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Max Leopold Wagner tour

Highlights

A round-trip, stage-based biking tour through southern Sardinia, following the itinerary of renowned traveler Max Leopold Wagner.

  • Number of days: 9
  • Level: Enthusiast
  • Level: MLW-25
  • Price from: € 1099

Support levels

Guided tours: expand to see inclusions

Support level

Guiding. Van assistance. Group transfers from/to Cagliari airport. Luggage transport. 10% discount on bike rentals.

Accommodation

8 nights at 3-star

Meals

Three dinners; all breakfasts.

Not included

Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual transfers; bike rental.

Upon request

Individual transfer from Cagliari airport to Cagliari € 40 p.p.; individual transfer from Pula to Cagliari airport € 80 p.p.; single accommodation € 290 p.p.; bike rental.

Self guided tours: expand to see inclusions

Support level

Detailed briefing. Access to SardiniaCycling App. Telephone assistance during your stay. 10% discount on bike rentals.

Accommodation

8 nights at 3-star

Meals

Three dinners; all breakfasts.

Not included

Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; arrival and departure transfer; bike rental. Luggage transport.

Upon request

Arrival transfer from Cagliari airport to Cagliari € 40 p.p.; departure transfer from Pula to Cagliari airport € 80 p.p.; single accommodation € 290; bike rental. luggage transfer (€ 760 + 10 per pax).

Supported tours: expand to see inclusions

Support level

Detailed briefing. Access to SardiniaCycling App. Van assistance. Group transfer from/to Cagliari airport. Luggage transport. 10% discount on bike rentals.

Accommodation

8 nights at 3-star

Meals

Three dinners; all breakfasts.

Not included

Flight tickets; extras in hotel, etc. Drinks during the dinner; city tax (if any); travel insurance; individual arrival and departure transfer; bike rental.

Upon request

Individual transfer from Cagliari airport to Cagliari € 40 p.p.; individual transfer from Pula to Cagliari airport € 80 p.p.; single accommodation € 290 p.p.; bike rental.

Technical facts

  • Number of stages:

    7

  • Total distance:

    477.50 KM

  • Total elevation:

    6,245 M

Description

Click here to expand our trip presentation!

A cycle tour in seven stages following the route of Max Leopold Wagner, the noted Sardinia culture connoisseur.

On this tour through the south of Sardinia, you will discover the history, culture and natural environment that fascinated Max Leopold Wagner.

Specialized in Romantic languages, Wagner, a Bavarian, traveled – on a bicycle – between Sardinian villages at the beginning of the twentieth century to enhance his knowledge of the idioms of the island specifically and its culture generally.

His stays on the island not only provided for the three volumes of the Etymological Sardinian Dictionary, an essential tool for the study of the Sardinian language, but also “La vita rustica” (The Rustic Life), a book that reflects on life as seen by Wagner during his visits in the various regions of Sardinia.

This tour follows in Wagner’s path along quiet roads through some of the most historically and culturally rich regions of Sardinia. The Wagner tour is a shaped as a ring that encloses the southern half of the island. Stages have a medium-low difficulty level and leave time for visiting the numerous sites, taking a dip at the many beaches along the way, and enjoying the wonderful Sardinian food.

We love this tour as it gives a great insight of both coastlines - east and west - as well as of inner Sardinia, as it cuts through the middle of the island, with two overnights in very typical locations.

Just as Wagner, you will gain an appreciation of Sardinia, from the most touristic corners to the very remote and traditional areas. We are sure experiencing ever the changing landscape, ancient history, and diverse food and wine traditions will leave an indelible impression on you.

You may even write a Wagner-like travel blog yourself. Stay in handpicked hotels and traditional farmhouses, offering a glimpse into the authentic Sardinian way of life. Each stop promises comfort and a true taste of local culture.

This biking tour isn’t just about the ride; it's a celebration of Sardinia's rich history, stunning landscapes, and the spirit of exploration that Max Leopold Wagner embodied.

Get ready for an unforgettable expedition that intertwines adventure with cultural immersion! This biking tour isn’t just about the ride; it's a celebration of Sardinia's rich history, stunning landscapes, and the spirit of exploration that Max Leopold Wagner embodied.

Day 1: Welcome to Sardinia
Arrival at Cagliari airport, transfer to Cagliari, check-in and welcome.
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast

Day 2: From Cagliari to Muravera
We start the ride in between the Poetto, Cagliari's main beach, and the Molentargius natural park: famous for its rare beauty and abundant bird life including pink flamingos. From there we head toward Villasimius, on a marvellous coastal road with multiple beachs along the way. Next we ride north to Muravera and the marvelous Colostrai lagoon. Overnight in Muravera. Upon request, we can make this stage shorter with a van transfer.
Distance: 81km
Elevation gain: 942m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 4,30h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast

Day 3: From Muravera to Orroli
From Muravera, we ride through the typical Sardinian villages of Ballao and Escalaplano on our way to the small village of Orroli. It's a stage full of up and downs with generally medium length climbs. Only the last stretch, right after Escalaplano, is rather long: about 7km inside a spectacular red granite canyon. After the climb a rewarding view on the Mulargia lake. A must-see site to visit during the stage is right at the end of the main climb: the Nuraghe Arrubiu, a massive and unique structure dating back 4000 years. And we can’t miss the Omu Axiu museum, which offers us a view of peasant history in Sardinia. Dinner and overnight in Orroli.
Distance: 56.5km
Elevation gain: 1,173m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 3,15h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Day 4: From Orroli to Villanovaforru
We rate this stage as super easy, as you can see from the specs there isn't much climbing and the meters down are more than the meters up. This is designed to give you time to enjoy the sights along the way. After leaving Orroli, we pass through Nurri, Gerrei, Barumini and Collinas on our way to Villanovaforru. In Barumini, we visit the 'Su Nuraxi' nuraghic complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided visits are frequent and in many languages, a wonderful opportunity to get a better understanding of the unique history of the island. In the village of Tuili we can visit the parish church with its lovely paintings. Dinner and overnight in Villanovaforru not far from the UNESCO site at Barumini.
Distance: 48.5km
Elevation gain: 520m
Riding terrain: mostly flat
Riding time: 2,30h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Day 5: From Villanovaforru to Torre dei Corsari
We leave central Sardinia and ride along grain fields and pastures towards the west coast: it's a very interesting area, and surprisingly totally flat. As we approach the coast we see a huge lagoon where fishing is still the main activity of thousand families. We will cross the bay and give you a chance to experience the fruits of theses small scale fishing operations with a nice fresh lunch in the fishing village of Marceddì. After lunch it is only a few more kilometers to our hotel, situated near a nice beach that awaits you. Overnight in Torre dei Corsari.
Distance: 61.9km
Elevation gain: 323m
Riding terrain: mostly flat
Riding time: 3,5h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast

Day 6: From Torre dei Corsari to Portixeddu
This is the most challenging stage of the whole trip. But, you'll get the reward of amazing views of the Costa Verde and it's very wild nature. First part of this stage is flat. The road begins to rise slightly as you approach the small village of Guspini, after which the climb becomes more challenging. Here you leave the coastline and ride into the heart of the Sardinian mining area, Montevecchio, with all the old mining facilities. You also ride through Arbus, known for fine handcrafted knives. After Arbus and the Bidderdì mountain pass, it's all descent - and what a descent - on a beautiful mountain road toward the sea where the ride ends at Portixeddu. Careful management of your energy, especially during the first part of this stage will allow you to easily tackle the more difficult climbs in the middle of it. Dinner and overnight in Portixeddu.
Distance: 61.5km
Elevation gain: 1,310m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 5h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast, dinner

Day 7: From Portixeddu to Sant'Antioco
Before you leave the hotel it is very important to put a brand new memory card with many gigabytes in the camera: the stretch of coast you ride along on this stage, especially in its first part, is nothing short of spectacular. The coastline of Nebida, Buggerru and Masua has many climbs and many descents. But the time you'll spend on the uphills is never enough, as it allows you to better fix the memory of these breathtaking views in your mind. A stop at Cala Domestica is a must before tackling the biggest climb of the day. The second half of the day is mostly flat as we head toward Sant'Antioco, where we overnight.
Distance: 69.9km
Elevation gain: 861m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 4h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast

Day 8: From Sant'Antioco to Pula
From Sant'Antioco you experience a series of ups and downs that characterize this stage. The stretch of coastal road from Porto Teulada to Chia is the highlight. Recognized as one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, this stretch features a variety of colors, very often pastels, in contrast with the deep blue sea. And, of course, there are the ever-present Aragonese towers that once protected the coastline. They’re from the time of the Spanish occupation of Sardinia. Overnight in Pula.
Distance: 85.4km
Elevation gain: 986m
Riding terrain: hilly
Riding time: 5h
Accommodation:
3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast

Day 9: Goodbye Sardinia
Transfer to Cagliari airport and end of services.





Dates and prices

How to reserve on-line

Step 1: Choose Your Dates

For self-guided tours, you can select any start date within the available periods (early or late season). Once you pick your starting day, the full trip duration will automatically appear. If your preferred dates fall outside these periods, please email us. While reservations are possible, we’ll handle them directly outside of the online store.

Step 2: Select Room Occupancy

Choose the desired room arrangement for your stay.

Step 3: Add Luggage Delivery Service

If needed, select the luggage delivery service. Note that this is a shared cost, so just one selection is required.

Support levelDeparturePriceBook now
Support level: Guided group tour
Price for min 6 people
Departure: 09 May 2025
Price: € 1950
Book now:
Support level: Self guided tour | early season
Departure: Apr 1 - Jun 21, 2025
Price: € 1175
Book now:
Support level: Self guided | late season
Departure: Sep 1 - Nov 10, 2025
Price: € 1099
Book now:
Support level: Supported tour
Price for min 6 people
Departure: Apr 1 - Jun 21, 2025 | Sep 1 - Nov 10, 2025
Price: € 1699
Book now:

Bike rental service

the SardiniaCycling way...

Unlike most tour companies, we operate an in-house rental service, offering top-quality bikes tailored to enhance your journey. We believe that the right bike can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. Instead of prescribing a specific model, we invite you to choose the bike that best suits your riding style from a wide range of platforms, models, and sizes. To make things even easier, when you book your trip, you’ll receive a 10% discount code to apply to your bike rental.

Go see the bikes!

Why This Trip Is Perfect for You

Click to discover!

"Is this tour too challenging for my fitness level?"

Response: The Max Leopold Wagner Tour is designed for riders who enjoy varied terrains. It’s classified as a Enthusiast-level tour and you can tailor the experience with our self-guided or fully guided options. Additionally, our team provides support to ensure a smooth ride, and you always find in the catalog an option to ride it on an e-bike. 

"What if something goes wrong with my bike during the tour?"

Response: We provide premium bikes maintained to the highest standards. In case of an issue, we offer on-call mechanical assistance and replacement bikes when needed. 

"How much local culture will I actually experience on this tour?"

Response: This tour is inspired by Max Leopold Wagner, a linguist who deeply explored Sardinian culture. You'll not only ride through stunning landscapes but also visit villages, taste authentic cuisine, and learn about the island’s rich history and traditions—a truly immersive experience beyond just cycling.

"I’m not sure whether to book a self-guided or guided tour—how do I decide?"

Response: If you enjoy riding at your own pace and making spontaneous stops, the self-guided option provides all the tools you need, including GPX tracks, a roadbook, and -as an option- luggage transfers. If you prefer a structured experience with local insights and full support, a guided tour ensures you enjoy the ride without any logistical concerns.

"What’s the best time of year to do this trip?"

Response: The best months for this tour are April to June and September to October, when temperatures are mild, and the roads are less crowded. We specifically schedule our guided departures during these periods to offer the best possible experience.

"I travel alone—will I feel comfortable on this trip?"

Response: Absolutely! Whether you choose a self-guided or group tour, we ensure solo travelers feel welcome. If you join a guided tour, you'll connect with like-minded cyclists, and if you go self-guided, we provide all the resources you need for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

"Why should I book with Sardinia Cycling instead of another provider?"

Response: We’re a Sardinia-based company with deep local expertise, ensuring you ride the most scenic routes while experiencing the authentic side of the island. Our tours blend adventure with culture, offer high-quality bikes, and provide personalized support—all from a team passionate about cycling and Sardinia.

"This trip seems expensive—what makes it worth the price?"

Response: This is an exclusive cycling experience that includes top-quality accommodations, luggage transport, detailed route planning, and access to some of Sardinia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Unlike budget operators, we prioritize small groups, premium services, and expert local guidance to deliver a tour that’s truly unforgettable.

"What happens if I need to cancel my booking?"

Response: We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair, and we offer flexible rescheduling options. Additionally, we strongly recommend travel insurance, which can cover unexpected circumstances, giving you peace of mind when booking.

Still unsure?

Let’s chat and make sure this tour is the perfect fit for you!
Get in touch with us!

Prepare for your next

Max Leopold Wagner tour

We suggest the following arrival and departure locations. The earlier flights will help us arranging transfers or other activities such as bike rental formalities, bike fitting and all services that are provided individually.
  • Best landing airport
    Cagliari
  • Best departure airport
    Cagliari
Transfer time from airport to hotels is about 25 minutes. Transfer from last hotel to the airport is about 50 minutes.

Packing and Weather

Sardinia is a region known for mild Mediterranean weather. It generally features warm, dry weather which makes these rides particularly enjoyable. The spring and fall can see the highs range from the 18s to 25s (Celsius), while the lows are generally between 14 and 18. Summer highs are generally between 28 and 25. We always recommend bringing along riding layers and even a bit of rain (might happen in Spring and Fall) gear so you can keep riding comfortably throughout the day.
Read more

Transfers

Sardinia Cycling arranges group transfers from and to the closest airport for the trip: Cagliari. Individual transfers can be also planned and the cost might depend from the departure or arrival location, from the transfer time and it can also be influenced by the presence of bulky luggage, like a bike case. Other transport option is public transport. About this last opportunity, we suggest you using Google Maps and select 'public transport' from and to your selected destination. In any case, we're ready to help you selecting the quicker, smoother and most cost effective solution.

Go Custom

Sometimes your trip on Sardinia simply isn’t long enough! Extend your stay for the best vacation possible. If you wish to spend a few days in our lovely island either before or after your trip, and need assistance making those plans, we're available help. Self guided and supported trips can be extended too and that can happen in any intermediate location along the itinerary: we can help selecting the best one!

Terrain

One thing riders learn soon is that Sardinia is hilly. The terrain is varied, with gradual and short, or very long and progressive climbs throughout the week. The Wagner tour is best suited for our 'Enthusiast' riders. The routes have been designed to avoid busy roadways, that are very rare in a large and sparsely populated island. However, very little urban riding and short sections of busy roads are unavoidable in Sardinia.

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Location

SARDINIACYCLING HOME
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 27
09045 Quartu Sant'Elena | Italy

Contact

Office: +39 070 204 1029
Mobile: +39 392 07 42 153
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