Highlights of Sardinia
Duration: 10 days
Highlights: Ancient Cagliari, Barumini Archaeological Park, Nuraghi culture, Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena
Uncover the treasures of one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular islands in this south-to-north 10-day exploration of Sardinia
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Cagliari
Enjoy a private arrival transfer from Cagliari Airport to your luxury hotel in Cagliari city centre and relax throughout the rest of the day.
Overnight: Palazzo Tirso
Meal Plan: B
Day 2 - Cagliari
Begin your journey by meeting the guide at your hotel. Dive into the charm of this historic city as you navigate the alleys, weaving through small craft shops that reveal the true essence of Cagliari, the jewel of the Mediterranean. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Cagliari by exploring its four historical districts – Castello, Villanova, Marina, and Stampace. Each district unfolds like a chapter, showcasing the city's evolution over the centuries. After a fascinating city tour, prepare for a breathtaking experience at the Molentargius Park, a stunning natural wonder that seamlessly blends history and science. Discover stretches of water and the remnants of ancient salt pans in one of Sardinia's most beautiful parks. This oasis of tranquility, poised between man and the environment, is home to the elegant pink flamingos and over 230 bird species. Witness the harmony of nature and history in this sanctuary, where every step is a journey through time.
Overnight: Palazzo Tirso
Meal Plan: B
Day 3 - Historical Nora and Pula
Full day tour of Nora's Timeless Marvels & Pula's Enchanting Townscape.
Meet your private driver at the hotel and drive to Nora, Sardinia's best-preserved Roman city. Under the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert, traverse the ancient paths that reveal the layers of history, where the city emerges above the remains of a Phoenician-Punic settlement, framed by the breathtaking natural beauty of Capo di Pula's small peninsula. Explore the well-preserved treasures of Nora, where Roman mosaics tell stories in the most significant buildings. Marvel at the ancient Roman theater and immerse yourself in the allure of the thermal baths that whisper tales of a bygone era. A stone's throw away from the archaeological wonders lies the charming church of Sant’Efisio, honoring the patron martyr of Cagliari. Discover the significance of this church, which sets the stage for some of the most important festivals in Sardinia. Conclude your guided tour in Pula Town, a delightful destination for shopping and a leisurely break. Relax in the main square, sip on a refreshing drink, and soak in the charming atmosphere of this picturesque village.
Overnight: Palazzo Tirso
Meal Plan: B
Day 4 - Barumini - Gologone
The Barumini Archaeological Park & the World of Honey
Meet your driver at the hotel and set the stage for an extraordinary day trip to "Su Nuraxi," a mesmerizing nuragic complex in Barumini, proudly listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Embark on a seamless journey to explore this remarkable house-fortress, a masterpiece from the Middle Bronze Age and Late Bronze Age, towering up to 18 meters and standing as the best-preserved among the 7000 Nuraghi. Immerse yourself in the rich history, offering a glimpse into the social life of Nuragic tribes over 3,500 years ago. On your way to Olianas, make a unique stop at a local honey production shop for a tasting session. Continue your journey to Olianas, where vineyards unfold before you. Immerse yourself in a guided tour, culminating in a delightful wine tasting experience complemented by a light lunch. Enjoy a seamless blend of history, culture, and gastronomic delights, creating lasting memories of a truly immersive Sardinian experience.
Alternatively:
Via the Sinis Peninsula with Wine Tasting and lunch
After breakfast meet your driver and transfer through central Sardinia up towards the colourful town of Alghero. Just past Oristano on the western coast you enter the protected marine area of Sinis. Sinis is host to a wide range of incredible attractions, as well as several natural ecosystems, alternating between sea, lagoons, sand dunes and other natural environments. Explore this remarkable coastline before learning about the lost city of Tharros and Giants that once inhabited this incredible region. Tharros is a fascinating archaeological site located in the heart of the Sinis Peninsula, overlooking a terrace which in turn overlooks the sea. Alongside your guide walk through the ruins discovering the beauties and curiosity of this open-air museum. Most of the ruins visible today are of Roman construction such as the spa that contained both frigidarium and tepidarium. Also visit the fascinating Giovanni Marongiu Museum. The statues of Monte Prama, also called the Giants of Monte Prama due to them being about 2 metres tall, were found in 1974 near the village of Cabras and include archers and wrestlers carved in sandstone, probably between the ninth and eight centuries BC (prior to the foundation of Rome!). Following your tour of Sardinia's ancient history head to a family-run winery, which has produced fine wines for decades and been passed down through the generations to represent the future of Sardinian wine production. From here continue on to your accommodation.
Overnight: Su Gologone
Meal Plan: B
Day 5 - Gologone
Barbagia Experience: A Jeep tour the Saridnian Splendor with Shepherds lunch
Embark on a captivating JEEP 4X4 Barbàgia experience with a shepherd's lunch. Wind through the heart of Oliena along small internal roads, surrounded by lush vineyards and quaint country churches. Arrive at the charming village of Mamoiada, renowned for its wines and lively Carnival. Explore the world of masks at the famous Mask Museum, with entrance included. Continue your adventure towards Orgosolo, with a scenic stop at the Monti del Gennargentu for a typical Sardinian lunch—a meat-based feast for an authentic shepherd experience in the heart of Barbagia, a rugged and enchanting region known for its traditional customs and breathtaking landscapes. Uncover the captivating Murales in Orgosolo, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of this central Sardinian region. Immerse yourself in the culture, savor the flavors, and witness the artistic heritage of Barbagia. Your return to the hotel is planned for the early afternoon.
Alternatively:
Sardinian Wonders: Hike to Cala Luna and Boat Adventure to Cala Gonone
Meet your private driver at the hotel and embark on a panoramic hiking adventure to Cala Luna, a captivating destination in Eastern Sardinia's coastal wonders. Let the monumental cliffs, the Codula di Luna River's mouth, and expansive sea-facing caves captivate you in this earthly paradise. Enjoy a delightful picnic light lunch amid this breathtaking setting. After your hike, dive into a speedboat adventure directly from Cala Luna, exploring the enchanting coves and bays of this Sardinian haven. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Cala Biriola, revel in the beauty of Cala Goloritze, and conclude your day with a magical stop at Cala Gonone.
Overnight: Su Gologone
Meal Plan: B
Day 6 - Costa Smeralda
Meet your private driver at the hotel and reach your next destination: Costa Smeralda. Enjoy a day at leisure and take advantage of the facilities offered by your hotel.
Optional Evening Activity:
Getting to know the local culture, traditions and culinary specialities is all part of visiting a new place. Spend the evening discovering all three at a local family-run farmhouse restaurant, known throughout Italy as an agriturismo. Take a seat amongst the greenery and enjoy tasting local flavours and wines, and culinary specialities all in a family-friendly environment. You are treated to all the local flavours including fresh cheese, salami and organic vegetables as well as homemade Sardinian pasta and cakes. There's even a roast suckling pig cooked on an open fire, which you can wash down with some local red wine and after dinner liqueurs – a taste of the real Sardinia!
Overnight: Baglioni Resort Sardinia
Meal Plan: B
Day 7 - Gallura Unveiled
Gallura Unveiled: A Journey Through Artistry, Nature, and the Cork Legacy
Meet your private driver at the hotel, setting the stage for an exploration of the picturesque Gallura region. Uncover the rich heritage of the villages through various artisan workshops, where skilled craftsmen practice the ancient textile art unique to Gallura, producing some of the finest Italian handmade wool carpets. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty with a panoramic tour through enchanting woods and mountain ravines. Cradled in a valley surrounded by vineyards, cork oaks, and the majestic mountain "Limbara," Tempio Pausania reveals its historic charm through churches, houses, and old mansions. Dive into the town's history with a guided visit before enjoying some leisure time. Continue your exploration to Luras, where a visit to an olive yard along the shores of the "Liscia" lake awaits. Marvel at some of Europe's oldest trees, dating back 4000 years, with an impressive girth. Journey on to Calangianus, the island's primary cork production hub located on the north end of Sardinia. Immerse yourself in the world of cork as you explore the old monastery transformed into a captivating museum dedicated to the art and history of cork-making.
Overnight: Baglioni Resort Sardinia
Meal Plan: B
Day 8 - La Maddalena
La Maddalena Archipelago by private yacht
Step aboard your private motor yacht and spend the day cruising the archipelago of La Maddalena with your captain. There’s no better way to experience the breath-taking scenery of this island-dotted paradise than from your own private luxury yacht. La Maddalena is home to 60 islands and islets, each more beautiful than the next, and your captain knows every curve and every cove of its extensive coastline.
The day is yours to cruise La Maddalena’s secluded coves and picturesque beaches, some of which are only accessible by boat – like the stunning Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli island, famed for its pink coral sand. Enjoy the pristine scenery of white sandy beaches, shimmering emerald water and ruggedly beautiful islands. Just let the captain know when you want to cool off for a dip in the sea! Alternatively, you may wish to disembark in the main town for a browse along its charming streets before heading for a bite to eat (payable locally).
On the way back to the mainland, cruise towards the Island of Caprera, known widely as the resting place of military leader Giuseppe Garibaldi, who led the movement that united Italy in the mid-1800s – on Caprera you can find his house, memorial and museum. You also cruise past the island of Santo Stefano, a true wild and natural car-free paradise. Make sure you look out for the peculiar rock formations of Capo d’Orso before you dock back in the port.
Overnight: Baglioni Resort Sardinia
Meal Plan: B
Day 9 - Sardinia at Leisure
Option 1) Cooking Class in Local Farmhouse
Don your apron and get ready to be part of a real Sardinia culinary experience. Drive to a nearby typical farmhouse in the countryside for an authentic hands-on cooking class with a passionate local chef. His knowledge and enthusiastic attitude soon gets you excited about local cooking. Today create a menu of true Sardinian specialties, using all fresh, local and organic products to make mouth-watering dishes, such as the handmade fregola pasta and seasonal sauces, learn how to correctly clean and prepare various types of fish, while also enjoying the island’s local wine! It doesn't matter what level of experience you have – you might be a bit of a star already, or perhaps you just prefer to peel veg – the class caters to all tastes and desires. Classes always end on a sweet note and might include papassini, local cookies perfect for dipping into coffee, tiliccas, a typical sweet made with honey and toasted almonds, or even seada, a flaky, fried pastry puff stuffed with sheep’s milk ricotta, orange zest and different herbs then drizzled with honey. Lunch or dinner follows and includes the foods prepared in your cooking class alongside fine Sardinian wines and local liqueurs such as a mirto (myrtle) to round things off.
Option 2) Nuraghi & Wine
Discover the nuraghi, the true historical and cultural origins of Sardinia. The nuraghi represent Sardinia's greatest and most mysterious archaeological treasure: approximately 8,000 ancient megalithic buildings found nowhere else in the world. The Nuraghic civilization began in the Bronze Age (1800 BC), as the evolution of pre-existing cultures present on the island of Sardinia since Neolithic times. Visit the wonderful archaeological sites of La Prisgiona and Coddu Vecchiu, this latter definitely one of the most important and dating back to 2500 BC.
Afterwards, learn about another of Sardinia’s greatest treasures: wine. For Sardinians, their wines are the proud expression of careful, meticulous work that starts with the soil and ends in each single bottle. Genuine and sincere, transparent and authentic, direct and loyal - faithful ambassadors of the territory and the people who live in it. Enjoy a visit to a traditional Sardinia vineyard in the area of Arzachena. The owners accompany you on a wine tour, followed by lunch and tasting of the local Vermentino white wine.
Option 3) Sardinian Coastal E-Bike Marvel
Embark on a captivating e-bike adventure in Sardinia, where each pedal stroke reveals a panorama of breathtaking beauty. Effortlessly glide along scenic paths, guided by the gentle hum of your e-bike, as you witness spectacular views stretching over pristine bays. Feel the refreshing breeze, bask in the Mediterranean sun, and immerse yourself in the magic of Sardinia's coastal charm. This is not just a ride; it's a journey into the heart of extraordinary landscapes, where the thrill of exploration meets the serenity of panoramic perfection.
Overnight: Baglioni Resort Sardinia
Meal Plan: B
Day 10 - Depart Costa Smeralda
Privately transfer from your hotel to Olbia Airport, accompanied by private driver.
Overnight: N/A
Meal Plan: B