From the sea, Corsica appears as a large piece of Alpine Europe floating on a bed of cobalt blue. In fact, Corsica is geologically more closely related to the Alps than it is to its larger neighbor to the south, the Italian island of Sardinia. But culturally and linguistically this birthplace of Napoleon is all Mediterranean. Palm-lined streets bustle with colorful marketplaces and French, the island's official language since 1768, mingles with a variety of exotic dialects brought here from northern Africa, Italy, and the rest of the Mediterranean basin. An island of beauty, Corsica is also an island of delightful surprises for the touring cyclist.
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Mountain scenery, Extraordinary coastal scenery, French and Mediterranean food, Picturesque villages, Beautiful Pisan and Genoese churches, Fabulous beaches, Impressive watchtowers along the coast, Wine Tasting.
Includes
8 days, 7 nights' accommodation; meals as noted in itinerary, wine tasting; shuttle to Figari Sud-Corse Airport Day 8and the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
Highlights: Historic capital of Corsica, sidewalk café, gourmet introductory dinner
Bright blue and white fishing boats and sidewalk cafés await you today as our tour begins near Bastia, Corsica's historic capital and its most picturesque city. We recommend arriving a day early to soak in the charms of this centuries-old Mediterranean seaport. We'll fit you with a bicycle this afternoon so you can ride to a viewpoint above the city, and then reconvene this evening for a traditional French gourmet dinner together.
Highlights: Scenic cycling in Corsica's panhandle, Genoese history and settlements
After breakfast you'll head north on an easy ride along the east side of Cap Corse, Corsica's panhandle. You'll want to stop for a snack or coffee in Erbalunga to see its Genoese coastal tower before cycling through the tiny port of Santa Severa. Stop for lunch and perhaps a swim in Macinaggio before heading inland to our hotel.
Highlights: Scenic cycling on Cap Corse, Mediterranean beaches
Today's ride is one of the most spectacular bicycle rides in the Mediterranean basin. We suggest an early start as you'll want to stop often for photographs. You can even take a swim during your lunch stop. Our route follows a chain of Genoese watchtowers, built along the coast in the late Medieval period to provide the local villagers early warning of impending attack by pirates. We'll continue south along the west side of the Cap Corse to our hotel right on the water, located in the ancient Roman town of Saint-Florent.
Highlights: 11th-century Pisan cathedrals, enchanting bay of Saint-Florent with nearby beaches
A stop to our first 11th-century Pisan cathedral begins our day. Pisa ruled Corsica unchallenged until 1133 A.D. when the pope divided the island between Pisa and rival Genoa. Our optional ride continues on to the most famous Pisan cathedral in Corsica as we wind our way through hilltop villages and river gorges.
Highlights: Beautiful coastal landscape with breathtaking vistas and Mediterranean beaches
You'll head across the unique Désert des Agriates today. This stony landscape that was once rich with wheat fields is unlike any area on the island and offers some beautiful panoramas. After soaking up the views you'll coast down to the beach for a refreshing swim if you wish. Our efforts today will be rewarded as we explore the coastal town of L'Ile Rousse with its charming center and beach. And if that's not enough, we'll watch the sunset into the sea.
Highlights: Coastal to mountain scenery, spectacular wildflowers in season, Genoese history
You'll head into Corsica's interior today. This is the main "mountain day" on the tour, so take your time and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Climbing over the pass of Saint Colombano you'll enjoy a wonderful cruise down the Navaccia river valley to Ponte Leccia, named for the 17th-century Genoese bridge still in use. You'll then have a steady long climb to be rewarded with a beautiful descent through chestnut forests as we head into one of Corsica's most interesting regions.
Highlights: Ancient capital of Roman Corsica, luxurious beachfront hotel
The trend today is down though there are a few hills that will certainly get your attention before you reach the coast. Our destination, Aléria, was one of the principal Roman trading towns and capital of Roman Corsica by 170 B.C. From Aléria we'll shuttle just under an hour to our luxurious beachfront hotel.
Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.
Note:
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We recommend flying into the Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA).
Although there are no direct international flights to the island of Corsica, London, Paris, Marseille and Nice all serve this airport regularly.
Getting to the Day 1 Hotel
Taxi from the airport to the Day 1 hotel (30 min/EUR 45-60)
Or public transportation
Shuttle Bus from the airport to central station (45 min/EUR 10)
Walk from central station to taxi stand or Tourist Information where you will find a taxi stand or the Tourist Information will arrange one for you (2 mins)
Taxi from central station to hotel (10 min/EUR 10-12)
If you are planning to arrive by Ferry from France or Italy, you will find information on arriving from Marseille, Nice and Toulon in English at Corsica-ferries.co.uk (travel time 3.5 to 10 hours). For Ferries from Italy (Genoa, Livorno and Piombino), you can find information at Mobylines.com (travel time 4-10 hours).
Day 8: Departure Information
ExperiencePlus! Shuttle to Figari Sud-Corse
Our tour ends on the final day with a shuttle drop-off at the Figari Sud-Corse airport (FSC). (Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) is 2 hours away).
Complimentary ExperiencePlus! shuttle on the last day of the tour. Reservations required. Please make your shuttle reservation by emailing us no later than 30 days prior to your tour start date:
Shuttle departure 9 a.m., arrival at the airport around 10:30a.m. (transfer time around 1 hour)
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To do right after you booked!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation and After you Book Information (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Classic Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.
The rides were great but the cultural and historical input from the guides made it all even better. Absolutely wonderful organization and experience from start to finish. We are already looking at our next trip with you and I have told many friends about your very unique approach to guided independent cycling and touring.
Peter S., Fort Collins, CO - May 2018
Doing both Corsica and Sardinia back to back was the trip of a life time.
Bruce T., Thornbury, Ontario
Corsica''s natural beauty was amazing. The riding routes were excellent. It''''s a beautiful place to experience by bicycle because you get to fully experience the glory of the island.
Mary Ann D., Pleasanton, CA
Trip of a life time!
Bruce T., Thornbury, Ontario
Beautiful country both interior and coast. Good routes devoid of traffic. I''ve loved my trips with ExperiencePlus! You do a great job!
George C., Salt Lake City, UT
Would love to do it again and again. The leaders were incredible
Kelly D., Ft Collins, CO
Loved Corsica. Jonathan and Stephane were wonderful. Already looking forward to the next trip.
David A., Colorado Springs, CO
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea 7 out of 10 days. The bike trip was great and I look forward to doing another one.
Jim M., Coquitlam, BC
The opportunities to swim was a real plus. The rides were challenging without being exhausting. The scenery was typical of travel brochures, the weather was ideal for cycling.
Charles B., Mississauga, Ontario
Corsica was really magical. It has everything, lush forests, desert, beaches, mountains. I would love to go back .
Susan A., Colorado Springs, CO
Keep doing the same things because it is great! All of your leaders have been exceptional.
Ole L., Fort Worth, TX
The riding was superb. The group was excellent. You have great people and a great format.
Peter M., Auckland, NZ
It was amazing to do Corsica and Sardinia back to back. The riding in Corsica is second to none with its wild beauty and then to do Sardinia where even the mountains seem polished. There is such a contrast in these two islands that are so close together. This trip was without a doubt at the top of our list as the most fabulous trips we have done, which now number 17 in Europe.
Sharon M., Vancouver, BC, Canada
The trip was wonderful in all ways!
Elaine M., Pittsford, NY
It was simply the best trip ever. I don't think it can be matched.
Kathleen D., Tucson, AZ
You do a great job of service, support and fun. Thanks so much for another great trip! We love going places with you!
Leslie M., Fort Collins, CO
The meals were all excellent, and the ride around Cap Corse was out of this world. I couldn't recommend this trip more. It was wonderful, a great way to see new places, make some friends, get physical activity and enjoy all the food and wine, too.
Jane C., Lucca, Italy
Each guide excelled in a different area which made their team work unbeatable. Working in the tourism industry I sometimes think I look at things even more critically & yet the overall tour was superb - this was my first time using ExperiencePlus but would definitely do so again...[My favorite parts were] Cycling through the mountains (despite the climbs!) Hotels overlooking the sea - so we could leave our balcony doors open and sleep to the sound of the waves. Someone to take care of the daily stuff - meals/luggage/hotels so we could relax and simply enjoy the day... ExperiencePlus came highly recommended to me, and delivered its promises. Overall a fabulous vacation.
Deleyse L. Hercules, CA
Many great experiences, of course. Optional day ride for a day at the beach on the east coast of Corsica was a treat. The final meal in Bonifacio was excellent, the town striking. Everything was enjoyable from my point of view.
John G. Scottsdale, AZ
Our guides were fabulous! The arrows were the best - no bickering about which turn to make - really made the routes go smoothly.
Gerry L. Belvedere, CA
The routes chosen had beauty. We loved buying food along the way and choosing a picnic site. It was a very nice group of people. The guides were wonderful...We are very happy with your tours. This was our fifth and if we remain healthy we plan to take five more. It's not about the bike for us. We merely use the bike for the unique experience of seeing a country from a different point of view.
Robert B. Lancaster, PA
I hope you can always find such great people to lead your tours, as it is they (and the arrows) that keep us coming back. We are seriously entertaining the possibility of Expedition Plus for 2008...
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle
Mountainous
Cycling Corsica Plus! Beaches and Bonifacio
Cycling the Dordogne Plus! the Vineyards of Bordeaux
Cycling Champagne, Burgundy Plus! the Côte d'Or
