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Sardinia & Corsica - The Lands of Myths and Legends

15 fascinating days

Prepare to be awestruck by the stunning cli-top town of Bonifacio!

One Italian, one French, both fiercely independent. Visit 3,500 year old huge stone ‘Nuraghe’ Tower villages, cruise to the beautiful Neptune’s
Caves, enjoy stunning cli top coastal drives, take 4WDs deep into rugged ravines for a shepherd’s picnic lunch. Visit colourful Bosa, ‘bandit’
Orgosolo, Catalan Alghero, the staggering cli top town of Bonifacio, Napoleon’s Ajaccio and…best of all…3 nights in remarkable Su Gologone.

Your tour highlights

  • Cagliari
  • Gergei
  • Barumini
  • Gennargentu Mountains
  • Su Gologone
  • Alghero
  • Grotta di Nettuno
  • Castelsardo
  • Bonifacio
  • Ajaccio
  • Mount Rotondo
  • Calvi
  • Bastia
  • Lile-Rousse
  • Sartene
  • Strait of Bonifacio

Tour itinerary

Day
1
Cagliari

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.

Day
2
National Archaeological Museum and Bastione views

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 historic city. Cagliari’s old city sits astride a plateau. We enjoy a walking tour that begins with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum. Continuing on, our tour takes us down through the streets of the old town to the Cathedral, and on to the Bastione di Saint Remy, with its views back over the bay.

Day
3
UNESCO listed Su Nuraxi and wine tasting in a local vineyard

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! Afterwards, in nearby Gergei, at the Olianas Winery, we enjoy a vineyard tour, wine tasting and light lunch of locally grown produce. 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 terrace – The Champagnoteque.
Dinner tonight is a Sardinian specialty – Suckling Pig! (Vegetarians are catered for)

Day
4
4WD into the Supramonte Mountains for a Shepherds picnic

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 to a shepherd’s hut to enjoy our picnic. The authentic hut has been used for hundreds of years, and is still used by shepherds. The fabulous food is all local. You will enjoy ‘pane carasau’, traditional Sardinian atbread, 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? 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?

Day
5
Orgosolo - 'City of Murderers'

After a leisurely start, we enjoy a walk through a peaceful glade near our hotel to see the mystical natural springs of Sorgente Su Gologone owing from a rock wall. So picturesque! Lunch time is spent in 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. We are joined by a local guide who will explain the significance of the large colourful ‘murales’ (murals) that 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. 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’

Day
6
Bosa, a cliff top drive and Alghero

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.

Day
7
Neptune's Caves and Alghero sunsets

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 lit 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.

Day
8
Castelsardo and Bonifacio

A leisurely start before we follow the northern coastline to picturesque Castelsardo, with its ancient castle and famed for its basket weaving industry. Lunchtime is at leisure to explore the narrow streets of the characterful medieval citadel brimming with colourful houses, shops selling local woven handicrafts and restaurants, many with stunning panoramic views. In the afternoon we cross the water
to Corsica, France. As we approach Bonifacio the citadel and fortications loom high, perched magnicently, 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 cli top hotel.

Day
9
Bonifacio

After a short walking tour of the medieval clifftop citadel, your day is free in Bonifacio. ‘My Time’ to relax and amble around the yacht
filled harbour, go shopping, explore the historic citadel at your own pace, or maybe hire a boat for a joyride around the bay. A wonderful relaxing day!

Day
10
Medieval Sartène, Propriano and a scenic drive

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.
Lunchtime is at leisure in the coastal town of Propriano. Later we cross over the hills to Ajaccio for our next two night stay. Dinner tonight is included.

Day
11
Napoleon’s home

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 and enjoy the facilities at our hotel.

Day
12
Scenic train ride, Corte and local produce tasting in Calvi

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. Continuing by coach we arrive in 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. Late afternoon, after a short walking tour with a local guide through the pedestrianised old town, we enjoy a tasting of local produce and wine in a delicatessen specialising in charcuterie. Your evening is at leisure.

Day
13
Scandola Reserve cruise & Calvi

This morning we drive to Galeria where we board a boat and take a terrific ride 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. The gigantic rocky outcrops, which emerge from the deep blue water, catch the sun and create an amazing contrast of colour between the sea and sky. Accessible only by boat, the tiny hamlet of Girolata is the perfect place to enjoy a light lunch and perhaps take a swim! Returning to Calvi, the rest of your day and evening are at leisure. Calvi is a delightful place to stroll around, filled to the brim with shops,
cafés and ‘al fresco’ dining.

Day
14
Calvi and L’ile Rousse

This morning, My Time’ to relax and explore Calvi at your own pace. Lunchtime is spent in the nearby, ‘oh so French’ port of L’ile Rousse. Stroll around the old town, through the paved streets named after historical characters such as Pascal Paoli, Napoleon and Louis Philippe.
Visit the delightful main square, Place Paoli, shaded by old plane trees and admire the magnificent Florentine -inspired houses. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Day
15
Calvi to Bastia

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 morning Group transfer. We recommend you book ferries and flights that depart Bastia after 1pm.

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Tour pricing:

from $10,282

per person twin/double share*

Twin-share / solo traveller pricing:

04 May 2025 - 18 May 2025
NZD$10,282 / NZD$12,372
25 May 2025 - 08 Jun 2025
NZD$10,986 / NZD$13,296
28 Sep 2025 - 12 Oct 2025
NZD$10,986 / NZD$13,296

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

  • Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach
  • A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all dinners
  • 24 meals including breakfast daily (B), 3 lunches including a light lunch in a local vineyard, a shepherd’s picnic lunch in the
    Supramonte Mountains and a light lunch in the secluded coastal village of Girolata (L) and 7 evening meals (D)
  • Welcome drink on Day 1
  • Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available)
  • 14 nights specially selected hotel accommodation
  • Free WiFi at most hotels (where available)
  • ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
  • Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
  • Local guides as described in the itinerary
  • Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available)
  • Hand Selected Albatross Experiences including exploring Su Nuraxi Nuraghe, Welcome drink on the ‘Champagnoteque Terrace’ in
    Su Gologone, 4 Wheel Drive excursion deep into the Supramonte Mountains for a shepherds picnic lunch, train ride to Corte,
    Neptune’s Cave cruise and Scandola Nature Reserve cruise
  • ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described

Not included:

Conditions:

In mid-summer, the heat may be energy sapping. At Barumini the Stone Nuraghe Towers are 3,500 years old. Two thirds of your guided visit are enjoyed outside of the main central tower in the stone ruins outside. This part is easily negotiable. If you have mobility issues of any sort, then this is as far as you go, and you can now enjoy your own time to further explore the ruins by yourself or enjoy a cold gelato in the nearby café. The last part of the guided tour is about 10 metres up a metal staircase (like a broad re escape) and then down through narrow stone passageways into the heart of the complex. This is a defensive tower, after all, so the inside access is a little awkward. But, by all means, ascend the metal staircase and take a look down inside. Whilst staying in the incredible Su Gologone resort we have included a wonderful 4WD trip into the wild Gennargentu Mountains to enjoy a Shepherd’s picnic lunch. 4WD vehicles will not be strange to you and they are designed to take you on rough uneven road surfaces. Whilst the drivers will always take full care and attention, the bumpy terrain could be challenging to any with back problems (or similar). If in doubt, ask your Tour Manager for clarication. As a reminder your Su Gologone hotel is a remarkable place to stay and enjoy anyway, so whether you join the excursion or not, you will have a fabulous day. Again, the choice is yours.
We had a fabulous trip away. Insight and Avalon were just wonderful, couldn’t fault them at all. Thank you so much for all your input and help.
Europe in Winter, Nikki & Steve
Everything you organised worked really well. The timings and explanations on arrival at places was brilliant. The hotels were all handily located to centre of old towns. The 2 Intrepid Trips provided extra understanding of the areas as did the 3 day Hurtigruten cruise.
Scandinavia, Bronwyn & Gordon
The "Sea Cloud" experience was above expectation and more! All your plans worked perfectly and we enjoyed the Somewhere Boutique Hotel at Voulagemeni. Absolutely no problem with the flights. Our accommodation was more than adequate, food excellent and the service 5+ star. We would strongly recommend this 'once in a lifetime' experience.
Adriatic, Paul & Ann
Overall its was an absolutely amazing experience, thank you for all clear information you had given us, really helpful to figure out where is our hotel and how to move from one place to another. Thank you so much for organizing this trip and doing such a good job.
Europe, Ai Ngo and Adrian
We really enjoyed the cruise and this was certainly one of the highlights of the trip. The Azamara cruise was ideal being a smaller boat (and numbers of people) but still provided great service and entertainment. The cruise we did from Athens to Venice was perfect with a destination each day to visit and a great variety of places. I would certainly recommend this cruise company and this particular voyage option.
Europe, Rob & Nikki
We’ve had a fabulous time in Portugal, outstanding guide, great food and wine and the National Geographic tour was superb. What a wonderful country, lovely people and great sights.
Portugal, David & Jill
We had a fantastic day at Plitvice today - very wet and overcast but absolutely stunning and loved every minute of our 12kms walking and photographing!! Loving our hotel here too ... another perfect one thank you!
Croatia, David & Joss
Sandra and I are back at home now after a couple of great months away.  The whole trip was great, so thanks for your help with the bookings etc. No issues at all. We very much enjoyed the Rhine cruise with Viking. We couldn’t fault their service and effort, and are happy to recommend them to others.  
Europe, Murray & Sandra
The trip was fantastic thanks very much for all your input.  Everything worked seamlessly with the flights, accommodation, and car rentals that you booked for us.  The places you booked for us were all in a good location.   The cycle trip through Burgundy was also definitely a highlight. It was truly a trip of a lifetime with everything that we managed to squeeze in, and having a lot of it organised for us was a real treat.
Europe, Mike & Nicky
Our trip went very well. We loved Ireland with Back Roads, excellent guide and good group. We think of three things, its green, narrow roads and old stone fences! Very interesting history. Hurtigruten had ungraded us to Cabin 601, right at the front with three windows, nice and spacious so very enjoyable. We had rougher seas around the Hebredies and Orkneys but all good.
UK & Ireland, Barbara
Back safe and sound after a wonderful cruise and Greek Island stay. Barcelona amazing and our little hotel was perfect. So handy to everything. The Viking cruise was pure luxury . Food, cabin décor entertainment , just perfect. My favourite places visited were Sicily, all the Croatian coast, towns and villages. Our Greek island stay very good with nice family hotel. Not so keen on the ferry. Like being in a plane. Very quick! Business was great and it would be hard to fly any other way now. Anyway Ian thank you so much for organising a great holiday for us. Very much appreciated. I haven’t completely ruled out travelling again!!
Mediterranean, Lois
Thank you Peter for once again, your meticulous planning for us. The trains worked admirably and we had plenty of time for connections. It is sometime since we have travelled in Europe but we have had a fabulous time despite only three sunny days in UK and Europe. Free use of public transport in Basel and Geneva great. Oyster card worked well in London. Lauterbrunnen was Swiss fairytale. A three day pass meant we did heaps and the weather cleared on our last day so we enjoyed Jungfrau plus views of The Eiger. Lots of Indian tourists/ has featured in a Bollywood movie. Weather didn’t clear in Zermatt/ so didn’t see Matterhorn. Left 42 degrees in Dubai. Sunday breakfast up the Burj. Thanks Peter you are an excellent travel agent.
Holland & Switzerland, Alison
A big thank you for organising bookings for us. Everything went according to plan. Managed to catch everything, nothing delayed , except Easyjet which you kind of expect.
Europe, Lesley
We had an absolutely fabulous holiday.  I adored Switzerland, the people, the scenery, just everything.  Every day was better than the day before, couldn't fault anything. The hotels and transport were spot on.  Simon skied 5 days and I found plenty to do.  It was easy meeting people and exploring by myself. Thank you so much for all your organising.  This trip has given me so much confidence to explore other European countries and winter climates.
Switzerland, Lynne