Sardinia & Corsica, the Lands of Myths and Legends

Your tour commences this evening in Cagliari. Join us tonight for a welcome drink before dinner in a local restaurant. This is an ideal chance to meet, and get to know, your Tour Manager and fellow travellers.

Well off the tourist map, Cagliari has a unique identity and feeling. To the south east lies Sicily, to the east is Naples. Whilst definitely Italian, it also stamps its own Sardinian personality. Joined by a local guide we explore this engaging city. First off, we travel outside to the city’s surrounding lagoons where we discover large colonies of beautiful pink flamingos. In the background Cagliari’s old city sits astride a plateau. Back in town we enjoy a walking tour up to the Bastione di Saint Remy, with its views back over the bay. The afternoon and evening is free.

Heading north we soon reach Barumini where we visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Su Nuraxi – an impressive Nuraghe rock town. Dating back 3,700 years these Sardinian ruined giant stone villages are still somewhat of a mystery – and there are an incredible 7,000 Nuraghe scattered around the island. A local guide will take us right inside the heart of the central tower complex. Fascinating! Lunchtime will be enjoyed around Piazza Elenora in Orestano. Crossing into the Gennargentu Massif we reach an extraordinary hotel where we stay the next three nights. The setting is amazing, the food fantastic, the region wild and untamed. The comfort is excellent, décor is divine, unique and colourful. You will forever remember staying in this unique ‘Experience Hotel’. Before dinner we enjoy a pre-dinner drink on the champagne terrace – The Champagnoteque. Dinner tonight is a Sardinian
specialty – Suckling Pig! (Vegetarians are extremely well catered for).

There is nothing like a day in the mountains! Climbing aboard 4WDs we venture deep into the Supramonte mountains to enjoy an indulgent Shepherds Picnic. First stop is to enjoy a short walk to a recently discovered Nuraghe site in the forest, to learn how this ancient site was once used and the theories of what happened to the inhabitants. Re-boarding our 4WDs we drive further up the bumpy mountain track to a shepherd’s hut to enjoy our mountain picnic. The authentic grass and wood covered hut has been used for hundreds of years, and is still used by shepherds. Moving to the rustic, shady terrace the views down over the limestone mountains and gorges below are stunning. The fabulous food is all local. Time to enjoy ‘pane carasau’, traditional Sardinian flatbread, paper thin, antipasti, roast meats – lamb, veal and sausage, vegetables, cheeses, mountain honey, fruits and deserts… all washed down with delicious Cannonau (Sardinian red wine). Bellissimo! The rest of the day is free in our ‘Experience Hotel’. Maybe enjoy a siesta, a dip in the pool, or even join one of the ceramics, painting and embroidery workshops? How about an aperitif on the ‘Terrace of Dreams’, relaxing on the ‘Terrace of Desires’ or putting a message in a bottle on the ‘Terrace of Wishes’,
all with exceptional views of the sunbathed Mount Corrasi? At dusk maybe join a yoga class in the aromatic setting of the Herb Garden?

Another leisurely start to visit the nearby bandit town of Orgosolo – known also as the ‘City of Murderers’. Until only a few decades ago this was the home and refuge for the regions notorious kidnappers (rich tourists only!) and bandits. Now peaceful, the locals have transformed the whole town. Large colourful ‘murales’ (murals) adorn the walls of houses and shops. Revolutionary art, portraits of saints and sinners, dictators and world events, oppression and humour, it has the lot. Later we stop to enjoy a walk
through a peaceful glade near our hotel to see the mystical natural springs of Sorgente Su Gologone flowing from a rock wall. So picturesque! This evening we gather on one of the terraces to enjoy a tasting of local wines and produce. Before dinner relax around a bread oven in the Nido del Pane (Bread Basket) area, an expert artisan baker will create and cook tasty local breads. The aroma of the freshly baked bread will ‘whet your appetite’.

After a morning stop in Nuoro we cross to the west coast, passing farmlands filled with remnants of dozens of ancient Nuraghe ruins and towers. Lunchtime will be in the medieval streets of Bosa. Set beside the River Temo, with the hilltop Malaspina castle above, the tall houses all painted in pastel colours make Bosa such a pretty and interesting town. Later we take the scenic road up to Alghero, where we stay the next two nights. Hugging the coastal cliffs on sweeping curves around rocky promontories this memorable drive offers outstanding views. Alghero was once part of the Catalan empire and their allegiance westwards towards Spain still stands strong. You will see the Catalonian flag everywhere and the locals still speak Catalan. Therefore Alghero is a unique blend of Spanish, Italian and independent Sardinian! In our hotel’s 9th floor ‘Sky Bar’ we enjoy a welcome drink. The views over the old town port and across the sea are magnificent. Later we wander to a local restaurant in the old town to enjoy
a traditional Alghero style Sardinian dinner.

*Alghero Hotel on 8 May 2019 departure will be Hotel Punta Negra

Today the choice is yours - cruise or cliff walk. Crossing the beautiful bay on a cruise boat, we reach the massive Capo Caccia cliffs to visit the spectacular Neptune’s Caves. A specialist cave guide will walk us several hundred metres deep into the beautifully light caverns past underground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites. Anyone fancy a fantastic cliff walk? Instead of a cruise to the caves we can take you to the top of the cliffs and you can descend the amazing ‘escala del cabirol’ (goat's steps). The 654 step descent is an incredible walking experience as the stone stairway hugs the cliffs down to the cave entrance. Then you will enter the caves. The rest of the day and evening is at leisure in Alghero. Maybe enjoy dinner in a trattoria in the old town. The rich red sunsets across the sea and the cape are justifiably famous.

We cross northern Sardinia to the exquisite Costa Smeralda coast, famous for its azure blue seas and archipelago of rocky islands. From Palau it is only a short ferry ride across to Isola Maddalena. After a short stop in La Maddalena town, we enjoy a panoramic drive around the island. Lunchtime is at leisure at Punta Tegge where there is the opportunity to swim or relax and enjoy lunch at the beachside trattoria, Zi Anto. In the afternoon we cross the water to Corsica, France. As we approach Bonifacio the citadel and fortifications loom high, perched magnificently, overhanging the deep blue sea. Entering the harbour we are surrounded by  enormous mega yachts and cruisers moored there. The entire harbour is one giant marina and lining the quays are dozens and dozens of bars, shops, restaurants and cafés. Dinner tonight is included in a local restaurant, a short stroll from our cliff top hotel.

*Bonafacio Hotel for 8 May and 14 September 2019 departures will be Hotel A Madonetta. Note porterage is not available at this hotel.

We have included a half day excursion up the east coast of Corsica to enjoy the morning in the fashionable resort town of Porto-Vecchio. The rest of your day is free in Bonifacio. ‘My Time’ to relax and amble around the yacht filled harbour, go shopping, explore the historic old citadel, or maybe hire a boat for a joyride around the bay. A wonderful relaxing day!

Skirting the south west corner, we arrive in charming Sartène. By the leafy main square is the gateway to the 16th century streets of the old town. Take time to stroll and shop amongst the little winding alleys, or to settle in a café and enjoy the medieval surroundings. Later we cross over the hills to Ajaccio for our next two night stay. Dinner tonight is included.

*Ajaccio hotel for all departures is Best Western Plus Hotel Amiraute, Ajaccio

This morning we are joined by a local guide for a walking tour of the old town of Ajaccio. Most famous as being the birthplace of that ‘little Corsican’ Napoleon Bonaparte, we also visit the house where he was born and spent his youth. The rest of your day is free. ‘My Time’ to explore and shop in the lengthy pedestrian shopping street or relax by the pool at our hotel.

Boarding a train we cut straight through the scenic mountains of Corsica’s rugged interior to arrive in the ancient capital of Corte. We have included entrance to Corte’s historical museum and ramparts. From there you will have access to the picturesque old fortification standing high on a rocky outcrop. It was here that the Pasquale Paoli, head of the Corsican resistance, declared their new republic in 1794, making Corte the capital. His statue is in the main square amongst the cafes and restaurants, and the buildings are still pockmarked with hundreds bullet holes! In town there are lovely laneways and alleys, cafes and shops. A delightful place to spend lunchtime. Later we enjoy an afternoon stop in the ‘oh so French’ port of L’ile Rousse. This evening we will walk to the pedestrianised old town. After a tasting of local produce and wine in a delicatessen specialising in charcuterie, your evening is free. Calvi is a delightful place to stroll around, filled to the brim with shops, cafés and ‘al fresco’ dining.

*Calvi Hotel for 8 May and 14 September 2019 departures will be Hotel Chez Charles

Your morning is at leisure. ‘My Time’ in delightful Calvi. Set on a crescent shaped bay, the pedestrian streets full of shops, boutiques and cafes run parallel to the marina and Quai Landry esplanade which is lined with restaurants. At the end on the rocky promontory above is the medieval fortified citadel. In the afternoon we take a terrific cruise along the coast to see the fabulous cliffs and calanques (narrow, steep walled inlets) of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Scandola Nature Reserve, in the Gulf of Girolata. Late in the afternoon the gigantic rocky outcrops, which emerge from the deep blue water, catch the setting sun. It is so beautiful watching the colours change, contrasting so much with the sea and sky. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Your tour ends today after breakfast. Calvi has a small airport which is a short taxi ride away. For those wishing to catch a flight or ferry out of Bastia we have included a complimentary morning transfer.