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Bicycling Sardinia - Alghero to Cagliari

Bicycling Sardinia - Alghero to Cagliari

The Italian island of Sardinia is renowned for its rich history, colorful handcrafts, and endless miles of undisturbed beaches. Our tour gives you a chance to discover this Mediterranean jewel that is often overlooked by American tourists. Spend 11 days exploring breathtaking coastal roads, pedaling ancient forests, and hiking to ruins that predate Roman civilization by more than 1,000 years - all while enjoying traditional Italian meals and wine. Other highlights are a visit to an excavated Roman town, a fabulous shepherds' barbecue, and swimming in pristine waters.

Tour Dates & Prices

Date
Price
Private Room Fee
Note
Sep 24-Oct 4, 2023
USD$5400
USD$650
 
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May 19-29, 2024
USD$5695
USD$650
Book now and save $200 per person
Book It
Sep 22-Oct 2, 2024
USD$5695
USD$650
Book now and save $200 per person
Book It

* 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.

Tour Style: Classic Hold A Space Request Private Departure Download Itinerary Tour Map
  • Trip At-A-Glance
  • Tour Summary
  • Daily Itinerary
  • Travel Information
  • Map
  • Reviews
  • Similar Tours
Trip At-A-Glance

Trip At-A-Glance

  • Length / 11 Days
  • Total Distance / 626 km (389 miles)
  • Avg. Distance / 78 km (48 miles) per riding day
  • Tour Level & Tour Style / 4.0 Classic
  • Countries / Italy
  • Begin/End / Alghero/Cagliari
  • Price / From USD$5400
More Photos
Tour Summary

Tour Summary

  • Highlights
    Quiet country roads, Spectacular mountain vistas, Great food, great coastal bicycle rides, Traditions dating back to pre-Roman times, Cabras Archaeological Museum, guide hike, mask museum
  • Includes
    11 days, 10 nights, meals as noted in itinerary; Cabras Museum; hike day; and the usual (see below).

    Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
  • Arrive / Depart
    Alghero Airport (AHO) / Cagliari-Elmas Airport (CAG)
  • Overall Tour Level
    4.0 difficulty level 4.0

    Grades are quite gentle, rarely, if ever, above 8 percent.

  • Daily Ride Summary

    Day

    Distance/Gain
    mi/ftkm/m

    Terrain

    Day Level

    Notes

    1
    Test ride
    2
    58km / 1154m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 4.0
    3
    72km / 577m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.5
    4
    59km / 228m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 1.5
    Today's ride is an optional loop ride
    5
    85km / 1653m
    Mountainous
    difficulty level 5.0
    6
    85km / 1101m
    Very hilly
    difficulty level 4.5
    7
    Hike day
    difficulty level 3.0
    8
    85km / 1395m
    Mountainous
    difficulty level 5.0
    9
    108km / 854m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 4.5
    10
    75km / 831m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.5
    11
    Last day

Terrain Legend

Gentle Gentle

Rolling hills Rolling hills

Hilly Hilly

Very hilly Very hilly

Mountainous Mountainous

Daily Itinerary
Download Itinerary

DAY 1: Tour begins in Alghero, Italy

Highlights: Seaside Alghero, Catalan & Gothic architecture

There are plenty of ways to get to Alghero including international air connections or by boat from Genoa to Porto Torres. Alghero was a Catalan outpost and has a dialect that is still a mix of Catalan and Italian. Our seaside hotel is a 15 minute walk from the historic town center. We'll fit bicycles this afternoon and recommend an easy test ride before our special welcome dinner tonight.

DAY 2: Bicycle Alghero to Tresnuraghes

Highlights: Scenic coastal riding, the town of Bosa

We'll follow the coast south toward Bosa this morning. Take your time and enjoy the roller coaster ride this morning as the reality of this mountainous island sinks in - you're actually cycling suspended between the sea and mountains! Bosa is our first stop and we recommend you take time to explore this fascinating town before enjoying lunch here. A final climb through small coastal vineyards brings us to a plateau dotted with tiny traditional villages. Since Roman times, the Sardinians have never really lived by the sea as pirates and bad weather were more common at sea level.

DAY 3: Bicycle to Cabras

Highlights: Two-night stay, traditional basket makers, small Sardinian villages

We remain inland today, visiting the towns of Flussìo (famous for its home-made baskets) and Tinnura (famous for its murals) on our way to Cuglieri, a village that still makes olive oil from trees planted by Spanish noble families in the 16th Century, we'll enjoy a fun descent to a beautiful beach for a refreshing swim and lunch. A flat ride brings us to our hotel this afternoon.

  • Distance: 72km (45mi)
  • Gain: 577m (1893ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 4: Rest day, Roman ruins, optional ride to the beach

Highlights: Optional ride to the Roman ruins of Tharros, explore hidden beaches and bays

Today is a day off the bikes for those who prefer to relax. Or we'll offer an optional ride to the Phoenician and Roman ruins of Tharros on the coast, where you can enjoy a relaxing swim at the beach. Those with an urge for exploration can spend the entire day cycling to all the little bays and beaches along this wild coast. Your return ride will bring you by salt marshes inhabited by fish and pink flamingoes. Try some famous "bottarga" (fish roe) made in this area, either on pasta or on pizza!

  • Distance: 59km (37mi)
  • Gain: 228m (748ft)
  • Terrain: Mostly flat
  • Day Level: difficulty level 1.5
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 5: Bicycle into Sardinia's mountains to Tonara

Highlights: Woolen rugs of Samugheo, ice cream in Sorgono

We head deep into Sardinia's interior today. Our route follows the Tirso River to Fordongianus, an important ancient Roman city, and then heads up to Samugheo, known for its knotted white woolen rugs. After lunch and/or a gelato stop in Samugheo, continue climbing to Atzara and Sorgono, where the summit (900+ meters or 2880 feet) awaits. Our destination is the small mountain town of Tonara, famous throughout Italy for its honey and egg-white "torrone" (nougat) and its artisanal bellmakers that help herders keep track of sheep, goats and cattle.

  • Distance: 85km (53mi)
  • Gain: 1653m (5422ft)
  • Terrain: Mountainous
  • Day Level: difficulty level 5.0
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 6: Bicycle to Su Gologone

Highlights: Coastal mountains of Sardinia, resort hotel with pool, traditional masks of Mamoiada

We start the day with a well-earned downhill before climbing to the friendly town of Gavoi and our lunch stop in Mamoiada. We'll regroup for a brief visit to the traditional mask museum to learn about the haunting masks that dominate traditional festivals before continuing on through the center of Sardinia's historic "bandit" region, Orgosolo in the Gennargentu (silver) mountains. Our destination is the serene mountain resort hotel of Su Gologone, nestled under the imposing white limestone mountain Supramonte.

  • Distance: 85km (53mi)
  • Gain: 1101m (3611ft)
  • Terrain: Very hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 4.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 7: Hike to Nuragic Village

Highlights: Visit to prehistoric Nuragic village, shepherds' barbecue

Leave your cycling shoes behind today as we enjoy a hike to some of the ruins and rock dwellings of the ancient Nuragic civilization that once inhabited this area. After our hike, we'll share a barbecue in the mountains with local shepherds. An early return to our hotel allows for serious rest and relaxation at the swimming pool before dinner together.

DAY 8: Bicycle Su Gologone to Arbatax

Highlights: Spectacular limestone mountains, rugs and olive oil of Dorgali

Hold on to your helmets! We go from 100 meters (328 feet) to 1,000 meters (3280 feet) and then back down to sea level as we cycle through some of the most spectacular limestone mountains in the Mediterranean basin. You'll want to stop in Dorgali to see the rugs, traditional gold filigree jewelry, and Sardinian ceramic designs before a long but gentle scenic climb brings us to the top of the pass. From there it's downhill to Arbatax our home for the night.

  • Distance: 85km (53mi)
  • Gain: 1395m (4576ft)
  • Terrain: Mountainous
  • Day Level: difficulty level 5.0
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 9: Arbatax to Costa Rei

Highlights: Wild countryside

Today's ride is long, but with gently rolling terrain through the villages Tertenìa, Villaputzu and Muravera. The scenery is bucolic with views of the mountain range that separates the valley we are riding through from the sea. We'll enjoy glimpses of the Tyrrhenian Sea toward the end of the ride, one of the two seas that flank mainland Italy (the other is the Adriatic Sea between Croatia and Italy).

  • Distance: 108km (67mi)
  • Gain: 854m (2801ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 4.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 10: Bicycle Costa Rei to southern coast of Sardinia

Highlights: Coastal riding, Villasimius, Cagliari

We cycle to the south coast of Sardinia near one of the most famous beaches in Cagliari. We recommend stopping in Villasimius for a midmorning cappuccino and cornetto, a great ice cream, or just to have a walk on the famous Poetto beach, Cagliari’s closest beach. We'll pedal into Cagliari to our hotel for our final evening and dinner together.

  • Distance: 75km (47mi)
  • Gain: 831m (2726ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 11: Tour ends in Cagliari, Italy

Highlights: Cagliari

After breakfast, we'll say goodbye. If time allows stay a few extra days in this Mediterranean paradise.

  • Meals: Breakfast
Travel Information

Travel Information

Day 1: Arrival Information

Tour begins in Alghero, Italy

Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1 at the 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 Alghero-Fertilia airport (AHO).

Flying into Alghero and continuing to the Day 1 Hotel

  • Taxi - From the Alghero airport to the Day 1 hotel (15 min, Euro 30).

Taxis will be waiting outside of the arrivals terminal. If taxis are not waiting, call Consorzio Taxi Alghero taxi company (+39 079 97 39 795). 

Day 11: Departure Information

Tour ends in Cagliari, Italy

The tour ends on the final day after breakfast.

The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.

We recommend flying out of Cagliari (CAG)

  • Taxi from the Ending Hotel to the Cagliari Airport (15 min/Euro 15-20).
Or
  • Train from Cagliari to Cagliari-Elmas; runs every 20 minutes, no pre-purchase necessary. (10 min/EUR 1.30)

Pre-Trip Planning Checklist

To do right after you booked!

6 to 3 Months Prior to Tour Start Date

  • 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.

6 to 2 Weeks Prior to Tour Start Date

  • Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Reading and Movie Lists: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/
  • Plan what you are going to pack and start packing! Refer to the Packing Lists on our website at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/packing/.
  • 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.

Map

Map

Reviews

Reviews

  • The history, culture and beauty of Sardinia is unparalleled. Add delicious food and wine as well as challenging biking and you have a great vacation!

    Anne K., Portsmouth, RI - Sept 2019

  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? Well worth doing. A good route with a nice balance of distance and climbing without being too hard.

    Antony G., Sydney, NSW, Australia - May 2018

  • Amazing scenery, awesome roads, wonderful food, great people. A perfect tour!

    Jonathan L., Portland, OR - May 2018

  • Great experience! Great ride! Do it!

    Kathy K. and Bill B., Seattle, WA - May 2018

  • Great tour. The bikes were in perfect condition. The tour leaders met every need. Provided a lot of extras.

    Jean L., Granby, Quebec - May 2018

  • A great trip from start to finish - everyone should do this trip. We did the Corsica and Sardinia trips back to back - awesome!

    Dennis D., Calgary, Alberta - September 2016

  • We had an amazing 11 days and couldn''t be happier.

    Sherri D., Big Sky, MT - September 2017

  • keep doing what you do! When ever we cycle abroad we will see what you have to offer because we know it we be exceptional.

    Ethne B., Woodside, SA, Australia - September 2017

  • A chance to discover a beautiful Italian island. The beaches are better than Hawaii, great food,friendly people and great cultural experiences. Oh and the bike riding is outstanding. Do not let the hills scare you away from this beautiful island riding opportunity. We had a great time on tour. Our only problem is that we feel so spoiled on tour we do not know how to adjust back to reality when we get home:-). Thank You for maintaining such high standards. It makes our decision on bike tour operators very easy...in fact, it is a no-brainer.

    Terry S., Weed, CA - September 2017

  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? If you like great scenery with some unique cultural experiences and you enjoy hill climbs that may be long but are not excessively steep then you should consider this tour.

    Dan C., Morgan Hill, CA - September 2017

  • I enjoyed the group on the ride and the guides. The food was excellent. Overall I wanted to see a part of Italy that I thought would be quieter and simpler than other parts of Italy. I look forward to another trip.

    John W., San Diego, CA - May 2017

  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? There is no describing this experience to a friend. Unless you are doing the trip, no words can justify the wonderful experience.

    HIllary R., Scotsdale, AZ, May 2017

  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? Challenging, most scenic biking trip so far.

    Bob C., Philadelphia, PA

  • One of the best travel experiences I have had. So much about the trip still resonates-the beauty of Sardinia, experiencing the history, crafts, food and especially the wine...

    Dee H., Watsonville, CA

  • Challenging but very "doable"cycling. Great mix of rural and urban experience. Beautiful Mediterranean weather. Very interesting cultural exposure.

    Gordon B., Calgary, Alberta

  • Sardinia is my favorite tour. I loved the cycling, natural beauty, and the rich history and culture of the region.

    Mary Ann D., Pleasonton, CA

  • Loved this trip. Each day there was an activity or experience to look forward to. I think it was our best so far.

    Kathy E., Clarksburg, Ontario

  • Unbelievable! Doing both Corsica and Sardinia back to back was the trip of a life time.

    Bruce T., Thornbury, Ontario

  • What was your favorite experience on this trip? It is hard to pick one thing. The scenery was great, the bell maker, rug weaver, basket weaver, olive press guys, ... the barber!!! Our off the bike trek to the Nuragi ruins. Food was wonderful! Great group of riders and tour leaders.

    Kay F., Ft Collins, CO

  • This tour offered challenging rides, beautiful scenery and offered excellent cultural information about Sardinia. The new titanium bikes were great, the hotels exceeded expectations and the food was wonderful!

    Alice C., Lake Jackson, TX

  • Bikes were wonderful! Never had such a great bike furnished by a tour company. Beautiful scenery, great tour leaders, lots of fun. One of the best tours I have been on

    Marion C., Lake Jackson, TX

  • It was amazing to do Cycling 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

  • Everything was 100% - the usual ExperiencePlus! experience. You always do it so well and the attention to detail is second to none. Bravo.

    Jane C. & Jeff H., Lucca, Italy

  • Another great trip from Experience Plus! Roll on the next one!

    Heather B., Kirkcaldy, Scotland

  • This trip was the best ever; and I give it a 15!!

    Stu W., Boulder, CO

  • The riding in Sardinia was awesome. The quality of the roads was great, with good climbs and marvelous descents. The routes were just beautiful.

    Steve M.
    Boulder, CO

  • Dear ExperiencePlus!
    What a wonderful surprise! After a long day of biking in Sardinia, we checked into our room at Su Gologne and discovered a wonderful basket filled with delicious treats from you all. Thank you for making our honeymoon extra special. We truly enjoyed the bike tour. Jay and I are planning next year's tour. Thanks again!

    Terri & Jay R.
    Menlo Park, CA

  • Dear Rick,
    The staff far exceeded all my expectations. From my experiences they set the standard for excellence. They were always there to help, to guide, and most of all, to make the customer feel special. Looking forward to our next trip.

    Phil B.
    Bolinas, CA
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