Welcome to Sardinia!

Olbia airport sits just minutes from this historic town. Once you've settled into your hotel, our guide will help you fine-tune your bike fit.

You'll then have plenty of time to wander the streets of the old town, enjoy an aperitivo as the sun sets behind Isola Bianca, and savor a traditional dinner at one of the area's celebrated restaurants.

Olbia, one of Sardinia's largest towns, is just minutes away from charming countryside, easily reached by bike.

Our journey leads us into the hills west of Olbia, where we'll discover quaint villages like Calangianus, vibrant thanks to its thriving granite and cork industries. Economy shapes the landcape, and so as we traverse the Gallura hills, you'll be surrounded by a stunning landscape of cork trees and granite peaks.

There's another treat in store: vineyards. This is the land of Vermentino, a crisp white wine that pairs perfectly with seafood – and you'll have plenty of chances to savor it. After passing through Calangianus, the challenging climbs ease, giving way to the rolling terrain typical of Gallura. The day's journey ends with a stay in a delightful hotel overlooking the serene Liscia Lake.

The Costa Smeralda lies entirely within the territory of Arzachena, a town that, like many in Sardinia, sits just a few kilometers from the sea. This will be our first step toward reaching the stunning coastline at Palau — and what a coastline it is!

The route starts off easy as we ride toward Arzachena, with a gentle climb offering breathtaking views over the Gulf of Cannigione. The descent into Palau is nothing short of spectacular. This stage is designed to let you enjoy a ferry ride to the gem of La Maddalena, part of a pristine National Park.

Here, you'll explore the island on a scenic loop that brings together views of the Marine Protected Area and a visit to the historically significant island of Caprera, home to Italy's national hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi.

The loop ends at the port of La Maddalena, where we board the ferry back to Palau, where you'll spend the night.

After enjoying some of the best coastal views in northeastern Sardinia, it's time to make our way back toward the traditional interior.

There's no better ride for it than the road to Aggius. It offers so many highlights, both natural and historical. On the scenic side, we consider this a near-perfect stage: a long, easy ascent takes us toward Luogosanto through lush vegetation dominated by cork trees, which not only surround us with green beauty but also offer welcome shade along the way.

As the tree cover begins to thin, we find ourselves riding among the spectacular, ancient granite formations that define this region, coming together to form the so-called Valle della Luna. But the stunning landscape is only part of the story: Aggius is also known for its history of banditry, and a visit to the village's excellent little museum is an absolute must.

What a full day!

The last stage of the trip takes you back to Olbia, closing a lovely loop. And it does so on a fine route that opens with an up-and-down section, followed by a very long and exhilarating descent down to Lake Coghinas.

From there, on a pleasant, traffic-free rolling road, we head toward one of the capitals of Vermentino wine: Berchidda. Cork forests and vineyards alternate along the way. Berchidda is a lovely village, and it's a mandatory stop for a refreshment — not just for its charm, but for what it represents.

This is one of the heartlands of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, Sardinia's most celebrated white wine, produced by a handful of excellent local wineries. Berchidda is also the birthplace of Paolo Fresu, one of Italy's most renowned jazz trumpeters, and every summer it hosts "Time in Jazz," one of the country's most beloved jazz festivals. The village's church square is lovely, and the view from it is stunning.

From Berchidda, we continue to Monti, another stronghold of Vermentino production. On small countryside roads, we then reach Telti and descend into Olbia, where the overnight stay is at the same hotel as on the first night.

Transfer to Olbia airport (when included in the package). End of services — and, we like to believe, the beginning of new friendships. Eight remarkable and varied days, nearly 300 km, and a journey through the many faces of Sardinia: from the vibrant coastline to the timeless charm of the inland, weaving together the island's interior with some of the most spectacular coastal roads in the Mediterranean.