Sardinia, like Sicily, belongs to the Italian nation-state but is a world apart in terms of its location, customs and traditions. The second largest island in the Mediterranean (next to Sicily), Sardinia was at the crossroads of many great civilizations, including the Romans, Phoenecians, Arabs, and Spaniards. The impact of these various peoples has left contemporary Sardinians a bit insular and perhaps even somewhat xenophobic. But for those willing to penetrate this island's austere exterior, the rewards can be impressive. Sardinia is often said to feel like a mini-continent with landscapes changing every few miles, giving one the feel of a wild frontier. Sergio Leone even shot some of his spaghetti westerns here. The coastlines in particular are famous for their stunning beauty, offering some of the best fine sand beaches in all of Italy. Sardinian food is another great reason to come to the island, as it is always of a high quality. Sardinian cheese, bread and pastries are second to none, and seafood is abundant and delicious everywhere. For meat lovers, the interior of the island offers a variety of delectable dishes, including the classic porceddu, or roasted pig. And for pasta lovers, don't worry, for you will find no shortage of Sardinian-influenced varieties of the Italian staple.

Situated close to and south of the French-owned island of Corsica, just across the Strait of Bonifacio, is the lovely Sardinian town of Santa Teresa Gallura, where we will spend several nights of this lovely tour. From this base, we will have the opportunity to explore the azure waters of the incredible Maddalena Archipelago, to drive along the glitzy Emerald Coast (Costa Smeralda) and even to take a day trip by boat across the strait to Corsica to enjoy a day in the magnificent Corsican town of Bonifacio. Later in the tour, we will travel further southwestward to the picturesque town of Alghero, from which we will set about discovering medieval fortresses, two thousand year-old Nuragic villages, Roman cities and much more. We will even picnic with local shepherds, enjoying a typical Sardinian menu of meats, cheeses and local wine. In short, this tour is meant to give you an exciting overview of the best the island has to offer and to promote a greater appreciation for the distinctive history of the Sardinian people. The Grand Dame of Italy, although removed from the mainland and somewhat aloof in character, awaits the curious and open-minded traveler. Come with us and dare to do something different and unusual. Come visit Sardinia, Italy, with ArawjoTours, LLC.

DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1 - Departure from USA

Day 2 – Thursday, June 21, 2018: Arrival Olbia / St. Teresa Gallura

Arrival at Olbia International Airport. Meet your tour manager, Lucy Rapoport, and private motor coach to start the transfer to St. Teresa Gallura. Overnight in St. Teresa Gallura.

Day 3 – St. Teresa Gallura – Emerald Coast – St. Teresa Gallura

After breakfast at the hotel, meet in the lobby at 9:00 a.m. Today we will explore Capo Testa, the granite promontory in the extreme north of the island, with its characteristic rocks eroded by the sea and by the wind. After lunch, we will visit the Emerald Coast, founded in the early 60s, by Ismaili Prince Karim Aga Khan, and visit the main resort. We will also take a walking tour of Porto Cervo, the most famous seaside resort area in all of Sardinia. Overnight in St. Teresa Gallura.

Day 4 – St. Teresa Gallura – FD Tour La Maddalena Archipelago - St. Teresa Gallura

After breakfast, meet in the lobby at 8:45 a.m. to depart on our trip to Palau. We will embark on a private boat to visit La Maddalena Archipelago, Budelli Island, Spargi Island, and St. Stefano Island. We will also disembark at La Maddalena and take our private coach to visit to this largest island of the archipelago, which is also famous for the marine park rich in flora and widespread fauna. We will visit the Museum of Garibaldi which collects the memories of this great hero. After the visit of the Museum of Garibaldi, we will return to the hotel. Overnight in St. Teresa Gallura.

Day 5 – St. Teresa Gallura – FD Bonifacio (Corsica) – St. Teresa Gallura

After breakfast at the hotel meet in the lobby at 9:15 a.m. to begin our journey to St. Teresa Pier to embark on a ferryboat to Bonifacio in Corsica. Bonifacio is one of the pearls of the island, a must-see on your trip to Corsica. Overnight in St. Teresa Gallura.

Day 6 – St. Teresa – Castelsardo – Codrogianos – Alghero

After breakfast at the hotel, meet in the lobby with your bags at 9:00 a.m. We will begin our transfer to Alghero. On the way we will stop in Castelsardo and visit the Elephant rock, an ancient hypogeal tomb and the medieval fortress overlooking the sea. In the afternoon, we will have some free time in the many handicraft emporiums (baskets, rugs, pottery and corals) of Castelsardo. We will then continue to Codrogianos to visit the Sacargia church of the XII century. Overnight in Alghero.

Day 7 – Alghero

After breakfast at hotel, meet in the lobby at 9:00 a.m. for our full day sightseeing tour of Alghero, starting in old town, including entrances to Anghelu Ruju Necropolis. Then we will continue towards the bay of Porto Conte, stopping to visit to the nuragic village of Palmavera. Here you can walk around the huts, admire the stone mirage and enter the Reunion Hut. Overnight in Alghero.

Day 8 - After breakfast on a wine tour to the Agriturismo Sa Mandra (or similar) Lunch included.

Day 9 – Alghero – Bosa – Oristano

After breakfast at the hotel, meet in the lobby with you bags at 9:00 am. for our transfer to Bosa to visit this historic ancient city situated along the river of Temo. After Bosa, we will continue toward Oristano. Overnight in Oristano.

Day 10 – Narbolia – Barumini – Tharros – Monte Prama – Narbolia

After breakfast at the hotel, meet in the lobby at 9:00 a.m. We will then enjoy a morning excursion to Barumini to visit the most impressive nuragic of the island. In the afternoon, we will experience an excursion to the Sinis peninsula, to visit the ancient Phoenician-Punic-Roman city of Tharros and the paleo-Christian church of Saint John of Sinis. We will return to our hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Oristano.

Day 11 – Narbolia – Nuoro – Orgosolo – Olbia

After breakfast at the hotel meet in the lobby with your bags at 8:30 a.m. for our departure to Barbagia with a stop in Paulilatino, to visit the beautiful sacred well of Santa Cristina, one of the most beautiful wells on the island, dedicated to the worship of water in antiquity. Our journey will continue to Nuoro, where we will visit the Museum of Custom. This museum shows tourists an overview of the uses and customs of the island. Then we go toward Orgosolo, and have an outdoor lunch with the local shepherds, with typical Sardinian menu: cold meats, cheeses, roast meats, sweets, water, cannonau wine, coffee and filu ferru (the local brandy). In the afternoon continue to Olbia. Overnight in Olbia.

Day 12 – Return to USA