Corsica

29 May - 6 June 2010

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 also 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 in just an island, but it will give you a chance to do things without being rushed and get a real feel about this unique island.
The succession of corners and views, and the superb condition of the roads, offering immense grip, produce probably the best riding in the world. 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.

Touring programme day by day:

Day 1: 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.

 

Prices in EURO per person:

motorcycle	double occupancy	passenger supplement	single occupancy supplement
Suzuki V-Strom 650	2290	1385	450
BMW F650GS (twin) Triumph Bonneville	2365	1385	450
Ducati ST3	2500	1385	450
BMW R1200GS Ducati ST4s	2590	1385	450
BMW R1200RT	2680	1385	450
Alfa Romeo Spider	2865	1385	450

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) 8 nights accommodation with breakfast and safe parking for the bikes

3) welcome and farewell dinners in Rome

4) motorcycle guide always on motorcycle

5) support van with second guide

6) GSM cell phone

7) maps and road book of the tour

 

what is NOT included:

1) fuel for your motorcycle
2) motorway tolls and ferries
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 Olbia (Sardinia)

 

for enquiries and booking

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