Sardinia: Real & Rustic
7 Nights Inclusive from £3499 per person
Departures 2nd October 2027
Sardinia: Real & Rustic
While quintessentially Italian, no-one who visits Sardinia can deny that it has a special magic of its own. From its craggy peaks and Bronze-Age ‘nuraghi’ towers to its simple yet delicious local cuisine, this often-overlooked island brims with rustic charm, sun-beaten landscapes and beguiling discoveries.
Escaping the conventional tourist trail around Sardinia’s glitzy Costa Smeralda, our 7-night guided tour of Sardinia concentrates on less-travelled regions: unveiling the capital Cagliari, sleepy towns like Bosa, and the Supramonte Mountains before visiting seaside Alghero.
Designed as one of our intimate Sardinia small group tours, encounters with local life abound – from vineyard visits and mouth-watering wine tastings to lunches in the mountains and stays in hand-picked hotels, including the acclaimed Su Gologone, an idyllic retreat in the hills.
Departing 2nd October 2027
Twin from £3499 per person
Single Supplement £500
Deposit per person £400
Handpicked Highlights
- Get under the skin of wild, untouched Italy on one of our fascinating guided tours of Sardinia, experiencing its natural beauty, savouring its local food and staying at small and charming hotels
- Unwind in the lovely Catalan town of Alghero, famous for its sunsets and sea grottos explored on our Sardinia boat tours
- Channel the local lifestyle at the Su Gologone hotel in Sardinia’s ‘Blue Zone’, one of five global areas known for the longevity of its locals
- See the Bronze-Age ‘nuraghi’ of Su Nuraxi in Barumini and learn their ancient mysteries
- Visit an organic winery in the south’s rolling hills and taste wines still made in ceramic amphoras
- Devour rustic Sardinian fare like cold cuts and ‘pane carasau’ at a shepherd’s hut in the Gennargentu mountains
- Watch bakers make traditional flatbread, sip red Cannonau wine, and dine on slow-roasted suckling pig, an island delicacy
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Sardinia
We fly to Cagliari and after a transfer to our hotel, the 4-star Regina Margherita in the city, we enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, setting the tone for our wonderful food tour in Sardinia. Both provide the perfect opportunity to meet and chat with your fellow travellers and tour manager.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 Cagliari
Today is dedicated to Cagliari, Sardinia’s evocative and often underrated capital. Steeped in character, the city is outwardly Italian but with its own undeniable personality – interestingly, DH Lawrence called it ‘strange and rather wonderful.’ On a guided walking tour of Sardinia’s capital, we explore the historic old city, which sits on a plateau under an ancient citadel. After visiting the National Archaeological Museum to view artifacts spanning Neolithic and Roman times, we see the 13th century Cathedral and Bastion of Saint Remy, which commands stunning bay views, and ride the mini-train that winds through the medieval quarter.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 Su Nuraxi & Olianas Winery
Leaving Cagliari, we travel to Barumini, home to UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi, a cluster of ‘nuraghi’ defensive towers dating back 3,700 years. With a local guide, we go inside the central tower and learn the legends behind these age-old structures. Next, we visit the Olianas Winery for a vineyard tour, wine-tasting and light lunch of fresh, home-grown produce – a wonderful introduction to local flavours on this immersive wine tour in Sardinia – before crossing into Sardinia’s Gennargentu Massif to our base for the next three nights – the extraordinary Su Gologone Experience Hotel, tucked into the foothills of the Supramonte Mountains. This evening, we gather for an aperitif on an alfresco terrace before relishing the Sardinian speciality of suckling pig, accompanied by unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Supramonte Mountains
A true adventure awaits in Sardinia’s rugged Supramonte peaks this morning. Travelling into the mountains by 4WD, we visit a nuraghi site before driving to a rustic shepherd’s hut for a picnic of flavoursome local foods including ‘carasau’ flatbreads, antipasti, roast lamb, cheeses, honey and desserts, all washed down with full-bodied Cannonau red wine. After our feast, we return to the Su Gologone, leaving the remainder of the afternoon and evening free for you to enjoy its inspirational amenities and setting. Maybe swim in the pool if the weather allows, relax on a scenic terrace, enjoy a siesta, or sip an aperitif at sunset – the choice is yours.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 Sorgente Su Gologone Springs & Orgosolo
We embark on a leisurely walk to the Sorgente Su Gologone springs, which flow from a rock face. After taking in this mystical beauty spot, we have lunch in nearby Orgosolo, dubbed the ‘City of Murderers’, for harbouring notorious bandits until a few decades ago. Our local guide shows us the highlights of this intriguing town, which is now peaceful and painted with murals depicting everything from revolutionary scenes to saints’ portraits. Tonight brings a special tasting of local produce and wines. Gathered around a bread oven inside the hotel restaurant or one of its terraces (weather dependent), we watch an artisan baker create and cook local breads. The sweet aromas will surely whet your appetite for dinner and drinks, which follow.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Nuoro, Bosa & Alghero
This morning, we call at historic Nuoro, set on the slopes of Monte Ortobene before passing farmlands and nuraghi en route to the west coast. We stop for lunch in the medieval town of Bosa, where stacks of pastel-painted houses climb to a ruined castle. From here, it’s a scenic drive around headlands and cliffs to Alghero. This one-time Catalan outpost exudes both a Spanish and Sardinian feel, and boasts cobbled lanes and piazzas girded by fortified walls. After checking in at our hotel, we meet for prosecco and nibbles at the rooftop bar overlooking the harbour before enjoying the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 Neptune’s Caves
After riding a boat across the emerald waters of Alghero Bay on one of the most scenic Sardinia boat tours, we reach the rocky Capo Caccia headland, home to the famous Neptune’s Caves, a network of natural sea grottos. Here, a cave guide leads us through the stunning caverns to see illuminated lakes, stalactites and stalagmites. Alternatively, you can choose to descend the ‘Escala del Cabirol’ (goat’s steps), a 656-step stairway down the cliffs to the caves’ entrance, revealing sublime seascapes at each turn. Returning to Alghero, we’ll have time to freshen up before enjoying a fabulous farewell dinner at a local trattoria – rounding off our unforgettable food tour in Sardinia.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Departure
We transfer to Olbia airport for our flight to the UK. This unforgettable journey showcases the very best of our Sardinia multi day tours, blending culture, cuisine and breathtaking landscapes.
Meals included: Breakfast
Regina Margherita
As part of our guided tours of Sardinia, we have hand-picked the 4-star Regina Margherita for its great location in Cagliari’s historic centre and its reputation for exceptional service. Standing on a tree-lined street running from the medieval quarter and close to the cathedral and harbour, this modern hotel offers a traditionally warm welcome. Making sure everyone feels at home, the experienced hotel team provides all guests with professional and helpful service.The marble lobby, lounge and bar are sophisticated and comfortable, while the daily buffet breakfast of cured meats, yogurts, cheeses and fresh fruits are created using only the freshest local products. Guests reserve special praise for the coffee – it’s made and served to your personal tastes. Well equipped stylish guest rooms feature a private bathroom with shower, free Wi-Fi, safe and minibar. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city on a guided walking tour of Sardinia’s historic capital.
Nights 1-2
Su Gologone Experience Hotel
Surrounded by Sardinia’s stunning natural landscape and nestled in the Supramonte foothills, the 4-star Su Gologone is a celebration of the island’s rich traditions, gastronomy and connection with nature. Run by the Palimodde family, guests can unwind and enjoy experiences like craft workshops and 4WD excursions. The hotel’s hand-embroidered furnishings and local art are a true reflection of Sardinia’s natural surroundings.
Inspired by its location in Sardinia’s Blue Zone – where a local healthy diet prolongs locals’ life span – the hotel serves simple, country cuisine. Also on offer is suckling pig and home-made pastas together with aperitifs and grappas on its evocatively named outdoor decks, including stunning ‘Terrace of Dreams’. Tempting breakfasts are made from locally sourced honey, cheeses, cakes and cured meats. Offering excellent facilities, the hotel features three inviting bars, a spring-fed outdoor pool and tennis courts add a final flourish. Each en-suite room is uniquely furnished in typical Sardinian style, with air-conditioning, TV, safe, hairdryer, kettle and coffee-maker. The hotel’s strong focus on traditional cuisine and local produce makes it a natural highlight of our immersive food tour in Sardinia.
Nights 3-5
Hotel Catalunya
A short stroll from Alghero old town, the 4-star modern Catalunya enjoys a great position close to the harbour and 15 minutes’ walk from the beautiful Lido beach. Inside, everything is designed to create a relaxing and authentically Sardinian home-from-home, from the immaculate lobby and obliging staff to thoughtful touches that support the local community, such as eco-friendly policies and the use of local ingredients at the restaurant.
One of the highpoints here – quite literally – is the Skybar, a covered top-floor terrace where guests can unwind after a busy day of exploring while taking in fantastic sunset and harbour views. Rich buffet breakfasts with coffees made just how you like them, a small gym and an open-air garden terrace complete the hotel facilities. The restful rooms, meanwhile, offer old town or port views and come with an en-suite with bath or shower, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi, safe, hairdryer and minibar. Its proximity to the harbour provides easy access to scenic coastal experiences, including one of our memorable Sardinia boat tours to Neptune’s Caves.
Nights 6-7
What's included
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Flights
Please note: In most instances for this tour, flights will depart from London Heathrow and return to London Gatwick
(Call us for flight details)
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Accommodation
7 nights in four handpicked hotels
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
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Handpicked Highlights
Itinerary and handpicked highlights as stated above
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Tour Manager
Services of a local, experienced English speaking Tour Manager
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Coach Transport
All coach transportation as stated in itinerary above
Ready to book? Click your chosen date below
Departing 2nd October 2027
Twin from £3499 per person
Single Supplement £500
Deposit per person £400
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