All tours on this holiday have now departed. Future departure dates will be confirmed in due course.
Cagliari – Sardinia’s characterful capital
The atmospheric “Little Green Train”
Typical rustic lunch with the local shepherds
The charming islands of Sant’Antioco and San Pietro
This lovely tour takes us to the unspoilt south west of Sardinia, far from the glitzy resorts of the Costa Smerelda. Based in the island’s characterful capital, Cagliari, the tour features a variety of unusual and diverting excursions, including the mysterious “nuraghe,” scenic train ride, typical lunch with local shepherds, city tour and island hopping – an appealing cornucopia!
Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Cagliari and transfer by coach to your hotel in the centre of the city for seven-night stay on bed and breakfast basis. This evening we will have a welcome drink at the hotel.
Day 2 Morning guided walking tour of Cagliari with afternoon free.
Sardinia’s capital, Cagliari has been occupied by the Phoenicians, Cathaginians and Romans with ruins evident in the city and its surroundings. Sights include the atmospheric Castello district with a distinctly North African character, ancient defensive towers dating back to the 14th century, Roman amphitheatre and Byzantine church of San Saturnino. After a morning guided walking tour, you will have the rest of the day free for personal exploration.
Day 3 Full day Cagliari region with wine-tasting.
A full day exploring Cagliari’s hinterland will show some beautiful scenery and several “nuraghe,” the dominant feature of Sardinia with some 7,000 dotted all over the island. They date back to 1800BC, but little is known about the Nuraghic people and mystery surrounds the function of these strange conic structures – they could have been rulers' residences, military strongholds, meeting halls, religious temples, ordinary dwellings or a combination of any of these things, but they remain the symbol of Sardinia. During our day we will also visit one of the area’s vineyards for a tour and wine-tasting.
Day 4 “Trenino Verde” Little Green Train.
A charismatic excursion today as we head to Mandas to board the Trenino Verde train to Sadali. Built in 1888 to carry local farmers to market, today it takes tourists to a remote world little changed in over 100 years. We will pass deep valleys, chasms, iron bridges and the fauna-filled pastureland of Sardinia’s interior with characterful whistles en-route.
Day 5 Full day visit to local shepherds with lunch.
A distinctively different day as we head deep into the mountainous, largely wooded, area east of Cagliari where we will be welcomed by a group of Sardinian hill-shepherds who will prepare a typical ‘al fresco’ rustic lunch comprising: pork antipasti, matured ricotta cheese, characteristic Sardinian bread, roast pig and lamb, boiled mutton with potatoes, "Pecorino" cheese, fruit, sweet and local Cannonau wine.
(NB: Food subject to change depending on availability of fresh ingredients and, in the case of bad weather, lunch will be held indoors, in a country house or agriturismo.)
Day 6 Full day free in Cagliari.
A full day free to independently explore more of Cagliari’s delights, such as the Molentargius Saline Park with its flamingos and host of other birds. Or simply relax and enjoy a long, leisurely lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants in the characterful old town.
Day 7 The Islands of Sant’Antioco and San Pietro by boat.
Today we head to the very tip of south-western Sardinia, to the ‘island’ of Sant’Antioco, the largest in the Sulcis Archipelago accessed via an artificial isthmus. Sant’Antioco town is full of coloured houses and has been continuously occupied since Phoenician times as witnessed in the fascinating catacombs. We continue by ferry to the pretty town of Carloforte on San Pietro Island and learn about the mattanza or annual tuna fish slaughter.
Day 8 Transfer to Cagliari Airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
T Hotel, Cagliari
Very modern, four-star hotel located in the heart of the city close to the city’s opera house. Facilities at this stylish “design” hotel include bar, bistro, restaurant, spa with indoor pool (small charge applies) and very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities.
