3 Islands Tour Cycle Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily

We carefully select the places where we stay based on their personality and the hospitality of our hosts.

Each island is very diverse and this is reflected in the range of accommodations we have selected. Many have sea views and over the years the hoteliers have become personal friends. From 5 star luxury in Ortigia to a family run agriturismo in the Sicilian countryside our choices give a real sense of the character of the people and places we visit.

Back in the 14th century this charming 4* hotel was a monastery. Situated within easy walking distance of the historic centre of Calvi it has views of both the sea and the mountains.

This 3* hotel in the romantic town of Bonifacio provides a lovely finish to our ride in Corsica. With sweeping views and a perfect position to explore the town it is another great final hotel.

Welcome to Sardinia! Our seafront hotel in the lovely town of Castelsardo is family-owned and we are always guaranteed a warm reception.

As the name suggests this is a converted monastery in Ragusa that has been tastefully renovated into a lovely 4* hotel. Right in the centre of the old part of the city it could not have a better position.

A spectacular 5* hotel in the heart of the historic centre of Siracusa – Ortigia – that overlooks the harbour and serves as a fitting end to our Island odyssey.

We choose our restaurants because they are exceptional and unique.

Corsica, Sardinia & Sicily each have very distinct gastronomy which provides for a culinary exploration full of surprises. From exceptional seafood offerings on the coast to a more hearty inland fare the diversity and quality of the cuisine make this tour a foodies paradise.

This wonderful gourmet restaurant is situated on the St Florent harbour and provides a delightful insight into the sophisticated side of Corsican cuisine.

A firm favourite with our riders and a wonderful start to the tour. With the old port of Bastia as a backdrop, the atmospheric vibe is matched by some wonderful seafood for which the restaurant is renowned.

An institution in the town of Pula this bonafide Sardinian trattoria has been hosting our final meal on the island for a number of years. A wonderful venue for a celebratory local feast.

Nestled in the countryside outside Piazza Armerina and hosted by the Trigona family in their summer residence. The history of this noble family adorns the walls and the experience is homely and elegant. Ingredients on the menu are from their own garden which makes for a delicious Sicilian dinner experience.

We complete our 3 Island adventure in the renowned seafood restaurant on Al Mazari. The refined dishes served in this bio-certified establishment are a tour highlight.

The 3 islands of Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily are so varied and rich in their history that it would be impossible surmise their historic existence in a single page! On tour, we will experience this diversity in culture and history which ranges from Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arabic, Norman, Renaissance, Baroque and a complex modern relationship with their ‘bigger brothers’ France and Italy.

It is little wonder with this vast array of influences that both Corsica and Sardinia choose a symbol called ‘La Testa di Moru’ – the Moor’s head which originates in the Kingdom of Aragon and was used in Sardinia after the Aragonese conquest in 1297. Four Moorish heads are separated by a cross of St George – it is called the ‘Is Cuatru Morus’ – the Four Moors. The Corsican version portrays a Moor’s Head in black wearing a white bandana above his eyes on a white background. Previously the bandana covered his eyes but Paoli, the Corsica folk hero from the 18th century, wanted the bandana moved above the eyes to symbolise the liberation of the Corsican people. The symbol was practically banned after 1769, when France forced the Genovesi to sell the island to them to settle their debts. During this period under French rule, 1769–1789, Corsican patriots again used the version of the flag with blindfolded eyes, as a mark of protest. This was the era in which Napoleon grew up in on his native Corsica.

As for Sicily, it represents itself with the Trinacria, a fantastic symbol, which is the head of Medusa (a gorgon with a head of snakes), surrounded by three bent running legs, and three stalks of wheat. A complex symbol but what are they getting at? Sicily was known by the Romans as Trinacrium, meaning ‘star with three points’. The three bent running legs represent the three capes of Sicily which are Peloro (Messina: North-East), Passero (Syracuse: South), and Lilibeo (Marsala: West). Supposedly Sicilians likened and compared them to a woman’s legs! The three ears of wheat, surrounding the head of Medusa, represent the fertility of the land of Sicily. The central Medusa head in the middle of the Trinacria implies the protection of the island by the goddess Athena, the patron goddess of Sicily! A decidedly complex ancient symbol, perfect for us to find out more about on tour!

After this complexity, we chose the simple Tanit symbol to represent our travels on the 3 Islands. Tanit is a Punic and Phoenician goddess, one of the chief deities of the Phoenician people of Western Europe and was worshipped in Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica from around the 5th century BC onwards giving us a common theme! Her symbol is interpreted as a woman raising her hands and she is sometimes depicted with a lion’s head, showing her warrior quality.