Sardegna Trail (GRAVEL)
MAY 13 - MAY 20, 2023
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This week is a full immersion in the land, culture, history, and cuisine of Sardinia by traveling through gravel roads from town to town, riding with local guides, and with a local connection for a truly local experience. Each evening, award-winning Chef Fabio will prepare an incredible meal or select a local restaurant to savor the best in authentic, local cuisine.
Grab a friend, and don't miss the chance to ride on the gravel roads in Sardegna with Fabio Tours! 
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itinerary |
cuisine |
lodging |
preparation |
ITINERARY
- 1.00pm - Meeting pick up at Cagliari airport
- 1.30pm - Departure for Marmillia
- 2.30pm - Arriving at the Hotel for check in
- Bike set up and optional short ride before dinner
- 7.00pm - Aperitivo and week briefing,
- 8.00pm - Dinner
- 8.00am - Breakfast
- 9.00am - Short day briefing of the day
- Ride 1: 40 miles, Marmilla to Sarcidano
The journey begins with an exploration of the Medio Campidano countryside; an area rich in ancient Sardinian architecture. The primitive Nuragic sites were originally constructed some 4,000 years ago and are a sight to behold. The route begins on the flats before winding up and down beautiful hills covered in vineyards and olive groves. Day 1 promises a day rich in beautiful sites, and charming villages with deep rooted history and local traditions. - 3.00pm - Back at the Hotel Gergei
- 7.00pm - Walk in town for Aperitivo and Dinner
- 8.00am Breakfast
- 9.00am - Short briefing of the day
- Ride 2 - 40 miles, Sarcidano to Mandrolisai
Second day of riding begins with a beautiful route between lakes and vineyards before reaching the largest plateau in Sardinia. “La Giara" is a unique and fascinating territory with its ancient architecture and breathtaking scenery. This zone is home to a protected breed of wild horses known as the “Cavallino della Giara”. Leaving the plateau, the route travels north through small villages where time seems to have stood still, allowing visitors to experience the local culture of the Sardinian people. These quaint villages offer the perfect opportunity to stop at a cafe to recharge energy with local delicacies. The journey concludes in the village of Fordogianus, home to the largest lake in Sardinia. Here, visitors can appreciate the ancient Roman baths that are still in use today. - 3.00pm - Arrive at the Hotel in Fordogianus
- Afternoon walk in town
- 7.00pm - Aperitivo
- 8.00pm - Dinner at the Hotel
- 8.00am Breakfast
- 9.00am - Short day briefing of the day
- Ride 3 - 55 miles, from Mandrolisai to Planargia
Day 3 travels into the beautiful forest of Montiferru. The route will cross the northern Oristano area, where cyclists will be rewarded with the breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the Sinis coast. This will be the first view of the sea which will begin the discovery of the beautiful Sinis Peninsula. - 4.00pm - Arrival at the Hotel in Cabras
- 7.00pm - Aperitivo
- 8.00pm - Dinner in local Trattoria in Cabras
- 8.00am Breakfast
- 9.00am - Short day briefing of the day
- Ride 4 - 40 miles, Sinis
The fourth day of the journey is entirely dedicated to the exploration of the Sinis Peninsula which houses some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia and rich archaeological sites from the Roman era. - 3.00pm - Arrival at the Hotel in Montevecchio
- 7.00pm - Aperitivo
- 8.00pm - Dinner in Montevecchio
- 8.00am Breakfast
- 9.00am - Short day briefing of the day
- Ride 5, 45 mile, Oristanese - Costa Verde
Day 5 leads south leaving the Gulf of Oristano traversing ancient roads that lead to the Costa Verde “Green Coast”. The Costa Verde is famous for its vast golden beaches and for hosting the highest sand dunes in Europe. The route will provide multiple opportunities to enjoy the atmosphere of Costa Verde’s natural beauty and crystalline sea. These views will make the climbs more enjoyable as you continue from the green coast to the green mountains. This area is very unique with its rich mining history, evidenced by the various structures scattered throughout the territory. The blend of cultural significance and natural beauty is sure to fascinate visitors. - 3.00pm - Arrival at the Hotel in Nebida
- 7.00pm - Aperitivo
- 8.00pm - Dinner at the Hotel
- 8.00am Breakfast
- 9.00am - Short day briefing of the day
- Ride 6, 40 miles, CostaVerde - Linas massif
The final stage of the journey is composed of rolling hills along the sea that leads to what was once a thriving mining community. Pedaling through this charming zone seems like a personalized tour through an outdoor museum of Sardinia’s rich history. After passing through the mining area, the route travels up to the village of Montevecchio, which, in the very recent past, was the economic hub of Sardinia’s mining sector. Leaving Montevecchio, the course travels towards the Medio Campidano along the old railway tracks that were once used to transport minerals. From here, we enter a valley full of olive groves as we travel up towards the mountains of Villacidro. We then will pass through the dense forest while skirting the Lake ‘Rio Leni’, one of the largest man-made lakes in all of Sardinia. The day concludes with a visit to the historical center of Villacidro. - 3.00pm - Arrival at the Hotel in Marmilla
- 7.00pm - Aperitivo
- 8.00pm - Final Dinner in the town of Villacidro
- 8.00am Breakfast
- 10.00am - Departure for Cagliari airport
- 11.00am - Arrival at the airport, ending a amazing week in Sardegna
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Cuisine
Each day will include breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that provide an authentic taste of the local flavors and traditional recipes of each area. The lodging accommodations are full of local charm, where guests will experience the comforts of genuine Sardinian hospitality.
Please let Fabio and team know if you have any dietary restrictions at least 1 month prior to departure.
Please let Fabio and team know if you have any dietary restrictions at least 1 month prior to departure.
Preparation
With daily routes between 40 - 70 miles and 4,000+ feet of elevation gain, Sardegna trail Gravel is for the serious cyclist. The terrain varies between long roads with switchbacks averaging 2-4% grade, plus difficult sections of ascent and descent up to 20% grade. The route consists of 70% dirt roads, 29% paved roads, mainly secondary, 1% single track, perfect for gravel bikes with 40mm tyres. Leading up to the trip, we recommend that guests consistently ride 4 or more days a week with long rides of 50+ miles to be comfortable in the saddle for 4-6 hour rides. Riders should be accustomed to climbing and descending, as well as bike handling on hills and curved roads.
