Sardinia Tour 2027

Welcome to Sardinia. Over the course of this week, you’ll begin to uncover what makes this island so distinctive — a fiercely independent culture, unique historical layers, and a cuisine that is distinctly ‘sarda’.

We begin in our centrally located hotel in the historic Marina district of Cagliari. With a local guide, we walk through the key areas of the city, focusing on the Castello district — the oldest part of Cagliari. Positioned within 14th-century fortified walls and perched above the city, this hilltop area reflects centuries of invasion and settlement, explaining both its defensive layout and tightly packed structure.

After some time to refresh, we walk together to the Marina area for our first dinner. This is your introduction to Sardinian cuisine, shaped by both land and sea — from sheep farming and pecorino cheeses, to ancient grain traditions and seafood influences. You’ll encounter local specialties such as carasau bread, fregula (a couscous-like pasta), and culurgionis (filled pasta), with many more to come throughout the week.

Meals: Dinner (3 courses including wine)

This morning we begin with a short drive to a viewpoint overlooking Cagliari, providing a broader perspective on how geography has shaped life, trade and settlement patterns in this part of Sardinia.

We then travel along the southern coastline to Nora, one of the island’s most important archaeological sites. Originally founded as a Phoenician settlement in the 8th century BC, it later developed into a Roman town and port. What remains today are the ruins of an elegant coastal settlement — mosaicked villas, ancient roads, a theatre, and structures that speak to its once significant role.

In the afternoon we visit Tuvixeddu, the largest Punic necropolis in the Mediterranean. Dating back to the 6th century BC, this burial site contains around 1,000 tombs carved into the rock, offering insight into ancient beliefs around death and the afterlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (3 courses including wine)

We begin the day at San Benedetto markets, the central hub for fresh produce in Cagliari. This is where locals shop — a vibrant and authentic experience showcasing seasonal fruit and vegetables, seafood, and a full ‘nose-to-tail’ approach to meat. It’s an opportunity to understand daily life and food culture at a local level.

From here we step much further back in time, focusing on the Nuraghic civilisation — a Bronze Age society unique to Sardinia. We visit Su Nuraxi in Barumini, the largest and most significant of these structures, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built from basalt stone and dating back to around 1500 BC, this fortress-like complex provides a remarkable physical timeline of habitation over more than two millennia.

After lunch we continue to another Bronze Age site known as the “Tomb of the Giants” (Sa Domu ‘e S’Orcu). Set on a hilltop, this monumental structure is striking in both scale and simplicity, with its massive stone construction and possible ceremonial significance linked to ancient beliefs.

In the late afternoon we travel to our next base in the Oristano region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (3 courses including wine)

Today we explore the Sinis Peninsula, an area rich in archaeological and cultural significance.

We begin with views over the ancient site of Tharros from a Spanish-era watchtower, highlighting how both the Phoenicians and Romans utilised this strategic coastal position.

We then visit the village of San Salvatore, notable for its unusual layout of narrow streets and small clustered houses. Beneath the church, we view early wall drawings in the crypt — a lesser-known but fascinating feature.

In Cabras, we visit the archaeological museum housing the ‘Giants of Mont’e Prama’ — large Iron Age stone statues dating back to around 900 BC. These recently discovered figures are unlike anything typically associated with Italian history and provide a rare insight into Sardinia’s ancient past.

In the afternoon we travel to Santa Cristina, where we visit a sacred well over 3,000 years old. Its precise stone construction and geometric design demonstrate a remarkable level of engineering for its time.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (3 courses including wine)

Today we head inland into the mountainous Barbagia region, offering a contrast to the coastal landscapes of previous days.

Our first stop is Orgosolo, known for its striking murals. These artworks cover many buildings throughout the town and reflect political, social and cultural themes, originating from protest movements in the 1960s. With a local guide, we explore the town and gain insight into the stories behind these works and what they reveal about Sardinian identity.

For lunch we travel into the Supramonte region, dining outdoors in a forest setting. Here we enjoy traditional Sardinian food cooked over an open grill in a relaxed, communal environment.

After lunch we experience ‘canto tenore’, a traditional form of polyphonic singing recognised by UNESCO. Performed by four men using different vocal techniques, this is a unique cultural expression specific to this region.

We then continue to Bosa, a picturesque riverside town lined with pastel-coloured buildings, where we stop briefly before travelling on to Alghero.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic style)

This morning we explore Alghero, a city with a distinct Catalan influence dating back to the 14th century Aragonese conquest. This heritage is reflected in the architecture, local dialect, and cuisine — including dishes such as paella.

The old town sits along the coastline, with walls and bastions overlooking the sea, and plenty of cafés to enjoy the setting.

Just outside the city we visit a local winery, tasting regional wines and learning about Sardinia’s unique grape varieties.

In the afternoon we visit Bombarde Beach, known for its clear turquoise waters. You’ll have time to relax, swim, or enjoy the beachside setting. For those who prefer, a return to the hotel is also an option.

In the evening we come together for our final dinner — a fitting conclusion to the week.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (3 courses including wine)

We conclude the tour with a transfer to Alghero airport, arriving by 9:30am.

Meals: Breakfast