SMALL GROUP TOUR: Discover the picturesque coastline, historic cities and mouth-watering food of the Mediterranean island of Sardinia on this 7-day escorted group tour. Enjoy three included gastronomic experiences to sample some of the island's delicious flavours and discover Cagliari and Alghero with included guided touring. See the historic cathedral of Oristano, explore the archaeological site of Palmavera and Tharros, relax with free time in Palau and stroll along the windswept trails of Capo Caccia Natural Reserve.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Sardinia
Arrive in Cagliari, in the south of Sardinia. You will be collected at the airport and transferred to our start hotel in the city. The remainder of today is free for you to head out and explore the city.
Overnight: Cagliari
Cagliari sightseeing
Tuck into breakfast at the hotel before you meet our tour guide in the lobby. We then embark together on a 3-hour walking tour through the streets of Sardinia's capital. We explore each of Cagliari's three historic neighbourhoods, Castello, Stampace and Marina, taking in many of the city's highlights along the way. Admire the Bastion of Saint-Remy, which dates back to 1896. See the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Elephant Tower, a medieval fortification built to try and repel the Aragonese invasion of 1323.
The afternoon is at leisure. You could head to the coast for a stroll, or grab your beach towel and enjoy a few hours of sunbathing at Poetto Beach, which is also located near the city's historic Roman Amphitheatre.
Overnight: Cagliari | Breakfast
Journeying north to Alghero
Cagliari - Oristano - Tharros - Bosa - Tinnura - Alghero. Today we begin our journey north, exploring some of Sardinia's most captivating destinations en route. In Oristano, we visit the cathedral and the town square, and learn more about how the town's history is intertwined with the Phoenicians and a national heroine, Eleonora de Arborea.
We continue to Tharros, a fascinating site to the island's west. Tharros was an important commerical hub thorhghout history, especially during the Roman and Byzantine ages. Enjoy the view over the Gulf of Oristano before we continue to Bosa, where we enjoy a delicious local lunch. After we've eaten, we explore the town, nestled on the banks of the Temo River. See the medieval Castle of Serravalle and enjoy some leisure time to browse the town's boutique shops. Our final stop before reaching Alghero is the tiny village of Tinnura. Here, there is time to enjoy the murals painted mainly by Pina Monne, which decorate many of the buildings here. Arriving in the north-western city of Alghero, the evening is at leisure.
Please note: If travelling in 2024, your arrangements are slightly different. You will not visit Tharros, or the archaeological site of Palmavera on day 4. Instead, you will visit the Museo della Femmina Agabbadòra in Luras on day 5. All other arrangements remain the same.
Overnight: Alghero | Breakfast, Lunch
Alghero sightseeing & Capo Caccia Natural Reserve
We start today with a walking tour through the historic centre of Alghero. Once forming a part of the Crown of Aragon, the nickname 'Barceloneta' is still used for the city today. We will meander through the Old Town, protected by coastal walls. Admire pretty courtyards and historic medieval palaces and churches, not to mention splendid views of the coast and the beaches which wind along it. Lunch is included today at a charming estate with a wonderful view of the surrounding area.
After our tour, we visit the Nuragic Complex of Palmavera, an archaeological site with around 50 village huts. The Romans called this area the Port of Nymphs and this village dates back nearly 4,000 years! From Palmavera we continue to the Capo Caccia Natural Reserve, where we can enjoy a hiker among incredible scenery and enjoy the view of the coast and lighthouse. We then return to Alghero for the evening.
Overnight: Alghero | Breakfast, Lunch
Sardinia's north coast
Alghero - Castelsardo - Tempio Pausania - Palau. Heading north-east today, our first stop is the coastal town of Castelsardo near the 'Costa Paradiso'. This area is renowned for its beautiful wild beaches and rugged landscapes. The houses in Castelsardo are nestled between the sea and the town's hilltop castle, and we will explore the historic centre during our visit.
Our next stop is the small town of Tempio Pausania, where we enjoy some free time to explore the narrow streets and the ancient centre. Then it's on to Palau on the island's northern tip.
Overnight: Palau | Breakfast
Palau
Enjoy some leisure time this morning to soak up some Sardinian sunshine by the pool. At around midday we'll head to a charming rural estate in the Gallura region, where we enjoy a delicious included meal. Afterwards we take a scenic drive along the Costa Smeralda, stopping to explore the small hamlets of Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. Returning to Palau, your final evening in Sardinia is at leisure.
Overnight: Palau | Breakfast, Lunch
Farewell Sardinia
After a final breakfast, you will be transferred to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Unahotels T Hotel Cagliari, Cagliari
UNAHOTELS T Hotel in Cagliari offers a modern and sophisticated experience, seamlessly blending style with authentic Sardinian hospitality. The hotel features sleek and well-designed interiors and guests can enjoy panoramic views from the chic rooftop bar, or savour exquisite cuisine at the on-site restaurant. With a central location, impeccable service, and a commitment to excellence, UNAHOTELS T Hotel invites visitors to discover the best of Cagliari in comfort and style. Explore the state-of-the-art facilities and amenities for a memorable stay.
Hotel Catalunya, Alghero
Facing Alghero's pretty harbour and just a 5-minute walk from the historic centre, the Hotel Catalunya makes a great base for exploring the city. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property and large rooms are decorated in a modern style. They are all equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and mini-bar. The hotel boasts an onsite Skybar, which is a great place to relax in the evening with a drink, and the onsite restaurant serves mouth-watering Sardinian cuisine.
La Vecchia Fonte, Palau
Offering sweeping views of Palau harbour, this city centre boutique hotel is also just a few minutes walk from the main beaches, boasting a perfect location for exploring the area. Inside, rooms are decorated and furnished in typical Sardinian style, and there is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout. A buffet breakfast is served daily and there are also a la caret options and an onsite wine bar.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4.75 out of 5 based on 4 recent reviews
Rosella was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable - a great small group that was one of the best i have been to and probably a career highlight for her!
there should be an optional gathering drinks and get to know each other as well as a final dinner that we organised ourselves.
we all tipped our guides and drivers well as everyone had a good time
the small numbers make this work very well”
Our guide Rossella was AMAZING, went above and beyond for everyone. The drivers were excellent too. Especially Alberto. Because of the weather we ended up having huge lunches 4 days in a row, possibly too much! We would also be interested in having some time to ourselves on a daily basis, I.e. a bit more free time. Otherwise everything was excellent, including very nice hotels. ”
Our guide Rossella was AMAZING, went above and beyond for everyone. The drivers were excellent too. Especially Alberto. Because of the weather we ended up having huge lunches 4 days in a row, possibly too much! We would also be interested in having some time to ourselves on a daily basis, I.e. a bit more free time. Otherwise everything was excellent, including very nice hotels. ”
Emma our guide was lovely, bubbly, and knowledgeable. Our driver Marco was a gentleman & great company. Overall the tour was awesome. There was just one day where the itinerary had a 6hr gap between meals which made the lengthy museum trip too much to take in. It would've been great to have nature walks built in & maybe some more side excursions such as boat, to keep it novel. ”
At a Glance
Rosella was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable - a great small group that was one of the best i have been to and probably a career highlight for her!
there should be an optional gathering drinks and get to know each other as well as a final dinner that we organised ourselves.
we all tipped our guides and drivers well as everyone had a good time
the small numbers make this work very well”