About this trip.
The Sulcis–Iglesiente start
The trip opens with a transfer from Cagliari into the Sulcis–Iglesiente, a mountainous, faintly forgotten quarter three-quarters of the way down Sardinia's west side. Base for the first night is an agriturismo near Arbus — the kind of working farm where dinner is whatever the kitchen has grown or made that week, washed down with the house wine. It sets the tone for the eight days: this is a coast-to-coast crossing of the island that takes its food and its farmhouses as seriously as its trails.
Saddle Skedaddle grades the trip 3 out of 5, and the description is honest about why. There are steep climbs and proper descents, but the demand is on legs and stamina rather than technical chops. Riders with some off-road mileage will be comfortable; stronger riders looking for an unhurried week will also have a good time. E-MTB hire is offered, with the caveat that group pace is set by the riders on regular bikes.
What the riding looks like
The route mixes dirt tracks, remote mountain roads, singletrack and stretches of quiet asphalt. From Arbus the group heads east, past olive groves, vineyards and oak woods before climbing into wilder country. The early days take in Piscinas, where the dunes are the tallest in the Mediterranean, and a visit to the Nuraghe of Barumini — the Bronze Age stone tower complex that's Sardinia's only Unesco World Heritage site, and worth the stop.
Mid-week the terrain tilts upwards into the limestone country around Ulassai, all pale cliffs and beech woods, with smaller historical sites tucked into the hills along the way. The closing day is the pay-off: a long descent off the Ulassai massif down to the east coast at Bari Sardo, where the trip finishes with a swim, a celebratory dinner and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the doorstep. Most nights are spent in agriturismi, which is the right call here — they put you in the landscape rather than parked beside it, and the cooking is genuinely the point, not the marketing.
Bookings and logistics
The holiday runs eight days from £2,195 per person, with a guide leading the riding and a vehicle handling luggage between farmhouses. Flights are booked separately — Cagliari is the airport at both ends, with the opening transfer to Sulcis–Iglesiente around 80 minutes. Trip notes are available on request and worth reading before booking, as they spell out daily distances, climbs and accommodation in more detail than the summary allows.
If the published group dates don't fit, Saddle Skedaddle also runs a self-guided version of the same crossing: they book the accommodation, transfer your luggage between stops and provide route notes and GPS files, leaving you to ride at your own pace. That's the option for riders who'd rather travel as a couple or a small group of friends than join a fixed departure. Either way, the trip suits cyclists who want a week's riding with a real sense of place — Sardinia eaten, drunk and pedalled across, rather than glimpsed from a hotel terrace.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
