Italy
Sardinia Tour – Beyond the Tourist Trail

Start your Sardinia tour when you arrive in Cagliari and you will be transferred to your well located accommodation where if time allows you will be able to explore at leisure. No guided activities or meals included today. Overnight Sardegna Hotel or similar (B)

Start this island adventure exploring the old town of Porto Karalis (the ancient name of Cagliari). Here you will visit the archaeological museum, which gives an excellent overview of the islands cultures through the ages going as far back as the pre-nuragic age. A particular highlight is the Giants of Mont’e Prama, ancient stone sculptures created by the Nuragic civilisation and discovered in the 1970’s.  Following on from the museum visit we take a walking tour along atmospheric narrow lanes of the historical city and castle area, learning as we go about the complex history of the city. Overnight Sardegna Hotel or similar (B)

(Approx. overall driving time today is 3.5 hours)

This morning, leave the city behind and begin your journey into the heart of Sardinia. The first stop will be the UNESCO listed site of Su Nuraxi, possibly the best preserved Nuragic archaeological site in Sardinia. Continue to nearby Marmilla to visit the impressive family home of Casa Zapata, dating from the 17^th century and an example of rare Hispanic architecture which has been developed into a museum. This afternoon, arrive at the traditional “borgo” of Aritzo attractively flanked by chestnut and walnut forests in the mountainous and very traditional region of Barbagia, where local inhabitants speak their own language. We will have some time to explore in Aritzo and enjoy the rarefied air.  Overnight Hotel Sa Muvara or similar (B)

Please note – There are some rather steep steps to reach the top part of the Nuraghe.  

(Approx. overall driving time today is 3.5 hours)

Continuing our exploration of Barbagia region this morning, travelling to Mamoiada home to one of Sardinia’s dark and mysterious mask rituals where ancient farming rites and the struggle with nature are recognised at the time of annual carnival with fascinating displays where the Mamuthones clad in scary looking masks and rhythmically chiming cowbells follow the Issohadores, adorned in colourful clothing. Visit the museum to learn more about the history and possible origin of these masks and to view some of the masks. Thereafter, enjoy a traditional lunch with local shepherds before continuing to Orgosolo which is notable for its many fascinating street mural paintings which tell of the political struggles in Sardinia. We then head in a westerly direction visiting the archaeological site of Santa Cristina, visiting a Nuragic village and to observe the quite remarkably preserved well temple of Santa Cristina on an easy walk. Our resting point for the day is Santu Lussurgiu situated a short distance inland from the west coast of Sardinia.  Overnight Antica dimora del Gruccione or similar (BL)

Note – It may be necessary tonight to stay nearby in the small town of Bosa.

(Approx. overall driving time today is 2.5 hours)

After breakfast at the hotel we visit the town of Santu Lussurgiu. Here a number of traditional Sardinian products originate, including authentic and handmade Sardinian switchblade (knives). We then drive to the beautiful small hilltop town of Bosa situated only a few kilometres inland from the coast where we visit the cathedral, the castle and the old part of the town known as “Sa Costa” which can be accessed only on foot on an uphill walk of around 20 minutes duration. Many buildings in Bosa are delightfully painted in soft pastel colours adding an even greater allure to the place.  The rest of the day is spent in the beautiful coastal reserve of Porto Conte, and here stop to admire one of the islands best coastal panoramas from Capo Caccia. Our final destination today is the seaside town of Alghero, where if time allows on arrival, we explore within the ancient city walls. Overnight El Balear or similar (B)

(Overall driving time today is 2.5 hours)

This morning in the softer morning light we visit the 12^th Century Saccargia Basilica, an important church constructed with local basaltic and limestone rock in the Romanesque Tuscan style. Continue to Monte d’Accoddi, a Neolithic archaeological site consisting of a raised altar where it is thought animal sacrificial rituals took place.  We then continue on once again to the coast to surely one of the most beautiful “borghi” in Italy, that of fortified Castelsardo. The combination of pastel coloured houses, the sea air, impeccable coastal views, and some of the best seafood and Sardinian cuisine is sure to delight. We will explore the atmospheric and historic lanes on foot and visit the castle which involves walking up around 200 steps although there is also a shuttle for 1€ each way). Overnight Janus Hotel or similar (B)

(Approx. overall driving time today is 3.5 hours)

After breakfast we drive through the region of Gallura, now in the far north of the island. We reach Capo Testa, a small peninsula which overlooks the Bonifacio Strait, separating Sardinia and the island of Corsica. The coastal views from here are both dreamy and quite spectacular. We then veer south away from the coast across a vast hinterland characterised by granite rocks and cork oak trees liberally scattered.  Also observe the ‘concheddas’, a type or hut built with rocks, used by local herders.  Lunch today will be in a traditional granite stone building known as a “stazzo” which were widely used on the island until the end of the 19^th Century.  Continue to Tempio Pausania known as “the stone city” because of the prominence of granite as a construction material in the buildings. Explore the centre of the town including the local museum dedicated to cork, a primary resource of the Gallura region. Finally we return to the region of Barbagia and its capital, the town of Nuoro for the overnight stay.  Overnight Sandalia Hotel or similar (BL)  

(Approx. overall driving time today is 2.5 hours)

This morning we explore the delightful and historical centre of Nuoro with its narrow streets and tiny piazzas including the house museum of Grazie Deledda, possibly Sardinia’s best known writer who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1926, putting Nuoro and Sardinia firmly on the map. Continue to an outstanding lookout point from close to the top of Ortobene Mountain for panoramic views across the valley and towards Nuoro. The formerly mentioned Nobel literature prize winner wrote fondly and passionately of the beauty of Ortobene. Finally we continue south through the hinterland before once again arriving on the south coast and the hubbub of Cagliari. Overnight Sardegna Hotel or similar (B)

Today is at leisure until the time of your transfer (no guide) to the airport for your onward flight at the end of your Sardinia tour. (B)