• Meals: Dinner

Following our arrival in Cagliari, we depart by support vehicle to Sulcis-Iglesiente (approx 1 hour transfer), a mountainous region 3/4 of the way down the island. We take a road that winds through open plateaux and extensive plains dotted with small towns, before reaching the hilly region below the Mount Arcuentu range; our tranquil home for tonight, and that used by Skedaddle for their mountain biking weeks on the island. We arrive at our accommodation in plenty of time to sit down to our first Sardinian meal, freshly prepared by our host.

• Meals: Breakfast, dinner
• Ascent: 600 Metres Approx.

Today’s first ride is a journey through varied landscapes, a loop ride giving a true taster of what Sardinia has to offer and a great start to your holiday. Starting from the agriturismo we head out towards the coast in order officialise the coast to coast adventure. The view is breathtaking: ahead of you, the towering sand dunes of Piscinas stretch across the horizon, surrounded by hills carpeted with lush green Maquis vegetation. As we descend towards the coast, we will pass abandoned mining dwellings and machinery, the only testimony of a once thriving community. Reaching the coast, you will have time to absorb this remarkable landscape of sand dunes, go for a swim before heading back on your bikes for the next fun section off-road. We will follow the coast north for a while, before heading eastwards, taking a well marked trail which will cross a stream 21 times. With a last effort, we ride back to Montevecchio and the agriturismo which again is your home for the evening.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.

A fast forest trail will take you down past the Montevecchio mines, along a disused railway track to then ride across the Campidano plain, the largest and most important on the island. Taking undulating country roads, you bike across the plain, making your way towards the ancient Roman remains of the Sardara hot springs. A brief stop in the town of Sardara to visit the remains of a prehistoric “Well Temple”, will give you an insight into Sardinian Nuragic Bronze Era. The final section in the afternoon will take you into the Marmilla hills, passing olive groves and vineyards and small agricultural towns. Today’s destination is a friendly hotel located near the archeological site of Su Nuraxi, a short distance from Barumini. Sitting in the “Piazza” with a cool drink, overlooking the village church and the old folk sitting around, what better way to end another great day on the bike?

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 450 Metres Approx.

With a shorter day ahead, you can spend a bit more time over breakfast and take the opportunity to visit the most imposing Archaeological Nuragic complex on the island: the remains of Su Nuraxi. Built over 3,000 years ago, this three storey fortress will enthral any contemporary architect! The museum in the town will further your insight into this unique Sardinian history. Getting back on the bikes, you continue on your journey following a disused railway line and gradually edging your way up towards the lower slopes of the Gennargentu range. Your final destination for the day is a small family run B&B located in the town of Laconi where you will have time before dinner to explore the beautiful park and Aymerich Castle.

• Meals: Breakfast, dinner
• Ascent: 950 or 1,400 Metres Approx.

Today is a challenging day, as we will be climbing on road to a 1040 metre pass through the Gennargentu range in the very heart of Sardinia. Leaving Laconi you continue your journey, gently climbing towards the Gennargentu, winding through lush oak woods, before finally reaching higher ground. The landscape will have now altered and is relatively barren and wild and the sky filled with birds of prey circling in the thermals in search of prey. The unspoilt nature of this area makes it a fascinating area for naturalists, walkers and cyclists alike. It is an area that most vividly reflects the ancient character of the island. Shepherd trails and huts litter the landscape and villages perch over steep sided valleys. An enthralling fast-winding off-road descent will take us close to the village of Gadoni and over the Flumendosa River. Still grinning from ear to ear, we ride the final tarmac section to Seulo to tonight’s accommodation. Yes you’ve guessed it, lots more delicious home made pasta and wine to be sampled!

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 1,000 or 1,200 Metres Approx.

A combination of off road and road biking will take us through another day of exhilarating landscapes and deeper into the heart of Sardinia. Utilising mountain trails, you’ll have fun exploring the Montarbu range, as we edge our way towards the fascinating mountain peak of Perda Liana. Once more the vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges are outstanding, with the highest peak in Sardinia, Punta Lamarmora (1,868 metres) forever present in the distance. The silence is broken only by the sound of sheep bells, cows and goats. We might even be lucky enough to spot Royal Kites, vultures, rock thrushes and pipits as we cycle along. The morning climb is rewarded by an afternoon descent towards the Natural Park of Santa Barbara near Villagrande Strisaili. From here it is just a short distance until our next hotel accommodation.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.

Today the grand finale of your cycling adventure with some off road biking through the wild and rugged landscape of Cadula di Fuili in the Supramonte de Baunei. Leaving your accommodation, the initial part of the day will involve some road cycling to reach the start of the trail. We will be skirting the Urzulei range, averaging 800 metres, until we reach the high plateau of Genna Croce and Genna Silana at 1000 mt! You have guessed it! With only 25 kms left to the coast, it means a lot of down! We are now in the true wilderness of the Supramonte – limestone rocks tower above us, wild boar and horses graze in the lush meadows. It’s here that our biking reaches its thrilling climax, as we immerse ourselves in the forest of Givine, surrounded by rocky pinnacles, centenary juniper trees and abandoned shepherd huts. This ancient mule track takes us down towards the most impressive Sardinian coast line, first above Fuili Gorge, locked between high white cliffs, then down to Cala Gonone, a small seaside town in the Orosei Gulf. After a richly deserved swim and spot of relaxation, time to celebrate our great adventure. With many little restaurants and pizzerias with balconies overlooking the beach, there is no better way to finish our adventure together than enjoying another succulent meal, sipping wine and watching the stars glitter over the eastern Mediterranean sea…. Bliss! Accommodation for the last night is in a superb Hotel overlooking the coast, ideal for a relaxing end to the trip.

• Meals: Breakfast

A relatively early start to the day for our return journey to Cagliari (approx 3 hour transfer). Depending on flight schedules, time is set aside to wander around the city; the perfect place for those last minute goodies or just relax in one of the many plazas sipping a last glass of ‘vino rosso’ whilst you scribble down a few lines on those post cards you have been meaning to write all week!

If you have a day or two to spare why not extend your trip with some trekking or sea kayaking exploring the rugged coastline, sea caves and white sandy beaches which stretch both north and south from Cala Gonone. Our local team can join you for a day’s guiding or we can provide the information and equipment to allow you to enjoy the routes self-guided, just give us a call for further info.