With its stark beauty, crystal clear waters, golden beaches and undulating limestone ridges, it’s easy to see why Sardinia is considered one of the Mediterranean’s finest gems. Based in the Dorgali area, we explore on foot the idyllic forest-framed coastline of the east and the rugged rocky mountains in the west, walking through valleys, gorges, peaks and spectacular turquoise bays. In addition to its serene natural beauty, Sardinia is also a place of great historic interest and during the week we have the chance to visit the famous monolithic monuments built by the Nuraghi peoples, one of the main prehistoric Mediterranean civilisations.
Activity Level: 3 (Moderate)This is a moderate walking week with some free time to relax and to enjoy the excellent local food and wine. All walks take around 5 to 6 hours and require a moderate level of fitness. Walking is on a variety of dirt tracks, gravel and some tarmac. There are also rocky sections that may require some scrambling and in less visited areas be aware paths may be overgrown and rougher underfoot. A few steep ascents and descents should be expected. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to call us. Walking hours stated in the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference:Summer'>http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf<...
temperatures in Italy can be quite high.In case of very hot weather we will make our best to adjust the itinerary to make it the most enjoyable possible but please consider this aspect when deciding the time of the year you wish to travel according to your suitability to that season.
Our week begins at the Hotel S'Adde in Dorgali. In the evening our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.
We start with an orientation walk through an old path around Monte Tului (916m), which boasts one of the most beautiful views of the Gulf of Orosei along with the mountainous inland around Dorgali. (approx. 5 hours walking, ascent 600m descent 600m, 13km).
On our drive above the Flumineddu Valley, we enjoy stunning views until we arrive at the Gorropu Gorge - also known as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe'. Its high, narrow, vertical walls reach 200 metres making it the deepest and roughest natural gorge in Europe. Over millions of years, the Flumineddu River has eroded the landscape to create the incomparable natural beauty of the gorge. There is a chance to paddle on the river, if conditions allow. This evening, there is the opportunity to enjoy dinner in a restaurant in Dorgali centre - payable locally (approx. 6 hours walking, ascent 415 meters -420 meters, 15km).
We begin with a drive to the site of the renowned Giants Tomb, the Sardinian megalithic gallery grave built during the Bronze Age by the Nuragic civilization. We then continue on to the site of the Serra Orrios, one of the most famous of the Nuraghes villages. The Nuraghes, cone tomb-like towers positioned around the island, are the symbols of Sardinia and of its unique ethnicity. The Nuragici people, who built these towers, are considered as the most accomplished, yet mysterious, civilisation in the Mediterranean. We explore this Nuraghic village of Serra Orrios and its complex arrangement of circular huts dating back to the Bronze Age. After this we have time for a quick coffee stop before driving on to Cala Orsala. This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, surrounded by rocks, pinewoods and lush Mediterranean scrub. Weather permitting, we will have lunch on the beach. After this we visit the 'Grotta degli Ispinigoli' home to the longest stalactite-stalagmite column in Europe. We finish the day with a visit to a wine factory (cantina) for wine tasting and a short talk about the local wines.
Today is free to explore the archaeological sites of the Dorgali region, take an optional self-guided walk or simply relax by the beach and enjoy the leisurely Sardinian lifestyle. Horse riding can also be arranged for you; alternatively, you can take an optional wonderful boat trip to Bue Marino Grotto (weather permitting).
After a short transfer, we start our rewarding (and perhaps the most challenging) walk to the deserted village of Tiscali. Tiscali is built in a huge cave inside Monte Corrasi and it is speculated that its inhabitants hid here from the Romans. We also make an essential visit to the karstic springs of Su Cologone, where an imposing mass of mineral water carves shapes into the rocks as it gushes out of the impressive gorge. (approx. 5 hours walking, ascent 430m descent 480m, 12km).
We start the day with a boat trip to Cala Luna, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Here there will be time to explore the large caves and perhaps watch the rock climbing. The walk back to Cala Gonone starts through a vast forest and gulleys, with occasional views of the coast. At the end of the walk at Cala Gonone we will have time for a very welcome drink and the opportunity for a swim before we return to Dorgali (approx.5 hours walking, ascent 310m descent 310m, 10km).
End Hotel S'Adde in Dorgali.
This single-centre holiday is based at the following hotel. If you'd like to extend your stay here, or upgrade your room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. As this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available from our customers, but here are the comments that have been received from previous Exodus travellers.
The bast holiday we have had with Explore or Exodus
A well planed and well lead interesting trip
We saw many historical and cultural aspects of Sardinia that were a complete surprise to us and these were a bonus. The planned walks were stunning in their scope and very ably led by Albert, our tour leader. The weather was variable and greatly impacted on the activities so re scheduling was necessary; having said that, we missed nothing in the end. Being flexible is part of travel.
The walk on the first day was cold and very windy and I was unsure what to expect - but after that we were lucky with perfect sunny weather. Every day was very different with some challenging walks and very interesting archaeology. The countryside was very green with colourful flowers and the sea very blue. The sea was pretty cold in early May but a brief swim was very refreshing in the clear water. The hotel was family run and very friendly with hot showers and homely food. Our leader Albert was great - although it would have been nice to have learned a bit more about Sardinian culture. Our group spanned 30 years in our ages - which made for a really good mix of people. I really enjoyed Sardinia and this holiday.
Sardinia proved to be a surprisingly beautiful island with good walks and a fabulous coast. The hotel is very good with excellent food and very friendly staff. We were blessed with great weather which I'm sure influenced my enjoyment. The group was also lovely but that's my experience almost every time with Exodus. If you happen to have Albert as your guide you will indeed be fortunate - a more caring, competent and sociable leader would be hard to find. Personally I would drop the 'tourist day', hence only four stars.
One of the best trip leaders I’ve seen in almost 20 holidays with Exodus; lovely family run hotel; amazing gelato and great walking.
We had a super time on this holiday. Sardinia is a beautiful island, the walking was very enjoyable and the hotel used was perfect for this trip.
This was an excellent trip! The walking was quite hard occasionally because of some rocky terrains but I am in my 60's and not the fittest for my age ....so no problem!The weather was very changeable- I believe more than usual- so waterproofs are a must in September. The sights we visited were stunning! Tiscali and the Stalactites were amazing.Our guide Alexis was superb. He clearly takes his job very seriously and has a good knowledge of the region. He is also very sociable and humourous.Like all holidays a lot depends on the group...this group were exceptionally nice.I can really recommend this holiday if you want a good mix of interesting archeological sights and walking.The food and wine was rather good too!
Another superb Exodus trip. A great way to explore a beautiful country. Sardinia is an idyllic place with amazing beaches & stunning mountain scenery.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
Find out about The Headwater Price Promise to ensure you're getting the very best value for money.
This 7 night guided walking holiday includes:
All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 1 wine tasting and 5 dinners
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
How to book:
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form.
| Aug 2019 | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 31st Aug | WAS US$1785 US$1649 Save US$136 |
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| Sep 2019 | Tour only | Availability |
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| 7th Sep | US$1799 | Check availability |
| 14th Sep | US$1799 | Check availability |
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| 28th Sep | US$1799 | Check availability |
| May 2020 | Tour only | Availability |
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| 2nd May | US$1749 | Check availability |
| 9th May | US$1749 | Check availability |
| 16th May | US$1749 | Check availability |
| 23rd May | US$1749 | Check availability |
| 30th May | US$1749 | Check availability |
| Jun 2020 | Tour only | Availability |
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| 6th Jun | US$1749 | Check availability |
| Aug 2020 | Tour only | Availability |
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| 29th Aug | US$1749 | Check availability |
| Sep 2020 | Tour only | Availability |
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| 5th Sep | US$1749 | Check availability |
| 12th Sep | US$1749 | Check availability |
| 19th Sep | US$1749 | Check availability |
| 26th Sep | US$1749 | Check availability |
The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
This holiday is operated by our sister company, Exodus
7 nights 3-star Hotel S'Adde, all rooms en suite
8 days land only/ flight inclusive
4 days centre-based walking, 1 day sightseeing
Altitude maximum 910m, average 400m
Due to the tailor-made nature of our holidays, we need a little more information in order for us to check availability for . Simply complete the form below (fields marked * are mandatory) and a member of our sales team will contact you (when it's most convenient for you) to provide availability information, travel options and an accurate price. Of course there's no obligation, but if you do wish to proceed with a booking they will be on-hand to assist you throughout the process.
Alternatively, you can call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 to discuss your requirements in more detail.
