Compare Cycling in Sardinia by World Expeditions vs Gourmet Food & Fine Wine Tuscany Tours by Alma Italia

Day 1 Arrive Cabras or San Salvatore

Make you own way to Cabras or San Salvatore, where you will meet with our local representative for an explanation of the route and bike delivery (this is at 5pm on Saturdays only). If you can’t arrive before this time all information will be left for you. (If you arrive on a day other than Saturday then everything will be left awaiting your arrival). Overnight in a 3* hotel on a small country estate on the Sinis Peninsula near a splendid lagoon which is sometimes home to flamingos.

meals : Array

Day 2 Circular ride visiting the Phoenician ruins of Tharros (52km/32.5mi)

This is an easy first day cycling through the flat coastal plains of the Sinis wetlands. The salt ponds around the Gulf are home to thousands of pink flamingos in season and a wealth of other birdlife, so bring your binoculars. You are also likely to spot the locals fishing for mullet or bass from traditional grass Fassone boats. Circling the lake to Riola Sardo you return to the coast at Mari Ermi and the spectacular white quartz beach of Is Arutas. A short trip down the peninsula to San Giovanni Sinis brings you to the Phoenician ruins of Tharros, with a history of inhabitation stretching back almost 2,500 years. Wine production here is mainly a sherry-like Vernaccia and you may be able to visit a cellar on the way. Overnight in San Salvatore/Cabras.

meals : B

Day 3 Transfer to Arborea, cycle to Arbus (46-54km/28.5-33.5mi)

To avoid the suburbs of Oristano, there is an included transfer by road to Arborea. From here you will cycle to Piscinas through the natural beauty spots of the Costa Verde, which has some of the wildest scenery on the island. Firstly there is a flat 12km/7.5mi section across reclaimed farmland to the colourful fishing village of Marceddi. Rice, soft fruit and vegetables are grown here for the “cucine” (kitchens) of the island. From here the route becomes more undulating with low hills and sand dunes over 50m/164ft high - the highest in Europe – skirting the beach. It is possible to be collected here (on request only) and driven up into the hills for a night at Arbus, or you could take the more hilly but spectacular inland route directly to the village by bike. Overnight in Arbus in an agriturismo or family run hotel.

meals : B

Day 4 Cross the Arbus highland, passing the mines of Sulcis to Nebida (41km/25.5mi)

This is the toughest day - but there is some glorious scenery to compensate! You start on an undulating 12km/7.5mi terrain crossing the Arbus highland to then take a spectacular 5km descent dropping down to the Mannu River and the golden beaches around Portixeddu. To the left is the massif of Monte Linas, with the Costa Verde and heather covered sand dunes away to the right. After the unfortunately named town of Buggerru and the Planusartu and Acquaresi mines is the charming Cala Domestica Bay. After the limestone cliffs of Pan di Zucchero, you arrive at Nebida with its the old ore mill, nestling in the varied colours of the Mediterranean bush. Overnight in Nebida in a small cosy 'locanda'.

meals : B

Day 5 Cycle to Portoscuso, ferry to the islands of Carloforte and Sant'Antioco (43km/26.5mi)

A beautiful descent to Fontanamare followed by an undulating coastal ride to Portoscuso. Here board a ferry (at own expense) to Carloforte on Isola di San Pietro. There is time for a short tour round the island, exploring sandy coves and rocky headlands with tiny hamlets, before taking another ferry to the equally unspoilt Sant'Antioco. Note that it is not possible to book the ferry in advance. Overnight near Calasetta in a charming seaside hotel with an award-winning restaurant, very lovely rooms and a swimming pool.

meals : B

Day 6 Cross back to the mainland and cycle to Sant'Anna Arresi (40km/25mi)

A morning to laze by the pool or explore the coast nearby, or for a short cycle to explore the island's coves and beaches, green meadows (or golden in the summer!) and little villages. After a visit to Sant'Antioco, cross back to the mainland to visit the Pisan sanctuary at Tratalias – one of the most important monuments from the Romanesque period. From here you follow the shoreline of Lake Monte Pranu and through the rolling plains of Sulcis. Rugged mountains once again rise up to your left. You reach your hotel just before the beach at Sant'Anna Arresi. Nearby are the bright white beaches of Porto Pino, backed by dunes and Aleppo pinewoods. Overnight in Sant'Anna Arresi in a nice 3* hotel with all the usual features: small bar, restaurant and well appointed rooms. It also has a swimming pool and the cuisine is outstanding (Signora makes her own ravioli).

meals : B

Day 7 Peddle to Pula (57km/35.5mi)

This is the longest day by distance, but the countryside is gentle over the rugged coastal plains of the Costa del Sud. This is a wild, remote and beautiful region of Mediterranean bush, coastal pools, gleaming white beaches and imposing cliffs. Cape Malfatano boasts a 16th century tower, while at Capo Teulada the spectacular cliffs rise from a translucent sea. A short detour leads to the beautiful beach of Su Giudeu in Chia, while at Pula there is the important Phoenician city of Nora. Overnight in hotel located in the centre of Pula.

meals : B

Day 8 Trip concludes (Goodbye - Arrivederci)!

Trip concludes after breakfast.

meals : B

Day 1:  Arrival

On arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your new friends from Alma Italia. You can relax in the safety and security of a private transfer to your hotel. The next four nights you will be staying in a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the Chianti Classico producing region. Spend the afternoon taking a swim in the stunning outdoor pool with a panoramic hilltop view overlooking the Chianti scenery, followed by sunset drinks on the terrace before dinner at the hotel. Bliss!

Vineyard sunset

Day 2: Chianti wine and olive oil tasting

Your local English speaking Alma Italia wine guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a full day of the best wine tasting in Tuscany. Indulge your love of Italian food in Tuscany, and enjoy a full-day tour that combines a cooking class and wine tasting. Following the cooking class enjoy lunch at the estate tasting yet more wines and tasting local olive oils.

In the late afternoon visit the village of Fiesole, overlooking Florence admiring the view before driving down the hill to experience the Renaissance capital of Italy up close. The town and its surroundings are full of charm, character, and history. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner in a trattoria in Florence adored by locals for generations paired with their wine suggestions.

Florence bridge

Day 3: Relaxing cycle through the Tuscan countryside

Your Alma Italia guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a morning bike ride – Our private rides are tailored to clients’ specific preferences and biking abilities . You’ll cycle at your own pace on peaceful country lanes, through an endless panorama of vineyards, olive groves and centuries-old stone farmhouses. Along the vineyard cycle route enjoy a morning tour and tasting, and you’ll also enjoy a truly delicious Tuscan lunch featuring local products and wine pairings in a stunning Tuscan wine

estate. Relax with private transfers back to your accommodation for a swim in the pool and time to soak up some early evening sun.

Vine bike Tuscany wine tours

Day 4: Explore Siena and the surrounding vineyards

Enjoy a slow morning with a late breakfast and time to relax and enjoy the panoramic outdoor pool with incredible Chianti vineyard views. For those who want to be pampered by different wellness treatments, the hotel offers a range of spa treatments. Private wine tours in Tuscany should be relaxing after all!

Your Alma Italia host and driver will arrive later to take you into Siena for the day! Siena, built on three hills and surrounded by well-preserved walls, is filled with fine examples of Gothic architecture and has one of the world’s most unique piazzas, Piazza dal Campo, dominated by the greatest Gothic building in Tuscany, the Palazzo Pubblico.

Siena Duomo Italy wine week

Day 5: Maremma – Tuscany by the sea

In the morning, relax as your private driver whisks you through the beautiful countryside to the Maremma coast in southern Tuscany. You will feel instantly renewed as you see the blue Mediterraean sea stretch out before you. We will stop on the way to visit an esteemed award winning up and coming vineyard run by 2 generations of the same Tuscan family. You will notice how the proximity to the sea impacts on the wine, so different to that of Chianti Classico but no less delicious! The Maremma is now widely regarded as one of the regions to experience the best wine tasting in Ital and is definately a highlight on our private wine tours in Tuscany

The next Four night’s accommodation will be in an elegant, historic and unique small hotel situated on Tuscany’s Argentario peninsula. A former island off the coast of Tuscany, now connected to the mainland via three narrow sandbars, Monte Argentario is a hidden beach paradise for those looking to mingle sea and mountain fun, all in one place. A special place where the Italian elite seeking out a hidden getaway enjoy the groves of Argentario’s coastline. The two restaurants (one of which is Michelin star) offer unique atmospheres, they share mouth-wateringly good traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, taste bud tingling vintages and stylish surroundings.

Tuscany wine tours

Day 6: Monte Argentario by private boat

A special day today as your Alma Italia guide takes you on a private boat for a day on the water to explore the coastline of Monte Argentario and Isola Giannutri, an incredible small island unspoiled and breathtaking in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Shaped like a half moon , the island of Giannutri will bedazzle you with its unique underwater world and the ruins of imposing Roman villas. It is a simply stunning place to explore and relax with a lunch on the island and swimming in the crystal clear waters to refresh yourself in the afternoon.

Monte Argentario by private boat Italy tours

Day 7: Port Ercole and Morellino di Scansano

A day to explore. Head to 16th century Forte Stella at Porto Ercole, built in the shape of a star and a remnant from the island’s former Spanish invaders. Take a walk along the high-end boutiques of Porto Ercole towards the ‘borgo antico’ or old part of the village, continue towards the ‘la rocca’ fortress for amazing views with lunch in the old town. Or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic Seaview from the pool.

In the afternoon we will continue our wine tasting Italy tour with a visit to vineyard in Morellino di Scansano, now one of the most popular appellations for local Tuscans who consider the small area as offering some of the best wine tasting in Tuscany.

Vineyard san Gimigiano

Day 8: Italian food and wine by the beach

Bike to the Beach!

Your Alma Italia guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast for a full day of beaches, biking and of course, some of the best wine tasting in Italy. – Our private bike routes have optional extensions, so you can choose the perfect amount of biking to suit your ability. The ride takes you through medieval towns, beautiful vistas and ends at the Tyrrehnian sea with a swim along the way. Enjoy an amazing local lunch to end the trip – A wide range of local flavours ensure a stunning Tuscan lunch paired with wines in a memorable setting. Late afternoon (chauffeured) transfers back to your accommodation.

Tuscany wine tours

Day 9: Time to say Arrividerci

After a final breakfast in the hotel, relax with private transfers to the airport for your flight home.