History, Coastlines & Culture
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Rome.
We arrive in Rome and transfer to our airport hotel. After check-in, we enjoy our Welcome Cocktail and Dinner.
Fly to Cagliari, Sardinia’s historic capital, where centuries of Phoenician, Roman, and Spanish influence have shaped its unique character.
Begin your discovery of Sardinia with a hands-on cooking class, learning traditional recipes that reflect the island’s rich culinary heritage. Enjoy lunch featuring the dishes you have prepared before exploring Cagliari’s atmospheric historic quarters, including the medieval Castello district, with its narrow streets, ancient fortifications, and panoramic views.
Visit the Molentargius-Saline Natural Park, a remarkable wetland landscape famous for its historic salt pans and resident flamingos. Later, explore the fascinating archaeological site of Nora, one of Sardinia’s earliest settlements, where Phoenician and Roman remains overlook the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Travel to Porto Flavia, an extraordinary engineering achievement carved into dramatic coastal cliffs and once central to Sardinia’s mining industry. Continue to Sant’Antioco, one of the oldest Phoenician settlements in the Mediterranean, where ancient traditions and archaeological treasures reveal the island’s fascinating past.
Discover Su Nuraxi, Sardinia’s most important Bronze Age archaeological complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the Giara Plateau, a unique natural landscape known for its wild horses, scenic trails, and tranquil wetlands.
Explore the ancient ruins of Tharros, dramatically situated on the shores of the Sinis Peninsula. After a traditional seafood lunch, visit the Giovanni Marongiu Civic Museum before continuing to Alghero, a charming coastal city whose Catalan heritage remains evident in its architecture, culture, and language.
Stroll through Alghero’s beautifully preserved old town, surrounded by ancient walls and overlooking the sea. Later, enjoy an excursion to the spectacular Neptune’s Grotto, a vast limestone cave adorned with impressive stalactites and underground chambers carved by nature over thousands of years.
Journey along one of Sardinia’s most scenic coastal routes to Bosa, a colourful riverside town crowned by a medieval castle. Explore its charming historic centre and enjoy a tasting of the region’s renowned Malvasia wine before a leisurely seaside lunch.
Embark on a full-day excursion to Asinara National Park, an island renowned for its pristine landscapes, secluded coves, and remarkable wildlife. A guided jeep tour reveals the island’s fascinating history, unique natural environment, and the famous white donkeys that roam freely across the park.
Visit Castelsardo, one of Sardinia’s most picturesque medieval villages, perched dramatically above the sea. En route to Olbia, stop at the striking Basilica of the Holy Trinity of Saccargia, widely regarded as one of the island’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture.
Cruise to the enchanting La Maddalena Archipelago, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and spectacular coastal scenery. Explore the island town of La Maddalena before continuing to Caprera, home to the former residence of Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of Italy’s most important historical figures. Conclude the day with a tasting of local wines and regional specialities.
Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in Olbia. Take time to explore the town, browse local boutiques, relax by the coast, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Sardinia’s renowned Emerald Coast.
Return to Rome and discover some of the highlights of Italy’s capital on a guided panoramic tour. Admire iconic landmarks including the Basilica of St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, the Colosseum area, Circus Maximus, Castel Sant’Angelo, and many other historic treasures that showcase the city’s extraordinary legacy. Celebrate the conclusion of your journey with a Farewell Dinner accompanied by live music.
We fly home from Rome.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
