An enantiospecific synthesis of functionalized bicyclo[4.3.1]decane, the bicyclic core system present in some bi- and tricyclic vibsane diterpenoids, for example, vibsanin E, via an RCM reaction of 2,6-diallylcarvone derivatives is described. It has been further extended to the synthesis of tricyclo[6.4.1.01,5]tridecanes starting from 2,6,6-triallylcarvones. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.