Sardinian Journey

An epic journey through the archipelagos, pristine beaches, ancient cultures and traditional cuisine of Sardinia!

Duration: 7 - 14 Days Available: May through October Group Size: 2 to 10 guests (always private) | Price Request

Here’s the plan:

Day 1:

Arrive FCO airport in Rome. Private car transfer to Trastevere, Rome for a great welcome lunch of Roman specialties! Take some time to explore the historic alleys of beautiful Trastevere before heading to Civitavecchia where we’ll embark on our nighttime journey to Cagliari, Sardinia.

*Easy / Lunch / Sleep: Ferry to Sardinia

Day 2:

This morning, we’ll arrive in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital and most populous city, inhabited for 5,000 years! Drop your bags and self-explore the winding medieval streets, defensive towers (some with knockout views of the coast); and the ornate 13th-century Saint Mariàs Cathedral. Add in a few pit stops in the area’s cozy bars, restaurants, and shops and you’ve got a nice way to spend the afternoon. We’ll enjoy dinner by the sea at dusk, when the environment is most magical.

*Moderate / Breakfast, Dinner / Sleep Cagliari

Day 3:

After breakfast we travel to Su Nuraxi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best example of an extensive Nuragic village on Sardinia. From 1500 BCE to the Punic Wars in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, the Nuragic peoples were the dominant culture on the island. They left behind more than 7,000 nuraghi, beehive-shaped stone fortresses surrounded by smaller hive-shaped buildings.

Then we’ll travel to Gola di Gorropu (Sardinia’s Grand Canyon) for an exciting hike through Europe’s deepest canyon. This is an experience in the deepest and wildest part of Sardinia and we’ll experience the ancient culture of this land for the night. You’ll sleep in a traditional stone and wood sheepfold or under the stars to admire a unique sky with zero light pollution. We’ll spend the night around the fire and enjoy genuine products of the island such as meat, carasau bread, cheeses, hams, cured meats, vegetables and fruit. We’ll taste the wine (Cannonau) of Sardinia as well!

*Strenuous / Breakfast, Dinner / Sleep Gola di Gorropu

Day 4:

After breakfast this morning, we’ll make an easy trek back to base camp. Experiencing the sunset, nighttime and dawn in this place will be with you forever. This afternoon we’ll drive to the beautiful coastal town of Cala Gonone where you’ll have time to freshen up and self explore this incredible seaside town.

*Moderate / Breakfast / Sleep Cala Gonone

Day 5:

Embark on a full day boat tour of the Gulf of Orosei. This is one of Sardinia’s most spectacular coastal regions. The hidden beaches and coves are impossible to reach by foot. We’ll visit Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna and Cala Biriola where you’ll stay for one hour and a half hours in each location. We’ll snorkel Cala Goloritze and Piscine di Venere and visit grottos and caves. We may even spot dolphins along the way!

*Moderate / Breakfast, Lunch / Sleep Cala Gonone

Day 6:

Today we’ll head to Alghero in the north western corner of Sardinia. Take some time to walk Alghero’s Seafront before we descend into Neptune’s Grotto - a superb stalactite sea cavern reachable via a 654-step rock-cut staircase!

*Strenuous / Breakfast / Sleep Alghero

Day 7:

This morning we’ll head to world famous Costa Smeralda! Take the day to self explore and recoup your strength with a visit to the pristine beach of San Teodoro.

*Easy / Breakfast / Sleep San Teodoro

Day 8:

Today we’ll head up north to the remote La Maddalena archipelago! After a brief ferry ride, we’ll arrive on the green island of Caprera, declared a natural reserve for the many species of birds and animals of Sardinia. After a brief stop at the hilltop home of Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi we’ll hike downhill, through red granite chasms (unique to this part of the island) until we reach the oasis of Cala Coticcio. After some time swimming and enjoying this pure paradise, we’ll head back to San Teodoro.

*Strenuous / Breakfast, Lunch / Sleep San Teodoro

Day 9:

After breakfast this morning, we’ll board a 1:00pm ferry from Olbia back to Civitavecchia. We’ll arrive at 6:30pm so, depending on your departure flight, you may either be taken directly to the airport or I can help you find accommodations in Fiumicino for the night and take you to the airport in the morning!

*Easy / Breakfast

Where You’ll Stay!

Journey Details:

What’s Included: Private airport transfers and journey transportation by van, 3 ferry crossings, 13 incredible meals, all journey accommodations, entry and activity fees.

What’s not Included: Airfare, activities, transportation and meals not listed in the itinerary along with travel protection and insurance.

*Activity Level: Our journeys are physically active. This is an important part of traveling like a Sojourner! On our Journeys — among other things — you'll need to be ready willing and able to 1) Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (several blocks if necessary) and up stairways to reach your lodgings; then up several flights of stairs to reach your room. 2) Be on your feet, walking, standing and sometimes hiking for three to eight hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions, on varying types of terrain and elevation. 3) Sleep with street noise and no (or weak) air conditioning. After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate through the city on your own.

Accommodations: Your Journey Pass includes one double room with one queen size bed or two twin size beds for 2 guests. We stay in small, boutique B&Bs and not hotels. A single supplement will apply if you require an additional room.

Meals: Travelers must make Sojourn Italy aware of any dietary restrictions and allergies 96 days prior to departure. 13 outstanding meals are included on this journey. All included meals are listed in the detailed itinerary.

Cancellation / Transfer Policy: Deposits for journeys are 100% refundable for 30 days from the date they are received. After 30 days your deposit becomes non-refundable, and will be forfeited should you decide to cancel your reservation. Cancellation Fees: 96+ days prior to trip start - $200 per person (including the contest winner). 61-95 days prior to trip start - 30% per person (including the contest winner). 31-60 days prior to trip start - 60% per person (including the contest winner). 0-30 days prior to trip start - 100% per person (including the contest winner). If you must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the policy outlined below. Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather, terrorism, civil unrest or personal emergencies. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. Percentage charges are calculated on the total trip cost, including the value of the contest winner’s free journey pass. Cancellations must be in writing: sent via email to anthony@sojournitaly.com. Cancellations become effective on the date received by Sojourn Italy. You may transfer from one date to another, for this journey only, up to 96 days before the trip departure without penalty, after which time our cancellation policy applies. New journey dates are subject to the availability and full discretion of Sojourn Italy, LLC. When transferring to a new date or trip, if the new trip costs more than the original trip, you must pay the difference in cost. Your transfer request must be approved by Sojourn Italy, LLC.

Traveler Protection: Sojourn Italy, LLC. does not offer a Travel Protection Plan. It is your responsibility to research a plan (if you wish) that covers: trip cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, accidental death, lost baggage and medical evacuation.

Other: All guests will be required to sign a travel waiver before departure. Passport required for all guests traveling outside their home country. most countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond your trip dates.