Corsica
11th - 19th June
2011
In the past we have
combined tours of Corsica and Sardinia, and each time we have had
the sensation that we were leaving some important sections of both
islands out of our riding because of lack of time.
This sensation was always confirmed by the riders with us, so
for this year and in future, we shall dedicate a full week to
Corsica and a full week to Sardinia.
7 days might seem a lot dedicated to each island, but it will give you a
chance to do things without being rushed and get a real feel about
these unique islands.
The succession of corners and
views, and the superb condition of the roads, offering immense
grip, produce probably the best riding in the world together with
Sardinia. Yes, it beats
the Alps and it beats Tuscany. Believe us!
But Corsica isn't only about riding. Towns such as Calvi, Bastia,
Ajaccio, and Bonifacio all offer great insights into understanding
this island. Whilst the coastal roads offer grip and continuous
views of the Mediterranean sea, inland there are enchanted valleys
with alpine scenery and green hills with prehistoric settlements
to visit.
The tour starts and
ends in Rome and runs anticlockwise with a double night
stopover in Ajaccio.
Touring
programme day by day:
Day 0: We
need to catch the 10pm ferry in Civitavecchia to Olbia, so we need
to be in Civitavecchia harbour at 8pm for embarcation and leave
Rome by at the latest 6pm. All partecipants should therefore
gather at CIMT headquarters in Rome at 3pm for finalising
paperwork and get your bike ready for the short ride to
Civitavecchia.
Day 1: We
land early on Sunday morning in Olbia and after
a short ride across the Emerald coast of Sardinia, we catch the
ferry across to Bonifacio. The arrival in the fiord of Bonifacio
is very picturesque. The white wind eroded cliffs open up just
enough to produce an amazing natural harbour for Bonifacio. For
the afternoon we ride west along the coastal road and then fold
back inland just before Propiano to circle Mount Cagna and reach Portovecchio the
evening.
Day 2: Our
ride starts along the coastal road to Solenzara and then heads
back south west to the mountains over the Col de la Bavella. We
then visit the Unesco world heritage prehistoric site of
Castellu de Cucuruzzu and Capula. We follow the tight and
deserted mountain road over Col de la Vaccia and then on to Col de
Verde. From Ghisoni we go over Col de Sorba and reach the N193 at
Col de la Serra to our final destination in Corte. An incredible
mountain riding day!!!
Day 3: we
explore the enchanting alpine valleys around Mount Cinto. Some
outstanding scenery is to be had on this ride. We start with the
Restonica Gorges. Then ride the
road to the west coast till Porto. We ride this one in both
directions, so you can enjoy both views of the Scala di St. Regina
and of the Gorges de la Spelunca, two wonderful gorges at the
foothills of Monte Cinto, the highest mountain in Corsica with
2706 meters (8876ft) above sea level. Before we head for Bastia
for our overnight stop there is just one more valley to explore,
the Asco Valley. 33km of mountain road will lead you to the oldest
ski resort in Corsica, surrounded by 5 over 2500mt peaks.
Day 4: From
Bastia we head north around the finger of Corsica. The roads are
wider and the grip fantastic. From just after Erbalunga and
practically all the way to Calvi on the west tip of Corsica you
will be in riding Nirvana. Calvi will be our next overnigh stop. On the way there we shall stop in Nonza to view the black beach and in Patrimonio to view the
Church
of St Martin and the megalithic piece known as the U-Nativu dating
back to 800/900BC.
Day 5: we run
down the West Coast of Corsica. The ride offers the embarrassing
choice of riding fast or watching the scenery. Don't try doing both at
once. Our suggestion is ... stop frequently. Our over night stop
will be in Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica and birthplace of
Napoleon. But just before we finish for the day, we run our bikes
over to Pointe de la Parata to view the Isle Sanguinaires. Their
name in French means the "bloodthirsty islands" because of their
intense red colour by sunset.
Day 6: After
a morning spent in Ajaccio, we take an afternoon ride along the
Ajaccio Gulf to the nearby
Prehistoric settlement of Filitosa.
If enough time is on our hands, we can also ride the short loop of
the Gorges de Prunelli and then return to Ajaccio.
Day 7:
A truly fantastic
run awaits all the way to Bonfacio, the N196. Once in Bonifacio,
we will spend the time waiting for the evening ferry back to
Sardinia, visiting town, or exploring the coves and beaches just
to the east of Bonifacio. We catch the 10pm ferry out of Olbia and
will be back in Civitavecchia early on Sunday morning.
Prices in EURO per person:
for currency converter click here
minimum number of participants:
10
maximum number of participants: 14
closing date:
60 days prior to tour commencement
If
minimum number of participants isn't reached the tour can be
cancelled or run with different format.
Booking fee 10% of total to be paid on reserving a place on
the tour.
what is included:
1)
motorcycle rental
2)
6 nights accommodation with
breakfast and safe parking for the bikes
3)
welcome and farewell dinners in
Corsica
4)
motorcycle guide always on motorcycle
5)
support van with second guide
6)
GSM
cell phone
7)
maps and road book of the tour
8) overnight return ferry tickets from Civitavecchia to Olbia with
accommodation in cabin with
ensuite bathroom
what is NOT included:
1)
fuel for your motorcycle
2)
motorway tolls
3)
entrance to museums or other sites
4)
gratuities and tips
5)
all lunches and dinners except for welcome and farewell dinner
6)
beverages with your dinner
7)
credit used on the CIMT GSM cell phones
8)
airport transfers (we will give you all options - including a
chauffer driven car if you wish)
9)
flights to and from
Rome
when?
11th - 19th June 2011
for enquiries and booking
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