Corsica, "Isle of Beauty"

CYCLING CORSICA WITH CULTURAL AND CULINARY DELIGHTS

Enjoy a superb cycling vacation with access to mountain and sea and offering an insider’s perspective of the traditional culture and cuisine of Corsica.
Link with Enchanted Lands for a world class cycling experience in one of Europe’s greatest bicycle touring destinations -- CORSICA! Experience magnificent scenery along coastal roads and over serpentine backroads. Our tour winds through rugged gorges and ascends to ancient villages perched high on mountain slopes. Enjoy cycling by cool, crystalline streams flowing through sheer walls of polychromatic granite and through ancient forests of giant Corsican pines.
Explore this exciting and remote Mediterranean island surrounded by cobalt and turquoise waters. Coastal shores range from wild and rocky to gentle, secluded coves and long stretches of sandy beaches. Corsica is an island wrapped in mystery and legends, with rich cultural traditions permeating its heartland.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 Calvi

Our tour begins and ends in Calvi, on the island’s northwestern shores. It is reached by air from Paris, Marseille and Nice as well as by ferry from Nice, Marseille, or Italy.
Dominated by its magnificent centuries-old citadel with its five bastions, Calvi is a fascinating maze of narrow streets, waterfront cafes, and bakeries near the harbor. After checking in at our hotel, we will prepare our bicycles for exploring in and around Calvi. This evening we will be treated to a family style dinner at an auberge, where we will learn about Corsican cuisine and customs.

Day 2 Calvi to Galeria 40 kms.

After leaving Calvi, our day’s journey quickly exposes us to some of Corsica’s spectacular, wild, and dramatic seascapes. Winding along the quiet coastal road we will have abundant opportunities for photography and soaking in the sun.

Day 3 Galeria to Piana 56 kms

From Galeria to Piana, it’s a day of vibrant colors and stunning panoramas. We begin by following the Fango River valley before starting our serpentine journey over and down a couple of passes or cols. We detour to Porto along a pleasant eucalyptus-lined road that takes us to the marine area of Porto. In Porto we will have time to visit the 16th century Genoese watch tower, aquarium or enjoy a swim from the nearby sandy beach. We finish the day cycling through Corsica’s wonderland of red granite pinnacles called Les Calanches.

Our next two nights we will be staying near the delightful village of Piana. There are plenty of options for the energetic or for those interested in “just relaxing”. Dining in the elegance of the Roches Rouges and its lovely surroundings.

Day 4 Piana

This day is yours to discover and explore the village of Piana and the nearby environs. La Plage d’Arone, is a lovely beach located in a secluded cove a short bicycling-distance from our hotel with a challenging ascent on returning to our evening’s accommodation; or you may choose to walk on delightful trails through nearby forests and ravines. For the avid cyclist, one may decide on a 56 mile scenic loop from and to Piana. Special arrangements may be made to board a small boat to visit la Reserve Naturelle de Scandola, a delightful and remote coastal wilderness of phantasmagoric rock formations, rare wildlife and the remote village of Girolata.

Day 5 Piana to Evisa 35 km

Time to leave the coast and head inland. Our ride takes us back through the polychromatic Les Calanques before we leave the costal landscapes. Shaded by giant chestnut trees and gnarled old olive groves, our route takes us into the mountains. We gradually climb above the deep and narrow Gorges de Spelunca We enter the quiet mountain village of Evisa for our overnight stay. The crisp air will likely stimulate your appetite for some genuine regional cuisine.

Day 6 Evisa to Corte 66 km

We continue into the heartland of Corsica, through the enchanting Aitone Forest with its soaring Corsican pines. Once reaching Col de Vergio, we coast down through the Niolo river valley.Our journey continues to take us into the breathtaking Scala Di Santa Regina, a long and narrow passageway over a high mountain pass and into deep granite gorges. We turn south to our destination for the next two nights, the historic town of Corte. It is fascinating to wander through Corte’s ancient, narrow streets of cobblestones with its looming citadel. Our hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to the major attractions, shops, restaurants, museum, and the university.

Day 7 Corte

Corte is built on the confluence of two gorges, the Restonica and the Tavignano. This day we have the privilege of being joined by a local interpretive guide and folklorist to explore these two very beautiful and special places. The area around Corte is also ideal for optional day-cycling trips.

Day 8 Corte to St. Florent 61 km

A train ride to Barchetta gives us a jump start on our day’s journey that finishes in St.Florent. From Barchetta we travel to remote mountain villages known for their traditional cuisine and regional specialties.

Day 9 St. Florent to Rogilano 60 km

The next two days will be an excursion of Cap Corse, a quiet and remote peninsula that has been called an “island within an island". We start along the western coast of the peninsula, cycling through some of Corsica’s notable “wine country” with a stop to tour a regional vineyard. Continuing our journey along a high corniche road, we will see medieval villages perched atop rocky crags and timeworn Genoese towers dotting the seacoast. This ride is deemed one of the best of the island, if not of the entire Mediterranean basin. Evening relaxation comes easily at our specially selected accommodation. Surrounded by rolling, verdant hills, and ancient stone walls, this tiny village will easily transport one to days of yore. Quiet and tranquil, the night sky sparkles ever so enchantingly.

Day 10 Rogilano to St. Florent 76 km

Looping around Cap Corse provides us with easy cycling along the softly rolling eastern seacoast. We cross over the backbone of the cape again to cycle south to St. Florent, where we will stop to visit the Cathedrale du Nebbio, a short distance from town.

Day 11 San Florent to Feliceto 52 km

We will cross the radiant Desert des Agriates, another superbly scenic ride. The "Desert" is a wilderness of rock through which our route winds as it climbs up and over a deserted mountain. Next, we head inland on quiet mountain roads, leading us through picturesque villages on our way to Haute Balagne. Our evening’s destination, Feliceto is where traditional crafts, olive oil and wine can be enjoyed. Dinner will be at the delightful restored olive oil mill.

Day 12 Feliceto to Calvi 40 km

Today we will be taking the Artisans’ Road, along which nearly every village has its own specialty craftsman: a cutler, an apiarist, a lute maker, a bookbinder, a cabinetmaker, a ceramist or a glassblower. When we happen to chance on one of these craftsmen, you will have the opportunity to purchase some truly unique mementos of a unforgettable trip. Our return to Calvi will bring us along the Golfe de Calvi.

 
Tour Dates, Reservations and More Information:

Please consult the ELE Calendar for the scheduled dates of this tour and others. You can go to the Contact page to fill out a Registration form or contact us for more information.