http://gregorydowling.com/review-audens-complete-works-prose-vol-v-vol-vi Sardinia’s fabulous food, lovely wine to drink ~ Cannonau, and its spectacular beaches, archeological treasures, an isolated rugged interior and people renowned for hospitality…so many reason to join this trip!
Italy Experiences
Zig-zagging Sardinia Island
Itinerary
Alghero ~Bosa ~ Arbatax ~ Baia di Chia
Guided Tour, 8 Days/ 7 Nights
An ancient land with an ancient language, Sardinia is a uniquely fascinating place, forged by many centuries of culture and history in its strategic position at the center of Mediterranean. Higlhlights include the enigmatic Nuraghes; prehistoric round fortresses standing silently and ever-present across the island. Physical history combines with the breathtakingly beautiful and varied natural environment to create a truly special place for a bike tour adventure. Fabulous food, lovely wine such as Cannonau, spectacular beaches, archeological treasures, an isolated rugged interior and people renowned for hospitality…so many reason to join this trip!
Day 1: Welcome to Alghero
Meet at Alghero airport before transferring to your lodging by the sea for check in and your bike fitting. Alghero is a lively and pretty city where welcome dinner at ai Tuguri restaurant
Day 2: Bosa and Castle
Take a bike tour to Bosa via the commune of Villanova Monteleone and back along the stunning coastline . On your way, travel through a cork oak forest and admire the murals in Monteresta a fortified town dating back to about 1000 AD. Distance 105 km/65,5 miles
Day 3: Foresta di Burgo and Oliena
Cycle to Oliena via the communes of Ittiri, Thiesi, Bono and Nuoro, and the beautiful Foresta di Burgos. Ride through fields of artichokes and forests after pausing for a cappuccino in Thiesi before getting back in the saddle and riding through foresta di burgos. Pause for lunch and then head on to your hotel. Distance: 95 km/59 miles to Bono or 140 km/87,5 miles
Day 4: Dorgali Baunei and Arbatax
Your goal today is Arbatax, a small harbour in the Ogliastra territory. The centre of this small town rises at the bottom of Cape Bellavista – territory enriched with the green coloured Meditteranean scrub and famous for its characteristic red rocks and the masses of poephyritic grantie located close to the harbour. Afterwards enjoy an up and down to Bauneri. This seaside village has elements of a mountain settlement, despite its location near the sea and beautiful beaches. The vast inland area in this region is also extremely beautiful espeically the Golgo, a wild and empty calcareous plateau lying above the town. Enjoy a pleasent downhill to S.M. Navarrese on unspoilt coastline before reaching your hotel for a deserved gourmet dinner. Distance 90 km/ 55 miles.
Day 5: Barumini and Nuraghes
Today your biking will take you to commune of Barumini via Perdasdefogu, Nurri. The former is famous for its archaeological remains, which are the best knwon on the island. Sardinia is well-known not only for its natural beauties but also for Nuraghe, unusual buildings almost unique to this area which first appearing during the Bronze Age and have come to be seen as a symbol of the island. Visit the nuraghic complex in Barumini before grabbing your bike and continuing to the town of Guspini and enjoying a gourmet dinner at Hotel Tarhtesh. Distance 88km/ 55 miles.
Day 6: Portixeddu and Pan di Zucchero
Take a gentle downhill to the modern town of Carbonia along coastal roads and through the communes of Bugerru and Fontanamare. Begin the uphill to Arbus through the prickly pears characteristic of Sardinia. Admire the “pan di Zucchero” an outcropping rock 133 meters high with two natural arches, and the little fish village of Bugerru. Finish off your day of cycling at Fontanamare, before a short transfer to Cantine mura or cantine Mesa for wine tasting and visit cellars. After your wine tasting, transfer to Pula for check in at your charming and elegant hotel, Il Morus, complete with private beach! Distance 95 km/59 miles
Day 7 : Circular bike ride on the coastal Domus de Maria, Teluada, Chia
We will ride inland to Domus de Maria, Teulada, Chia. Enjoy the up & downs along Baia Chia coastal road. This is a fantastic seaside spot: the white sandy beaches, the high sand dunes and the crystalline water have a Caribbean feel. It is only the Mediterranean vegetation and in particular the juniper trees typical of this region that remind you of this fantastic island’s true location. Distance 66 km/ 41 miles
Day 8: Farewell breakfast and Pula
This morning after breakfast enjoy Pula’s beaches and coves, Roman excavations and blindingly white sand dunes. Consider a visit to the beach of Nora and a large Roman amphitheatre that lies directly on the sea before taking bus, taxi or private transfer to Cagliari – Arrivederci!
What’s Included?
Included in this tour:
Seven nights in superior hotels with breakfast
Four dinners & one wine tasting
Snacks and drinks along the way
All maps, trip notes and detailed route directions
All Shuttles and technical assistance
Support Van
All transfer baggage
Services of 2 experienced bilingual guides
Water bottles
Sales taxes
What’s not included?
Not included: Airfare to Italy and Alghero, lunches, 2 dinners, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, gratuities, travel insurance, laundry expenses and items of a personal nature
Dates and Pricing
Euro 2,950 per person sharing (double occupancy)
Single supplement 560 EuroBike Rental:
touring/hybrid bike euro 140
high-end race bike euro 170
Helpful Notes
2015 Dates
April 10 to 16th
May 22nd to 28th
September 25th to October 1st
October 9th to 15th
Notes: We can tailor a custom made tour to suit your needs at any time. Our daily itinerary of cycling is designed to be a vacation, not a race! Our pace is relaxed in order to enjoy the scenery which is gently rolling terrain and some hills. We will cover an average of 30 to 35 miles a day. Advanced cyclists who want to do more are accommodated, and backup transportation and support is always available . Please contact us at tours@cyclewest.com for more information.