Best of 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After a final breakfast, you will be transferred to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport for your onward flight.