Great Sardinia

Welcome to Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG). Your Tour Driver will be waiting for you at 11:30 am, and 3:00 pm for a private airport transfer to your hotel in Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia. In the afternoon, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. Follow your local guide for a walking tour of the historic district of “Castello” with pre-Roman origins through the streets of the neighborhood. Immerse yourselves in the history of the first Castrum Karalis (which means “Fortified City of Cagliari”) from the 13th century Tower of San Pancrazio to the Elefant Tower. End the day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.  

Hotel Lucia Capoterra, Hotel Palladium or similar (2 nights)   

Today, visit a family run winery which uses circular management to produce their wine, ensuring the utmost respect for the environment. The wine is made special by the calcareous clay soil which is poor in nutrients but ideal for grape cultivation.  Enjoy a complimentary lunch along with the wine tasting. In the afternoon, visit the Botanical Gardens where you will find Roman ruins immersed within plant species from all over the world. Enjoy some free time in the evening to explore the city on your own.   

Leave the capital city of Cagliari and enjoy a scenic drive through the inland part of the island. Stop for a walking tour at the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Su Nuraxi, an unparalleled defense structure from the bronze age composed of huts and towers that once reached almost 100 feet tall. This megalithic complex remained buried until 1949 when a massive flood washed away the earth surrounding the upper section. It’s regarded as the finest and most complete example of prehistoric architecture in the world. Continue to Alghero, a town with one of the most beautiful sunsets in Italy. Dinner included.   

Hotel: Alghero City Hotel, Hotel Oasis or similar (2 nights)   

This morning, enjoy a stroll through the old town of Alghero. This lovely town still retains an air of the Spanish region of Catalonia because it was once part of the kingdom of Aragon and the older buildings are in a Catalan Gothic style reminiscent of Barcelona. Here, many residents still speak a Spanish dialect. See sights in the heart of the old town such as the harbor, the cathedral Santa Maria and Piazza Ginasio. This afternoon, take a scenic drive to the rugged cliffs of Capo Caccia. In the evening experience delightful Sardinian cuisine.

After a relaxed breakfast, take a scenic drive with a few stops to enjoy the view of the coastline, taking in the beauty of the emerald waters of the “Costa Smeralda”, the playground of the rich and famous. Dinner included.   

Hotel: Panorama, Relais Valkarana or similar (3 nights) 

Travel south through the heart of Sardinia called Barbagia. The ancient traditions that survive intertwined with modern life are evident in the landscape, architecture, and cuisine. See traditional Sardinian attire made from colorful embroidered fabrics at the Costume Museum in Nuoro. View the Orgosolo Murals which narrate history, daily life and Sardinian tradition of the famous bandit villages. Enjoy lunch with native shepherds who will entertain us with local songs and stories while tasting the regional delicacies.

From the harbor town of Palau take a ferry to the unspoiled island of La Maddalena where the mediterranean scents will captivate you. The beauty of the beaches rival those of the Caribbean and numerous paths allow for charming walks. You’ll have some free time on your own to sunbathe on the white sand beaches and to take a dip in the azure waters. Dinner included to celebrate the success of this amazing tour. 

Arrivederci Sardinia! Your airport transfer will arrive to Olbia airport (OLB) at 7:00am or 9:00am.