Day 1: Bastia
Arrival in Bastia and settling in at the hotel. Allow yourself some time to visit the main city in Northern Corsica. We recommend taking a look at the Citadel, the old harbor and its surroundings, where you can also find a good place for dinner and perhaps have a coffee in one of the largest squares in Europe: St. Nicolas Square.
Day 2: Bastia - Capo Corso (59 km; +1071/-794 m or 79 km; +1357/-1081 m)
The first stage unfolds in the peninsula of Capo Corso: you will cycle along a beautiful coastal road, then on a gentle climb towards the interior, before reaching the western coast and its wonderful cliffs. Overnight stay in a charming village.
Day 3: San Fiorenzo (31 km; +401/-699 m or 48 km; +911/-1212 m)
Today you will travel south, towards San Fiorenzo and its marina. If you pass through the village of Patrimonio, we recommend stopping for a wine tasting, for which the area is famous. You will then continue along some climbs, enjoying the splendid view of the bay of San Fiorenzo.
Day 4: San Fiorenzo - Isola Rossa (48 km; +843/-642 m or 80 km; +1531/-1330 m)
Today you will head towards the Balagne area. After a few kilometers and a last glance at the bay of San Fiorenzo, you will reach the Desert of Agriates: no sandy dunes and little vegetation. After a gentle descent, you will leave the desert behind you preparing yourself for some panoramic climbs in the mountainous area of Balagne. Overnight stay in a hotel not far from Isola Rossa.
Day 5: Isola Rossa - Galeria (66 km; +776/-991 m or 78 km; +1114/-1353 m)
Today's stage will take you through the splendid villages of the Balagne region, such as Sant'Antonio or Santa Reparata, up to Calvi, a beautiful port city with one of the charming citadels of Northern Corsica, before reaching your hotel in Galeria, a small fishing village.
Day 6: Galeria - Porto (51 km; +921/-903 m)
Heading south again, you will travel along a splendid coastal road, which offers a wonderful view of the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, you can admire the bay of Girolata, a protected area with great biodiversity. Finally, reach Porto, a small seaside resort in Northern Corsica, where you will spend the night.
Day 7: Porto
Today you will choose your own program: you can simply relax on the beach, or take your bike and ride towards the Calanchi of Piana, a beautiful rock formation. You can also take a boat trip to visit the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 8: Porto - Col de Vergio (35 km; +1608/-181 m)
This stage is not very long, but constantly uphill. You will cross the Spelunca Gorge, the village of Evisa, and the Aitone forest, up to the Col de Vergio (1477 m) pass, which is located on the border between Northern and Southern Corsica. A few minutes away you will find your hotel, right in front of a small ski resort. Overnight and dinner at a hotel in the hinterland.
Day 9: Col de Vergio - Corte (52 km; +455/-1438 m)
Today's stage will take you towards the center of the island. Mainly downhill (as a reward for the previous day's stage), you will cross the Valdo-Niello forest, some villages, and finally, the splendid Scala di Santa Regina, a winding road that leads to the Niolo region. You cannot avoid a last climb before reaching Corte, the historical capital of Corsica, where you will spend the night.
Day 10: Corte
Today you will travel in what can be considered the heart of Corsica: Corte. This small town was the island's capital during independence (1755-1769), and hosts the University of Corsica. Here you can visit the museum and the citadel, then extend the stage by climbing up the Restonica gorges to the Grotelle sheepfolds. Overnight in Corte.
Day 11: Corte - Aleria (48 km; +48/-484 m or 60 km; +848/-1271 m)
You will follow (more or less, depending on the route you have chosen) the Tavignano river to Aleria, an ancient Roman city. Always pay attention on the descent because, and not only in this area, there are many animals that like to stay in the middle of the road. Once in Aleria, you can visit the Roman Museum and the old fortress, or relax a little in a Spa Resort, directly on the beach. Overnight in Aleria.
Day 12: Aleria
This place has a very ancient history: built by the Greeks, Alalia was conquered and renamed Aleria by the Romans in 259 BC. You can visit the Roman Museum, the ancient baths, or the archaeological site. It is also worth spending some time on the beach (3 km away) or going to the nearby spa resort, located directly on the beach, for total relaxation (sauna, hammam, massage).
Day 13: The Costa Verde (57 km; +1431/-1414 m)
Heading north, you will find yourself facing splendid climbs. The Costa Verde in Corsica is a wild and untouched coastal area located in the north-east of the island. The area is characterized by white beaches and crystal clear waters, but also by cliffs overlooking the sea and pine forests. Along the way, you will encounter numerous historical places, such as churches, convents, abandoned sheepfolds, and some uninhabited villages, which have become famous for their beauty and mysterious charm. Among these, the villages of Prunete, Cervione, and Chiatra can be mentioned.
Day 14: La Castagniccia - Marana (32 km; +/-94 or 52 km; +/-743 m or 72 km; +/-1627 m)
The area you will cross today is a mountainous region located in the heart of the island. The area, Castagniccia, is named after its dense chestnut forest, which covers much of the region. Cycling between breathtaking landscapes, spectacular mountain landscapes, and lush vegetation you will discover ancient trails and abandoned villages dating back to the Middle Ages. The villages of Castagniccia were built in local stone and still retain their medieval charm, with narrow alleys, stone houses, and Romanesque churches. Some of the most famous villages include Penta di Casinca, Piedicroce, Santa Maria Poggio, and San Lorenzo. Between a climb and a descent, you will reach Marana, the final destination of the day, located a few meters from the beach and near the Bastia/Poretta airport.
Day 15: Marana
After breakfast, end of services and individual departure. The possibility to book a transfer to Bastia airport.
Corsica
