Sardinia Chef Bike Tour - The secrets of the Island's Blue Zone

We love Sardinia not only because it is a cycling paradise, with quiet, traffic-free roads and beautiful scenery between sea and mountains, but also because it is an unmissable destination for food lovers, now gaining recognition for its unique culinary offerings

Sardinia is renowned worldwide for its stunning coasts and fantastic beaches, but its mountainous and wild interior is equally worth exploring. Many travelers describe Sardinia as a continent unto itself, with each area and town offering diverse landscapes and unique local traditions.

Sardinia is home to one of the world's renowned Blue Zones—areas known for the longevity of their inhabitants. This ancient land, with roots in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, has been shaped by the influences of the Phoenicians, Etruscans, Romans, and later, the maritime republics of Genoa and Pisa, as well as Spain and Piedmont. The result is a rich tapestry of Mediterranean culinary heritage, distinct from the rest of Italy. Here, you can find unique dishes like "filindeu," the “thread of god,” a rare and special pasta considered one of the rarest in the world.

On our Chef Bike Tour of Sardinia, you'll explore both the coastal and mountain regions, sampling an array of local specialties. From the sea, savor delicacies such as mullet bottarga, fregola with clams, and the highly prized Carloforte tuna. Don't miss "Burrida a sa Casteddaia," a traditional dish from Cagliari made with catfish and nuts.

In the mountains, you'll discover ancient breads like “pane carasau,” also known as sheet music bread, and enjoy world-famous Sardinian pecorino cheese. The island's robust hams and sausages offer a taste of its rich culinary heritage, while dishes like "su callu de crabittu," a special cheese, and “sa cordula,” made from the intertwined intestines of lamb, provide bold and unique flavors. The national dish, suckling pig, is prepared from pigs no larger than four kilos (8.8 pounds) and slow-cooked to perfection.

Sardinia is also celebrated for its prestigious wines, including full-bodied reds like Cannonau, refreshing white wines like Vermentino di Gallura, and delightful meditation wines such as Malvasia and Vernaccia.

Join us on this culinary journey through Sardinia's Blue Zone, where every dish tells a story and every meal is a celebration of life and longevity.

Our guest chef will play an important role in understanding the local productions and the preparations that better tell the story of the territory.

Chef Elizabeth Falkner is a world-recognized, award-winning chef from California. Her 30+ year career spans from restaurants to advocacy, to consulting and food competitions. Her well-appreciated and awarded San Francisco patisseries and restaurants paved the road to celebrity private events, consulting, and media.

She has competed in multiple culinary competitions including Food Network’s Tournament of Champions (seasons 1-4), Iron Chef America, and Next Iron Chef, Super Chefs, in which she was a finalist and runner-up. She has been a three-time competitor on Food Network Challenge, as well as a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters.

For Falkner, cooking competitions have been a favorite 'sport.' She also loves to travel, and cycling is one of her favorite pastimes.

She looks forward to discovering Sardinia and its Blue Zone "secrets"! This is her second Tourissimo Chef Bike Tour.

Companions that are non-riders are also welcome. E-bikes (pedal-assisted system) available.

Highlights

Regional food that includes dishes not found elsewhere in Italy
Lunch with a shepherd in a unique setting
Village of Oliena and its wine and olive oil tradition
Lecture about Sardinia's Blue Zone
The primordial Gennargentu Mountain Range
Orgosolo, the painted village, famous for its murals rich with social commentary
Barbagia and Ogliastra geographical and cultural areas that are the true soul of Sardinia
Fantastic ride from Genna Silana Pass
Day cruise along the "Selvaggio Blue" coastline
Stunning cycling in the rural inner island and along the Mediterranean coast

Relevant blog: What is a Blue Zone?

Dates:

Prices:

2025

USD 5,400

Private room (single supplement) USD 695

Duration:

7 days (6 nights)

Level:

Active

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In a nutshell, we had a fabulous trip! Renato and Gionata could not have been more attentive and provided us with plenty of background on Sardegna. They made the chore of moving from hotel to hotel very easy. The route and the scenery were exceptional! And we were very fortunate with weather. Although Sardinia is not the easiest island to access, it is well worth the effort!

Tom B. Sardinia Coast to Coast

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[fa icon="plus"] Day 1

Cagliari - Arrival

Our tour starts in the capital of Sardinia, Cagliari (called Casteddu in Sardinian, which means castle). Cagliari is an ancient city with a long history. It has been ruled by several civilizations, and under the modern city there is a continuous stratification attesting to human settlement over the course of some five thousand years, from the Neolithic Period to today.

Today the city is the regional, cultural, educational, political and artistic center of Sardinia, and it’s also known for its diverse Art Nouveau architecture and monuments.

We plan to meet in the afternoon (exact time TBA) after airport transfers and check-ins. The guides will lead a stroll in the old town to get immersed in its unique atmosphere. A must-to do is an aperitivo - enjoy a glass of local vermentino - on the old city wall. Guides will deliver a tour overview and cover the logistics. Chef Falkner will give her take on what’s ahead as well.

Chef Luigi Pomata from Carloforte is known as "the chef of red tuna" and you'll understand why after his menu presentation and his explanation of how his tuna is sourced.

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Sinis and Cabras - 12 miles - Flat

Today we have an early start because we need to make it to the fish market. The San Benedetto market in Cagliari is the biggest of its kind in Europe and it showcases an eye-opening and mouth-watering selection of seafood and other Sardinian gastronomical treasures. Elizabeth (and of course you can help) will shop for a picnic lunch.

We then transfer to the Sinis peninsula and the Cabras lagoon on the Western side of the island.

We hop on the bikes to explore San Giovanni di Sinis and to admire the ancient settlement of Tharros at the tip of the Sinis Peninsula. We suggest taking a short hike to the watch tower to admire this stunning site.

Since Roman times, Sardinians have traditionally avoided living by the sea due to pirate raids. Despite this, the island boasts many beautiful beaches and the Sinis Peninsula is a perfect example.

Cabras is a fishing village next to a large lagoon, famous for its Bottarga (the Gold of Cabras, the caviar of Sardinia, mullet roe). Dinner and overnight stay in Cabras.

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Oliena - Orgosolo - 25 miles - Rolling

Today we transfer to Oliena and Orgosolo, two of the most representative villages of Sardinia’s true soul.

We drive to Orgosolo, the heart of the Barbaricinian culture and the notorious center of banditry, a phenomenon that raged through these mountains from the end of the 19th century until the 1970s. Look out for political and social paintings that can be found on walls all over Orgosolo and reflect different aspects of Sardinia's political struggles but also deal with international issues.

We will also witness the baking of “carasau” bread. This traditional flatbread, also called "carta da musica" in Italian (meaning sheet music) is named for its large and paper-thin shape, which is said to be so thin before cooking that a sheet of music can be read through it. The recipe is very ancient and was conceived for shepherds, who used to stay far from home for months at a time.

After the final leg of the transfer, we finally reach the charming agriturismo Canales. An agriturismo could be the ultimate “experience” to understand Sardinian hospitality and you will immediately understand why.

You’ll have some time to get acquainted with the premises while the guides prepare the bikes for our ride among Oliena vineyards and olive groves. Oliena is located at the foot of the most suggestive limestone massif on the whole island, Mount Corrasi.

Dinner is at the agriturismo with a Barbaricinian menu (Barbagia is the geographical, cultural and natural region of this part of inner Sardinia).

[fa icon="plus"] Day 4

Dorgali loop - 31, or 18 miles - Hilly

Can the identity of a culture be reflected in a wine? We think so.

Cannonau wine means hospitality. It is the wine that, more than any other, brings to mind Sardinia and its ancient traditions. Cannonau is the protagonist of today's ride among old vineyards and rural archeological sites that dot the Cannonau Wine Route between Oliena and Dorgali. Here, fertile land and patient work give life to authentic wines that enhance the culture, beauty, history, and tradition of the area. Cannonau is unsophisticated, yet powerful.

From a Blue Zone diet perspective, Sardinians drink wine moderately - a glass or two of red wine daily - and Cannonau has two or three times the level of "artery-scrubbing" flavonoids as other wines. Salute! Lunch is, of course, at a producer where a wine tasting will be paired with Dorgali’s products (cheese, cold cuts, homemade bread).

The ride back to Agriturismo Canales involves one steady climb, but you can also take advantage of the van and drive back.

Before dinner, we are going to have a Q&A session with Elizabeth. We are sure that you have some questions about her chef life, food, and recipes. You should not miss out on the privilege of having her with us on the Chef Bike Tour of Sardinia.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 5

Genna Silana - Baunei - 28 or 43 miles - One long climb then rolling

Today you will ride along one of the most scenic roads on the island (and perhaps in all of Europe) as we go deep into the Blue Zone area. We begin with a short transfer to reach the starting point at the Genna Silana Pass, 3280 ft above sea level. From there, we ride towards the town of Baunei, which is the most important town of the Ogliastra region. Between Genna Silana and Baunei lies a rugged protected area characterized by wild nature, high cliffs, and dense forests. Due to its position and landscape, the Ogliastra has been isolated for a long time and that has allowed its inhabitants to maintain a strong genetic identity. That could be one of the elements, combined with a healthy lifestyle and a simple, organic diet, that makes them one of the longest-lived people in the world.

For lunch, we enjoy a typical spread in an authentic shepherd hut on top of a stunning limestone plateau. It’s a unique experience that takes us back in time and to a simpler way of life.

We depart and ride or shuttle to our next hotel. Time to relax, enjoy the beach, and then gather for dinner for a Blue Zone menu and a lecture by a nutritionist who is one of the main Blue Zone diet experts.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 6

Santa Maria Navarrese - Selvaggio Blu - Boat ride

Our grand finale involves a private, all-day cruise.

Sailing starts at about 9 am, and we are back at the harbor at about 6 pm. Swimming and snorkeling in the pristine water and sunbathing will fill most of the day. Lunch is on board. It’s a privileged point of view that stimulates all the senses. We will touch upon biodiversity guided by what’s on the table. The taste and scent of freshly caught fish, served on the fishing boat, surrounded by one of the most beautiful seas in the world, is a unique experience that allows you to better understand the rich beauty of Sardinia but it is also an immersion in its true everyday life and one of its traditional economic activities. We can’t deny the fact that those activities are endangered, yet both this land and its people are very resilient. We can help keep them going through mindful tourism.

Highlights: the limestone cliffs and spectacular bays, Cala Goloritze, Cala Biriola, Cala Mariolu.

We'll be back at the hotel in time for our final dinner celebrations and to enjoy a Blue Zone dinner prepared by Chef Falkner and the chef and staff at Lanthia Hotel.

[fa icon="plus"] Day 7

Departure

This morning after breakfast there will be a group private transfer to the Cagliari airport.

Bikes
What's Included
What's Not Included

Bikes (choice road carbon or hybrid; pedal-assisted at additional cost)
Two or more professional tour guides throughout the program
All accommodations in 4-star hotels and one agr
All breakfasts, all lunches, and all dinners
Wine with meals, coffee, cappuccino, and gelato stops
Wine tasting
Hands-on cooking class
Support vehicle during the tour and luggage transfer
Shuttle at the beginning and at the end of the tour
All activities mentioned in the day-by-day description

Airfare
Pre-tour hotel stays and post-tour hotel stays
Personal expenses such as laundry and cell phone
Guide gratuity
Optional tour extension

More Info

Did you know that Sardinia is a Blue Zone?

Sardinia is one of the very few places in the world that boasts "Blue Zone" designation. This refers to areas across the globe where people live longer and have healthier, more natural lifestyles. We’ll ride straight through the Blue Zone and appreciate the authentic food and the excellent wine, just a few reasons Sardinia holds a world record in longevity, together with an active life in the open air and a social life still linked to the community. Sardinians still hunt, fish and harvest the food they eat. They remain close with friends and family throughout their lives, retaining a rich social life that wouldn’t be complete without plenty of laughter and a glass or two of wine.

In Their Own Words: More about the Blue Zone in Sardinia from the Trip Designers

A Blue Zone is a truly rare place, almost enchanted. Incredible as it may seem to you, the inhabitants of a Blue Zone seem to have discovered the elixir of life. Sardinia is a land of happy and healthy centenarians, and in the mountain villages of Sardinia the percentage of the population living to at least 100 is the highest in the world. Maybe they themselves do not realize it, but they have shown us, in practice, the secret to a long and healthy life. What matters most is that these splendid seniors enjoy excellent health above all, and they are happy. They smile at life!

Humanity has been looking for the elixir of long life everywhere for centuries, and it has remained only a myth, an unattainable mirage. Yet this secret of happiness was hidden in small remote villages in the mountains of Sardinia. Today there are five Blue Zones recognized around the world, and in 2004 the Sardinian province of Nuoro was the first to be discovered and studied.

As soon as the discovery was announced, prestigious publications, such as National Geographic and the New York Times, as well as great academics and best-selling writers, took an interest in this phenomenon. How is it possible? Initially it was thought that the secret to such a high concentration of centenarians was genetics and they began to study the DNA of this population.

But they soon realized that the secret (as usual) was not hidden at all; it was under their eyes and you didn't need a microscope to see it. Everything was much simpler: the elixir of life is made up of an active life (not sedentary), good food (simple and local, and mostly vegetables and legumes), a good glass of wine (rich in antioxidants and obtained from the grapes from local vineyards), delicious cheese (from local goats), and fresh air.

A Blue Zone is a place where people have been able to preserve their ancient ways of living, including recognizing the importance of the elderly in society. They are not marginalized from family or village life and they are still active and independent. They still cultivate the vineyards and their vegetable gardens. Their company is a pleasure: they are givers of good humor and laughter. The will to live is another secret of the Blue Zone.

If you want to get to know these enchanted places, far from the pollution and the frenzy of modern civilization, it will be our pleasure to accompany you; we always return the Sardinia with joy. We will lead you to discover beautiful mountains and spectacular coasts, through primary forests and wild canyons. Above all we will get to know a healthy lifestyle, and a rare humanity.

Chef Bike Tour Sardinia

The Blue Zone Diet

We love Sardinia not only because it is a cycling paradise, with quiet, traffic-free roads and beautiful scenery between sea and mountains, but also because it is an unmissable destination for food lovers, now gaining recognition for its unique culinary offerings

Our guest chef will play an important role in understanding the local productions and the preparations that better tell the story of the territory.

Our guest chef will play an important role in understanding the local productions and the preparations that better tell the story of the territory.

She looks forward to discovering Sardinia and its Blue Zone "secrets"! This is her second Tourissimo Chef Bike Tour.

Companions that are non-riders are also welcome. E-bikes (pedal-assisted system) available.

Highlights

Relevant blog: What is a Blue Zone?

Dates:

Prices:

Duration:

Level:

Share with others:

Hotels

ALBERGO DIFFUSO

AQUAE SINIS

LANTHIA RESORT

AGRITURISMO CANALES

More Info

Did you know that Sardinia is a Blue Zone?

In Their Own Words: More about the Blue Zone in Sardinia from the Trip Designers

Related Posts

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