Trans-Corsica
Trans-Corsica
One of the best kept secrets in cycling, Corsica has it all - big climbs, epic rides and breathtaking scenery at every turn
Known to the French as the “Île de Beauté”, you’ll be amazed by the quality of the riding on the island. Epic rides with an incredible combination of spectacular mountain scenery and dramatic coastlines. Unique!
Featured Climbs
Col de Bavella, Col de Vergio, Col de Verde
Overview
Details
Next Departure
May 8th 2021
Price
USD $3,995
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Non-Rider Friendly
No ?
Rental Bike
USD $500
Ride Program
Total Distance
Total Elevation
Daily Av. Distance
Daily Av. Elevation
Overview
Deliberately kept well off the international tourist radar by the French, the island of Corsica is now a cycling paradise. With the highest peak standing at 2,706m (8,878ft), the most mountainous island in the Mediterannean is absolute perfect Thomson terrain, and there are few other destinations in the world where you can conquer such high peaks and enjoy dramatic coastlines on the same ride! You’ll quickly discover that you’re in a magical and unique road cycling destination.
Your journey starts in the southern port of Porto Vecchio with the 30km (18 miles) Col de la Bavella. The rugged mountain scenery at the summit, followed by the spectacular sea views as you descend towards the coast, sets the tone for what to expect over the coming week.
During the trip you’ll also ride many of the same routes covered by the Tour de France when “La Grande Boucle” celebrated its centenary edition on the island in 2013.
Book with Confidence Commitment
Book your 2021 Thomson trip with confidence. Our new cancellation policy provides a Full Refund if you cancel your trip up to 90 days prior to departure. View our 2021 Terms & Conditions for full details.
Toby Suhm, USA — 2017
John McSwain, USA — 2017
Judy Fujita, USA — 2017
Itinerary
| Day | Description | Distance | Elevation | Hotel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bienvenue en Corse | Hotel Costa Salina | |||
| 02 | Col de Bavella | Hotel Costa Salina | |||
| 03 | From East to West Coast | Hotel Le Claridge | |||
| 04 | Into the National Park | Dominique Colonna | |||
| 05 | Col de Vergio | Hotel Mariana | |||
| 06 | Speloncato | Hotel La Roya | |||
| 07 | Cap Corse | Hotel La Roya | |||
| 08 | Au Revoir! |
Itinerary Detail
Day 1
Distance
Elevation
Bienvenue en Corse
Your trip starts at Bastia Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in the beautiful beach-side resort of Porto Vecchio.
After lunch, orientation meeting and bike build-up you’ll head out for your first ride on this island paradise, a 44km (27 miles) loop through the hills in the southern-most tip of the island.
Day 2
Distance
Elevation
Col de Bavella
Today’s ride is a classic loop around the south-east corner of the island. It features the “hors-categorie”, 30km (19 miles) Col de Bavella – one of the most challenging and impressive climbs on the island.
Tip: The Col de Bavella is quite a deceptive climb. Don’t be fooled by the first 12km (7.5 miles) which are relatively easy, the next 5km (3 miles) are steep! Then, a short descent after 17km (10.5 miles) may fool you into thinking you’ve passed the summit. Again, don’t be fooled, you still have a tough 9km (6 miles) before you reach the summit!
Day 3
Distance
Elevation
From East to West Coast
Leaving behind the east coast town of Porto Vecchio, your destination today is Propriano on the opposite coast of the island. Crossing the island from east to west typically means heading into the mountainous interior and today’s ride is no exception. Over the 93km (58 miles) you’ll have to contend with 3 categorised climbs, before you can enjoy the final 20km (12.5 miles) descent to the hotel.
Tip: Today’s ride is relatively short. Relax by the hotel pool or at the beach this afternoon – you have a couple of big days coming up!
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Map & Profile
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Petra Longa Salvini from Cardetto |
4.1% | 3 | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
|||||
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Col de Bavella from Solenzara |
4.8% | HC | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
|||||
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Col de Bacinu from Sotta |
6.2% | 1 | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
|||||
|
Baladin from Bridge over Fiumicicoli |
4.9% | 2 | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
|||||
|
Col de Siu from Acoravo |
5.3% | 1 | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
|||||
Climbs
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Climbs
Dates & Prices
| Date | Booking Status | Availability | Price / Per Person | Single Supplement | Non-rider Discount | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | |||||||
May 8 - May 15 |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $3,995 |
USD $750 |
USD $800 |
Book this trip | |
Waiting List
Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:
Trip Hotels
What's Included
| What's Included | What's Not Included |
|---|---|
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
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|
| What's Included |
|---|
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
|
| What's Not Included |
|
Travel Details
Arrival
| Pickup Location | Meeting Time |
|---|---|
|
Bastia Poretta Airport |
9:00am |
OR |
|
|
Hotel Best Western Bastia Centre |
9:00am |
Departure
| Drop Off Location | Arrival Time |
|---|---|
|
Bastia Poretta Airport |
9:00am |
Rental Bikes
Made by hand in Italy, the Basso Bikes Diamante is exactly what a fine, authentic, Italian road bike should be. The classic lines, flawless geometry and rounded tube shapes offer performance and ultimate versatility.
Frame
Basso Diamante
Groupset
Shimano Ultegra R8070 Di2 (Electronic Shifting)
Weight
8kg (size 53)
Wheels
Microtech MR38 Disc Carbon Clincher
Chainrings
50x34
Cassette
11-32
Sizes
45, 48, 51, 53, 56, 58, 61
Price
USD $500
Trans-Corsica
Join us for an epic ride across this incredibly beautiful island, one of cycling's best kept secrets
