Luxury Sardinia & Corsica Walk, Bike & Kayak (Italian & French Mediterranean Isles) 6D5N, Fully Guided

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 9.65km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 244m (800ft).
Level 3, Approx. 14.5km (9 miles), Elevation gain: 304.8m (1000ft).

Benvenuto in Sardinia! You've arrived on the beautiful island of Sardinia. Our first trek of the week begins after we take a picturesque shuttle from Olbia, a seaside city, to the trailhead near Monte Cugnana. The journey of the day winds through some of Costa Smeralda's most remarkable settings, connecting historic roads with gorgeous and distinctive Sardinian nature.

Once you reach the picturesque town of San Pantaleo, you can spend some time wandering the local boutiques and art galleries before sitting down to lunch. Continue your hike toward the ocean along this trail surrounded by pine trees, natural maquis, and exquisite private home gardens.

We take a shuttle to the beautiful seaside resort town of Porto Cervo after our hike, where we'll stay at the Cervo Hotel, an opulent oceanfront resort. Unwind in the pool or the sea and savour the Sardinian life. Later, we assemble for a welcoming reception followed by an alfresco meal at the hotel, where we enjoy the delectable cocktail while overlooking the port, sitting in a flower garden, or against the imposing Sardinian scenery.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 16.09km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 243.84m (800ft).
Level 3, Approx. 24.14km (15 miles), Elevation gain: 335.29m (1100ft).
Level 4, Approx. 33.79km (21 miles), Elevation gain: 396.24m (1300ft).

Fuel up with breakfast as you begin your cycling adventure through Sardinia's cinematic landscape. A boat whisks us away to the undeveloped islands of La Maddalena archipelago, a nature reserve surrounded by sapphire-blue water. The archipelago of La Maddalena is a quiet place of turquoise lagoons, deserted islands, and the most heavenly beaches in Sardinia, with barely a footprint to spoil them. In the translucent seas of the La Maddalena archipelago, your trip leaders will fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety before we start out on a magnificent ride across the island of Caprera. Follow a peaceful coastal route through endemic Mediterranean flora, exploring secret coves, pristine beaches, charming seaside villages and the former home of Giuseppe Garibaldi, a pivotal figure in Italy's history and unification. You may want to pause en route for a coffee under swaying palms along the waterfront in the small town of Maddalena.

After lunch, if the weather permits, relax on the beach and appreciate the sorbet-colored rocks of the island's coastline, perhaps dipping your mask and snorkel into the warm sea.

We'll be returning to our beachfront resort in Porto Cervo later for an afternoon at your leisure. Stroll along the picturesque promenade just steps away and delve into the night life. For those in pursue of an oasis, savour the delights of your resort with a pamper session, a refreshing dip in the pool or bask in the sunshine at the terrace giving sweeping views of the bay.

Level 2, Approx. 8.04km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 304.8m (1000ft).

Enjoy one last breakfast in Sardinia before a ferry transports us to the picturesque harbour of Santa Teresa. Then bid arrivederci to the island as we board a ferry bound across the strait for the French isle of Corsica, renowned for its breathtaking rocky mountain peaks and crystal-clear waters that will surely take your breath away.

Upon reaching beachside Bonifacio, we meet a local guide who leads us on a walking tour of the ancient city, pointing us to notable landmarks like the Romanesque chapel and the extraordinary buildings that seem to sprout out of every gap in the rocky clifftop. After enjoying a leisurely meal at one of Bonifacio's many eateries, we'll continue our Corsican adventure with a tranquil trek in the foothills above the gulf of Porto-Vecchio. From the village of Sotta in the south, with its distinctive terra cotta roofs, we travel via farmland and gentle slopes to the picturesque mountain hamlet of Burivoli, which overlooks the bay of Porto-Vecchio. Admire the ocean vistas that you will encounter along the journey.

Then, take a shuttle to the outskirts of the stylish and attractive beach community of Porto-Vecchio. Here we find Casadelmar, which was inspired by the magnificent villas of the Mediterranean and the beachy atmosphere of Santa Monica that invites you to relax in elegance. This oceanfront hotel in the centre of Silicon Beach features some of the West Coast's most desired accommodations. Each opulently designed guest room and suite highlights local coastal art and residential design, and several provide panoramic views spanning from Palos Verdes to Malibu. Unwind in your accommodation, take a seat on a private beachside terrace, or visit the spa (spa treatment at own expense).

This evening be treated to Casadelmar’s two Michelin starred restaurant for a gastronomic journey.

Please note: Ferry schedules between Sardinia and Corsica can be subject to strong winds and rough seas. On the rare occasion that our ferry does not run as scheduled, we'll extend our stay in Sardinia with alternate activities until we're able to travel. Should this be the case on your trip, your leaders will share more details about what to expect.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 33.79km (21 miles), Elevation gain: 487.68m (1600ft).
Level 3, Approx. 48.28km (30 miles), Elevation gain: 822.96m (2700ft).
Level 4, Approx. 60km (37 miles), Elevation gain: 1005.8m (3300ft).

Reunite with your bike after breakfast for today's spectacular ride on sections of the Mare a Mare (Sea to Sea) trail that links the Alta Roca region's enchanting alpine perched villages. This hike will allow you to soak up the atmosphere and the culture of the mountainous villages of Alta Roca. You will penetrate deep into the maquis and hundred-year-old oak and chestnut forests, cross brooks and rivers where you can go for a swim. You will approach a wild fauna and flora, often endemic and preserved and also get an opportunity to cross streams and rivers and enjoy refreshing panoramas.

As we go from east to west, the landscape transitions from a rocky coastline to peaceful mountain routes. Test your mettle by ascending the Bocca d'Illarata pass, possibly pausing for coffee in the beautiful hamlets of Zonza or Levie. On a clear day, observe the Aiguilles de Bavella, which are rocky pinnacles that protrude sharply into the azure sky. The sharp points of the Aiguilles de Bavella are one of the most beautiful parts of Corsica's landscape, and the Bavella Pass is a great place to see their stunning silhouette. Depending on the position of the sun in the sky, the color of these peaks varies from gray to ochre to gold. We stop for lunch in Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano, a picturesque town perched in the Corsican hills, as we go inland. From here, take the shuttle or continue biking to the Valinco Gulf. The ride is mostly downhill as we return to the coast, this time on the island's western side at the gulf of Propriano.

The five-star Hôtel Marinca & Spa is our final stop and home for the next two nights. Relax with a stroll along the private beach, unwind in one of the four onsite pool or simply laze in your private balcony and bask in the sea views. This evening, take a taxi boat over the water to the charming town of Propriano where you can choose from a wide variety of excellent eateries for dinner.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 8.04km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 243.84 (800ft).
Level 3, Approx. 8.04km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 365.76m (1200ft).
Level 4, Approx. 12.87km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 548.64m (1800ft).

Kayaking: in the Golfe de Valinco (2 hours)

After a quick shuttle, we begin the breathtaking hike today at the village of Portigliolo. As we travel to the small coastal community of Belvédère, which has a view of the Gulf of Valinco, we will be following a well-maintained picturesque coastal route. Continue walking south until you reach quiet Campomoro, a little fishing community with a beautiful beach that's the ideal place for lunch (and perhaps a dip in the azure ocean). Alternatively, you might wish to keep walking down the trail in the direction of the port of Aguglia or spend some time exploring the Genoese watchtower that is located immediately above the village.

After lunch, we get into our kayaks and paddle along the shore, taking breaks along the route to swim and take in the vibrant marine life of the area. For those after some relaxation time, indulge in the hotel’s luxurious amenities from lazing at its private beach, a pamper treatment at the spa or simply unwind in your ensuite room with private balcony. Tonight, we will toast an amazing two-island voyage before enjoying a beachside dining affair at the hotel.

Level 1, Approx. 4.82km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 121.92m (400ft).

To get one final glimpse of Corsica's stunning scenery before leaving this morning, walk a path through the verdant Taravo Valley. Alternatively, savour a delightful and leisurely seaside breakfast before some time to freshen up and make our journey to Ajaccio where your inspiring adventure ends.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.