Mediterranean Island Odyssey
Cycle Dramatic Coastlines and Distinct Cultures Across Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily
Experience the ultimate Mediterranean cycling odyssey on “Mediterranean Pathways,” a 23-day island-hopping adventure across Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily. Following ancient sea trade routes, this is Ciclismo Classico’s most extraordinary journey — a richly layered ride through history, culture, and breathtakingly diverse landscapes. In just a few hundred kilometers, these three islands unveil remarkable contrasts: Corsica’s wild mountains and fierce spirit, Sardinia’s vast open spaces and serene charm, and Sicily’s layered civilizations, volcanic drama, and Baroque splendor. With 12 days of intermediate level riding through Corsica and Sardinia, followed by 11 unforgettable days in Sicily, this journey is both a cycling challenge and a deep immersion into the heart of the Mediterranean.
This epic ride is part of our new Grand Journey Tours Series, and unfolds in two chapters: Mediterranean Island Hoping and Bike Across Sicily. Click on each itinerary to learn more about the tour—we have combined them into one seamless cycling adventure.
Mediterranean Island Hopping + Bike Across Sicily
Tour Logistics: at the end of Day 12, a 9:00 am shuttle takes you to Cagliari, where you have the morning free to explore this vibrant city. By 3:30 pm, meet your guides at the harbor to board the overnight ferry to Palermo, Sicily. Upon arrival, a 1-hour van transfer brings you to the starting point of the Sicilian leg near Trapani. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel with its pool, beach, and spa facilities—or join the group for a short but rewarding “warm-up” ride through Sicily’s striking landscapes.
Date: May 19 to June 10, 2026 & September 15 to October 7, 2026
Duration: 23 days/22 nights
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Price: $15,545 (Receive 5% off your second tour, applied to its final payment, when both tours are paid in full. Discounts are not cumulative with other offers, including alumni discounts.)
Single Supplement: $3,109
Tour Essence:
- Pedal tranquil roads with stunning turquoise Mediterranean views
- Cruise La Maddalena Archipelago on a private boat excursion
- Marvel at Les Calanques’ red granite cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Cycle Corsica’s limestone peaks and Sardinia’s peaceful cork forests
- Visit Filitosa and Sardinia’s ancient stone villages steeped in history
- Stroll Bonifacio’s clifftop citadel and charming narrow streets
- Climb to Erice, an ancient village with breathtaking coastal views
- Explore Cefalù, a UNESCO gem with its magnificent Norman Duomo
- Savor fresh seafood, Sicilian fish couscous, and fine local wines
- Arrive in Siracusa where layers of civilizations converge beautifully
Day 1: Calvi (10 miles – 1,000 ft)
Welcome to Corsica! After a group shuttle, enjoy lunch and a warm-up ride through Balagna’s pink granite hills and coastal vineyards.
Day 2: Porto (50 miles – 5,700 ft)
One of the trip’s most scenic rides! Cycle through eucalyptus forests, past grazing goats, and along Corsica’s dramatic red granite coast.
Day 3: Porticcio (45 miles – 4,900 ft)
Ride through UNESCO-listed Les Calanques with soaring granite spires and quiet sandy beaches before a thrilling descent to Ajaccio.
Day 4: Propriano (40 miles – 4,900 ft)
Climb fragrant hills and descend to our seaside hotel. Swim in turquoise waters and visit the prehistoric site of Filitosa.
Day 5: Bonifacio (45 miles – 4,200 ft)
Explore Sartene’s granite streets, then ride along rugged coastlines to Bonifacio. Stroll its clifftop citadel with a local guide.
Day 6: Palau (35 miles – 3,400 ft)
Ferry to Sardinia and ride quiet roads through Gallura, stopping for a winery lunch and sweeping views of La Maddalena Archipelago.
Day 7: La Maddalena (10 miles – 1,100 ft)
Cycle around the island’s hidden bays and climb to panoramic views. In the afternoon, relax on a private boat tour of the archipelago.
Day 8: San Teodoro (50 miles – 4,200 ft)
Ride Sardinia’s peaceful backroads through cork forests, orchards, and Vermentino vineyards before a sunset arrival at our seaside resort.
Day 9: Oliena (50 miles – 4,900 ft)
Cycle into Sardinia’s wild limestone heart with soaring cliffs and deep gorges carved over millennia.
Day 10: Oliena Loop (45 miles – 4,200 ft)
Visit Orgosolo’s iconic murals and Sardinia’s mask museum. Enjoy quiet roads through timeless villages and rolling hills.
Day 11: Santa Maria Navarrese (45 miles – 3,900 ft)
Ride Sardinia’s most stunning road past Europe’s tallest canyon before descending to the sea to toast the journey’s end.
Day 12: Transfer Day
Shuttle to Cagliari for a free morning, then board the overnight ferry to Sicily.
Day 13: Trapani Warm-Up (10 miles – 900 ft). Start of the second tour!
Today marks the start of the second tour as we arrive in Sicily and transfer to the starting point near Trapani. Relax at the seaside hotel or join a short but rewarding warm-up ride.
Day 14: Sambuca di Sicilia (50 miles – 4,900 ft)
Ride through rolling vineyards and past Segesta’s ancient ruins before entering the Belice Valley, a land shaped by earthquakes and art.
Day 15: Alia (60 miles – 5,600 ft)
A challenging day climbing through Sicily’s pastoral heart, where shepherds tend their flocks and quiet villages echo with tradition.
Day 16: Cefalù (65 miles – 4,100 ft)
Conquer the Madonie Mountains, then descend into Cefalù, a coastal jewel with golden beaches and a UNESCO-listed Norman cathedral.
Day 17: Cefalù Rest Day
Unwind in this vibrant seaside town, wander its medieval streets, or relax by the sparkling sea.
Day 18: Petralia Soprana (35 miles – 4,900 ft)
Climb back into the Madonie to discover stone villages where time stands still and panoramic views stretch from Etna to the sea.
Day 19: Piazza Armerina (50 miles – 4,400 ft)
Cycle through Enna’s dramatic hilltop landscapes before reaching Piazza Armerina, gateway to Sicily’s Baroque heartland.
Day 20: Ragusa (65 miles – 4,200 ft)
Pedal rolling hills and historic towns in the UNESCO-listed Val di Noto, ending in Ragusa Ibla’s enchanting Baroque streets.
Day 21: Ragusa or Modica Loop (40 miles – 3,600 ft)
Rest or ride a loop through olive groves to Modica, famed for its ancient chocolate tradition and stunning architecture.
Day 22: Siracusa (50 miles – 2,900 ft)
Traverse the quiet Iblei plateau to Siracusa, where layers of Greek, Roman, and Baroque history converge in its vibrant streets.
Day 23: Arrivederci!
After breakfast, transfer to Catania Airport or linger longer to savor Sicily’s timeless charm.