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, on this 7-night guided trip we explore on foot the idyllic forest-framed coastline of the north and the rugged rocky mountains of the south, 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.
Our hotel for the week is a small family-run residence located in the small agricultural town of Dorgali, and only 7km from the coast. The traditional Sardinian cuisine includes popular specialities such as: roast suckling pig, excellent seafood dishes and local Sardinian wines, such as Vermentino, Nuragus, Cannonau and Monica. Mirto is Sardinia's after dinner liqueur, which is made from the leaves of the myrtle plant.
Arrive at your base hotel for the next seven nights in Dorgali. (Staying at the Hotel S'Adde, dinner)
We start with an orientation walk through a maze of old paths 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). (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
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. (Breakfast and lunch)
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. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
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 Blue Marino Grotto (weather-permitting). (Breakfast only)
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. As well as boasting some amazing traditional Sardinian food, it is also the ideal place for bird-watching. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
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 people 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. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Transfer to Olbia airport for your flight home. (Breakfast only)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded 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
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
You will spend seven days at the Hotel S'Adde; a comfortable family-run *** hotel.Please call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or email usa@exodustravels.com to arrange flights and connecting transfers to your hotel.
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. However, as this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available.
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.
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.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Minimum group sizes
A minimum of 5 people (in total) are required for each departure.
Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.
Holiday type
Guided walking Managed by our sister company, Exodus.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 5 evening meals and 1 wine-tasting
Tour only
Transfers included from Olbia airport at 16:35, and back to Olbia airport at 06:15. On some departures the flight times will vary. Therefore, please call for the latest transfer times.
If you choose to book your own flights please check with us first that your chosen departure date is definitely operating as our guided holidays are subject to minimum group sizes.
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.
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 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.
We've been creating high-quality relaxed activity holidays since 1985 and our wealth of experience means we're able to build the perfect tailor-made tour for you. Our 'Gold Trusted' rating on Feefo, the independent review site, underlines our exceptional levels of customer service, and our ATOL bonding and ABTA membership guarantees your holiday is safe with us.
