+1 888 396 5383 617 776 4441 [email protected] DUVINE.COM Europe / France / Corsica Corsica Bike Tour L'Île de Beauté: All is Color and All is Light © 2021 DuVine Adventure + Cycling Co. Pedal along the Cap Corse, the peninsula that juts into the Mediterranean and surrounds you with the sea on all sides Catch a speedboat to the Scandola Nature Reserve, where UNESCO-listed formations of red rock mark the Corsican coast Enjoy unforgettable dining experiences like a sunset dinner overlooking the port in Saint- Florent and a five-star feast at Hotel Misíncu Experience Corsica’s unique island identity, whether you’re tasting local Patrimonio wines or swimming at secluded beaches Arrival Details Departure Details Airport City: Airport City: Bastia, France Calvi, France Pick-Up Location: Drop-Off Location: Bastia Airport or downtown hotel Calvi Airport Pick-Up Time: Drop-Off Time: 11:30 am 10:00 am NOTE: DuVine provides group transfers to and from the tour, within reason and in accordance with the pick-up and drop-off recommendations. In the event your train, flight, or other travel falls outside the recommended departure or arrival time or location, you may be responsible for extra costs incurred in arranging a separate transfer. Emergency Assistance For urgent assistance on your way to tour or while on tour, please always contact your guides first. You may also contact the Boston office during business hours at +1 617 776 4441 or [email protected]. Travelers Take Note The boat rides on Day 3 and Day 5 are weather permitting and subject to change. Tour By Day DAY 1 Welcome to l'Île de Beauté Your guides will greet you at the airport in Bastia, then transfer you to lunch by the sea in Erbalunga. This ancient village is known as a “painter’s nest” for the way artists seem to gravitate to its charms. After our bike fitting and safety briefing, you’ll see the scenic appeal as we warm up on Cap Corse, a finger of the island that points toward France. The ride is filled with crumbling Genoese watchtowers and the air carries the scent of wild thyme and mint. Keep pedaling to our five-star hotel, where you can settle into your room, take a dip in the pool, or stroll out to the beach. If you prefer, continue cycling in the surrounding hills which are thick with maquis—a shrub that also became a general term for the French Resistance during the second World War. Tonight we toast to a vibrant week and indulge in a Corsican feast at our hotel that highlights local produce. Meals: Lunch / Dinner Destinations: Bastia, Pietranera, Lavasina, Erbalunga, Porticcio Accomplished: 10 miles / 16 km, elevation gain: 820 feet / 250 meters Longer Option: 22 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 2,030 feet / 619 meters Accommodations: Hotel Misíncu DAY 2 Cap Corse to Patrimonio Ride out from our hotel this morning and head across the Cap Corse, following the peninsula’s western side before turning inland to reach the forested town of Morsiglia. Cruise back out towards the gulf and keep riding down the coast to Pino and Nonza, each with their own stellar views. After lunch in Nonza, our roller coaster ride continues to the Patrimonio region where—of course—we must try the eponymous wine at a petite domaine in the center of town. Upon our arrival in Saint-Florent, we’ll check into our seaside hotel, explore the old town and its marina, and have a satisfying meal of super-fresh fish. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Destinations: Morsiglia, Pino, Nonza, Patrimonio, Saint-Florent Accomplished: 34 miles / 55 km, elevation gain: 5,205 feet / 1,587 meters Longer Option: 50 miles / 80 km, elevation gain: 6,196 feet / 1,889 meters Accommodations: La Roya DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications. DAY 3 Bike / Eat / Hike / Beach Wake up to an exhilarating view of the Mediterranean and take a moment to sip a cup of coffee, gazing at the Saint-Florent citadel in the distance. This morning we’re back in the saddle to explore Corsica’s diverse natural assets—from its arid mountains to olive groves and vineyards. We’ll have lunch back in Saint-Florent and set off by speedboat for northern Corsica’s most beautiful beach, the Plage de Saleccia. On our own secluded stretch of powdery white sand, you can spend the afternoon swimming, sunning, or trekking the Sentier des Douaniers. The latter is a trail that cuts through the Désert des Agriates, a wild landscape of flowers, desert scrub, and salty air that arrives at Loto Beach. This evening, have dinner at the hotel and catch a classic Mediterranean sunset over the port of Saint-Florent. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Destinations: Oletta, Saint-Florent, Saleccia Beach, Loto Beach Accomplished: 21 miles / 34 km, elevation gain: 2,591 feet / 790 meters; 4 miles / 7 km hiking Accommodations: La Roya DAY 4 The Littoral Today begins with a transfer to the start of our ride: a delightful descent out of L’Île-Rousse that delivers us into the countryside dotted with sleepy villages. Our winding route on the littoral arrives to the stacked village of Pigna, where we’ll explore local boutiques selling hand-blown glass, ceramics, and Coriscan handicrafts, then stop for a tapas-style lunch overlooking the Bay of Calvi. From here, transfer to our next hotel outside of Calvi or finish riding right to the front door, gaining plenty of hard-won elevation along the way. Choose a restaurant for dinner on your own in Calvi; your guides have plenty of recommendations in the heart of town or right on the beach. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Destinations: Désert des Agriates, Monticello, Corbara, Pigna, Calvi Accomplished: 23 miles / 37 km, elevation gain: 2,165 feet / 660 meters Longer Option: 37 miles / 60 km, elevation gain: 3,523 feet / 1,074 meters Accommodations: La Signoria DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications. DAY 5 Calvi Coast Another day of exploring lies ahead! We’ll begin atop the Col de Marsolino and descend by bike into the beach town of Galéria. A small boat is waiting to ferry us to the Scandola Nature Reserve, a breathtaking collection of ragged red cliffs reflected in the deep turquoise waters of Corsica’s gulf. Keep soaking in the scenery during a picnic lunch, then return to dry land and head back to the hotel either in the saddle or in the van. However you get there, we’ll gather back together for a final dinner in the hotel’s lovely indoor-outdoor restaurant. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Destinations: Calvi, Galéria, Scandola Accomplished: 17 miles / 28 km, elevation gain: 1,689 feet / 515 meters Longer Option: 38 miles / 62 km, elevation gain: 3,982 feet / 1,214 meters Accommodations: La Signoria DAY 6 Au Revoir Take your time enjoying an excellent breakfast at the hotel—you’ve earned it. Reflect on the amazing rides you just accomplished or keep your legs limber with a short spin in the area before your guides see you off at the Calvi airport. Meals: Breakfast DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications..