Current as of: March 13, 2025 - 21:46
Current as of: March 13, 2025 - 21:46
3 out of 7 - Moderate
From Bastia to Calvi, discover the north coast with stunning landscapes, unspoilt beaches, heritage and rich tradition.
Discover the exceptional landscapes between sea and mountains, but also the authentic villages on the first leg of the new GT20 cycling route. Follow coastal routes, pedal from village to village, taking the time to stop for a drink in a cafe and chat with the locals.
Taste the Corsican unique flavours with its charcuterie: richly-marbled coppa, lonzu, prisuttu and figatellu. Fish and seafood are accented with local herbs including oregano, marjoram and mint. Honey and chestnuts are other staple island products. Other delights that should not be missed are the aromatic wines with their own strong identity from L’Ile-Rousse and Calvi.
Through the enchanting landscapes, this cycling route will introduce you to the authentic taste of Corsica.
Highlights
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 12
Min group size: 1
Max group size: 6
Transfer from Bastia airport to your hotel (included). Explore the old port, citadel and steep streets overlooking the azure Tyrrhenian sea.
Bastia owes its name to this ‘bastille’, built on a promontory in the 14th century by Genoese governors. In the shelter of its ramparts, it’s a village within the city. Each alleyway leads to a monument.
You stay at Hotel Le Bastia*** (Breakfast included)
Head north along the sea and through the woodland. From Genoese towers to old convents and mills, here are local treasures to explore on your way. Continue along marinas with quaint fishing villages before reaching Centuri, the first port for lobsters in France.
You stay at Hotel Le Vieux Moulin*** (Breakfast included)
Leave Cap Corse headland in the direction of Patrimonio, a quaint village famous for its vineyards. Possibility to stop for tasting. Then, enjoy wonderful sceneries over the Gulf of St Florent. Stroll in the old town of Saint Florent, along the marina, which is the best place to admire the sunset over the bay while having a drink on a terrace.
You stay at Hotel Le Bellevue*** (Breakfast included)
Explore the Agriates Desert, a fascinating rugged territory of unspoilt landscapes, rich fauna, and paradisiacal beaches. Continue through Balagne beautiful landscapes before arriving in Monticello, a picturesque village surrounded by olive trees, with a lively square place where locals meet up playing petanque or enjoying a cool drink on the terrace of the village bar. You will fall under the charm of this peaceful place just a stone’s throw from the seaside.
You stay at Hotel A Pasturella*** (Breakfast included)
Open your eyes wide and enjoy peace-and-quiet, where down a side street or at a village square, the absolute beauty of Balagne will be revealed to you! Ride in perfect postcard sceneries with maquis and olive trees towards Calvi.
You stay at Hotel Revelatta*** (Breakfast included)
Wander in Calvi (Birthplace of Christopher Columbus) a Genoese citadel set on the sea and surrounded by rocky mountains that cast their shadow on the waters. This place offers a labyrinth of picturesque streets and a pretty port with bars and restaurants for a fabulous dining experience.
Alternatively enjoy an optional ride.
You stay at Hotel Revelatta*** (Breakfast included)
Transfer from Calvi to Bastia by train longing the coast with stunning views. Then enjoy the lively seaside resort of Bastia between small yachts and polychrome fishing boats, which invites you to stroll around at any time.
You stay at Hotel A Storia*** (Breakfast included)
Transfer from your hotel to the airport (included)
Your accommodation reflects the best of Coastal Corsica with wonderful views over the town and the sea in 3* hotels. 3 of these hotels offer a swimming pool.
Taste the Corsican unique flavours with its charcuterie: richly-marbled coppa, lonzu, prisuttu and figatellu. Fish and seafood are accented with local herbs including oregano, marjoram and mint. Honey and chestnuts are other staple island products. Other delights that should not be missed are the aromatic wines with their own strong identity from L’Ile-Rousse and Calvi.
Average maximum temperatures in Corsica range from 17 degrees in April, up to 34 degrees in July & August. During July and August, temperature can be up to 40 degrees. We recommend to choose a departure before or after this period.
GPS Route Navigation
We’ve teamed up with RideWithGPS to provide our carefully researched and checked itineraries in a convenient format, similar to a car satnav, with turn-by-turn instructions all along your route.
Before you travel we’ll send you everything you need to download your route notes and the free RideWithGPS app. It’s available for iPhone and Android and the routes can also be used on any regular GPS device such as the Garmin Edge bike computers or Forerunner fitness devices.
For more details and to watch the demonstration video, please visit our GPS Route Navigation page.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +01:00)
France's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
France's currency: Euros (EUR)
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.