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Italy : Sardinia

Walking in Sardinia

Trip code: W07SN 5 (1 reviews)

Guided group walking

7 nights,
single centre

Level: 3
Stretching

Flights
available

Operated by
Exodus Travels

SUMMARY

  • Operated by our sister company, Exodus
  • Take picturesque walks through one of the most beautiful Mediterranean islands Enjoy inviting sandy beaches Discover ancient Nuragic monuments Stay at a family-run hotel with an excellent restaurant
  • Based on our popular 7 night, Secrets of Sardinia Walking

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • All breakfasts, five picnic lunches, one wine tasting and five dinners All accommodation (see accommodation section) All transport and listed activities Tour leader throughout

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Sardinia is a natural marvel with crystalline waters, golden beaches and undulating limestone ridges. Based in the Dorgali area, we explore the forest-framed coastline of the east and rugged mountains in the west, walking through valleys, gorges, peaks and turquoise bays. The island is also a place of great historical interest. We explore some of it with a visit to monolithic monuments built by the Nuragic people, one of the most interesting prehistoric civilisations in the Mediterranean.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Fly to Olbia; transfer to Dorgali

Our week begins at Hotel Il Quercieto 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.

You stay at Hotel S'Adde.

hotel details

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Hotel S'Adde, Dorgali

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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WiFi
TV
Aircon


You will spend seven days at the Hotel S'Adde; a comfortable family-run *** hotel.

All the rooms are en-suite and equipped with telephone and a satellite TV, whilst only a few have a mini-bar. The hotel facilities include bar, restaurant, TV room and terrace. Wi-Fi is only available in the reception area, not in the bedrooms.

The hotel is located within walking distance from Dorgali, situated 1.5 hours from Olbia airport in the beautiful Gulf of Orosei. Only 7km from the coast, this small agricultural town is famous for its crafts and ceramics and offers a wide choice of shops, restaurants and bars.


Day 2: Take an old path around Monte Tului with beautiful views of the Gulf of Orosei

We start with an orientation walk, talking an old path that winds around Monte Tului (3,005ft/916m) and offers some of the best views of the Gulf of Orosei to one side, and the mountainous interior around Dorgali on the other. The walk should take around five hours.

Day 3: Walk along the Gorropu Gorge, the deepest natural canyon in Italy; free time to paddle on the Flumineddu River

Enjoy sweeping views on a drive above the Flumineddu Valley, before arriving at Gorropu Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Europe. Its narrow, vertical walls reach 1,640ft (500m), making it the deepest natural gorge in Europe. Appreciate all its glory on our walk, which takes around six hours. There is a chance to paddle in the river, if conditions allow. This evening, there is the opportunity to enjoy dinner in a restaurant in Dorgali centre – payable locally.

Day 4: Explore the Nuragic village of Serra Orrios; relax on an idyllic sandy beach; local wine tasting

Today we learn more about the Nuragic people, considered the most accomplished yet mysterious civilisation in the Mediterranean. We start with a drive to the Giants Tomb, a megalithic grave site from the Bronze Age, before visiting the Serra Orrios archaeological complex, home to a fascinating collection of stone hut ruins. We then have time for a quick coffee stop before driving to Cala Orsala. This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, surrounded by rocks, pinewoods and lush Mediterranean scrub. We have lunch on the beach (weather permitting). Next up is a visit to the Grotta Ispinigoli, a cave home to the longest stalactite-stalagmite column in Europe. We finish the day in style, heading to a winery (cantina) for a tasting and short talk about the local wines.

Day 5: Free day; explore the Dorgali archaeological sites, take a self-guided walk or hit the beach

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 (the price and all details to be agreed locally with the hotel). Alternatively, take an optional boat trip to the Bue Marino Grotto (weather permitting).

Day 6: Walk around the prehistoric Tiscali village, built inside a cave; visit the Su Gologone springs

Today we visit the mysterious Nuragic village of Tiscali – not much is known about its origins, nor the people who lived there. It seems to have been populated before the Nuragic era but archaeologists put its main period of activity between the second and first centuries BCE. The dwellings are virtually invisible until you are at the vast cavity in which they are built. This has led some to postulate that people returned here to hide from the Romans. We also visit Su Gologone, described as a natural masterpiece, where karst has been sculpted by rushing water as it exits the gorge. The water is tinged green or blue, depending on the angle of the sun, and an astonishing 130 gallons (500 litres) of water per second comes crashing out of the chasm into this mini oasis.

Day 7: Explore caves and cliffs on a walk from Cala Luna beach; free afternoon

We start the day with a boat trip to Cala Luna, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Here there will be time to explore the large caves and, as this is a popular spot for rock climbing, we may get to see some enthusiasts put their skills to the test. The walk back to Cala Gonone taks us through a vast forest and along deep 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.

Day 8: End Dorgali

Our Sardinia trip comes to an end after breakfast. Say a fond farewell to Hotel Il Quercieto, before beginning your return journey home.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £350.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination with onward rail and road transfers as appropriate. To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

Transportation

A private minibus will be used for transfers and local transport will be used for organised excursions. All travelling is on reasonably good roads. Weather permitting, there is also a boat ride on Day 7.

Joining Instructions

nKey information Start hotel: Hotel S' Adde, Via Concordia 38, 08022, Dorgali Phone: +39 0784 94412 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Olbia Airport (OLB) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately just over an hours’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are: Take an Exodus transfer Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. Make your own way From Olbia, it is possible to reach Dorgali by public transport, which will cost approximately €20. Please check the Olbia Airport website for bus times. A taxi will cost about €140. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer. Flights from London, UK We normally use the scheduled services of EasyJet or Meridiana (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly, we recommend you call your sales representative to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. Due to EasyJet's booking system, we can only purchase flights six months before your departure date. If you book your trip before this date, a booking confirmation will be sent to you advising that flights are subject to confirmation. We will then secure the flights as soon as they become available. In the case that flights are not available at the original budgeted cost once they are released for sale, a flight supplement will be charged. If the supplement exceeds 10 percent of the original holiday price, you will be given the right to cancel. Please note that many destinations now require Advanced Passenger Information (API), such as your passport number, date of birth and nationality, to be added to your booking before departure. When booking Easyjet flights through Exodus your sales consultant will do this for you. n
OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

The walking holiday in Sardinia was superb, great variety of walks with quite a lot of climbing over rocks and boulders. Good historical sightseeing and seeing a very different part of Sardinia. On the Tuesday a visit to one of the most beautiful beaches. Great wine tasting. Canyons, caves and beautiful coast line all feature in this week. The staff at the hotel are so helful buying bus tickets and providing beach towels. My air-con didn't work so room was very hot but everything else was perfect. A truly brilliant week, great people and Stefano was superb.

Ms Allen, 15 Jun 2019

 


Guided group walking

7 nights,
single centre

Level: 3
Stretching

Flights
available

Operated by
Exodus Travels

7 nights from £1519

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199