France Active Journeys Self-guided
Road bike tour
Tour descriptions
Day 1 Arrive Ajaccio
Day 2 51 km To Cargese
Day 3 66 km To Evisa Day 4 66 km Corsica, between the Mountains & Sea To Corte
Day 5 32 km To Restonica Gorge Corsica ‐ the birthplace of Napoleon ‐ is a Mediterranean island with a culture owing as much to Italy as to France. But Corsicans, who have long had a difficult relationship with Day 6 32 km France, consider themselves unique. The result is a distinctive culture on a rugged, wild is‐ To Vizzavona land. The magnificent coastline has fine beaches and some of the most varied landscapes in Day 7 60 km Europe. The climate is benign and the island is not spoiled by tourism. To Ajaccio
Day 8 Setting out from Ajaccio, you cross the most Tour ends attractive part of the island allowing sumptuous mountain and sea views. Corté, the island’s his‐ torical capital, is a rare treat to be discovered. The climb up through the majestic pine trees to the forests of Vizzavona, is one of this week’s highlights. Tour Details
Dates: Sundays: Apr to Oct
Length: 8 days/ 7 nights
Cost: $1395 Fast Facts
Bike Rental: $150 Includes: • Cycling each day on paved roads • 7 nights accommodation, all break‐ Single Room Upgrade: $200 • Local support available if required fasts, luggage transfers, route • Take in the stunning vistas in the Grade: Moderate notes and maps • 5 dinners included (not in Ajaccio) mountains, and crystal blue waters of Starts/Ends: Ajaccio based on local specialties the sea.
Active Journeys Contact: 1-800-597-5594 or 416-236-5011 Email : [email protected] ITINERARY This tours will take you from the central region of Corsica down to the coast. It has a superb balance of mountain and sea vistas. Day 1: Ajaccio Rendez‐vous in Ajaccio. Visit some of the highlights of the city including the Maison Bonaparte, the citadel and the Fesch museum. There are many cafes, restaurants and shops by the harbor. Take some time to soak in the atmosphere, enjoy some good food and wine before heading inland.
Day 2: Ajaccio to Cargese 51 kms Heading north among the rolling hills, the route follows the coastline to the first mountain saddle of Col St Bastian. Then you will pass the vast gulf of Sagone with its long white sand beach. Continue to Gargèse, the picturesque Greek village with a bustling but small centre and attractive harbor.
Day 3: Cargese to Evisa 66 kms The spectacular chaos of red granite pinnacles perfumed by the clinging maritime pines surrounds you. Peddle down to Porto then up around the Spelunca gorge to arrive in Evisa, the “Pearl of the Mountains”. One of the most famous treks goes right through Evisa, as it is sandwiched between one of the most beautiful , lush forests in Corsica and the Gorge.
Day 4: Evisa to Corte 66 kms Travel through the pine tree forest of Aitone over the Col de Vergio. Enjoy a wonderful descent towards the remote, tradi‐ tional valley of the Niolu before arriving in Corte. Apart from the village itself, set on its rocky outcrop above the Tavignano valley, the main places of interest in Corte itself are the citadel and the Museum of Corsica (within the citadel). The citadel is visible from anywhere in the area, being perched high on a craggy rock. The town itself is not large and is easily explored, since all paths seem to lead to the one main street, and it is well worth exploring.
Day 5: Restonica Gorge 32 kms Cycling through the valley of the Restonica, you see high mountain peaks above and the pounding emerald waters with its succession of rock pools below. This is a day of wild natural beauty to be remembered.
Day 6: Corte to Vizzavona 32 kms From Corte, you explore the region of the Venecais and the hilltop villages South of the old capital. Shielded by trees, the village is invisible from the main road you will arrive at Viz‐ zavona, an ideal place to rest or explore the surrounding area. In the summer , it can get crowded from hikers doing the trek GR20.
Day 7: Vizzavona to Ajaccio 60 kms Enjoy a superb descent towards the sea by the valley of Gra‐ vona and on to Ajaccio.
Day 8: Ajaccio Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast in Ajaccio
What to Expect
What will the weather be like? Getting There The daytime temperature will be around 15 to 20 degrees or 65-75 de- • The island of Corsica is located grees F. Summer weather (July and August) will be busy and hotter, com- in the Mediterranean, to the fortable for swimming. east of the Italian coast (about 80 kms) and the French coast How many hours of cycling a day? (180 kms). The capital is Ajaccio. Be prepared to ride between 4 to 7 hours a day. On rolling hills and quiet • This ride explores the west Cor‐ country roads. The bikes are 21 speed hybrid bikes suitable for this terrain. sican coastline. Ferries operate all year round from France and How fit do I need to be? Italy. In the summer months a The fitter the better, but this is a moderate to intermediate tour, some high‐speed Bateau Grande Vitesse operates. prior experience is useful but not necessary. It will be hilly in the moun- tains, and flatter by the coast. • It is best to fly directly to Ajaccio via France (either Marseilles or What are the hotels like? Paris). Scheduled flights operate The hotels are lovely, charming, small French hotels. All will have a break- throughout the year from the fast room, and many will have a restaurant for dinner. The hotels are cho- French mainland. sen specifically for their ambiance as well as distance from previous lodg- ing.
What will the meals be like? Breakfast in France is traditionally a continental breakfast, consisting of orange juice, bread or croissant, and fruit. You may also have cold cuts, and cheeses. Dinner will be a three course meal with several choice for your main dish. Please advise our office if you have any dietary restrictions in advance.
How to book your holiday
• Contact our office to make sure there is space available. One of our travel planners will walk you through the entire process.
• Download the reservation form from our site and send in com- pleted form by fax or email. Once this is done, your space is confirmed and a pre-departure packet will be sent.
• A deposit is required immediately, and final payment is due 60 days prior to the trip departure. Terms & conditions are outlined in our Reservation Form. Extra Services • Plan your air travel as soon as possible. We have a small selection of hotels in Paris and Ajaccio for your arrival or departure. • We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either through us or a travel insurance provider directly. If you would like to spend a few more days in France , please contact our office with your • Ensure you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact us, request and we will be happy to help you. for more information on vaccinations, inoculations, and fitness requirements.