Tour description
SARDINIA & CORSICA SMALL GROUP TOUR
An ancient land with an ancient language, Sardinia is a uniquely fascinating place, forged by many centuries of culture and history, in its strategic position at the center of the Mediterranean. Its awe-inspiring treasures of the past, such as the Nuraghic bronzes in Cagliari and the Megalithic tombs of the giants, can be admired in the island’s many museums, or in its archaeological areas, some dating back as far as the 7th century BC. And standing silently ever present across the island, the enigmatic Nuraghi; these round fortresses built in pre-historic times still survive as powerful symbols of the tenacity of Sardinia and its people. All this combines with the breathtakingly beautiful and varied natural environment to create a truly special place.
A world apart, an island separated from the rest of Italy not only by the sea but also by centuries of history and cultural experience. On the other hand, Corsica is an enigmatic island with many and varied faces, a wild and fascinating place. It resembles a minianute continent, with astounding geographical diversity. Within half an hour, the landscape morphs from glittering bays, glitzy coastal cities and fabolous beaches to sawtooth peaks, breathtaking valleys, dense forests and enigmatic hilltop villages.
Travel to Sardinia and Corsica with their idyllic climate, archaeology treasures, dramatic vistas and hearty cuisine that embodies all things Sardinian and Corsican.Experience the contrast of these beautiful Islands with a small group limited to 12/14 travelers only!
We have a real passion for Sardinia and Corsica and look forward to sharing it with you !
Read what our friends say about this fantastic small group tour to Sardinia
- Guaranteed departures group travel: small, friendly group limited to 12/14 participants only!
- More than 15 included sightseeing tours & cultural experiences
- Explore CAGLIARI walled city of water and light” spectacularly perched over the Bay of Angels
- Visit the archaeological museum which boasts the largest collection of artifacts on the island
- Marvel at the remains of the ancient city of NORA
- Wander the medieval lanes of BOSA, dominated by an impressive CASTLE
- Fall in love with the distinctive NURAGHE, pre-historic conical stone towers for which Sardinia is famous for
- Be amazed by the prehistoric settlement UNESCO SU NURAXI, the most complete Nuragic complex in Sardinia
- Stroll around ALGHERO, surrounded by towers and fortifications with time to go to a nearby beach
- BOAT TRIP to the NEPTUNE CAVE (weather permitting)
- BONIFACIO, perched on the precipitous limestone cliffs of Southern Corsica
- AJACCIO, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte with included museum
- Loose yourself in the medieval streets of SARTENE
- Back road hill town of CORTE
- WINE TASTING experiences in SARDINIA
- Majestic citadel of BASTIA
- Visit popular UNESCO World heritage sites
- Exceptional local tour director, experienced to accompany you throughout your journey
- Entrances to main Sardinian and Corsican sites are included
- Transportation on tour, via private air-conditioned 32 seats motorcoach
- Tour city guides as per itinerary in Sardinia and Corsica
- City taxes and service charges at all hotels and restaurants
- Baggage transfers and porters are not included at the Hotel in Bastia
- Included regional meals: All breakfasts, 6 dinners, 3 lunches (main meals include regional wine, mineral water, local coffee or tea only)
- Tour package: We suggest arriving a day or two before your tour begins to allow ample time to get over jet lag and be well-rested for the first few days of your tour.
- Activity level: Light/Moderate
- Terms & conditions/Single supplement: (View Here) and FAQ ( View Here)
- Trip Interruption & Cancellation insurance is not included. We highly recommend Travelex-Insurance.com to protect your vacation.
- Purchase of European Travel & Health insurance is strongly recommended
- CAGLIARI,”HOTEL VILLA FANNY” or simila (3 nights)
- ALGHERO,”CARLOS V ALGHERO” or similar (3 nights)
- BONIFACIO,”HOTEL SANTA TERESA“or similar (1 night)
- AJACCIO,”HOTEL LES MOUETTES“or similar (2 nights)
- BASTIA,”HOTEL DES GOUVERNEURS” or similar (2 nights)
SARDINIA & CORSICA SMALL GROUP TOUR TRAVEL ITINERARY
TOUR LIMITED TO 12/14 PARTICIPANTS ONLY FROM CAGLIARI TO BASTIA
Day 1: WELCOME TO THE ISLAND OF SARDINIA
Arrive at Cagliari international airport and travel to the city center for a three nights stay at a boutique hotel close to the city’s architecturally treasures. Tonight, we enjoy a welcome drink followed by dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in CAGLIARI. Walking: Light
Day 2: HIGHLIGHTS OF CAGLIARI & HOME-HOSTED LUNCH
Start your discovery of Sardinia with a guided walking tour of Cagliari, the Sardinian capital. It has an enviable setting overlooking the beautiful Bay of Angels and its historic heart, the CASTELLO which is cradled by ancient ramparts that enclose some beautiful architectural gems and historical treasures enjoy a walking tour that begins with the NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, which contains a fairly wide range of pre-Nuragic, Phoenician and Carthaginian finds. Our tour then takes us down through the streets of the old town to the CATHEDRAL where to admire the Pisan Romanesque facade, the elaborate Gothic/Baroque interior, the crypt under the altar and the BASTIONE S REMY, a glorious spot for amazing views.Beneath the citadel walls, the vibrant marina quarter is a tangle of tiny streets bursting with tantalizing shops and bars.Afterwards, drive to nearby bucolic village of Soleminis to meet a Sardinian family for an included HOME-HOSTED LUNCH.Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in CAGLIARI Walking: Moderate
Day 3: SAN BENEDETTO MARKET & ANCIENT NORA
This morning we drive to the popular SAN BENEDETTO MARKET where you can see how the locals shop, what they buy, what is fresh, and what is caught in this part of the Mediterranean Sea.Then continue south-west out of the city of Cagliari over bridges and viaducts crossing salt pans that have been in use since the Romans arriving at the sunken Phoenician city of NORA, one of Sardinia’s most important archaeological sites dating to the 8th century BC. The most important town in Sardinia during the rule of Rome. It was certainly an ancient Phoenician port of call, and this is confirmed both by some inscriptions and by its geographical position, which corresponded to the Phoenicians’ trading requirements, who chose as their port of call small islands off the mainland or the extreme tips of promontories such as that of Pula. After some time at POETTO BEACH (weather permitting) for a swim or lunch on your own,then return to Cagliari.Overnight in CAGLIARI. Walking: Moderate
Day 4: UNESCO SU NURAXI, COLORFUL BOSA & STUNNING ALGHERO
Our long day starts with a drive North to BARUMINI for a tour of the Bronze Age site at SU NURAXI, ancient megalithic constructions developed during the Nuragic age (1900-730 B.C.), included by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. The Nuragic people built many prehistoric stone villages in Sardinia from about 1800 BC but left no written records. Su Nuraxi is described as the finest and most complete example of this remarkable form of prehistoric architecture. This is truly an experience you will not soon forget. Afterwards, head to the delightful pastel-colored houses town of BOSA located on a green valley at the foot of a mountainous area dominated by the Castello dei Malaspina, on the right bank of the Temo river, the only navigable one in Sardinia. This fascinating town is famous for its artisan tradition of gold-filigree jewelers and lace making. After a tasting of a local Malvasia wine,spend the next three nights in the medieval fortified seaside town of ALGHERO in a central hotel located a short walk from the town center.Overnight in ALGHERO. Walking: Moderate
DAY 5: BOAT TRIP TO THE NEPTUNE’S CAVE & CATALAN ALGHERO
The morning starts with an early transfer to the port for embarking on a private boat to one of the most fascinating jewels of the whole Mediterranean, the mystical CAVES OF NEPTUNE, bathed in shimmering colors and bristling with stalactites and stalagmites contorted into fantastical shapes (weather permitting).Following this, we will enjoy a guided tour of the stunning town of ALGHERO described as “little Barcelona”, discovering the labyrinthine alleys of the remarkably preserved old town, defended by robust walls and four bastions dedicated to famous explorers. The lively piazza is fitted with shops and restaurants.Dinner is included this evening in a local restaurant.Eat as a real local!!!Overnight in ALGHERO. Walking: Moderate
DAY 6: CAPO CACCIA PROMONTORY, NECROPOLIS OF ANGHELU RUJU & COOKING CLASS
Today’s visit takes you to discover the stunning limestone headland of CAPO CACCIA followed by a stop to the captivating site of ANGHELU RUJU which houses one of the largest prehistoric cemeteries in Sardinia in terms of the number of tombs found up till now. Nearly 40 artificial caves (the famous domus de janas) carved in a rocky ledge of soft sandstone used by different cultures starting in the Late Neolithic and going on until the first Bronze Age. Following this, we shall visit the house of Signora Irene, a proud Sardinian, for mastering the flavors of the local cuisine during an entertaining COOKING CLASS where you learn about typical local ingredients and sampling delicious food. The evening is at leisure in Alghero.The rich red sunsets across the sea and the cape are justifiably famous.Overnight in ALGHERO. Walking: Moderate
DAY 7: MEDIEVAL CASTELSARDO, WINERY EXPERIENCE & CORSICA ISLAND
Today we take a journey inland through the GALLURA REGION rich in oak woods and granite rocks. Our first stop is the charming 13th-century Aragonese town of CASTELSARDO, perched on a cliff looking at the Gulf of Asinara. The town is dominated by its Castle hence its name and sits high on a hilltop sheltering the houses below. Imagine steep, winding streets leading up to rugged defensive towers and elderly women sitting in doorways weaving elaborate baskets. It’s little wonder it has been listed as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. We then drive to the heart of the Gallura region,featuring a visit to most renowned WINERY for a cellar tour and wine tasting.End the day with a drive to SANTA TERESA DI GALLURA to embark on a late ferry to BONIFACIO (approx. 1 hr. journey).Admire the contrast of scenery of the two Islands. Spend the night at a central hotel with breakfast included.Dinner is on your own.Overnight in BONIFACIO. Walking: Moderate
DAY 8: MEDIEVAL BONIFACIO,BACKROAD SARTENE & ELEGANT AJACCIO
Corsica boasts a long, eventful and troubled history. Rarely has it ruled itself, often has it been fought over. This amazing town is perched on a narrow limestone peninsula about one mile long which, parallels the coast and forms a harbor on the southernmost point of Corsica. In the morning a local guide will show us the highlights of the well-preserved old town. Continue to SARTENE for a brief introduction of this fascinating town where life seems stopped 70 years ago. Arrive in AJACCIO where we shall be spending the next two nights in a seaside boutique hotel. Dinner is included this evening at our favorite bistro. Overnight in AJACCIO. Walking: Moderate
DAY 9: BEAUTIFUL AJACCIO & NAPOLEON’S HOUSE
The wonderful waterfront city of AJACCIO is known foremost as Napoleon’s birthplace. After breakfast, we embark on a walking tour of its historical center featuring the MAISON BONAPARTE, its color-washed terracotta-tiled houses, narrow backstreets and the Venetian Renaissance-style CATHEDRAL, where Napoleon and his siblings were baptized. We then have free time to explore the popular open market or the renowned Fesch Art Museum.Rest of the day is at leisure for taking advantage of the hotel facilities and its sandy beach.Tonight is free to relax at our hotel or venture out to a local brasserie.Overnight in AJACCIO. Walking: Moderate
DAY 10: ANCIENT CAPITAL OF CORTE & THE RESTONICA VALLEY
Today, we explore the medieval town of CORTE, whose fortunate geographic location meant that on several occasions potential conquerors, including the Romans, had to stop short of this region. From its Citadel, which is the home of the Musee de la Corse, one of the leading centers of Corsican culture, there are commanding views of the territory. Continue to the heart of the RESTONICA VALLEY for an included lunch in a local restaurant.Drive to BASTIA for your last two nights staying in the only hotel located in the citadel.Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in BASTIA. Walking: Moderate
DAY 11: LA DOLCE VITA IN BASTIA!!!
Bastia has a charm of its own, with its Citadel and the historic centre, its narrow alleys.With its colorful houses overlooking the sea, BASTIA is the second largest city in Corsica and is considered its economical capital. In the morning meet your local expert for a discovery tour of the citadel and the seaside part of the town to get a true sense of the town, joining the locals in their ritual coffee in Place de Nicolas or a pastis at the vieux Port. In the evening we’ll celebrate you with a FAREWELL DINNER sharing travel memories and toasting new friends.Overnight in BASTIA. Walking: Moderate
DAY 12: AU REVOIR CORSICA
Departure from Bastia. You might extend your tour to PROVENCE, AMALFI COAST, PUGLIA , MALTA ISLAND
2024 TOUR PRICE: €5,100 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: €900 currency converter
Prices are per person based on double room occupancy for 12 days/11 nights
Sardinia and Corsica - two amazing islands with Secret Italia
This tour was 12 days Sardinia and Corsica. It was superb.I do not know of any other tour company that offer this kind of tour.Aldo was our tour manager and Paula was our Sardinia guide.Aldo takes great care to make sure his travelers are well taken care of and in addition he is a lot of fun. Paula is a true Sardinian, very knowledgeable and charming. I had no idea Sardinia has so much ancient history and Paula did her best to educate us.In Corsica we had three different tour guides and they were all very good.Through the whole trip Nicola was our bus driver. Not only was he an excellent driver navigating thru the most impossible narrow passages etc – he also was a very nice helpful person and fun to be with. Have never become so fond of a bus driver as I did with Nicola.Enjoyed this trip very much. Nice travel companions, nice accommodations and plenty of wine and good food.
Sardinia Amore Mio
It was wonderful traveling with you, Paola, and Nicola on our 12-day tour of Sardinia and Corsica. As you know, this was our second trip with Secret Italia Tours – having been to Puglia with you in 2019 — and we loved every minute of it. Where to start? The itinerary was perfect; the variety of locations we visited (historic places, wineries, farms, hilltop villages and seaside resorts) and our experiences (touring historic city centers, ancient ruins, fortresses, and burial grounds, exploring sea caves, making pasta, tasting the wines of the region, even milking goats and savoring the freshly made cheese) speak to what travel abroad should be. With all that there was still ample time to kick back, swim, shop and wander the alleys and back streets so characteristic of French and Italian towns. And when we concluded each day’s adventures we returned to our well-located first-class hotel. Aldo, as in Puglia, the hotels were wonderful. It was clear that each was carefully selected to provide a high level of comfort, convenience, and personal service. The included breakfasts at each gave us a good, healthy start to the day. And while we’re about food, the meal offerings you provided for us were spectacular and the portions more than plentiful. The accompanying wine selections complimented the food in every way. Finally, let us say that the friendships we developed with the other people on this tour – there were eight of us in total – enhanced our experience greatly. As with the group we traveled with in Puglia, all of us had much in common, including a rich history of travel to places all around the globe. So, thank you again, Aldo and Katrin, for putting together this wonderful tour. We are looking forward to seeing you at the NY Travel Show in October and to our next European adventure with you, wherever that may take us.
Famous mostly for its sea and coastline, Sardinia also abounds in spectacular natural scenery and numerous archaeological ruins, such as the archaeological sites of the early Prehistoric times and the nuragic villages, should not be ignored, as they represent the importance of the geographical and strategic position of Sardinia in the Mediterranean. Sardinia has some