• The descent to Cala Gonone, where the mountain plunges into the sea.



• The imposing Supramonte limestone massif towering over Oliena.



• The Giara highland in the rest day



• The descent from Sa Perda Marcada on day 7



• The spectacular Costa del Sud on the last day

Programme

Galleria






"Fantastic holiday, something we have always wanted to do". Andrew and Diane

Arrival day in Olbia
Today we get to know each other, during the welcome meeting the guides will explain the route. Dinner and overnight.

1st day: Olbia-Pattada (Km 80, climb 1700mt)
Right from the first day we get to know the real heart of Sardinia as we cross the Monti di Alà, a wild and remote highland with an extensive cork tree forest. After the Lerno Lake we’ll reach our charming hotel in the countryside village of Pattada.

2nd day: Pattada-Cala Gonone (Km 93, climb 1500mt)
Soon after Bitti we tackle some hills and the Supramonte, the island's biggest limestone massif swings into view. We spend the night in Cala Gonone, a seaside village with a dramatic coastline where the mountain plunges into the sea.

3rd day: Cala Gonone-Fonni (Km 68, climb 1700mt)
This is the day for the king of the mountains. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, we cross the town of Oliena, one of the most characteristic settlements of this area with its wrought iron balconies and massive wooden portals. From here, we climb along the slopes of the Supramonte as far as Orgosolo where we make a short stop to admire the famous wall paintings - witnesses of past years of social unrest - the work of numerous artists. We cross the upland plain of Mamoiada and reach Fonni, 1000 m asl, where we find our hotel, a restored ancient splendid palazzo.

4th day: Fonni - Villanovaforru (Km 117, climb 1500mt)
Another hilly day in the very heart of the island. We plunge into the chestnut woods round Ovodda and ride through the charming valley of Sorgono, rich in vegetation. After the village of Laconi the terrain easies out as we descend towards the Campidano flatland. We ride on the rolling hills of Marmilla, along hidden country lanes. We stop for the night in the country village of Villanovaforru.

5th day: rest day in Villanovaforru
Today we take a day off from our bikes. Hiking on the plains of the Giara, a huge basaltic highland, among its ponds and cork oak forests, we catch a glimpse of the small wild ponies, black and with almond-shaped eyes, which roam freely. The archaeological site of Su Nuraxi in Barumini, listed as World's heritage site by UNESCO, is the perfect opportunity to get to know the mysterious ancient past of Sardinia. In the afternoon we treat ourselves relaxing at the spa in Sardara.

6th day: Villanovaforru-Sa Perda Marcada (Km 106, climb 1500mt)
Back to the ocean! Today we will cycle through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde, some of the most savage scenery on the island. Our stop tonight is an agriturismo renown for its mouth-watering traditional dishes.

7th day: Sa Perda Marcada-Calasetta (Km 103, climb 1000mt)
This day takes you back into the ancient mining past of Sardinia, as we pass the fascinating abandoned mines of Buggerru and Planusartu. After the golden beach of Portixeddu and looming mass of Pan di Zucchero cliff, you admire the old ore washery at Nebida: nestling in the varied colours of the Mediterranean bush, it looks out over the sea at the end of a long descent down 540 steps. We then board on the ferry to Carloforte, where locals still fish the Red Tuna fish. From Carloforte, we continue to the island of Sant'Antioco and end your day near Calasetta, where we stay in a very elegant countryside hotel.

8th day: Calasetta-Pula (Km 95, climb 700mt)
Final catwalk of your tour is the beautiful Costa del Sud with its gleaming white beaches, unspoilt natural landscape and imposing cliffs: Cape Malfatano with its 16th Century tower, Cape Spartivento and Chia. At Nora we visit the ancient Phoenician settlement.

Departure day
After breakfast, transfer to Cagliari. End of services.