Experience the Mediterranean like never before on this exclusive journey through Corsica, Elba, and Sardinia.
Embark on a luxurious sailing adventure that combines the thrill of cycling with an E-Bike and hiking with the unparalleled beauty of the Mediterranean islands. Discover crystal-clear waters, rugged coastlines, charming villages, and dramatic cliffs, all while enjoying the elegance of life aboard a classic tall ship. This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey where luxury meets nature, and relaxation blends with exploration.
Highlights
- Sailing through the Bocche di Bonifacio: Navigate the stunning strait between Corsica and Sardinia, offering views of towering chalk cliffs and turquoise waters.
- Cycling in the Balagne Region of Corsica: Pedal through picturesque villages and rolling hills, with spectacular coastal views along the way.
- Hiking in the Tuscan Archipelago on Elba: Explore the rugged beauty of Elba’s coastline, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and neighboring islands.
- The Medieval Charm of Bonifacio: Wander through the narrow, winding streets of this historic Corsican town, perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea.
- The Scenic Costa Smeralda in Sardinia: Cycle along the glamorous coast, stopping for swims in serene turquoise bays and discovering the charming village of San Pantaleo.
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Benvenuti - Arrival in Sardinia
Departure at 7:00 PM
Olbia – a gem on the Mediterranean, dazzles with its ancient splendor and modern flair. The historic ruins of Castello di Pedres tell a fascinating story, while beaches like Pittulongu lure with crystal-clear waters. The vibrant atmosphere of the city and its culinary diversity, paired with the beauty of the surrounding nature, make Olbia a captivating destination for both cultural enjoyment and beach pleasure.
Day 2: Corsica: First bike ride with fantastic views of Bonifacio | Cycling route: 14 km | Hike: 3 km
In the morning, we sail on the Windjammer through the Bocche di Bonifacio, undeniably the most beautiful sailing route in the Mediterranean, the narrow strait between Corsica and Sardinia. The view stretches over to the striking chalk cliffs, which plunge steeply like a wall – up to 70 meters high – into the turquoise sea. Behind these cliffs, a fjord-like inlet opens, marking the picturesque entrance to the natural harbor of Bonifacio. Around the harbor extends the modern, elegant lower town with a promenade that runs along the deep bay and leads to the sparkling marina. We climb 187 stone steps, majestically known as the "Stairs of the King of Aragon," leading us to the medieval upper town. It stands proudly and imperviously high on the plateau of a steep chalk cliff, a powerful relic from past times. Here, the bikes are waiting for us to begin a breathtaking panoramic bike tour along the cliffs, offering spectacular views of Bonifacio and its surroundings.
At Cap de Pertusatu, the southernmost point of Corsica, we leave the bikes and embark on a hike to explore the island's stunning coastal landscape. The view of the steep cliffs and the deep blue sea is breathtaking.
In the evening, as the sun slowly sets and bathes the city in golden light, we take a leisurely stroll through the romantic old town of Bonifacio.
Day 3:Sailing the Seas: A Relaxing Day on the Water
Heave the anchor, loosen the ropes, set the sails – today is all about sailing. Time to relax in the deck chair and watch the crew perform real manual work.
Day 4: Island Beauty on Foot: Exploring Elba's Scenic Coastline | Hike: 3 km
Although Elba is quite a small island, it impresses with its remarkable diversity: steep cliffs, white sandy beaches, cypress avenues, vineyards, and olive groves, charming villages, and elegant resorts – all of this makes Napoleon's exile a place where you might wish to be exiled for a longer time. In the morning, we take you on a hike around Cape Enfola, nestled in the Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago Toscano. On well-maintained paths, you will wind your way along the rugged coast. Let yourself be enchanted by the breathtaking views of the deep blue Mediterranean and the neighboring islands. The landscape alternates between fragrant maquis forests and open, rocky viewpoints. The sound of the waves and the salty scent of the sea accompany every step.
After the hike, the charming old town of Portoferraio awaits with its winding stairways and impressive medieval fortifications. A perfect end to a day full of unforgettable impressions.
In the afternoon, guests enjoy time on board the Sea Cloud Spirit, letting themselves be enchanted by the elegant atmosphere of the sailing ship.
Day 5: Corsica - Biketour through the hinterland of Balagne | Cycling tour: 35 km
In the east, protected by Corsica's highest mountains, a lush, wild garden of olive groves and orange trees has emerged around Calvi. In the hinterland of Balagne, picturesque villages hide and present traditional Corsica with its distinctive island pride: Hardly any sign is written in anything other than Corsican. The cycling tour through Balagne first takes us to the charming mountain village of Sant'Antonino, one of the oldest and most beautiful villages on the island, perched high above the coast. Again and again, breathtaking views open up, where the turquoise sea meets the rugged cliffs.
Before we return to Calvi, we take an extended swim break at Plage de l'Arinella, a hidden cove with crystal-clear water. The fine sandy beach and the calm, turquoise sea invite relaxation and provide the perfect place to let the impressions of today's tour sink in.
Day 6: A Sardinian Welcome: Sailing into Alghero’s Historical Heart
In the morning, you will sail along the rugged Corsican west coast to Sardinia. After arriving in Alghero, we take a guided tour through the charming old town. Alghero sits on a promontory and is surrounded by imposing fortress walls. The city is a true gem: Many buildings and squares date from the period of Catalan rule, and even today, a Catalan dialect is spoken here. That is why Alghero is lovingly referred to as "Little Barcelona."
We discover grand town palaces, magnificent churches, towers, and winding alleys inviting us to linger. The lively squares are filled with numerous bars and restaurants, which perfectly round off the charm of the city. The walk through Alghero takes us into a world where Catalan-Gothic architecture shapes the cityscape and creates a very special atmosphere.
Day 7: The Wild Shores of Sardinia: A Scenic Hike Along the Coast | Hike: approx. 5 km
The hike along the Cape coast west of Alghero takes you through the fascinating maquis, which captivates with its dense, aromatic greenery and wild charm of Sardinia. The path winds through lush vegetation, where the scent of rosemary, thyme, and the typical herbs of the Mediterranean maquis fills the air. Breathtaking views of the steep cliffs and the deep blue Mediterranean repeatedly unfold before you, sparkling in competition with the sun. The vast view over the azure waters makes the heart race and promises moments of peace and awe. Along the hike, there are secluded coves where the clear water invites swimming.
Around midday, we depart from the port of Alghero with the Sea Cloud Spirit and continue our journey under sail towards Porto Cervo.
Day 8: The Glamour of Costa Smeralda: Cycling Through Sardinia’s Jewel | Cycling tour: approx. 41 km
After a hearty breakfast aboard the Sea Cloud Spirit, we set off on a scenic ride along a small coastal road that takes us through breathtaking bays back to Porto Cervo – the glamorous meeting point of the international jet set. The luxury of Costa Smeralda is not displayed in excess, but in its subtle elegance. Instead of massive hotels and mass tourism, the region impresses with lots of space and an incredible landscape where the eye can freely glide over the vast coast and crystal-clear waters. Instead of oversized buildings, you’ll find luxurious motorboats and yachts.
After a refreshing swim in one of the turquoise bays, we continue our bike tour inland. Just a few kilometers from the coast lies the picturesque mountain village of San Pantaleo, nestled in a breathtaking landscape of imposing granite mountains and unique Tafoni rock formations. The small, flat houses of the old town remind of the traditional "Stazzi," the stone houses of the Gallura shepherds. These are still remarkably well-preserved and group around a rectangular piazza, decorated with oleander trees and built from the characteristic grey-white granite of the region. The village has inspired many artists who have come here to retreat and create their works in the midst of this pristine nature.
In the evening, we enjoy the farewell dinner aboard the Sea Cloud Spirit on the Costa Smeralda.
Day 9: Return back home
Transfer to the airport in Olbia and flight back jome or optional extension in Sardinia. More information about your arrival and departure can be found below on this page.
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ROUTE ASSESSMENT: The total distance by bike and on foot is 101 km. The cycling routes mostly follow small rural roads, and nearly all paths are paved. The landscape is sparsely populated and hilly away from the coast. Longer unattractive sections are traveled by bus or taxi. More information about the requirements of our trips can be found here.
The planned route is always subject to change due to nautical, meteorological or organizational reasons. The captain may decide that the route must be changed for your safety in the event of a strong storm, for example.
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ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Guests arrive and depart home individually.
Flights:
• Arrival and departure Aiport: Airport of Olbia Costa Smeralda
In lieu of a dedicated air department, our reservations team is happy to assist you with choosing the best flight times to match our embarkation and disembarkation times, as well as transport times from and to the airport. In general, embarkations start at 4:00 PM with all guests on board by 6:00 PM. Disembarkations start at 9:00 AM.
Transfers:
We are pleased to offer airport transfers to and from the ship. We will provide more information approximately two months prior to your departure date. For any questions, please contact our reservations department.
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PRE-NIGHT OR EXTENDED STAY
An extended stay in Sardinia is highly recommended. Please let us know if you are considering an extended stay on Sardinia – we would be happy to recommend selected hotels along the Costa Smeralda for an unforgettable experience.
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Additional Information
Weather
In early September, the weather in Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba offers typical Mediterranean conditions with warm and pleasant temperatures. Days are mostly sunny, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking. Daytime temperatures usually range between 25 and 30°C, and while evenings can be a bit cooler, a light jacket or sweater is often all you need. In the mountains, it can feel noticeably fresher in the evenings.
Although occasional short rain showers are possible, the weather is generally stable, making it a great time to enjoy the beautiful nature and coastal landscapes. With a light windbreaker to protect against any unexpected rain and comfortable, breathable clothing, you'll be well-prepared for any conditions. The water is warm at this time of year, perfect for refreshing swims in the many stunning coves.
terranova Support Bus
Our Mercedes support buses are reliable mobile hubs, essential for the smooth running of our trips. Without them, none of our journeys would be possible. They also transport our bike trailers and offer easy solutions for bike repairs: any malfunctioning bike is swapped with a replacement, and the defective one is transported back. The support bus also serves those who may prefer to ride in the bus rather than on the bike. Whenever possible, we accommodate this request. Our buses are officially licensed for passenger transport, so you can relax knowing your luggage will always be waiting for you at the next hotel, while the bus and your tour guides take care of everything else.
Appropriate Clothing
Though you're traveling to southern Europe, we recommend bringing a windbreaker that can also protect you from rain if needed. A warm jacket is also advisable for your luggage. While the days are generally pleasantly warm, evenings in the mountains can feel significantly cooler. Occasionally, strong winds from the mountains may sweep in, and the warm Scirocco wind from North Africa can bring both warmth and humidity. Along with your evening wear and cycling clothes, don’t forget swimwear for the perfect way to cool off after a long day of cycling and exploration.
Entry Requirements, Health, and Safety Notices
A personalized link containing up-to-date entry requirements, as well as health and safety guidelines, will be provided with your final travel documents.
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In deviation from our general terms and conditions, the following payment and cancellation conditions apply to this trip:
Processing fee € 300 per person up to the 180th day before departure
20 % of the tour price 179th - 150th day before the start of the tour
35 % of the tour price 149th - 50th day before the start of the tour
50 % of the tour price 49th - 22nd day before the start of the tour
70 % of the tour price 21. - 15. day before the start of the tour
85 % of the tour price 14th - 1st day before the start of the tour
95 % of the tour price on the day of travel or in case of no-show
*When you receive our travel confirmation and the security certificate, a deposit per person of 25% of the tour price is due.
The minimum number of participants of the Sea Cloud Spirit bike cruise is 8 persons.
