Discover the Secrets of Sardinia
Sardinia Small Group Tour- You are invited on a small group tour of Sardinia, not simply as a traveler, but as a welcomed guest. Sardinia welcomes you to her table to experience the island as locals do, through the sustaining agriculture, delicious cuisine, and heartfelt hospitality that defines this place.
While Sardinia is unmistakably Italian, it is not the Italy of major cities and mass tourism. This is the wild side of Italy, where nature reigns supreme and the land and seasons still dominate every aspect of life.
Venture from Olbia at the northeastern tip of Sardinia to Cagliari in the south on an 8-day, 7-night small group tour of no more than 15 guests. Sit down to a real shepherd’s lunch, taste Cannonau Wine, visit the Museum of Mediterranean Masks, and visit one of Sardinia’s most impressive Nuragic complexes as you discover a side of Italy you never knew existed. Untamed Sardinia.
Upcoming Tour Dates 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Pricing: € 4,100
Price is per person based on double room occupancy. A single supplement is available at an additional cost of € 900
Experience the beauty
Tour Highlights
- More than 15 sightseeing tours & cultural experiences
- Journey into Barbagia, the rugged cultural heart of Sardinia, where ancient traditions remain deeply rooted in everyday life.
- Discover the mysterious Mamuthones & Issohadores of Mamoiada and meet a local artisan who still creates their extraordinary traditional masks by hand.
- Walk through Orgosolo, famous for its striking murals telling stories of Sardinian culture, history and identity.
- Share an unforgettable traditional shepherd-style lunch in the Sardinian countryside, inspired by centuries-old pastoral traditions.
- Step back more than 3,000 years at Nuraghe Losa, one of Sardinia’s most impressive and mysterious Nuragic sites.
- Discover Cabras & the Sinis Peninsula, including the island’s celebrated tradition of bottarga production.
- Experience authentic Sardinian food and wine, from Cannonau tastings and regional cooking to intimate country lunches.
- Explore historic Cagliari, from the atmospheric Castello district to the colours and flavours of its traditional markets.
Tour Itinerary
Your journey begins in Gallura, in northeastern Sardinia, a rugged region of granite mountains, cork oak forests, Mediterranean scrub and open countryside. The landscape here is shaped by the island’s interior rather than its famous resort coast, with small villages and rural communities scattered among hills and valleys. From Olbia Airport, transfer into the Galluran countryside and take in your first glimpse of a very different side of Sardinia. Gather this evening for your first dinner together with your group in Sardinia. Around the table, meet your fellow travelers and begin to settle into island life over a meal featuring local flavors and regional specialties. It is a fun and easy beginning to the journey, with good food, good company, and your first taste of the hospitality that you become accustomed to throughout Sardinia
Meals: Breakfast & lunch on your own, dinner included
Accommodations: Overnight in Canniggione
Aggius is a historic village in the heart of Gallura, surrounded by the rugged granite landscape of northern Sardinia. Its origins date to the medieval period, and its traditional stone houses and narrow streets reflect the character of a village shaped over centuries. Aggius is also known for its long tradition of weaving and textile craftsmanship, while the surrounding countryside is marked by granite outcrops, cork oaks and open hills characteristic of the Galluran region. Explore Aggius on foot with a local guide who will introduce you to the village’s history, architecture and traditions. Walk through its narrow streets and historic center, taking in the stone buildings and details that reveal the character of this Galluran community. Enjoy a traditional country lunch with your group featuring the hearty cuisine of Gallura. Prepared with local ingredients and traditional recipes, the meal offers a taste of the region’s rural food culture and the simple pleasures of gathering around a shared table. Enjoy a free evening in Olbia to explore at your own pace. Wander through the historic center, browse the local shops, or find a vibrant café in this city known for them. The evening is yours to spend as you please.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Canniggione
At the center of Sardinia lies Barbagia, a rugged mountainous region whose history reaches deep into the island’s ancient past. Its landscape of steep valleys, forests, and rocky peaks helped preserve communities and traditions through centuries of outside influence. This is the territory of the ancient Nuragic people, whose mysterious stone towers and settlements still dot the Sardinian landscape, and where distinctive local customs remain closely tied to seasonal agriculture. Visit Mamoiada, a mountain village in the heart of Barbagia known for its distinctive mask traditions and annual Carnival celebrations. At the Museum of Mediterranean Masks, explore a remarkable collection of masks from Sardinia and other Mediterranean cultures and learn about the rituals, beliefs, and traditions surrounding them. Whenever possible, we meet a local mask artisan, as well. Cannonau is Sardinia’s best-known red wine, made from the island’s Cannonau grape. It is a full-bodied wine with rich fruit flavors and a warm, earthy character. Visit a small local producer to taste the wine alongside Sardinian cheeses, fresh bread, and other regional specialties. Spend the evening at your hotel in the Barbagia region, surrounded by the mountains and countryside of central Sardinia. This will be your base as you continue exploring the villages and traditions of the island’s rugged interior.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Oliena
Orgosolo is a mountain village in the heart of Barbagia, surrounded by the rugged hills and forests of central Sardinia. For generations, the surrounding countryside has supported a pastoral way of life, with sheep raising an important part of the local economy and culture. The village itself has a long and sometimes turbulent history, giving Orgosolo a character that is distinctly its own. Walk through Orgosolo with a local guide to see the village’s political and social murals, painted directly onto walls and buildings throughout the town. Beginning in the late 1960s, the murals became a form of public expression addressing Sardinian life, political movements, war, social inequality, and international events. Your guide will explain the stories and ideas behind the paintings as you walk through the village. Join your group for a traditional shepherd’s lunch in the Barbagia countryside, accompanied by Cannonau wine. The meal reflects the pastoral traditions of the region, with hearty local dishes and ingredients that have long been part of Sardinian country cooking. Return to your hotel in the Barbagia region. Tonight is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Dinner is on your own, giving you the freedom to choose a local restaurant, enjoy a quiet evening, or simply relax at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Oliena
Travel into Sardinia’s distant past with an expert local guide at one of the island’s Nuragic complexes. Built during the Bronze Age, these distinctive stone structures are found throughout Sardinia and are among the clearest reminders of the ancient civilization that developed here long before the Roman era. Explore the site and learn about the people who built and inhabited these remarkable settlements. Meet a local producer and learn about the food, agriculture, or traditional products of Sardinia. Depending on the season and availability, the experience may offer a closer look at how a regional product is grown, made or prepared, along with the opportunity to meet the person behind it. Settle into your hotel in the Oristano area for the evening. Located on Sardinia’s western coast, the area provides a comfortable base for exploring the nearby coast, villages and archaeological sites before continuing south toward Cagliari. Enjoy a group dinner in Oristano, a historic city on Sardinia’s western coast. Gather around the table to enjoy local cuisine and regional specialties as you continue your journey through the island.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Oristano
On Sardinia’s west coast, the Cabras area and the Sinis Peninsula bring together lagoons, wetlands, long stretches of coastline and archaeological sites. The peninsula has been inhabited for thousands of years, from the ancient city of Tharros to the fishing traditions that remain part of life around Cabras. Learn about bottarga, a Sardinian delicacy made from the roe of grey mullet. Around Cabras, bottarga has been produced for generations using the roe sacs, which are salted, pressed, and dried to create a firm, intensely savory food with a distinctive flavor. Discover how this local specialty is made and why it has become an important part of the food culture of the area. Step below the village streets into the Hypogeum of San Salvatore, an underground sanctuary with roots reaching back to antiquity. The site was later adapted for Christian worship and preserves evidence of the different religious traditions that have occupied this unusual space. Above ground, the village’s small stone houses surround the church and give San Salvatore di Sinis its distinctive character. Enjoy a traditional group lunch featuring local specialties from the Sinis Peninsula. The region’s cuisine reflects its proximity to the sea as well as the agricultural traditions of western Sardinia, with fresh local ingredients taking center stage. Check in to your hotel in Cagliari for the final two nights of your Sardinian journey. Located in the island’s capital, your hotel provides a comfortable gateway for exploring the city and enjoying your final full day in Sardinia.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Cagliari
At the southern end of Sardinia, Cagliari rises from the Gulf of Angels with the sea on one side and hills on the other. The city has been inhabited since antiquity, and its history is visible in the layers of architecture, churches, fortifications, and streets that make up its historic districts. Today, Cagliari is Sardinia’s largest city and its political and cultural center. Explore Cagliari with a local guide and discover the city’s historic districts, landmarks, and everyday character. Walk through the old quarters, see the remnants of the city’s fortified past, and learn how centuries of Mediterranean influences shaped Sardinia’s capital. Your guide will bring the city’s history to life while introducing you to Cagliari as it is today. Visit a traditional market in Cagliari to see the local produce, seafood, cheeses, meats, and other specialties that fill Sardinian tables. Explore the market with your guide before sampling a selection of local foods and discovering some of the flavors and ingredients that are part of everyday life in the city. Come together for a final dinner in Cagliari and raise a glass to the experiences shared throughout your journey across Sardinia. Enjoy one last meal featuring local cuisine as you gather with your fellow travelers and reflect on the places, people and flavors that have made the week memorable.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included, lunch on your own
Accommodations: Overnight in Cagliari
After breakfast, transfers will be arranged to Cagliari Airport for your departure. As you leave, we hope you carry with you a lasting appreciation for Sardinia’s prehistoric villages, sun-drenched coasts, and vibrant markets, along with the rugged landscapes, hilltop towns, and Mediterranean charm of Sardinia. May the flavors, sights, and stories of these two remarkable islands remain with you long after your journey ends. If Sicily appeals to you, we would be delighted to welcome you on our 12-Day Captivating Sicily Small Group Tour. You can find all the details here: Captivating Sicily small group tour
Additional Information
- Small group tour of 14/15 participants
- Knowledgeable English-speaking local tour director
- Entrance fees for all sites
- Tour transportation in a private air-conditioned motor coach
- Local guides in the outlined cities and towns
- Hotel city and service taxes at all accommodations and restaurants are included
- All breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners are covered. Main meals include wine, mineral water, espresso coffee with a set amount included
- Transfers from Olbia and/to Cagliari airports
- Baggage transfers or porters
- Activity level: Light/Moderate
- Terms & Conditions/single supplement and FAQ
- Travel insurance and visa fees
- Trip Interruption & Cancellation Insurance
- Any charges for extras not listed in the itinerary
- Room services, telephone charges, laundry fees
- Gratuities for the tour director and local driver
- Single room supplement
Our Happy Travellers
Tour Reviews
Sardinia and Corsica
We have been on several group tours but this was our first with Secret Italia. It was our best group tour experience ever! Sardinia and Corsica have distinctly different cultures and both were enchanting. Seeing ruins from the Bronze Age, thousands of years BC, was amazing. We loved the medieval towns as well. There was a good balance of planned sightseeing and leisure time for us to explore on our own. Our hotel accommodations were superb – especially in Bastia where our view of the harbor was breathtaking and we were within the walls of the old bastion. Our group meals were fabulous – especially our first night when we had a dinner in a former convent. We wondered how Secret Italia could top that event! Our tour leader, Paola, was fabulous – very tuned into the demographics of our group and so knowledgeable about the islands. Our driver Tommi was also excellent, and our travel vehicle was very comfortable. I look forward to traveling with Secret Italia again soon.
What a trip of a lifetime!!!
Hi Manuela,
Our tour is over, and we have now returned to Sydney after extending our holiday in Paris. I just wanted to write to you to say how delighted we were with Secret Italia. The whole program was carefully put together so that we saw and did a lot, including some wonderful meals, but without over-stretching ourselves as happens on many tours. There was always enough time for us to enjoy exploring ourselves, or just to relax. Each local guide was excellent, and in particular, Paola was marvelous and kept everything going smoothly. Then, Sara at the wheel was a total delight and a great driver. We can’t recommend your company highly enough and noted that some of the other guests were repeat travellers with you.
Sardinia and Corsica- Magical Islands
I have just returned from a fabulous tour of Sardinia and Corsica with SECRET ITALIA TOURS – a small group tour company. The guide Paola and driver Sara were excellent and travelling with a small group of 16 was great. The itinerary was well thought out – a mixture of cultural, historical, and artistic activities, from pasta making to lunch in the vineyards, walking tours, visiting markets, museums etc. The meals that were included were of the highest quality. But the best thing was that every afternoon you were free to do whatever you want or just rest. There was no “having to do something every minute of the day.” I would recommend this tour company if you are considering a tour to these two wonderful places. I had the best time!
Sardinia and Corsica
We were on the tour in October, 2024, with the delightful and attentive Paola as our tour guide. We had a wonderful time. The boutique hotels were all lovely. The meals shared together were delicious and in unique spots. The local guides were all very knowledgeable and excited to share the history and stories of the sites, but sometimes were a little long-winded in their enthusiasm! They had so much to tell us in a short period of time, it’s understandable. We loved the wine tasting at the vineyard, the fregola lesson at the farm with the local food, and the pasta-making class. All were a lot of fun. I tell friends that ask that Sardinia and Corsica are really nothing like Italy and France. They are islands to visit when you have exhausted the major sites of the Italian and French mainland and are ready for something different, more undeveloped and off the beaten path. Secret Italia did not disappoint. This was our first tour with them and it will not be our last. Everything was so well organized, from pre-trip information to the driver to the airport on departure. Bravi to Aldo, Manuela and Paola!
The Mystery of Sardinia and Corsica
Dear Aldo,
Feel free to select any comments below if you want to include them anywhere. But please don’t change the wording!!We had a great time in Sardinia and Corsica. Some highlights were: Strolling round Santa Cristina, an amazing archaeological park in the countryside, with both prehistoric and early medieval buildings.Visiting a family farm and enjoying a home-cooked meal with local cheeses and wine.Meeting winemakers – one woman in her early twenties, and one man of about 90.Staying in some amazing hotels. In the Hotel Regina d’Arborea in Oristano, the four muses danced on the domed ceiling in a beautiful painting. (see enclosed photo) Learning the history of these strategically placed islands that have changed hands so often over the centuries.Discovering what experts look for in the perfect olive oil. And best of all – swimming in the clear salt water of the Gulf of Oristano near Tharros. It was also great to have you with us – your energy, intelligence, good humor, local knowledge and friendliness made everything flow so easily. See photo.
Experience the Best
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