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.
Activity Areas
Centre-Based
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking
Region & Country & City
Europe: Italy, Sardinia
Included in the Price
- All breakfasts, five picnic lunches, one wine tasting and five dinners - All accommodation - All transport and listed activities - Tour leader throughout - Group arrival and departure transfers available
Not Included In The Price
- Travel insurance - Single accommodation (available on request) - Visas or vaccinations - Local taxes (approx. €10)
Accommodation Information
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel Il Querceto) - Four days walking, one day sightseeing - Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure Starts in Dorgali
Our week begins at Hotel Il Quercieto in Dorgali, a Sardinian hill town known for its mountainous scenery and close proximity to the coast.
Around 6pm, say ciao to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome over our first group dinner.
Want more time in Sardinia? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
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 Adventure ends in Dorgali
Our Sardinia trip comes to an end after breakfast. Say a fond farewell to Hotel Il Quercieto, before beginning your return journey home. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to extend your adventure and spend more time exploring Sardinia.
