Highlights of Gozo Cycling

Location: Gozo. Holiday type: Independent cycling, hotel-to-hotel. Managed by Headwater appointed agent. Activity level: Lower 1 bike Duration: 7 days (6 nights)   5 days (4 nights) option available. Hotels: A mix of luxury/stylish, mid range/good value. Meals: Buffet breakfast and evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Selected dates from 6 Nov '11 to 26 May '13   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights Wonderfully easy year-round cycling staying in luxury hotels - all with pools - and taking in ancient archaelogical treasures, hidden hilltop hamlets and colourful fishing villages. Beautful bays and stunning turquoise seas. Exceptional value for money too.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Ta'Cenc

We meet you at Malta airport and transfer you via ferry (25 mins) to the exclusive Hotel Ta'Cenc (10 mins).

Day 2 - Ta'Cenc to Xaghra 14km/9mi

A panoramic swoosh takes you to Xewkija, a small village boasting Europe's third largest dome, from where you can drink in views of the entire island and beyond. Cycling through gently swaying vineyards you reach Calypso's Cave with its magnificent views to Sicily; it's said that the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus captive here for seven years. Maybe descend by foot to the rich red sands of Ramla Bay - the island's best beach - before pedalling on to Xaghra and your fabulous farmhouse hotel.

Day 3 - In Xaghra

There's plenty to explore in Xaghra's tangle of butter coloured streets. Perhaps visit the megalithic temples of Ggantija, an archaeological wonder dating back to 3500BC or Xerri and Ninu's grottos, two caves full of stalagmites and stalactites strangely located within their owners' houses! Xaghra's piazza with its church is at the centre of village life - do as the locals do and relax in one of the cafes and watch the world go by. Or, our hotel has two lovely pools in its geranium decked courtyard.

Day 4 - Xaghra to San Lawrenz 15km/9mi

Farmers tend their crops in the verdant terraced fields as you descend to Marsalforn, where rugged fishermen mend their nets in the harbour, their brightly painted luzzu boats bobbing lazily in the turquoise waters. A wild and beautiful stretch of coast takes you past a patchwork of salt pans and on to Wied il-Ghasri, a narrow inlet with a beautiful secluded cove - a perfect picnic spot. Time to visit the remarkable neo-Romanesque basilica at Ta Pinu before reaching the luxurious Kempinski Hotel in time for a swim before dinner.

Day 5 - In San Lawrenz

Perhaps visit Dwerja Point (there's a free shuttle from your hotel), where you'll find spectacular coastal scenery and some of Gozo's most recognisable sights such as the Inland Sea, the stunning Azure Window (where the blue sea and sky is framed by a honey-coloured stone archway) and Fungus Rock. Our ***** hotel has several pools as well as one of Europe's best spas, so there's no excuse not to soothe any aching muscles!

Day 6 - San Lawrenz to Ta'Cenc 9km/5mi or 15km/9mi

In fine weather maybe follow one of the island's most attractive trails along the western coast, fields bright with tiny yellow flowers and the air fragrant with Mediterranean garrigue. Otherwise it's a gentle pedal towards the north-west, where the terraces are dotted with Gozo's succulent tomatoes. Then on to the capital, Victoria, with its tangled maze of flower-scented streets - the mediaeval citadel boasts spectacular views across the whole island. Time to explore Ta'Cenc's archaeological treasures before your final candlelit dinner beneath the ancient carob tree.

Day 7 - Leave Gozo

You return by ferry to Malta in time for your flight home, or stay on at the Ta'Cenc for a few extra nights?