This tour explores Sardinia in the footsteps of DH Lawrence, enjoying the coast and countryside, culture and cuisine of this fascinating island
Cagliari - 2 nights
Oliena area - 2 nights
Alghero - 2 nights
Oristano - 1 night
Visiting the island in 1921, DH Lawrence wrote of his sojourns in a descriptive travelogue, ‘Sea & Sardinia’. We recreate his itinerary (but with notably better lodgings!), seeing the relics of pre-historic and ancient Roman settlements, strolling in medieval streets, relaxing on an offshore island, and experiencing the blend of Sardinian and Catalan culture and cuisine.
The tour begins in south-coast Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, with its stone palazzi, palm-studded piazzas, pavement cafés in graceful arcades, and the crowning Castello old town. We see the fascinating fort of Su Nuraxi, Sardinia’s largest Nuragic remains; enjoy the tranquillity of untamed nature in Oliena; and travel through the charming scenery of the Costa Smeralda to sail to La Maddalena Island. We visit a rural basilica and a Neolithic burial ground enroute to vibrant Alghero, a unique mix of modern Italian and medieval Catalan, the former focused on the lively marina, the latter unmistakable in the historic centre; and spend time in the riverbank village of Bosa and the seaside ruins of ancient Tharros; ending the tour in Oristano, at the centre of the island’s sunset shore.
Cultural Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
UNESCO: Nuraghic Fort
Local Guide Throughout
Historic Hotels
Central Hotels
Taste local specialities during a typical Sardinia dinner in Olbia. Visit Costa Smeralda and Isola Maddalena, Sardinia’s secret island. In Alghero, enjoy a sparkling drink overlooking the sea and visit an Azienda for a wine tasting.
Day 1 Fly to Cagliari and transfer to the historic 4-star Unahotel Thotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy a welcome drink.
Day 2 Tour Cagliari’s Castello ‘old town’; visit the Archaeological Museum; and continue to ancient Nora. (B)
Day 3 Enjoy a short train ride before a journey by road to visit the Nuragic ‘Su Nuraxi’ fort at Barumini, awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Travel through the mountains of Oliena district to Olbia, for two nights at the 4-star Grand Hotel President. Enjoy a typical Sardinian dinner. (B, D)
Day 4 A full day excursion takes you through the Costa Smeralda area, famed for its fabulous scenery, characterful villages; to take the ferry from Pilau to the sprinkling of islands and islets of La Maddalena, a 20 minute crossing to the main island and only town of the archipelago. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the colourful port/resort town, with pavement tables on pedestrian lanes, a choice of restaurants for an al fresco lunch, a palm-studded promenade, and fresh food market. (B)
Day 5 Travel to the Basilica della Santissima Trinità di Saccargia, on a wild hillside in Codrongianos. Visit the haunting tombs, caves and grottoes of Anghelu Ruju, the necropolis dating back five millennia. Continue to Alghero for two nights at the 4-star Catalunya Hotel overlooking the sea, marina, and old town. Enjoy a welcome drink with a view! (B)
Day 6 Tour Alghero, the cobbled lanes and paved piazzas of its medieval Catalan core encircled by the golden stone seawalls of the 16th-century port, viewing St. Mary’s Cathedral, Spanish strongholds, and the Civic Square. Enjoy a Sardinian wine tasting with appetisers. Visit the wonderfully wild Capo Caccia area, its promontory shaped like a sleeping giant, and carpeted in the 3000 hectares of a natural botanic reserve. (B)
Day 7 Take the scenic coast road to visit the beautiful village of Bosa, a river running through it, a cluster of pretty churches, and pastel-painted houses tiered into the hillside beneath its crowning Malaspina Castle. Continue to visit the ruins of ancient Tharros, spectacularly positioned on the Sinis peninsula. Overnight at the 4-star Hotel Lido Beach. (B)
Day 8 Transfer to Cagliari airport for your return flight. (B)
A 4-star centrally located hotel, in front of the new Parco della Musica and the Lyric Theatre. Restaurant, bar, spa, gym, WiFi (free) and 207 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe and TV.
A unique, colourful 4-star hotel with traditional Sardinian furnishings and hospitality amongst extensive gardens. Restaurants, bars, wine cellar, pool, jacuzzi, WiFi (chargeable) and 67 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and TV.
An elegant 4-star hotel located in the city centre. Restaurant, lounge bar, WiFi (free) and 60 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea & coffee making facilities and TV.
A 4-star hotel overlooking the sea, marina and old town. Breakfast is served at the rooftop restaurant. Terrace, bar, WiFi (free) and 128 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally, currently per person per night: €2.50.
A small hotel situated on torre grande with easy access to oristano, the Sinus peninsula, at the edge of the soft, sandy beach. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 18 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer and mini-bar and satellite TV.
Villasimius Extension
Transfer to Villasimius for a relaxing three-night extension at The Pullman Timi Ama with half board.
Day 1 Transfer to Villasimius for three nights at the 5-star Pullman Timi Ama resort. (B, D)
Day 2 Day at leisure. (B, D)
Day 3 Day at leisure. (B, D)
Day 4 Transfer to Cagliari airport for the return flight. (B)
The Pullman Timi Ama is a modern 5-star resort hotel on a beautiful bay close to Villasimius village and 1½ hours drive from Cagliari. Restaurants, bars, spa, pool, WiFi (free), shuttle to beach and varied sports facilities. 275 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and balcony or terrace.
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
EasyJet from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £345
Extension Options
Extension - Villasimius
(Not available in October)
3 nights £795 (Jun £995)
Single supplement £195 (Jun £245)
Tour Only
Save £180
Arrival transfer add £25
Departure transfer add £90
(or included if travel with group)
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 dinner, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government and local tourist taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
An accommodation tax is payable locally, approximately €2 per person per night.
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