Day 0
Depart the USA for Italy, arriving the next day in Cagliari, Sardinia.
Day 1-2
(Cagliari) After getting settled into our hotel in the historic center of Cagliari, we will meander a bit, stop for an aperitivo and then a Benvenuto dinner at a local restaurant. The next day we will meet our local guide for a walking tour of the city, exploring the recently renovated port area, a stroll along Via Roma with its imposing colonnades and sea views. We will also explore the beautiful, historic districts of La Marina, Stampace and Castello, the oldest district in Cagliari, which offers breathtaking views from the ramparts of St Remy. You will also enjoy some free time for personal discovery.
Day 3-4
(Cuglieri) Today we head northwest to the Sinis Peninsula to see some of Sardegna’s most important archeological sites. This area is also dotted with beaches and lagoons with reserves for the migrating birds that nest here. We will visit the ruins of the Phoenician, Punic and Roman city of Tharros and marvel at this location for a city situated at the edge of the sea. We will also explore one of the ancient Nuraghe sites, Losa. These structures constructed of huge boulders formed into towers are the most ubiquitous evidences of the Nuraghic culture that lasted here from 1800 BC to the third century BC. In the afternoon we will check into our B&B in Cuglieri, a quiet village that boasts a cathedral, Santa Maria della Neve, high above the rooftops that acts as a landmark for miles around. From here we have easy bus transportation to the beautiful beaches of S’archittu and Santa Caterina.
Day 5
(Bosa) Today we hop on the bus heading north on a route through picturesque villages displaying the beautiful murals that are typical to this area of the island. Bosa, our stop for the night, is located on the banks of the River Temo. The colorful buildings acknowledge the Catalan-Spanish influence and we will stroll through the meandering, medieval streets to reach the ruins of the castle on the hill above the town and then explore the Marina district with bars and restaurants and a beautiful arc of sandy beach to enjoy over lunch or dinner.
Day 6-7
(Alghero) Another bus ride today takes us along the cliffs above the sea with stunning views. Alghero, known as Barcelonetta, displays street names and 16th century architecture with strong Catalan-Gothic influence. Here we will see the thriving port indicating the importance of fishing in the local economy. We will visit the cathedral, home to a Black Madonna, walk along the sea wall, eat gelato at one of my favorite gelaterias and enjoy locally caught seafood. We will head north and west to visit the defunct mining town of Argentiera and Capo Caccio for beautiful panoramic views.
Day 8-9
(Nuoro) Located on the edge of the more wild, untamed and mountainous interior of Sardegna, known as the Barbagia (from the Roman term for barbarian), Nuoro will be our base for the next two days. Nuoro claims a special place in the literary and artistic heritage of the island and is situated beneath the soaring peaks of Monte Ortobene and Supramonte. The old quarter is bursting with fascinating glimpses into the cultural, historic and artistic heritage of the area. We will participate in the lively passeggiata in the evening and visit towns nearby, especially Orgosolo with its 100 plus murals painted by artists since the 1970’s which depict the economic and political strife of this region during the last 50 years.
Day 10
(Olbia) Today we head northeast to the port city on the east coast of Sardinia. After checking into our lodging, we will meander in the historic center and visit the Basilica di San Simplicio and the church of San Paolo. Tonight we will have an Arrivederci dinner together and say good-by to Sardegna in this the first city on the island to be conquered by the Romans in 259 BC
Day 00
Today we transfer to the Olbia airport to fly homeward bound or to the seaport for the ferry back to mainland Italy.
Depart the USA for Italy, arriving the next day in Cagliari, Sardinia.
Day 1-2
(Cagliari) After getting settled into our hotel in the historic center of Cagliari, we will meander a bit, stop for an aperitivo and then a Benvenuto dinner at a local restaurant. The next day we will meet our local guide for a walking tour of the city, exploring the recently renovated port area, a stroll along Via Roma with its imposing colonnades and sea views. We will also explore the beautiful, historic districts of La Marina, Stampace and Castello, the oldest district in Cagliari, which offers breathtaking views from the ramparts of St Remy. You will also enjoy some free time for personal discovery.
Day 3-4
(Cuglieri) Today we head northwest to the Sinis Peninsula to see some of Sardegna’s most important archeological sites. This area is also dotted with beaches and lagoons with reserves for the migrating birds that nest here. We will visit the ruins of the Phoenician, Punic and Roman city of Tharros and marvel at this location for a city situated at the edge of the sea. We will also explore one of the ancient Nuraghe sites, Losa. These structures constructed of huge boulders formed into towers are the most ubiquitous evidences of the Nuraghic culture that lasted here from 1800 BC to the third century BC. In the afternoon we will check into our B&B in Cuglieri, a quiet village that boasts a cathedral, Santa Maria della Neve, high above the rooftops that acts as a landmark for miles around. From here we have easy bus transportation to the beautiful beaches of S’archittu and Santa Caterina.
Day 5
(Bosa) Today we hop on the bus heading north on a route through picturesque villages displaying the beautiful murals that are typical to this area of the island. Bosa, our stop for the night, is located on the banks of the River Temo. The colorful buildings acknowledge the Catalan-Spanish influence and we will stroll through the meandering, medieval streets to reach the ruins of the castle on the hill above the town and then explore the Marina district with bars and restaurants and a beautiful arc of sandy beach to enjoy over lunch or dinner.
Day 6-7
(Alghero) Another bus ride today takes us along the cliffs above the sea with stunning views. Alghero, known as Barcelonetta, displays street names and 16th century architecture with strong Catalan-Gothic influence. Here we will see the thriving port indicating the importance of fishing in the local economy. We will visit the cathedral, home to a Black Madonna, walk along the sea wall, eat gelato at one of my favorite gelaterias and enjoy locally caught seafood. We will head north and west to visit the defunct mining town of Argentiera and Capo Caccio for beautiful panoramic views.
Day 8-9
(Nuoro) Located on the edge of the more wild, untamed and mountainous interior of Sardegna, known as the Barbagia (from the Roman term for barbarian), Nuoro will be our base for the next two days. Nuoro claims a special place in the literary and artistic heritage of the island and is situated beneath the soaring peaks of Monte Ortobene and Supramonte. The old quarter is bursting with fascinating glimpses into the cultural, historic and artistic heritage of the area. We will participate in the lively passeggiata in the evening and visit towns nearby, especially Orgosolo with its 100 plus murals painted by artists since the 1970’s which depict the economic and political strife of this region during the last 50 years.
Day 10
(Olbia) Today we head northeast to the port city on the east coast of Sardinia. After checking into our lodging, we will meander in the historic center and visit the Basilica di San Simplicio and the church of San Paolo. Tonight we will have an Arrivederci dinner together and say good-by to Sardegna in this the first city on the island to be conquered by the Romans in 259 BC
Day 00
Today we transfer to the Olbia airport to fly homeward bound or to the seaport for the ferry back to mainland Italy.