Tour Details
Sardinia is one of Italy’s most distinctive regions — and in many ways, it feels like a world of its own. Shaped by thousands of years of independent cultural development, this island offers a rich and layered history, all set within striking natural landscapes.
This tour is designed to uncover those differences. From the fortified hilltop districts of Cagliari to the ancient ruins of Nora and the extraordinary Nuraghic structures scattered across the island, each day reveals a deeper understanding of Sardinia’s past.
Alongside this history is a strong cultural identity that remains very much alive today. In places like Orgosolo, the town’s murals tell stories of political expression and social change, while traditional practices such as canto tenore singing and local festivals continue to reflect the island’s unique character.
Food plays a central role throughout the week. Sardinian cuisine is distinct from mainland Italy, shaped by both land and sea. From pecorino cheeses and carasau bread to fregula pasta and local seafood, each meal provides an opportunity to experience these traditions firsthand.
This is a tour for travellers who have perhaps already experienced more of Italy and are looking for something different — a place with its own identity, history and rhythm, offering a deeper and more unusual perspective on the Mediterranean.
Tour Type: Small Group Tour (maximum of 14 guests)
Duration: 7 Days
Cost:
- Price: €3,100 or $5,299 AUD*
- Prices listed are based on twin share
- Single supplement: €500 or $949 AUD*
2027 Departures:
- 16 – 22 May
- 6 – 12 June
- 19 – 25 September
- 26 September – 2 October
- 10 – 16 October
*Pricing and Currency Disclaimer:
All prices are listed in Euros (EUR). For customers paying in Australian Dollars (AUD), the final amount due will be subject to the currency conversion rate applicable at the time of final payment. Please note that exchange rates may vary, and additional fees may apply depending on your payment provider or financial institution.
Prices are set on Euros and this is the current AUD based on the exchange rate at time of publication.
Tour includes:
- A tour manager for the duration of the trip, supported by specialist local guides
- All accommodation in Cagliari, Oristano and Alghero
- All transport during the tour (minibus with professional driver)
- All entry fees and activities listed in the itinerary
- Meals as listed: breakfast daily, plus a main meal each day (3 courses including wine)
Accommodation:
This tour is based across three locations, allowing you to experience different regions of the island.
In Cagliari, we stay in the historic Marina district at the centrally located Hotel Regina Margherita.
In the Oristano area, we stay at Hotel La Baja, overlooking the coastline.
In Alghero, we stay at Hotel Catalunya, ideally positioned between the old town and the sea — a fitting location to conclude the tour.
Tour highlights:
- A unique region of Italy with a distinct culture shaped by millennia of independent history
- Ancient archaeological sites including Nora, Su Nuraxi (UNESCO), and the ‘Giants of Mont’e Prama’
- Explore key locations including Cagliari, Oristano, Alghero, Bosa and Orgosolo
- Discover Nuraghic Bronze Age structures, Phoenician settlements and Roman coastal towns
- Experience Sardinian culture through murals, traditional canto tenore singing and local customs
- A strong culinary focus with regional dishes, local produce and daily long lunches
- Coastal scenery, beaches and historic towns blending Mediterranean and Catalan influences
- Stay in three locations, offering a comprehensive journey across the island
- Small group touring, maximum of 14 guests
Physical Requirements:
This tour is not strenuous but involves regular walking at each location.
Participants should be comfortable walking for up to 2–2.5 hours at a time on uneven terrain, including cobblestones, steps and unpaved paths.
An active lifestyle and ability to walk in warm conditions is recommended.
Tour Notes:
This tour is based around walking at each destination, with short walks (10–15 minutes) often required from drop-off points.
Daily schedule: Most days begin between 8:30 – 9:00am and finish between 5:00 – 6:30pm.
Departure: Single transfer to Alghero airport at 9:00am (arrival by 9:30am).
Accommodation may vary, with some rooms requiring stairs and luggage handling.
Day 1 – Buongiorno Sardinia, exploring Cagliari
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)
Accommodation: Hotel Regina Margherita, Cagliari
Day 2 – Nora Archaeological Site – Tuvixeddu
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)
Accommodation: Hotel Regina Margherita, Cagliari
Day 3 – Markets – Nuraghic Bronze Age Sites
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)
Accommodation: Hotel La Baja, Oristano area
Day 4 – Sinis Peninsula – Giants of Mont’e Prama – Santa Cristina
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)
Accommodation: Hotel La Baja, Oristano area
Day 5 – Orgosolo – Canto Tenore – Bosa – Alghero
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)
Accommodation: Hotel Catalunya, Alghero
Day 6 – Alghero – Winery – Beach
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)
Accommodation: Hotel Catalunya, Alghero
Day 7 – Arrivederci Sardinia
We conclude the tour with a transfer to Alghero airport, arriving by 9:30am.
Meals: Breakfast
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