Classic Road Cycling Holiday in Corsica

Known to ancient Greeks as “Kalliste” – the most beautiful - and referred to as “The Beautiful Isle” by generations of travellers ever since, Corsica is one of the most diverse and dramatic places in Europe. Our place-to-place tour around the north of this Mediterranean gem takes in the very best of the many delights that this special island has to offer.

Beginning and ending in the bustling historic city of Bastia on the eastern coast of the island, our tour is fascinating and dramatic combination of deserted coastal roads, brightly painted hillside villages and deserted coves. The island also boasts some of the most spectacular mountain riding you could ever wish for.

We begin by riding around Cap Corse, the island’s stunningly beautiful and sparsely populated northern peninsular. From here we ride through the mountainous Desert des Agriates and passing numerous olive groves, vineyards and beautiful mountain villages follow the famous Route des Artisans to the chic coastal town of Calvi with its marina, perfectly-preserved citadel and pastel coloured houses.

Beyond Calvi we head to the tiny and peaceful resort village of Porto along road which is regarded by many as the most stunning coastal route in Europe. From Porto we head back inland, climbing over the island’s highest mountain pass before dropping down to the old capital of Corte. We spend our final day riding through the chestnut forests of the Castagniccia arriving in Bastia for one last evening of fine Corsican food and wine.

Detailed Itinerary:
Day One - Arrival into Bastia
Today we get our first glimpse of “The Beautiful Isle” of Corsica as we arrive in the historic city of Bastia. We should have time to settle in to our hotel, prepare for the following day’s ride and meet our fellow Skedaddlers before taking dinner in a traditional Corsican restaurant.

Day Two - Bastia-St Florent
Following a leisurely continental breakfast we saddle up and head out for our first day of Corsican riding. Heading north from Bastia we take on the dramatic coastal road around Cap Corse, the northern tip of the island. It’s a day of dramatic coastal scenery, terraced mountain villages and tranquility, which ends in the chic port town of St Florent.

Day Three - St Florent-Calvi
Leaving the coast behind for a while we head southwards, traversing the bizarre and intriguing Desert des Agriates, which is unlike anywhere else on the Island. Half way through the day we drop in to the old port town of Ile Rouse for a short break before heading along a narrow mountain road through numerous artisan villages before descending to the chic resort town of Calvi where we will spend the night.

Day Four - Calvi-Porto
This is a day you will never forget! Heading south from Calvi we follow the coastal road towards Porto. This is perhaps the most stunning coastal road in Europe. A narrow and twisty route winds its way high above the rugged coastline, carving through dramatic cliffsides and passing through deserted villages before descending to the cove-side oasis of Porto.

Day Five - Porto - Rest Day (optional)
Porto is the ideal location to take a day off the bikes. You can spend the on the beach or take an excursion on a small boat around the stunningly beautiful coastline. Alternatively if you do want a little ore riding there are numerous options ranging from a quick spin to a full-on challenging circuit into the mountains.

Day Six - Porto - Corte
Back in the saddle for an absolutely amazing ride through yet another side of this stunning island. Riding east, away from Porto, we head up the amazing Spelunca Gorge. The road climbs from sea level up through this sheer sided gorge and right across backbone mountains of the island, by crossing the Col de Vergio (1477m) before dropping down through another imposing gorge on our way to our overnight stop in Corte, the mountain capital of Corsica, a beautifully rustic and historic town.

Day Seven - Corte - Bastia
Today we're heading back towards the Eastern coast. It's a long day today and we'll be making an early start. It's well worth the effort though as the route is incredibly beautiful as we ride back to Bastia through Corsica's "The Castagniccia" (pronounced Castaneetch), an area named after, and famous for, it's beautiful chestnut forests. We spend our final evening in a coastal hotel, where, after packing our bikes, we enjoy one last evening of Corsican food and fine wine.

Day Eight - Departure from Bastia
Our final Corsican breakfast had to come, and with tired legs and great memories we take a transfer back to the airport for our flights home.

Equipment
We provide everything except a bike, personal equipment and clothing. If you are taking your own bike it should be a road bike or mountain bike fitted with slick tyres. Please contact us if you are unsure whether your bike will be suitable. It is imperative that it is in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded, we advise you to take your bike to a local bicycle dealer for a service. Our guide(s) will of course be taking a full tool kit and a selection of spares, which we will provide should the need arise. Details of which spares you should take will be included in the Information Pack sent with your booking confirmation.

What the price doesn't include
A) Personal clothing and equipment.
B) Evening meals
C) Lunches on arrival and departure day
D) Alcoholic drinks.
E) Travel insurance (if required, £26)
F) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
G) Bike hire (if required).