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White sandy beaches on the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean; rugged green Alpine peaks towering over small mountain villages; sharp brocciu cheeses, fresh pasta and seafood; not quite Italian, not quite French, this is France's Isle de Beauté, Corsica. Come pedal with us as we experience the best of the island and seek out clues to its turbulent past and present.
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• Views of Bonifacio and Sardinia from the Capo Pertusato
• Gnocchi at Il Pescadori restaurant in Santa Teresa di Gallura on Sardinia
• The underwater park of the Levezzi Islands
• Smooth brocciu cheese and spinach cannelloni
• A glass of wine in a small mountain village
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Day 1 & 2 Bonifacio
Palms and bougainvillea accent our ride along southern Corsica's beaches before a visit of Bonifacio, set on limestone cliffs overlooking Sardinia. We spend the next day riding on Sardinia or opt for a boat excursion and diving off the Isle Levezzi, an underwater natural reserve.
• The Hotel Genovese, a handsome townhouse with views of the port welcomes us for two nights.
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Day 3 Zonza
We ride into the hills of the Alta Rocca, cycling beneath the medieval towers and granite peaks of this ancient kingdom. Tonight we feast on hearty Corsican fare including wild boar and hand-rolled pasta.
• Overnight at a simple island hotel that serves up copious quantities of good Corsican cuisine.
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Day 4, 5 & 6 Porto Vecchio and Conca
After a visit to the stunning Col de Bavella, we descend through olive groves, chestnut forests and myrtle-scented maquis to Porto Vecchio, on the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio. Visit of the hilltown of Conca, where the famed GR20, a hiking trail that crosses Corsica, begins and ends. We make a final toast to an unforgettable week in Corsica and indulge our farewell dinner with ravioli au brocciuand lobster scented with lemon and mint.
• Two nights at Cala Rossa, a luxurious 4 star hotel with breathtaking views of the mountains and bay.
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Dates: Apr 27-May 2, Sep 21-26, May 3-8, 2009
Length: 6 days/5 nights
Level: 1C
Daily Mileage: 15-40 miles on rolling terrain and hills.
Cost: $3880
Single Supplement: $800
Meals: All breakfasts, all dinners but 1; picnic lunch
Hotels: Villa and 4 star resort hotels
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