Corsica Cycle

Name: Corsica Cycle
Brand: UTracks
SKU: COR
Rating: 4.80 (5 reviews)

Cycling in Corsica

Looking out towards the coast in Corsica

Cycling in Corsica

Cycling on the French island of Corsica

Coastal scenes in Corsica

The beautiful bay of Calvi in la Balagne, Corsica

Cycling in Corsica

Cycling on the French island of Corsica

Coastal scenes in Corsica

The beautiful bay of Calvi in la Balagne, Corsica

challenging

Traveller Rating

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

6 nights in hotels

Meals

6 Breakfasts

7 Days£1520GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: COR

Trip highlights

Exploring Cape Corsica at handlebar level
Experiencing the stunning landscape and diverse flora and fauna
Visiting tiny fishing ports awash in history
Enjoying the freedom of cycling light with all of your logistics taken care of
Delighting in the warm hospitality of the accommodation providers

Corsica is known as the 'mountain in the sea' with an incredible diversity of landscapes and a rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive. This circuit explores both the coast and Corsica's interior, through deserts, forests and mountains and along stunning coastal roads. There are a multitude of villages and historical sites to explore en route to the nights accommodation in specially handpicked inns and hotels. During the cycle day you will have several route options, allowing you the flexibility to choose a more demanding or relaxed route with more time for sightseeing. The flexibility, changing landscape and welcoming villages ensure your cycle trip in Corsica is exceptional.

Countries:

France

Starting Point:

Bastia

Finishing Point:

Calvi

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Join Bastia

The trip begins on check in to the hotel in the afternoon. Your bike will be provided today or in the morning. The rest of the day is free to discover the capital of Upper-Corsica. The old port is picturesque and you can take time to visit the freely accessible citadel and the old city which offers a superb panorama out to the sea and the town. For dinner, you should head to the old port which is oozing with atmosphere. Note: luggage transfer is optional (supplement applies). If you choose to carry your luggage, you need to pack your requirements for the trip in the pannier provided (not provided for road bikes as they do not have a rack). Your main luggage should be left either at the airport left luggage or the first hotel (please note that you will need to return to the first hotel to collect it at the end of the trip. We can assist with a transfer back to the hotel on request - additional cost applies).

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle the Corsica Cape to Centuri (55km/34mi or 69km/42.8mi)

This morning you'll pedal north an a path that runs along the sea, through the woodland interior and joins the other side of the island with its dramatic cliffs. The route is strewn with Genoese and Paoline towers as well as old convents and mills, and the landscape, including the small fishing ports, is splendid. Stay overnight in the charming village of Centuri Cycling: a choice of two routes, approx. 55km/34m or 69km/42.8mi

Meals: B

Day 3
To the Gulf of Saint-Florent on a choice of routes (56km/34.7mi or 60km/37.2mi)

The route today takes you away from Corsica Cape to head southward, in the direction of Saint-Florent. Depending on the route you choose, you may visit the village of Patrimonio, famous all around Corsica for its vineyards. Tastings are possible in the cellars of the village. This route offers superb viewpoints on the Gulf of Saint-Florent. In Saint-Florent, you should take some time to visit the citadel and to stroll around the port and its small commercial streets. Stay overnight in Saint-Florent. Cycling: a choice of two routes, approx. 56km/34.7mi or 60km/37.2mi.

Meals: B

Day 4
The Desert of Agriates to the coast and Monticello (51km/31.6mi or 82km/51mi)

The ride today takes you into the heart of the Agriates Desert. From hamlet to hamlet, you cross this superb desert covered in the local maquis scrub - which has a great scent and is amazing in Spring when in blossom. Dependent on which route you take, you will be able to ascend into the heights of Balagne to see dramatic landscapes before descending towards the littoral and its Genoese Towers. Returning to the coast, you will soon arrive at your accommodation in Monticello Cycling: a choice of three routes, approx. 51km/31.6mi or 82km/51mi

Meals: B

Day 5
Cycle to Calvi (40km/24.8mi or 50km/31mi)

Today, you will cross the splendid villages of Balagne singing names, Sant'Antonino, Pigna, and many others, to discover their discrete charms. You will then reach the active Calvi. Calvi, splendid city, a beach of azure blue, overhung by mountains (natural barrier: the massif of Monte Cinto) and its rock where dominates a medieval city, a splendid Genoese citadel of the 13th century. Cycling: choice of 2 routes 40km/24.8mi or 50km/31mi

Meals: B

Day 6
Loop cycle towards Galeria (79km/49mi)

Either relax, enjoy and explore Calvi and its beaches or take a loop cycle taking you towards Galeria Cycling: 79km/49mi

Meals: B

Day 7
Trip concludes in Calvi

Your trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with a transfer back to Bastia on request (to the hotel or airport, to collect stored luggage) - please ask for our rates.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

6 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices
5 nights in 3 star hotels & 1 night in a local inn on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
21 speed hybrid bike rental (aluminium or carbon road bike or e-bike available - supplement applies)
Hybrid & e-bikes include helmet, lock, pannier (15L) and a small front bag, repair kit
Premium road bikes include helmet, lock, a small front bag, repair kit (not a pannier)
Digital information pack - smartphone app with maps and route book
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Bastia and from Calvi
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Luggage transfer, you carry your gear in pannier provided (not available for road bikes), or a supplement applies for daily luggage transfers
Excess luggage
Bike hire deposit (payable by cash or credit card locally). Deposit is returned on conclusion of trip. Any damage to the bike will need to be paid locally.
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you book a single room
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Optional transfer available: from Lucciana to the hotel in Bastia or to the airport to collect your main luggage - please ask for our rates
We recommend bringing a smartphone holder for your handlebars, to follow the route easily using the app.
Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

2 & 3 star hotels

6 nights in 2 & 3 star hotels, twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a standard 21 speed leisure hybrid bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a helmet. A refundable security deposit of 500€ per bike is due locally. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a proper puncture repair kit, which will enable you to solve the problem.

Aluminium or Carbon road bike

An aluminium or Carbon road bike is available on request. Aluminium models: triple crankset eg Specialized Secteur model or compact crankset eg Trek Domane AL3. Carbon models: V-brake eg LOOK 566 Ultegra or disc brake eg Trek Emonda SL6. Supplement applies. A refundable security deposit of 1000€ per aluminium and 2000€ is due locally. Note a pannier cannot be fitted to these bikes.

E-bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 147cm / 4ft10in. A refundable security deposit of 1000€ is due locally. A pannier is included.

Trail Surface

Asphalt Roads

Cycling will be along quite asphalt roads. You will encounter more traffic entering and exiting towns & villages.

Suitability

challenging

GRADE 5 - This trip requires a good to excellent level of fitness to fully participate in this adventure, particularly if you plan to take the more demanding routes. There are a number of options provided each day and we supply gradients so you are able to make an informed choice about the route to choose. Cycling distances range from 31 to 80km (19 to 49.5mi) each day over undulating to mountainous terrain. The cycling is on low traffic side roads but at times you will encounter heavier traffic. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. Please ensure that you wear a helmet at all times on this trip.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

Mid Season

High Season

DN1

High season is from 1 to 31 Aug, Mid season is from 1 May to 31 Jul and 1 to 30 Sep. Supplement applies to high and mid season departures.

Note:

High season accommodation in the small villages is limited, you may be booked in a neighbouring village.

Note:

This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternate tour suggestions.

Note:

Luggage transfer is not included. Panniers are provided.

Priceper person from

£1520GBP

Options & Supplements*

E-Bike supplementGBP£60
Single supplement - low seasonGBP£320
Single supplement - mid seasonGBP£460
Single supplement - high seasonGBP£550

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.