Experience the allure of Great Sardinia, where turquoise waters meet ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes. From the famous Costa Smeralda’s luxury resorts to hidden coves and archaeological sites, Sardinia offers a diverse and captivating destination. Whether you’re seeking sun-soaked beaches, outdoor adventures, or authentic Sardinian cuisine, Great Sardinia invites you to explore an island rich in history and natural beauty.
-
First Class Hotels
-
Cagliari (CAG)
-
Arrival and departure as detailed in the itinerary
-
Olbia (OLB)
-
14
-
Luxury Minibus
-
1
-
4/20
Dates
The same itinerary, with a minimum of 6 participants, can also be offered as a private tour at no additional cost. Your private trip combines comfort, exclusivity, and exceptional value—ensuring an unforgettable Italian experience crafted just for you. Request your private tour using the form below (end of the page), or contact us at: info@greattoursofitaly.com
-
Available PackagesSundayApril 12, 2026SundayApril 19, 2026EUR 2750
-
Available PackagesSundayMay 3, 2026SundayMay 10, 2026EUR 3150
-
Available PackagesSundayMay 10, 2026SundayMay 17, 2026EUR 3150
This perfectly paced 8-day tour is designed for you to enjoy a full week’s journey. You will begin your tour in the ancient city of Cagliari. Your tour will then proceed through inland Sardinia to Su Nuraxi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will enjoy a walking tour of the Nuraghi, and see sights in the old town of Alghero. We’ll go to a costume museum and take you to a vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting. Halfway through your visit, we’ll take you on an excursion where you’ll enjoy the beautiful coastline and stop at the world–famous resort of Costa Smeralda. Wrap this amazing experience up with a ferry ride to the magical island of La Maddalena.
Highlights
- 8 Day Tour – Cagliari, Su Nuraxi, Barumini, Alghero, Capo Caccia, Palau, Maddalena Island, Olbia, Nuoro, Oliena, Orgosolo
- Start in Cagliari (CAG) – End in Olbia (OLB)
- 14 Meals to include – 7 buffet breakfasts, 1 lunches, 5 dinners, 1 wine tasting
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 Sighientu, Hotel Palladium or similar (2 nights)
This morning visit at your own peace the city center and the authentic fresh market of “San Benedetto”. In the early afternoon with the wine expert 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.
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 though the scenic coast of Bosa to reach Alghero, the town with one of the most beautiful sunsets in Italy. Dinner will be served at local restaurant.
Hotel: Alghero Corte Rosada, Hotel Oasis or similar (2 nights)
This morning you can take an excursion to visit the famous Caves of Nettuno by boat, enjoy a scenic drive to the rugged cliffs of Capo Caccia or enjoy the old town of Alghero at your own pleasure. In the late afternoon with a local guide visit this lovely town, still retains an air of the Spanish region of Catalonia. See sights in the heart of the old town such as the harbor, the cathedral Santa Maria and Piazza Ginasio. In the evening experience delightful Sardinian cuisine.
After a relaxed breakfast, take a scenic drive with a few stops to admire the S.S. Trinita di Saccargia and the city center of Olbia. In the afternoon 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 with same free time to spend at your own pleace in Porto Cervo. Dinner included.
Hotel: Relais Valkarana, Aldiola, Panorama 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. With a local guide visit Nuoro and its Museum of Sardinia Popular Life and Traditions (traditional Sardinian attire made from colorful embroidered fabrics). Enjoy lunch with native shepherds who will entertain us with local songs and stories while tasting the regional delicacies. In the afternoon visit the Orgosolo Murals which narrate history, daily life and Sardinian tradition of the famous bandit villages.
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. Depending on the weather condition you may join an Maddalena archipelago day excursion by boat. 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.
What's included
Experiences
- Cagliari: walking tour (WLG)*
- Barumini: walking tour of Nuraghai (WLG)*
- Alghero: walking tour to Alghero (WLG)*
- Costa Smeralda: sightseeing tour along the coastline
- wine tasting
- Lunch with local shepherds entertaining
- Orgosolo: visit the village
- Nuoro: Costume Museum tickets and walking tour (WLG)
- Maddalena: ferry boat tickets to the Maddalena Island
- *(WLG) = With local guide and wireless headsets
Optional Experiences
- Alghero: Caves of Nettuno by boat
- Maddalena: archipelago day excursion by boat
Overall Trip Rating:
-
Verified Purchase
By Sandra M.(Italy)October 15, 2025 ExcellentThe Tour director was excellent, the accommodation were first class and convenient and most included meals were very good. We also were blessed with a wonderful group of fellow travelers which I believe is due to Great Tours of Italy reputation.
-
Verified Purchase
By Joel and Teresa T. September 27, 2025 Mix of beach, culture and natureWe just returned from the Great Sardinia 8-day tour and it was pure magic. From the turquoise waters of the coast to the historic villages inland, every day brought a new wonder. Our guides were friendly and knowledgeable, guiding us to hidden coves and telling fascinating stories about Sardinia’s Nuragic history. The accommodations were comfortable and well-chosen, and the pacing felt relaxed — not rushed at all.
-
Verified Purchase
By Peggy C.(United States (US))September 19, 2025 Wonderful experienceLooking back through the photos of the trip, my first reaction is what a wonderful experience we all had. This was the second trip that my wife and I have taken to Italy. This experience was markedly different. It included great regional cooking, outstanding and unhurried sightseeing, and an outstanding hosts. Hats off to Fabrizio for introducing us to the great array of regional culinary delights, small towns and villages. But more importantly the immersion into Sardinia culture, and the fabulous people of this region. The tour manager was always willing to make every accommodation possible given the constraints on our time and individual energy levels. It was a trip I would do again without hesitation.
-
Verified Purchase
By Devon A.(Canada)September 16, 2025 Great SardiniaThis Sardinia tour was the perfect balance between adventure and chill time. The group was small, which made everything feel more personal and flexible. The staff was attentive and handled all details flawlessly.
-
Verified Purchase
By Sandy A. September 14, 2025 Sardinian experienceGreat Tours of Italy gave us a wonderful taste of the island’s diversity. We saw everything from pristine beaches and sea caves, to charming towns and ancient sites. The boat rides and coastal views were spectacular, and we loved getting a real feel for Sardinian traditions. We appreciated the smooth organization, English-speaking guide and well thought-out itinerary. Highly recommend this tour if you want to experience Sardinia beyond the usual postcard spots.
-
Verified Purchase
By Judith(United States (US))April 13, 2025 Great ServiceWe have absolutely loved Great Tours of Italy, great service!
-
Verified Purchase
By Anthony(Italy)October 1, 2024 Amazing tourFamily trip. We couldn't get better. We love all. We will be back.Date of Experience: September 04, 2024
-
Verified Purchase
By Joann River(Italy)September 24, 2024 Sardinia and SicilyWe had the amazing blessing of touring 2 beautiful regions in Italy in Sept-Oct of 2024. This company is a first rate tour company. We were treated like royalty every step of the way!! Our tour guide Joseph was fabulous!!
-
Verified Purchase
By Alice M.(Italy)September 24, 2024 Great SardiniaSaw so much and felt like a VIP the entire trip! The actual places that we visited were so beautiful, historic and timeless and our tour guide Angela was so knowledgeable and attentive which made the trip so much more enjoyable. Highly recommend!
-
Verified Purchase
By Keycia F.(Italy)September 24, 2024 Family vacationMy husband, myself and my 2 sisters booked a tour through G.T.I. Very organized, the hotels were great, the breakfasts were outstanding. The tour guide was organized and the bus driver was beyond amazing! Keep up the good work and hope to meet again on another tour in the future
-
Verified Purchase
By Nickolaus(Italy)September 21, 2024 Feeling YungerThis small group tour was outstanding. The accommodations provided a taste of local culture, the order-off-the-menu meals were delicious, and the daily activities were interesting and appropriate for persons of wide-ranging ages. Our guides were well informed, articulate, and caring. Moreover, the itinerary was engaging yet not exhausting. We returned home feeling younger!
-
Verified Purchase
By Paul H.(Italy)September 10, 2024 G.T.I.The tour guide and bus driver exceeded all expectations; they were a very organized, customer oriented team. Highly recommend them and the itinerary.
-
Verified Purchase
By Sarah Peterson(Italy)July 7, 2024 Grazie mille!I wanted to share my wonderful experience with Great Tours of Italy during the Great Sardinia private tour, which I chose for my 27th anniversary after two years of research. As I pursue dual citizenship for Italy, this guided tour was both educational and enjoyable. Our guide and driver were exceptional, ensuring our time was memorable. First class hotels and dining, truly made the trip worthwhile. I’m already looking forward to our upcoming tours in Sicily with Great Tours of Italy! Grazie mille!
-
Verified Purchase
By Grace(Italy)June 24, 2024 IncomparableGreat Tours of Italy was excellent, as usual. Their service was incomaparable.
-
Verified Purchase
By Jhonatan(Italy)May 2, 2023 Solo travellerJust returned from the fantastic Great Sardinia tour, started on May 2. We arrived day earlier and that help adjusting to the time. Nothing was left to chance, nothing. You not only get to spend time with an awesome tour leader, Roberta and bus driver Aldo, but each of the other tour guides are all so knowledgeable that you can also lean as you make your way through Italy. Each hotel were outstanding and either four stars or maybe they were all five stars. Loved the breakfasts in each, but oh that Olbia hotel. I'm a pretty harsh critic when it comes to anything we do, but there is not one thing I could be critical about this tour and Great Tours of Italy.
-
Verified Purchase
By Miranda D. S.(Italy)September 4, 2018 Return to ItalyMy wife and I traveled to Italy with Great Tours of Italy on our anniversary and returned in September 2018 with our 2 soons and their family on the Great Sardinia tour. It was first class all the way! Our tour guide was wonderful and tirelessly worked to make sure that everyone was having a great time and she attended to every detail possible. The hotels were very good with beautifull pools and the local guides were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend Great Tours of Italy.
Great Sardinia is an 8-day, 7-night curated journey through one of Italy’s most enchanting islands. It begins in Cagliari (CAG) and ends in Olbia (OLB), guiding you from ancient archaeological wonders to turquoise coastlines, charming towns, and authentic Sardinian experiences.
You will stay in First Class Hotels, typically:
- Cagliari (2 nights): Hotel Sighientu, Hotel Palladium, or similar
- Alghero (2 nights): Alghero Corte Rosada, Hotel Oasis, or similar
- Olbia Area (3 nights): Relais Valkarana, Aldiola, Panorama, or similar
Hotels may vary but will always meet equivalent comfort and quality standards.
A total of 14 meals are included:
- 7 buffet breakfasts
- 1 lunch (with wine tasting)
- 5 dinners
- 1 lunch with local shepherds in Barbagia
- Luxury Minibus throughout the itinerary
- Included ferry to La Maddalena Island
- Airport transfers at scheduled times
Arrival Transfer (Cagliari CAG):
- At 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM on Day 1.
Departure Transfer (Olbia OLB):
- Transfers arrive at 7:00 AM or 9:00 AM on Day 8.
Private transfers can be arranged at an extra cost if needed.
- Cagliari’s historic Castello district
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Su Nuraxi in Barumini
- Alghero’s old town and Capo Caccia
- Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo
- Wine tasting at a family-run sustainable winery
- Traditional shepherds’ lunch with live local entertainment
- Nuoro’s Folk Costume Museum
- Orgosolo’s famous murals
- La Maddalena Island ferry experience
es. Several experiences are accompanied by certified local guides (WLG):
- Cagliari walking tour
- Su Nuraxi (Nuraghi) archaeological site
- Alghero walking tour
- Nuoro Folk Costume Museum and walking tour
Wireless headsets are provided when noted.
The tour is generally easy, but archaeological sites and historic centers may include uneven ground, stairs, and cobblestones. Please contact us to discuss accessibility needs.
Free time is available in Cagliari, Alghero, Costa Smeralda, and La Maddalena for personal exploration, beach relaxation, or shopping.
