Experience Sardinia by bike Italy

Ever wanted to pedal across foreign lands, but have been turned off by the Lycra, competitive companions and possible road rage? This 10-day cycling tour exploring Sardinia avoids all that. Instead, you’ll encounter white beaches, vineyards and olive groves, charming villages and plenty of Mediterranean cuisine.

Ease into your tour in Costa Smeralda en route to Porto Cervo, where you’ll visit San Pantaleo, a tiny outpost set between the mountains and sea and declared one of Italy’s 19 most beautiful villages by the British Daily Telegraph. Known for its popular Thursday morning market, San Pantaleo is the perfect place to get to know its hundre or so residents. Grab yourself a gelati or visit one of its galleries, boutiques, bars or restaurants

On average, you’ll cycle up to 60 kilometres a day, but rather than being hindered by traffic lights and carbon dioxide you’ll inhale the fresh coastal air as you cross Passo Della Moneta, a bridge that connects the island of La Maddalena with Caprera. Gain some local insight at and the background of the Italian revolutionary general Giuseppe Garibaldi, considered to be one of Italy’s ‘fathers of the fatherland’, at the Garibaldi White House.

In West Sardinia, you’ll explore the coves of this unspoiled corner on foot giving your glutes a rest with a cycle-free day. Transfer across the island to Nuoro and Orgosolo. This picturesque enclave offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s social unrest in the 1960s thanks to the history and people portrayed in its famous murals. Sit with the shepherds and enjoy a traditional open-air lunch of fiore sardo (pecorino made from raw ewe’s milk and matured for at least three months) from a local delicatessen.

Enjoy the  warm sea breeze while exploring the Sinis peninsula, Mari Ermi’s white quartz beaches and the ruins of Tharros, a city founded by the Phoenicians around 800 BCE and where the city of Oristano originated.

Take the bus to Pula and the city of Arborea, where two-storey Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic houses are surrounded by greenery. There’s also a chance to enjoy the lively city of Terralba, known for its gavina watermelons and communal winery.

Cycle along the pristine coastline, taking some time out for a swim in the warm Mediterranean sea and later head past tree-lined avenues that lead to the archaeological park of Nora. Experience a mix of history and religion at Nebida and on the island of Sant’Antioco, with its museum and unique handicrafts.

price guide

This 10-day group tour starts at about US$2900 a person, twin share. It’s also available as a private tour, for a minimum of two people, starting from about US$3050.

contact

getlostescapes.com

need to know

For the trip inclusions and full itinerary, head to the get lost escapes website.
getlostescapes.com