Jan 2021 Classic Cols ofSardinia Enjoy the highlights of , exploring its coastal and mountain regions with flexible route choices each day Summary

WHERE: Sardinia TIME : 6 days PRICE : see website DATES: May/Jun/Sep/ Oct

The Classic Cols of Sardinia holiday has been put together due to popular demand by our Raid Sardinia clients who were blown away by the cycling on this island. Even after a 2017 Giro visit, Sardinia is still little known in the cycling world despite its beautiful mountain scenery, pristine countryside, fantastic weather conditions, white sandy beaches and vast, sparsely populated, mountainous areas with almost traffic-free roads. Highlights Its unspoilt, rugged and wild heartland and stunning coastal roads make the perfect location for a Marmot Classic Cols holiday. As usual with our Classic Cols holidays, the Classic Coastal and mountain routes can be made more challenging each day by adding extra riding: Pass Genna loops and ascents to make this trip suitable both for those that Silana & the Orientale are fairly new to cycling holidays in mountainous terrain as well as those who are out to push themselves. Sarda road Whether you opt for the Classic or Challenge route (or a few Ultimately flexible days of either!), this week is definitely a 'holiday'. holiday with classic, We also offer Classic Cols holidays in the Alps, Picos, Dolomites, intermediate & Pyrenees, in Catalonia, Andalusia, Slovenia, Gran Canaria, challenge route options Tenerife and Corsica. For cyclists new to the mountains we recommend starting with either this itinerary, Tenerife or the Pyrenean Classic Cols. Italian hospitality & mostly 4* hotels with You will love the ride, the country and the route, enjoying some great banter along the way. We leave no stone unturned in pools preparing for your holiday and making it the best it can be. Which is why you just have to eat, sleep and turn the pedals… Classic Cols of Sardinia 1 Jan 2021

For those arriving early, the afternoon can be spent relaxing by the pool, or there are several Itinerary good rides that can be done from the hotel. Day 0 - Travel Out We offer included airport transfers from either Day 1 - Aritzo to Valico Strisaili or Olbia airport to the 4* Spa Resort Hotel Today’s ride is the perfect introduction to cycling SaMuvara (1hr 45min from CAG and ca. 2hr 15min in Sardinia. You circumnavigate the Gennargentu from Olbia; Please contact us to check which Massif on a series of quiet roads to Arcu Correboi airport we’ll be using for your departure). Situated (1246m). The views from here are spectacular and at 800m altitude on the edge of Aritzo in the heart the descent on the 'old road’ is an absolute gem. It of the Gennargentu mountains, the hotel provides was built to take trucks (which now go through a you with the perfect environment to start and end huge tunnel), so the gradients are constant, the our holiday. Meet your guides, and assemble and corners are sweeping and it is virtually traffic free! test out your bikes before relaxing to enjoy the 4* On reaching the valley bottom you undulate hotel facilities. You will have a welcome briefing through a sparse landscape of rock and ancient followed by a good dinner in the evening and can oak trees. ask your guides any questions you have about the holiday. Classic Route

Challenge Route

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Our destination is the 4* Orlando Resort Hotel Classic Route: 83km with 1400m ascent nestled in the forest of the of the Santa Barbara National Park. With a fine kitchen, spa facilities Challenge Route: 123km with 2300m ascent and colourful building set around an extensive pool, you will be pleased to hear that we stay here for the next two nights. Retiring gracefully to the Day 3 - Valico Strisaili to Cala Gonone lounger is a good option, but, as always, there is more cycling to be done and the loop will Leaving our mountain retreat behind, we climb certainly test your legs. gently to Valico (1100m) for a breathtaking view of the coastal plane way below Classic Route: 83km with 1600m ascent us. The only way is down and this descent has style! Next up is the magnificent Orientale Sarda Challenge Route: 110km with 2300m ascent road, which was showcased by the Giro d'Italia in spring 2017. Built in the 1800’s by merchants, so Day 2 - Tour of Monte Tonneri they could extract oak trees for the charcoal industry, it is a feat of engineering and climbs up The mountainous landscape to the West is our to the Passo di Genna Silana (1008m). playground for today. The scenery is ever changing as we undulate our way around the Your destination is the beach front hotel Bue craggy flanks of Monte Tonneri on a narrow road Marino in Cala Gonone, a quiet coastal village that was built, it seems, solely to please cyclists. once only accessible by sea. Luckily for you, they A vast reservoir, vertical limestone cliffs, ancient bored a hole through the mountain and laid a forests, olive plantations and massive rock fantastic series of hairpins, guaranteed to deliver columns are all on the menu. Needless to say, you to the coast with a smile on your face. there are a few cheeky little climbs towards the If relaxing on the beach with a cocktail is not end of the day, to ensure you build up an appetite, your thing, then at the end of the day there is the ready for another feast at the Orlando Resort. rather silly option of taking on the locally famed Today’s optional extra takes you down the Strava segment up the concrete road that scales Western side of the mighty Rio Flumendosa, on the cliff to the North of town. It is only 2.2km an epic descent through several mountain long, but with average gradients of 10% it will get hamlets down to almost sea level. your heart pounding!

Given that our hotel is up at 900m, the only Classic Route: 79km with 1300m ascent option is to dig deep and take on the 16km climb up the Eastern side of the valley. It is however a Challenge Route: 122km with 2200m ascent stunning ascent through terraced plantations and vineyards.

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Day 4 - Cala Gonone to Day 6 - Lago di Gusana to Aritzo You (optionally) kick off the ride by re- For your final day on the island it seems fitting acquainting yourself with the fantastic hairpins to cycle up the highest surfaced road in Sardinia. of yesterday evening, leaving the picturesque Your destination is the refuge of Bruncu Spina coast of Cala Gonone behind you as you climb. (1570m), which is the islands only ski resort (more of a shed with a couple of lifts!). From here, undulate down onto the coastal plains that lead you to , situated at the foot of Climbing directly from the hotel (650m), the Monte Albo (820m), a massive white limestone forests give way to open moorland and you are ridge. The climb is ‘jaw-dropping’, benefitting as rewarded with some spectacular views. The it does from both mountain and sea views. climb itself is full of character and although the Continue on this quiet and winding road before gradients are generally kind, there are a few turning inland once again, ticking off the final short, challenging sections (up to 12%). It is well few km to the restaurant just over the summit. worth the effort though and the descent is exquisite. Suitably fed and watered, you meander with a downhill bias into the picturesque pastoral A short climb takes you back up the Arcu de village of Bitti, famous for its Tenores (and Tascusì (1245m) for lunch. Here you have the nothing to do with Little Britain!) and the option of heading directly to the Hotel fabulous boutique-style 4* Hotel Su Lithu. As SaMuvara where your adventure began or taking always, there are a few optional climbs for those the long way home, which includes a few more wanting a bit more at the end of the day, making short climbs. Then it’s time for a party! the most of the limestone ridge. Classic Route: 73km with 1600m ascent Easier Route: 102km with 1600m ascent Challenge Route: 94km with 2300m ascent Classic Route: 114km with 1850m ascent Challenge Route: 148km with 2800m ascent Party Time!

Day 5 - Bitti to Lago di Gusana Day 7 - Travel Home It could be hard to draw you away from the hotel We offer included transfers to Cagliari (1hr facilities but the promise of empty roads with 45min) or Olbia (3hr) airport - please contact us good surfaces, huge views and interesting to check which airport we’ll be using for your landscapes should do it! departure.

Climb gently through cork plantations before enjoying a delightful descent to cross the central plane of the island. A couple of sharp climbs take you to the town of , where the day’s options start. The most direct route takes you via the historic town of , which is well worth exploring. The Classic route skirts around the edge of Lago di Chucchinadorza and the Challenge route takes you over the mountains of Teti and Tiana.

All roads lead down to the Lago di Gusana and the 4* Hotel Taloro, built on a peninsula jutting out into the reservoir.

Easier Route: 75km with 1350m ascent Classic Route: 96km with 1650m ascent Challenge Route: 127km with 2400m ascent

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certainly arrange a taxi transfer for you (payable Start & End Hotel direct to your driver) on other days. Hotel SaMuvara (4*), Fontana Rubia, 08031 Aritzo If you are travelling in a group of 6 or more and are Tel +39 0784 629336 unable to join the group airport transfers, we may be able to organise a private transfer for you. Please contact us to discuss. Travel Foreign Travel Advice Marmot Tours offers airport transfers at designated times from the most convenient airport For the latest travel advice from the FCDO for the start of your trip. Transfers are timed to fit including security and local laws, plus passport and in with as many flights from as many regional visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign- airports as possible. travel-advice.

Finding flights We recommend using a comparison tool such as 2021 Airport Transfers www.skyscanner.net when searching for direct or Transfers at set times from and back to Cagliari indirect flights from various airports/regions/ CAG or Olbia OLB airports (depending on countries. It can be helpful if you search for 1-way departure) are included in the holiday price. The flights, giving results of all direct routes available, transfer time to/from the start/end hotel is just eg ‘UK to Cagliari’. under 2 hours from Cagliari and about 3 hours NB: Search results may change as more airlines from/to Olbia. release their schedules for summer/autumn the Due to restricted flight options we will have the following year. following transfer options:

Under your own steam… May 29 - June 5 departure: picking up and If you are going to meet us at the start hotel or are dropping back off at Olbia OLB leaving independently at the end of your trip to go on elsewhere, please let us know so we can plan Sep 27 - Oct 4 departure: we expect to pick up and accordingly; we may also be able to help you with drop off at Cagliari CAG but please get in touch to your travel plans, so do get in touch if you need confirm the latest information. assistance. If you arrive earlier than the transfer time then you If you are flying long haul, we recommend arriving will need to wait at the airport for your pick up. If at least a day early in order to get over any jet lag flights are delayed then transfers may also be before you start your trip. We are happy to book delayed. If flights are significantly delayed or you into the start hotel for an additional night, cancelled then you may need to take a taxi to the though it is generally better value for you to book start hotel and make a claim on your insurance or yourself via a site like booking.com as we don’t get to your airline. preferential rates and have to charge an admin fee of £25 per booking. You will find our most up to date transfer times on the Holiday Details page on the Link (once you’ve NB: we can generally only offer airport transfers on made your booking). If you need to know the the start/finish days of the itinerary but can timings before booking, please get in touch via email: [email protected].

Classic Cols of Sardinia 5 Jan 2021 Navigation Am I too fit?

We provide you with colour maps and altitude We have designed our Classic Cols style holidays profiles, as well as detailed directions of where to to be accessible to a wide range or riding ability. go. Our guides will even aim to be at those ‘easy Having a quick peek at each day’s stats for the to miss’ junctions and as you will see the van and Challenge route should reassure you that even if guides regularly, navigation does not tend to be you are a very fit and experienced road cyclist, an issue. there will be plenty to entertain you on this holiday. For those of you with GPS units, we have GPS files available and will post them on The Link a With a choice of routes each day, you have the few weeks before departure, in .gpx, and .tcx opportunity to cycle all day, every day, making formats. yourself very tired indeed! If you do our Challenge Route each day, you are looking at The files can be downloaded onto most units, 723km with 14300m of ascent for the week. The including Garmin and Wahoo and in their most Sardinian Challenge route, to allow you to basic form provide a 'purple line' to follow. With compare, is similar to the Corsican Challenge the more recent units you will also receive a set route and a bit harder than the Catalonia and of visual instructions as you approach a turning. Ventoux & the Verdon Gorge Challenge routes in Our GPS tracks take you from hotel to hotel and terms of overall ascent but easier than the are updated regularly. Southern Alps or Picos. None of the climbs are rudely steep (unlike in the Picos and Dolomites).

What is so nice about this range of holidays is that you can come along with people who are Am I Fit Enough? either less or more experienced than you and you can each get out of it what you want by choosing It is normal (and only right) that you should the daily route which most suits you. consider whether or not you are fit enough for a cycling holiday in the mountains.

We have created our Classic Cols range of holidays in order to open up the world of road Pacing and Training cycling in the mountains to those who may not have experienced it before. Our itinerary warms As with all sport holidays, the fitter you are, the you up gently to the altitude, the extended more you can relax and enjoy the stunning routes. climbing and to the technique of descending. It can be difficult finding extended climbs for Our Classic Route is an achievable goal for training in the UK, but generally, if you can build regular cyclists who have never climbed a up your comfort on the bike (ideally on mountain on a bike before, though we would consecutive days) and your stamina and cardio- suggest starting with our Pyrenean itinerary, vascular fitness generally, then you will really which has even more route options available. benefit when it comes to the holiday itself. Other holidays where the Classic route is considered ‘easier’ are the Tour of Tenerife, the As well as training before the holiday, pacing Classic Cols of Sardinia, Catalonia and Corsica as yourself will go a long way towards you achieving well as our Ventoux & the Verdon Gorge tour your goals. The joy of a group holiday is that you (although if you like to test yourself, their are likely to find someone to cycle at a similar Challenge option certainly packs a punch!) pace to you, so you don’t need to try and keep up with your partner/friend/room mate. The Our vehicles and guides are on hand to support quickest way to injure yourself or burn out is to you on your holiday and can offer advice, moral cycle faster than you feel comfortable going. support and lifts in the van if you are tired. We can’t emphasise enough that this is your Our goal at Marmot Tours is to create an holiday and so, if you want a lift up the hill for ambience of non-competitive cycling with no whatever reason, your guides will be happy to pressure to ‘keep up’ with anyone else. It is about help. achieving your own individual goals and having a fabulous time doing it.

Classic Cols of Sardinia 6 Jan 2021 Strava Guiding Many cyclists nowadays are using apps like Strava and Garmin Connect to track their “Just coming down to earth now after an progress and to compare themselves to their unforgettable week of amazing scenery and new peers using ‘segments’, for instance. friendships made”. R Bill

These apps make for great training tools and Supporting you on your holiday will be two of our interesting post-ride analysis but there are experienced, approachable, knowledgeable and obvious risks associated with competitive fun guides. Despite being passionate about cycling styles, pushing yourself beyond your cycling, both guides will be in support vans as usual tolerance and focusing on live feed this holiday is all about you and your needs. information whilst on the bike. Between them they will have knowledge of the area and the language and be skilled at bike We therefore ask our clients to avoid such mechanics. ‘Live Segment’ features when cycling on a Marmot Tours holiday or Challenge, Having two vehicles per group (regardless of the especially descending, and to focus on the number of bookings up to a group size of around road at all times. 20) is what allows us to offer you freedom to cycle at your own pace and a level of independence on this holiday. One van stays on the Classic route and one van covers the Gearing/Bikes Challenge route. Due to the distances involved, those cyclists doing the full challenge route may Mainly, climbs are not particularly steep need to be more independent than the less (compared to a lot of hills in the UK) but they do experienced cyclists on the Classic Route. Our go on for a very long time. It is best to make sure guides are experts at advising you on the routes, that your bike will be suitable for your level of where you can expect to see the van and what you strength/fitness. might need with you.

Most people 'get away with' a compact (smallest In the event that you need help for a mechanical ring on front having 34 teeth), fitted with a 30 or (for example) one of the vans will be able to 32 cassette on the rear. It is possible to fit your quickly get to you with full tool kits, spare back bike with larger cassettes, using a rear hanger wheels and even a spare bike. We hope you won’t extender, like the WolfTooth RoadLink. need us for anything serious but being prepared for all eventualities is what we do exceptionally If this all sounds too complicated then we do have well. some excellent titanium framed bikes for hire, which are fitted out with SRAM 50-34 at the front You can expect to see a support van with water, with 11 speed 11-36 toothed cassettes. snacks and your personal day bag 2 - 4 times a day, so you don’t need to carry much on your bike, unless the weather is exceptional!

Classic Cols of Sardinia 7 Jan 2021 seed bars, cakes, fresh fruit (bananas obviously!), dried fruit, nuts & sweets are the staples. We Group Dynamics suggest you bring your own favourite energy Your group will be any number up to around 20 powders/gels/bars with you as these will not be clients. This number works really well - it’s big easily available en route and we find clients are enough for you to find others to cycle with at quite ‘brand’ specific in terms of what they like. your pace, but not so huge as to feel impersonal! We get lots of clients booking alone and lots of Dinner small groups of friends. If you think you can get We eat as a group in the evening - either in the a group of 18 - 20 people together then we can hotel or at a nearby restaurant. Expect 3 courses offer you a custom departure date. (and generous portions) which are tailored to the We love that we also get a really big variety in needs of cyclists. Dinner will be served at around terms of cycling experience… from club cyclists, 19.30. Wine at dinner (up to half bottle per people training for other events, those raising person) is included both during the trip and on money for charity, ex-pro cyclists and people who the last night of celebrations - you’ve earned it! are relatively new to cycling who like to try Coffees/soft drinks and beers are however not something new on holiday. included (we’d be broke!). Special diets Please note your special dietary requirements on Accommodation the booking form or contact us. We can cater for You stay in a selection of 3* and 4* hotels with en most dietary needs / allergies if we know well in suite facilities in Sardinia. One night is in a advance. Please note that we need clients to stunningly located Ecolabel hotel (unstarred). firmly be either vegetarian/vegan for the trip or Three of the hotels have swimming pools. The not - the hotels (and guides) find it hard if clients hotels have been selected for their customer are vegetarian for some meals and not for others. service towards cyclists and their location. You Coeliacs can also be provided for and we can will be sharing a twin room with another client communicate with you individually and prepare (of the same gender) unless you book a single to make sure you have the right food throughout room for a supplement (contact cycle@marmot- your trip. tours.co.uk for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your trusty steed has a comfortable night too. Food What’s included • 6 days supported riding Breakfast • Airport transfers on arrival and departure days No surprise that this is the crucial meal of the at specified times day. We supplement hotel breakfasts with Dorset Cereals and fruit. Some hotels (not all) offer • Route notes/directions/maps/GPS files cheese & meats for your protein kick start. • 7 nights half board accommodation & table Lunches wine with dinner You know what you like to eat when you are riding and it is not likely to be the same as what • 2 customised and well stocked vehicles with the other guys and gals in your group will want to experienced guides, offering nutritional, moral, eat. We don’t include lunches, so there are no mechanical and first aid support, plus snacks & enforced group stops. You can get access to the water tasty local cuisine on offer in local cafes and • 750ml Marmot Tours water bottle and a restaurants which is great for you and for them. Marmot Tours Velopac to keep your phone/ We will point out some cycle friendly places en cards/cash safe during your ride route and will be sure to have a van there so you can have your midday faff! Snacks Your support van aka snack-shop will be well stocked with a variety of tasty delectables: fruity Classic Cols of Sardinia 8 Jan 2021

This helps ensure we have the most up to date Insurance information and are able to quickly help in case Holiday insurance is essential for all Marmot you have an accident on your holiday. Tours trips. Anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the cycle so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend sorting your insurance when you book so that if you have problems during training and need to cancel, you Bike Hire are covered. We have a very high cancellation rate so are unable to deviate from our Marmot Tours has an excellently maintained fleet cancellation policy. of custom built, titanium framed bikes available to rent for your holiday. Advantages of rental Your insurance needs to cover you for non- include: competitive road cycling (cycle touring) at altitude with the following fairly standard • avoiding hefty fees levied by airlines for inclusions: transport - Medical Expenses • worry free travel (knowing your trusty steed is - Repatriation safely stored away at home!)

Some clients also like to ensure they have the • the chance to try a titanium bike built following optional items: specifically with climbing cols in mind (gearing!) - Cancellation cover - Loss or damage to their bike • relinquishing responsibility for cleaning and maintenance to our experienced team. NB if you are hiring a bike from us there is an insurance element in the fee so you will not need Prices include an insurance fee and VAT. Please additional cover. see our Bike Hire webpage for details as well as full specs and dimensions. Once you have arranged your cover, please add the relevant details to the Before you go… section Please note that despite the size of our fleet of your holiday on The Link. Unlike your passport steadily growing, we cannot guarantee that we and emergency contact details, you will need to will have a bike in your size available. If you add insurance details for every trip you are would like to hire a bike, please check availability taking. before booking your holiday.

Classic Cols of Sardinia 9 Jan 2021 Financial Protection Marmot Tours are members of ABTA, the For further information about ABTA, the Code of Association of British Travel Agents. Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a a complaint, please contact ABTA and ABTA members help holidaymakers to ABTA, 30 Park St, London, SE1 9EQ (Tel 0203 117 get the most from their travel and assist them 0500). when things do not go according to plan.

As part of our membership contract we are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. How to Book • In line with our ABTA membership (no Y6184), we hold an insurance policy that gives you full 1 . E m a i l [email protected] to check financial protection for all funds you pay us for availability for your preferred departure date. your holiday Remember to also check availability for single room and bike hire if they are your • We have full Tour Operators Professional and preference. Public Liability Insurance with specialist brokers Campbell Irvine 2. Bag your spot with a provisional booking for a week or so while you get planning. • We carry out risk assessments on all of our holidays to ensure we have thought through 3. Log on to or register with our online booking every detail system, The Link (link.marmot-tours.co.uk) to complete your booking form. • We employ staff with the correct experience 4. Pay your £400 deposit by BACs or online via and skills to ensure you have a safe and fun The Link. Receive a confirmation email. trip, and have a thorough training programme each season. 5. Await contact from Kate in the office regarding authorisation of your final trip • We comply with the legislation and Tourism invoice. Code for the countries we work in. 6. We’ll post regular holiday information and • Accordingly, in France we are registered with updates on the Link (you’ll receive an email ATOUT France, the French registration body notification). for Tour Operators. Marmot Tours holds a Tour Operators License (IM009120008) awarded by 7. Optionally meet your fellow holiday makers ATOUT (July 2012) . via The Link and share training / travel plans etc.

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