Mountains to Sea
8 days /
7 nights
Self-guided cycling
This tour takes place in the North-West of Corsica. It allows you
to discover the varied landscapes of
the Corsican mountains and coastline, giving you an authentic
experience of the island.
Heading south from Calvi, you follow the coastline passing the bays
of Nichiareto and Crovani and
the gulf of Galéria with its pebbled beaches. You then cycle in the
direction of the bay of Porto,
where red rocks have been amazingly sculpted by erosion from the
deep blue waters of the coast.
Leaving the coast, you head towards the heart of the island. You
pass through Ota and Evisa, two
charming villages that are surrounded by chestnut trees, before
crossing the Aitone forest through
its tall Laricio pine trees. Then follows a descent into the Niolo,
a natural region dominated by some
of the highest mountains in Corsica, this region is traditionally
shepherd’s country.
Finally you travel across the Balagne, known for its orange trees
and olive orchards.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 : Calvi
After arriving at your hotel in Calvi, the day is dedicated to
discovering the town and its citadel, the nearby beaches may
encourage you to do some swimming.
Day 2 : Calvi to Galéria
Leaving the first stage you will have the opportunity to go swimming
in the clear water pools, you will find them difficult to
resist. Then your route will gain altitude and traveling alongside
the bay of Nichiarato, you will pass into wild
countryside, where the plants and their marvelous perfumes have
filled the meadows for years. You then follow a cliff
path from where you can admire the red granite rocks which plunge
straight down into the deep blue sea.
Distance : 37km.
Day 3 : Galéria to Porto
Today’s stage begins with an up-hill ride, you will eventually reach
a cliff road, which dominates this Corsican hillside
with its amazingly contrasting colors. From the Croix pass you will
have a splendid view stretching across the bay of
Porto and Girolta. This last bay is closed off by the cape of
Scandola, which is now a nature reserve, the bright colors
are a unique sight. From here you head down in to Porto, where the
famous Genoese tour, eucalyptus wood and
sunsets are all a must see!
Distance : 48km.
Day 4 : Porto to Vergio
Today you head back inland where you will discover a new panorama
while climbing up towards a mountain village.
Corsican villages were always trying to protect themselves against
different invasions, the first village shows evidence of
a previous way of life for the Corsican people. Next, your trip
climbs alongside rock-faces, where the Spelunca gorges
are visible below. The trail continues through a village that will
provide the last view of the bay of Porto before entering
the famous Aitone forest. Surrounded by mountain vegetation, the
beautiful seaside will soon be a distant memory. This
forest leads you to the highest peak in Corsica, where the view over
the high mountains will prove that Corsica is indeed
a mountain in the sea.
Distance : 38.5km.
Day 5 : Vergio to Ponte Leccia
After having ridden through the shade of the magnificent Laricio
pine trees of the Valdu Niellu forest, you travel through
the Niolu region which is surrounded by Corsica’s highest mountains.
You then descend the Scala di Santa Regina
gorge and continue to Ponte Leccia . This day is made up of a
variety of different landscapes.
Distance : 50km.
Day 6 : Ponte Leccia to Ile Rousse
Today you have a change of scenery. You head into the Balagne
region, which in the past produced almonds, olive oil
and citrus fruits which were exchanged for chestnuts from
Castagniccia. From the terraces, the hundred year old olive
trees still spread out their branches. The flat ground of Balagne is
soft and welcoming, within one of these villages there
will be the opportunity to stop in one of the small bars.
Distance : 49km.
Day 7 : Ile Rousse to Calvi
A ride along the coastline, where the flat ground of Balagne is soft
and welcoming as are the region’s villages where you
can stop to quench your thirst in one of the many bars, before
descending along the Salvi pass back into Calvi.
Distance : 61km.
Day 8 : Departure after breakfast
This program is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It
may be possible, if situations arise that are beyond
our control, for the itinerary to be modified.
|
|
 ZZ-FR-Cycle06
8
days/ 7 nights $ 1,165
-- based on € 795
minimum of 2 people
-
2008 Price includes:
Accommodation,
breakfasts, local transfers, luggage transfers, trip dossier, maps
and topo-guides.
Supplements:
- Single supplement : $190 -- € 150
Bike rental:
$160
-- € 110
($450 deposit required)
Starting point:
At your hotel in Calvi,
- End:
Calvi
- Accomodation:
Comfortable hotels with breakfast
- Number of participants:
Minimum two.
- Level of difficulty:
Certain day’s cycling
are not too long, given that they are mountain stages and the
altitude gain is considerable. Daily distances will vary between 29
and 64 kms on tarmac roads.
- Carrying:
You will need to carry a day sack only, with your water bottle,
camera, picnic and gortex jacket.
Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks.
Your main luggage - will be transported by vehicle between the
different night stops. We ask you to please limit your
main luggage to between 10-15kg to facilitate the transportation and
carrying for the taxis. It is also important to
consider that it may be necessary to carry your bags short distances
at the start or end of your holiday. (Consult with us
for left luggage facilities)
- Price does not include:
Entrance fees,
additional transfers, drinks, picnics, additional activities,
holiday insurance.
|
