-
Day 1
ARRIVE CAGLIARI (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to the capital of Sardinia and the island’s largest city located on the southern coast of Sardinia. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
Day 2
CAGLIARI SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE
Explore Sardinia’s capital and the largest town on the island with a Local Guide. Visit the castello district including views of the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Elephant and San Pancrazio Towers. See the Basilica of San Saturno built in the 5th century. Visit the Marina District and see the Roman ruins. This afternoon consider an excursion to the botanical gardens.
-
Day 3
CAGLIARI - BARUMINI - ALGHERO (2 NIGHTS)
Enjoy a scenic drive through the interior of the island stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage site Su Nuraxi which stands at the edge of Barumini, a farming town in Marmilla. A Local Guide will show you one of the most important architectural examples of early Sardinian civilization which is a special type of defensive structure known as nuraghi. This megalithic complex was established in the late 2nd millennium B.C. during the Bronze Age. It remained buried until 1949, when a massive flood washed away the earth surrounding the upper section. It is regarded as the finest and most complete example of this remarkable form of prehistoric architecture in the world. Continue on to Alghero, a beautiful town with a strong Spanish influence.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
Day 4
ALGHERO SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE
Your Travel Director will take you on a pleasant stroll through the old town of Alghero this morning. Although part of the kingdom of Italy for many generations, this lovely old town still retains an air of the Spanish region of Catalonia, since it once formed part of the kingdom of Aragon. The local residents still speak with a Spanish dialect. Many of the older buildings are in a Catalan Gothic style reminiscent of Barcelona. See sights including the harbour, cathedral Santa Maria and Piazza Ginasio in the heart of the old town. This afternoon consider an excursion to the craggy cliffs of Capo Caccia. This evening a scenic drive will take you to the home of a local family to experience a delightful Sardinian Be My Guest experience.
-
Day 5
ALGHERO - AJACCIO (3 NIGHTS)
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive along the northern coast to Santa Teresa Gallura, before taking the ferry across to the French island of Corsica, just a few miles away (crossing time approx. 1 hour). On arrival in Bonifacio enjoy a tour with a Local Guide and then free time to explore this stunning fortified town. Dramatically situated on a limestone peninsula, there are spectacular views of the Mediterranean from the impressive Citadel plus a delightful harbour and marina. From Bonifacio, we continue to our luxurious hotel in Ajaccio for a three night stay.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
Day 6
AJACCIO AT LEISURE
Enjoy a full day of leisure or take an optional excursion with lunch to the Gulf of Porto to see the UNESCO World Heritage Calanche of Piana and Gulf of Girolata.
-
Day 7
ILE ROUSSE AND PARC DE SALECCIA EXCURSION
Today enjoy an excursion to Ile Rousse and Parc De Saleccia. The prosperous port of Ile de Rousse, developed to export local olive oil, is reminiscent of the French Riviera in style, with its palm-lined, grid-system streets, smart shops and lovely beaches. You will have free time for lunch before visiting the landscaped garden of Parc de Saleccia which showcases a huge variety of Corsican and Mediterranean plants in a beautiful setting. This evening return to your hotel for dinner.
Day 8
AJACCIO - BONIFACIO - FERRY TO SARDINIA - COSTA SMERALDA - OLBIA (2 NIGHTS)
Travel back to Bonifacio for the return ferry crossing to Santa Teresa Gallura. From here enjoy a scenic drive along the fabulous Costa Smeralda coastline with its turquoise waters. Stop at the popular resort of Porto Cervo, the playground of the rich and famous developed by the Aga Khan in the 1960s before continuing to our hotel in Olbia.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
-
Day 9
EXCURSION TO LA MADDALENA
This morning take a trip back to the exclusive and beautiful Costa Smeralda, which owes its name to the green emerald-coloured waters. From the harbour town of Palau you will take a ferry to the unspolit island of La Maddalena. The old town perched on a hill is a charming maze of narrow streets and small squares. This is where the young Napoleon suffered the first defeat of his military career after islanders withstood a three-day siege launched from Corsica. Enjoy the scenery and sample some of the local cuisine in your free time for lunch. Later, return to your hotel in Olbia.
Day 10
OLBIA - NUORO - OLIENA - ORGOSOLO - CAGLIARI
Today travel south through the Barbagia area, considered the heart of Sardinia with ancient traditions which survive alongside modern life, evident in the landscape, the architecture and the cuisine. The museum in Nuoro, the capital of the province, has many reminders of the culture of this ancient population. Continue through the vineyards to Oliena where you will enjoy a Wine Tasting. See the ‘murales’ of Orgosolo and the famous bandit villages before returning to Cagliari for the final night of your trip. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers to celebrate your memorable holiday with a Farewell Dinner.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
Help
-
Day 11
DEPART CAGLIARI
This morning, say goodbye to your fellow travellers at the end of your wonderful Corsica and Sardinian holiday. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.