Sardinia's Emerald Coast

Day 2 Costa Smeralda

After breakfast, we’re going to explore the beautiful Emerald Coast. Filled with white-sand beaches, picture-perfect bays, luxurious resorts and cultural treasures, it’s no wonder the rich and famous choose to holiday here year after year. We’ll head to the resort town of Porto Cervo, where you can take a stroll to see the elegant yachts and luxurious boats moored in its pretty marina. The unusual Stella Maris church is also worth a visit. An array of art treasures is preserved inside the bright white building and from its lovely hilltop setting, you can take in fabulous views of the marina below.

Next, we’ll visit Baja Sardinia where an inviting selection of shops, bars and restaurants cluster around the central square. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink and a bite to eat, whilst indulging in a spot of people-watching!

On our way back, we’ll make a stop in the charming artists’ village of San Pantaleo, one of the prettiest on the island. Nestling beneath granite mountains, it’s just a short distance from our hotel and is set around a picturesque piazza.

Day 3 Alghero

This morning we’re going to travel to Sardinia’s north-western coast and the medieval city of Alghero. On a guided walk around the cobbled streets of the Old Town, we’ll take in highlights including the Gothic Santa Maria Cathedral, and the church of San Francesco. We’ll also see the 16th-century sea walls, towers and ramparts and admire views of the dramatic Capo Caccia cliffs in the distance.

A short boat trip will then take us to Neptune’s Grotto, a large, atmospheric sea cave. As we venture inside for a tour, you’ll discover a motionless underground lake surrounded by beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Day 4 Olbia

Today’s included excursion takes us to the city of Olbia, which we’ll explore together on a guided walking tour. You’ll discover the Old Town’s elegant buildings and visit the medieval Church of San Simplicio with its simple granite façade. For those wanting to shop for souvenirs, the city’s main street, Corso Umberto, is brimming with one-of-a-kind shops and upmarket boutiques. If you’d rather take the weight off your feet, there are plenty of cafes in the laid-back Piazza Margherita, where you can relax with a drink and watch the world go by.

Day 5 San Pantaleo - at Leisure

Enjoy another day relaxing and doing your own thing or join our optional excursion to the neighbouring island of Corsica. Our journey begins by road as we travel through Northern Sardinia’s shrubland to the town of Santa Teresa di Gallura, which overlooks the narrow strait separating the two islands. We’ll board a ferry and cross to the Corsican town of Bonifacio, perched majestically on the top of a cliff. A stroll around the natural harbour is a great way to start your discoveries here and then you might choose to walk up to the fortified 9th-century citadel or Old Town, where a maze of narrow streets and intriguing alleyways are home to medieval houses. After your walk, why not stop for a drink at a harbour-side café, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the spectacular views. .

Day 6 San Pantaleo - at Leisure

After two days of sightseeing, you might want to relax and spend a day at leisure. Alternatively, you can join an optional cruise to La Maddalena, an archipelago of rocky islands surrounded by inviting crystal-clear waters. We’ll visit the largest of the islands, also known as La Maddalena, where you can explore a small, sophisticated seaside town bursting with cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. Take a leisurely walk, enjoy a coffee or watch the boats bobbing around in the marina – whatever takes your fancy.

Day 7 San Pantaleo - at Leisure

We’ve left the last full day of your holiday free so that you can explore at leisure or make the most of the facilities at your hotel. Kick back and relax with a cooling drink, enjoy a game of tennis or head to a nearby beach. You could also choose to spend some more time in the charming village of San Pantaleo browsing the artisan shops.

Day 8 Olbia - UK

It’s time to bid Sardinia farewell as we drive you to the airport for your fight back to the UK.