Rugged white cliffs plunge into bluer-than-blue waters, lapping secluded bays where pearly sands blanket the shore. This is quintessential Sardinia. But it's not just the exquisite coastline and pristine beaches which draw visitors to this sundrenched Italian isle.
On this immersive guided tour you'll discover Sardinia's precious historic treasures, colourful coastal towns, and sumptuous local cuisines, all tinged with the distinct identity of Italy's proudest region.
You'll be based in historic Olbia, the gateway to Sardinia's sunny Costa Smeralda. It's from here that you'll set off to Bonifacio on Corsica's most southern tip and discover the highlights of this mediaeval gem, with its lively marina and soaring city walls.
Back in Sardinia, you'll visit this island's most mysterious and celebrated landmark, the Giants' grave of Coddu Vecchiu, sample local wines at a beautiful, vineyard-ringed cellar, and stop off at the San Pantaleo Craft Market to buy gifts from local artisans and sample food from local producers.
You'll learn more about Sardinia's past with visits to cork, coral, and fishing museums, and on a stopover in the former mining village, Argentiera, now a mysterious ghost town.
On a final day exploring Sardinia you'll traverse the hilltop town of Bosa in a local shuttle train, and observe the works of art in Orgosolo, the fascinating 'village of murals'.
Throughout the trip you'll be staying in delightful and conveniently located hotels, the four-star Hotel Mercure in Olbia, with an indoor pool and spa, and the five-star Hotel Carlos V in Alghero which boasts a large outdoor pool with views across the Tyrrhenian Sea and an excellent restaurant.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability and based on 6 October 2024 departure date and London Gatwick flight. Various departure dates are available, please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit £250pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. ABTOT 5509.
You'll arrive at Olbia Costa Smeralda airport today, where you'll meet your friendly, experienced tour manager and travel to your hotel, just a ten-minute walk from Olbia's historic centre.
Depending on what time you arrive, you may have time to take a stroll to Olbia's centre and take in some of its intriguing historical stone structures, meandering cobblestone lanes, and peaceful squares, like Piazza Margherita.
In the evening, there'll be a welcome dinner served at the hotel, giving you a chance to get to know your fellow travellers.
After tucking into your first Sardinian breakfast you'll set sail to the ancient fortress town of Bonifacio, on Corsica's southernmost tip.
Here you'll join a guided tour to discover the highlights of this mediaeval gem, including its bustling marina and soaring city walls.
As you wander, you'll see important religious monuments like the 13th-century Church of Saint-Dominique and the 12th-century Church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, the oldest building in Bonifacio, with its imposing bell tower.
After the tour, there'll be some free time to explore at your pace and buy lunch, perhaps at one of the charming open-air eateries spilling onto the piazzas, and do a spot of shopping in the many boutiques.
Later in the afternoon, you'll take the bus back to your hotel, where you can choose to have dinner at the restaurant or head into Olbia and end your first full day in style with a drink at a local wine bar.
Today you'll venture off to Olbia and visit the San Pantaleo Craft Market, please note this depends on the day of the week, which showcases the skills of local artisans. You'll have some time to wander between the stalls selling intricate, hand-made trinkets, souvenirs, as well as locally produced food and drink.
You'll then visit the Giants' Grave of Coddu Vecchiu, which served as public tombs in the Bronze Age. Here you'll learn all about this intriguing megalithic monument, the largest necropolis in Sardinia.
Afterwards, venture onwards to another nearby archaeological site, Nuraghe La Prisgiona, also known as the 'Stone Giant'. This site features a megalithic tower and a village of around 100 buildings.
You can then decide whether to head back to the hotel or join an optional visit to the Surrau Cellars, a historic winery.
At the Surrau Cellars you'll enjoy views across rows of vines and a rugged mountainside while sampling wines paired with a platter of regional Gallura produce, including cheeses, cold meats, and a traditional Sardinian flatbread called pane carasau.
Today you'll set off for Alghero, a fascinating mediaeval city on Sardinia's northwest coast. You'll make a stop at the town of Calangianus on the way to visit the Museum of Cork, where you'll discover ancient and modern methods of harvesting cork.
You'll also stop in the fortified town of Castelsardo, built into a rock and ensconced by the walls of Doria Castle. You'll have lunch here at your leisure and have some free time to amble around the steeped alleys.
The Basilica della Santissima Trinità di Saccargia will be the last visit of the day, one of the most important Romanesque sites on Sardinia, built from black and white limestone and with a striking bell tower.
Later in the afternoon, you'll arrive in Alghero and check into your hotel, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. You'll have freetime unwind, perhaps having a swim in the outdoor pool before enjoying dinner at the restaurant or in the old town.
You'll travel into Alghero today for an informative guided tour. Walk around its historic centre, one of best preserved in Sardinia, and see the city's distinctive 16th-century sand-coloured walls.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria is one of Alghero's most famous landmarks, and is a prominent example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Next to the tower, the 14th-century Porta a Terra now serves as one of the gates of the city and houses a museum. Head up to the terrace on the second floor for incredible views of the city.
You'll have time for lunch, perhaps opting for one of the restaurants in Piazza Civica, while enjoying views of the Gothic palace, Palazzo d'Albis. You might also choose to relax for a while in Alghero's public gardens, Giardini Pubblici, before heading back to the hotel.
You can also join an optional excursion to Neptune's Grotto, a stalactite cave complex named after the Roman god of the sea.
Today you'll visit the fascinating Coral Museum of Alghero. Found in an ornate art nouveau villa, this museum showcases a collection of jewellery and sculptures created from coral and highlights the importance of this valuable element to the city.
Next, you'll pay a visit to some nearby villages, including Stintino, a popular seaside resort with pristine sandy beaches. The tour will stop at the Museo Tonnara di Stintino, a tuna fishing museum, where you can learn about traditional methods of tuna fishing in the village.
There'll be some free time here to lunch at a local trattoria and for a stroll along one of the beaches. The tour then heads to Argentiera, passing by one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, La Pelosa, with its turquoise waters and long stretch of unspoilt icing-sugar sand.
Today you'll make a trip along the Alghero Bosa Road to the Costa Smeralda, an incredibly picturesque journey. Along the way, you'll stop off at Bosa and board a local shuttle train to explore this quaint town and its hilltop castle.
You won't want to miss the Temo River, flowing through the old town, and Ponte Vecchio, a three-arched bridge either. If there is time, you can sample a glass of Malvasia, the dessert wine for which Bosa is famous.
You'll then travel to Orgosolo, which has become known as the 'village of murals' due to its 150 wall murals. Originally painted by an anarchist theatre company as a means of political protest, many of these murals now illustrate life in the village.
In the late afternoon, you'll travel back to Olbia and check into Hotel Mercure again before enjoying a final dinner either at the restaurant or in the town.
After breakfast this morning, you'll be transferred to the airport and fly back to the UK as your Sardinian adventure comes to an end.
With interiors inspired by cruise ships, this modern hotel is ideally located within walking distance from Olbia’s charming historic centre.
Stylish guestrooms feature dark woods and bright artwork, with TVs, safes, minibars, hairdryers, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. A polished bistro café serves regional dishes, and there is an indoor swimming pool, a spa with hammam and hot tub, as well as a fitness centre.
This sleek five- star hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool enhanced by the impressive setting and vista of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The spa, with an indoor swimming pool and saunas, is a highlight of this refined hotel, and the restaurant that provides the perfect place to watch the sunset. Airy, spacious guestrooms, with balconies, boast either a view of the garden or the sea and offer TVs, mini-bars, hairdryers, safes, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Additional facilities include a gym and a tennis court.
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