Heart of Sardinia Walk

• Deserted white beaches, stunning turquoise seas, lush river valleys
• Dazzling ochre cliffs, traditional white villages, pretty fishing ports
• Excellent **** hotels throughout, great regional cuisine
• Coastal paths, forest trails, ridge top vistas
• Local guide with air-conditioned minibus

This guided walking holiday, led by our local guide, Maggie, or one of her colleagues, explores Sardinia's heart, taking you from the wild, beautiful Barbagia region down to the stunning coastline of the Gulf of Orosei. Beyond the sandy beaches and millionaires' yachts, Sardinia is a land of shepherds' huts, traditional villages and tranquil valleys aching to be explored.

In Aritzo, we stay in a **** hotel run by two brothers, Ninni and Luigi, just outside Aritzo. With a large swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi it's the perfect place to relax. The en suite rooms, decorated in traditional Sardinian colours (aquamarine and pale orange), have hairdryer, satellite TV, mini bar and telephone. At dinner you'll taste authentic mountain cooking. Our walks take us past cork trees to explore the Fiummendosa Valley and we conquer Sardinia's highest peak, Punta la Mamora. There's also the 11C church, former 17C prison and Arangino castle to visit.

Brother and sister, Alessio and Grazia, run your second **** hotel which is right by the sea in Cala Gonone. Alessio is the chef and freshly prepared meals are served every evening on their terrace overlooking the coast. There's a comfortable lounge to relax in, and you can easily explore Cala Gonone and its pretty port. Here we explore Sardinia's prehistoric heritage at the mysterious village of Tiscali, and follow coastal paths to discover its stunning white sand beaches.