Great Sardinia

8 Days 7 Nights
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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

Overview

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

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Welcome to 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 Sighientu, Hotel Palladium or similar (2 nights)   

  • Day
    02

    Cagliari

    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.

  • Day
    03

    Barumini – Alghero

    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)   

  • Day
    04

    Alghero – Capo Caccia

    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.

  • Day
    05

    Smeralda Coast – Olbia

    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) 

  • Day
    06

    Nuoro – Oliena – Orgosolo

    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.

  • Day
    07

    Maddalena Island

    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. 

  • Day
    08

    Home

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

Map

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

FAQs

What is the Great Sardinia tour?

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.

What type of accommodation is included?

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.

What meals are included?

A total of 14 meals are included:

  • 7 buffet breakfasts
  • 1 lunch (with wine tasting)
  • 5 dinners
  • 1 lunch with local shepherds in Barbagia

What transportation is provided?

  • Luxury Minibus throughout the itinerary
  • Included ferry to La Maddalena Island
  • Airport transfers at scheduled times

When are the airport transfers?

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.

What are the main highlights of the tour?

  • 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

Are local guides included?

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.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility limitations?

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.

How much free time is included?

Free time is available in Cagliari, Alghero, Costa Smeralda, and La Maddalena for personal exploration, beach relaxation, or shopping.