arrival into Cagliari Airport - Transfer to Villanovaforru (D) Following your arrival into Cagliari, we’ll transfer you to your accommodation in the village of Villanovaforru (approx 1 hour). The rest of the day can be spent organising bikes and going through your route notes ahead of your week of cycling to come, before enjoying a delicious meal prepared by your host.

Day 2: Loop Ride – Marmilla and Barumini (B, D) Leaving your accommodation, you’ll start the day with a gentle descent to the lower plains of the Marmilla, a hilly region which extends from the outskirts of Cagliari towards Oristano. Since Roman times, this fertile part of the island has been the centre for growing cereal, as well as olives and grapes. Today, bread making in this region still follows ancient recipes, with outstanding results! Cycling inland, you’ll head towards the Giara, a high volcanic plateau, populated by hundreds of wild horses. Nestled below it are the villages of and Barumini.

Allow plenty of time to stop and visit the impressive Nuragic complex of Barumini. Built in the Bronze Age, around the 15th century BC, this complex fortress and its surrounding village demonstrate an architectural feat; massive basalt blocks of rock, built up into three storey towers, internal staircases, outlook posts, courtyards and even an ancient sauna! Riding on you can make a short stop to admire the rose window of the charming granite Church of St Maria, before cycling past the remains of the 12th century Castello di Marmilla, perched on a hill beside the hamlet of . From here you’ll head back towards Villanovafforru, cycling through rustic towns. Be sure to stop at the Enoteca winery, where you can sample some of Sardinia’s finest wines, and regain your energy for the last stretch back to your hotel in Villanovafforru.

Approx. distance: 34 Miles / 55 Kms

Day 3: Villanovaforru to Arbus (B, D) Leaving the hills behind, you will venture down to the Campidano Plain, the biggest of the island, making your first stop in the town of . Its proximity to a hot spring and the quality of its fresh water, has made Sardara and its famed well a sacred area since ancient times. Believed by the Nuragic people to have healing properties, it’s well worth a visit!

Cycling on across the plain, you will pass the hot spring area just below the Castle of Monreale. From here, is your next stop, famous for the production of saffron. Make sure you stop at one of the bakeries to try some delicious Sardinian cakes filled with saffron-scented paste. Heading westward, is nestled below the rocky eastern spurs of the Iglesiente region and is known for its olives and olive oil. Leaving the plain it’s time to get into a smaller gear as you head back into the hills, just below Mt Linas, making your way to your accommodation, a delightful agriturismo offering legendary home made pasta, home-cured meats, cheeses and of course olive oil, with wine included. What better way to round off a fantastic day in the saddle?

Approx. distance: 31 Miles / 50 Kms

Day 4: Arbus to Nebida (B, D) Leaving the agriturismo today you’ll cycle towards the coast. The day starts with an incredible 15 km descent, with spectacular mountain views surrounding you. Cycling along the beautiful sandy beach of Portixeddu, you’ll have time to stop for a swim before continuing your cycle south. The lesser-visited hamlet of , once a thriving mining coastal town, now survives mainly on fishing and so with fresh fish being brought into the small port daily, it’s the perfect place to stop for lunch and enjoy some fresh, local delicacies. In Buggerru you’ll have the chance to visit one of the coastal mines, Galleria Henry, which has been opened to the public as part of an Industrial Archaeological itinerary of this fascinating mining area. If interested, let your Rep know at the beginning of the trip so a visiting time can be arranged.

Jumping back on your bike, the road will take you along the remote coastal route towards the towering limestone cliffs of Masua, a free climber’s heaven. Your accommodation and dinner will be in Nebida, an unforgettable village perched on the cliffside offering mesmerising views of the Mediterranean sea.

Approx. distance: 31 Miles / 50 Kms

Day 5: Nebida to St Pietro Island and St Antioco Island (B) From Nebida you’ll continue south down the coast, leaving the rugged limestone behind and heading towards the lower lands and the islands of St Pietro and St Antioco. Giving your legs a rest, you’ll catch a ferry first to the island of St Pietro, where you’ll discover a new landscape and culture from those you’ve experienced so far.

The town of on the island was founded by the coral fishers of Genoa, who moved to the island from Tunisia where they had lived since the middle of the 16th century. This influence is felt in the architecture on the island as well as the cuisine. With its pastel coloured houses set along narrow cobbled lanes, this makes it an interesting place to pootle around, maybe stopping for a fine meal at one of the town’s delicious fish restaurants. Don’t miss the island’s famous fresh tuna! Since ancient times, fishermen have awaited the arrival of schools of tuna that stream by along the same route, not far from the islands.

Another short ferry journey will take you across to the island of St Antioco, where a short ride will take you town and your accommodation.

Approx. distance: 31 Miles / 50 Kms

Day 6: St Antioco to Teulada (B) It is worth spending a few hours to wander and visit some of the hidden archaeological sites of St Antioco. The development of the area in fact goes back to the Nuragic times, but only truly thrived when the Phoenicians founded it as “Sulcis” in 259 BC. Worth a visit is the Punic Necropolis and Thophet, as well as the Catacombs below the Church of St Antioco.

Leaving the island by the causeway across the bay of Palmas, you’ll carry on cycling towards the Sulcis mountains, riding through the fertile gentle hills around Trattalias and . As you cycle past vineyard after vineyard, it will become obvious that you are entering the wine region of Santadi. Here you’ll have the chance to try out some of the local wines at the Cantine di Santadi winery.

5 kms south of Santadi, the carsic caves of Is Zuddas are one of the island’s many spectacular natural sculpture museums. From here the road winds its way 13 kms to Teulada, passing some remote farming hamlets and at points affording some great views across the south coast.

Approx. distance: 40 Miles / 64 Kms Approx.

Day 7: Teulada to Pula (B) Your final day’s riding will take you along a roller coaster road towards Pula, your final destination for this trip. The Costa del Sud is a wonderful 20 km spectacle of twisting, turning road above rugged cliffs that plunge into the deep blue sea. There are many outlook points and small sandy coves to stop and enjoy the sea. Cala Tuerredda is one of the most stunning beaches along this coast, protected by two impressive promontories and with emerald blue waters it’s like something out of a picture book.

From here the road climbs away from the coast, dropping back toward the long sandy beach of Chia. A short detour to the right will take you to Chia tower, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the long stretch of Chia beach and the islands. The next section follows the main road north, along a quiet coast road, finally reaching the little town of Pula, where your trip officially comes to an end. The excellent gelateria in the main town square, serving home made ice-cream, is a must-visit for a well deserved treat and reward after your long journey of flavours. Spend your evening wandering around this charming town, before trying out one of the many brilliant restaurants.

Approx. distance: 34 Miles / 55 Kms

Day 8: Departure From Pula - Transfer to Cagliari Airport (B) Today you’ll say arrivederci to Sardinia. You’ll be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home (approx 45 minutes).

If you have a day or two to spare why not extend your trip with some trekking or sea kayaking to explore the picturesque coastline and sandy shores which stretch along the coast from Pula. Our local team can join you for a day’s guiding or we can provide the information and equipment to allow you to enjoy the routes self-guided, just give us a call for further info.

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) Local representative (with welcome meeting) Detailed route notes and maps Luggage transfers Pre-loaded GPS unit (1 per group) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Cagliari airport (CAG) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Cagliari airport (CAG)

What's Not Included:

Bike hire (available if required, from GBP 115 - Electric bike from GBP 210) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable) Single room (available if required, from GBP 210) 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 City tax to be paid to each accommodation (amount varies) Ferry tickets between the islands of St. Pietro and St.Antioco (approx €15): 2 tickets – From Portoveseme to Carloforte (Island of St Pietro), then from Carloforte to Calasetta (Island of St Antioco) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days Hotel ugrade from GBP 60 - Singlre room upgrade GBP 230

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, lunches can be taken en-route or you can make your own packed lunches stopping at local shops , dinner can be taken at the hotel or in a local restaurant. 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: 3 Moderate, For riders with experience, good fitness & a decent level of skill. Some features that may be experienced more frequently in a higher grade tour. Most days include a couple of significant climbs. Some long days & some steep to very steep sections. Not for beginners. 45-60 miles / 70-95 kms per day. Airport transfers: are included in the cost of your holiday. For this tour we ask that you fly into and back from Cagliari airport (CAG). Please arrive between 09.00 and 16.00 and depart between 10.45 and 19.00. Please note – If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the time windows there may be an additional charge for your transfers. Terrain: The tour alternates between countryside and stunning coastal views. You’ll be riding primarily on well paved roads, except for a few short sections of dirt road that lead you to your accommodation. You’ll be riding in a region which combines rolling hills and long flat stretches, passing olive groves and vineyards. Towards the coast the riding becomes a more undulating roller coaster, with a few challenging sections rewarded with stunning coastal views. Coastal roads will overlook long stretches of sandy beaches and remote coves. The climbs are never too steep or long and the roads generally have little traffic. We recommend a hybrid bike for this tour, but the route is suitable for a road bike if preferred. Bike Hire: If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to hire. These bikes are typically Giant Roam hybrids (or equivalent). If a small frame is needed we will provide Liv Roams. Occasionally mountain bikes will be provided with semi slick tyres adapted for road use. We can provide a helmet locally on request, please let us know if you’d like to hire when you make your booking. Hire bikes will be provided with a pannier rack and 1 pannier bag, an odometer, a map holder, a water bottle holder, a puncture repair kit (with a spare inner tube), a bike lock and bike pump. We have electric bikes available to hire on request. It may take us a day or so to confirm availability so please let us know as soon as possible if you’d like to take this option. Vehicle Support: There is no vehicle support on this tour, however your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation. We do provide a 24- hour emergency contact number for you to call if you encounter any problems during the trip. Please note that this may incur additional charges depending on the nature of the action required. Daily departures: available between 01/03/2019 and 31/10/2019, (excluding start dates between 18/06/2019 and 31/08/2019 when this tour is not available to book). Priser / Datoer

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