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Sardinia Active Exploration

10 Days / 9 Nights

Alghero, Santa Teresa di Gallura, Cagliari

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue

This action-packed ten-day tour of Sardinia checks all the boxes for anyone who loves to get out and about on their vacation. We've included plenty of land and sea-based activities for you to enjoy throughout your trip, such as sailing, hiking, even off-roading. You'll fall in love with Sardinia and already be planning your return by the time you reach Cagliari, the island's capital.

To make things easy we've included private transfers between overnight destinations, a mix of private tours, and small group day trips. You'll be presented with a personalized choice of the best boutique and luxury accommodations at every price level.

Route for Alghero, Santa Teresa di Gallura, Cagliari tour

3 Nights in Alghero

3 Nights in Alghero

4 days in Alghero
4 days in Alghero

3 Nights in Alghero

A 3000-year-long history spanning from the unique bronze-age Nuragic settlements to Renaissance and Baroque treasures, make Alghero the most interesting cultural site of north Sardinia. The mighty bastions, the labyrinth of narrow streets, and lively piazzas bustling with life echo the many languages of this Mediterranean crossroad of peoples. The colorful and diverse cuisine reflects the multiple influences, in particular the Catalan origins of the city.

A 3000-year-long history spanning from the unique bronze-age Nuragic settlements to Renaissance and Baroque treasures, make Alghero the most interesting cultural site of north Sardinia. The mighty bastions, the labyrinth of narrow streets, and lively piazzas bustling with life echo the many languages of this Mediterranean crossroad of peoples. The colorful and diverse cuisine reflects the multiple influences, in particular the Catalan origins of the city.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Alghero

After you land at Alghero airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name on. The journey to your accommodation in town should take around half an hour.

Alghero Private Walking Tour

Alghero Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Walking by its streets you will discover the History of Alghero, called “Barceloneta”, the little Barcelona: in fact Alghero is the only Italian city speaking a Catalan dialect, and where you will also eat in a Catalan way. Visit to the ramparts with the Aragonese Towers and the Gothic-Catalan Cathedral  of  Santa Maria  (XVI-XIX century). Alghero is also famous for its “Red Gold”:  the Corallium Rubrum, the most precious Coral of the Mediterranean Sea, that is caught here.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Alghero

Asinara Island Full Day Small Group Excursion

Asinara Island Full Day Small Group Excursion

Included in your vacation package price.

Join this Asinara Island tour on board the 4x4s (8 seats each). Starting from Alghero, your private transfer will bring you to Stintino, where you will meet your tour guide and your vehicles for the day. Board the 4x4 and depart toward south through dirt roads, short walking excursions to admire the surrounding landscape, the typical vegetation and sight the animals (mouflons, white and grey donkeys, wild boards, peregrine hawk, and migratory birds, especially in spring and autumn). Visit the island and its ancient villages with your expert and local tour guide, stopping several ways on the way to better enjoy the beauty of the island, take pictures and visit every place.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 8 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Alghero

"Nuraghe" & stone-age legends of Alghero

Suggestion to explore on your own

During a vacation in Sardinia, you would hear the word "Nuraghe" as many times as the beloved "Cannonau" red wine. These fairly simple although imposing archeological structures are scattered all over the island, and locals are very proud of them. The bronze-age Nuragic Village of Palmavera (1500 BC) is one of the most popular thanks to its “Capanna delle Riunioni”, the meeting hut, that’s the biggest one of the entire island. The site has been discovered in 1903, and it continues to be excavated and studied by archaeologists. For historic fans, we recommend to visit as well nearby necropolis of Anghelu Ruju, with its 6000 years of legends.

The Stone Age Legends of Alghero

Neptune's cave, a rewarding hike or relaxed stroll

Suggestion to explore on your own

Neptune's Cave is the main natural attraction of the rugged coast around capo Caccia: a spectacular sequence of ponds, narrow ravines, large halls with colonnades, stalactites and stalagmites shaped by the delicate force of nature. A visit that will leave you breathless.
The caves can be visited with a pleasant and very popular boat trip form the harbor or a more solitary, demanding but rewarding hike down and up the the Escala del Cabirol, 656 steps carved into the rock wall leaving you breathless... in every sense!

Neptune's Caves, a True Wonder of Nature

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Santa Teresa di Gallura by Private Transfer

Today you will leave Alghero towards the vibrant seaside town of Santa Teresa di Gallura. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your preferred departure time and take you to your accommodation in Santa Teresa di Gallura. The journey takes around 2 and a half hours. If you'd like, we can arrange a stop on the way for an additional fee. We recommend visiting the seaside town of Castelsardo nested atop a scenic cliff or the beach area of Isola Rossa.

Santa Teresa di Gallura by Private Transfer
We also offer the following excursions in Alghero

Beaches, Artisans and Wines of the Northern Coast Full Day Private Tour
Light8 hours
Historic and Artistic Gems of the Southern Coast Full Day Private Tour
Light8 hours
Neptune's Caves Half Day Private Tour
Light4 hours
Neptune's Caves and Stintino with Wine and Oil Tasting Full Day Private Tour
Light7 hours

3 Nights in Santa Teresa di Gallura

3 Nights in Santa Teresa di Gallura

4 days in Santa Teresa di Gallura
4 days in Santa Teresa di Gallura

3 Nights in Santa Teresa di Gallura

Santa Teresa is the ideal "surf & turf" base to explore northern Sardinia. This lively coastal town is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its authentic vibe, lively summer evenings and wonderful coves ideal for a relaxing beachside drink admiring indescribably cobalt blue and turquoise waters. Natural beauties abound and create a true playground for outdoor fans, from rewarding hikes around the lighthouse of Capo Testa or the quarries used to build the most famous Roman temples, and plenty of sailing opportunities. You can enjoy a stimulating blend of authentic cultural experiences, excellent folk museums, craft shopping, and delicious culinary experiences with local families and even with real shepherds.

Santa Teresa is the ideal "surf & turf" base to explore northern Sardinia. This lively coastal town is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its authentic vibe, lively summer evenings and wonderful coves ideal for a relaxing beachside drink admiring indescribably cobalt blue and turquoise waters. Natural beauties abound and create a true playground for outdoor fans, from rewarding hikes around the lighthouse of Capo Testa or the quarries used to build the most famous Roman temples, and plenty of sailing opportunities. You can enjoy a stimulating blend of authentic cultural experiences, excellent folk museums, craft shopping, and delicious culinary experiences with local families and even with real shepherds.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Santa Teresa di Gallura

The driver will take you directly to your accommodation in Santa Teresa di Gallura.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Santa Teresa di Gallura

La Maddalena Archipelago Small Group Boat Tour

La Maddalena Archipelago Small Group Boat Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Join this boat tour to La Maddalena Archipelago to discover all the beauties of the area, its beaches with soft sand and crystalline turquoise waters, and panoramic views of the pink beach and the islands that are part of the archipelago. Lunch will be served on board and you will also have the free time to swim, take pictures and enjoy the tour.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 8 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Santa Teresa di Gallura

Capo Testa, the birthplace or Roman monuments

Suggestion to explore on your own

The area around the lighthouse of Capo Testa offers an ideal location for a short hike to admire the rocky formations carved by the waves and winds, and even the quarries of the columns used to build the most famous Roman temples like the pantheon in Rome. An ideal location for a swim in tourquoise and cobalt-blue waters and to sit a drink on a scenic beach.

Capo Testa, The Birthplace of Roman Monuments

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Cagliari by Private Transfer

The secrets of longevity...in a glass!

Suggestion to explore on your own

The scenic villages of Gallura region are blessed by extremely high longevity, to the point that the area is studied by scientists as one of the few "blue zones" in the world. A sporty lifestyle and healthy food are the key ingredients, and locals will for sure add a glass (or more, to be on the safe side) of the local wines Vermentino di Gallura and Cannonau. From world-class wineries to local bio farms, there are plenty of options to learn the traditions and enjoy their flavors. Our local staff will help you choosing among the best wineries and arrange a visit.

The Secrets of Longevity in a Glass

Today you will leave Santa Teresa di Gallura and head to Cagliari. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your preferred departure time and take you on a 4-hour journey to Cagliari. If you'd like, we can arrange a stop on the way for an additional fee. We recommend visiting the historic centers of Nuoro, or Oristano. Please note this is a non guided transfer.

Cagliari by private transfer
We also offer the following excursions in Santa Teresa di Gallura

Castelsardo and Muto di Gallura Full Day Private Tour
Light7 hours
Corsica Rubber Dinghy Small Group Tour
Easy8 hours
Full Day Private Trip to the Amazing Beaches of Costa Smeralda
Easy8 hours
Surrau Winery Half Day Private Tour
Light4 hours

3 Nights in Cagliari

3 Nights in Cagliari

4 days in Cagliari
4 days in Cagliari

3 Nights in Cagliari

The winding streets of Cagliari's historic districts and the lively harbor should not be missed on any visit to Sardinia. Quality street-food and fine dining options, a vibrant cultural life, and photogenic spots from the blue waters of the popular Poetto beach to the bastions of Saint Rémy make a stop in the island's capital an ideal complement to a vacation in trendy Costa Smeralda.

The winding streets of Cagliari's historic districts and the lively harbor should not be missed on any visit to Sardinia. Quality street-food and fine dining options, a vibrant cultural life, and photogenic spots from the blue waters of the popular Poetto beach to the bastions of Saint Rémy make a stop in the island's capital an ideal complement to a vacation in trendy Costa Smeralda.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Cagliari

Upon reaching Cagliari your driver will drop you directly at your accommodation.

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Cagliari

Cagliari Private City Tour

Cagliari Private City Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Today Cagliari appears like a complex city, with a heritage of great importance as well as a modern personality, coherently to a capital that developed, with time going by, in harmony with the surrounding area, being a pivotal part of it, but what you need is an expert and local tour guide and a van to bring you around to discover its beauties, inside and out, in the heart of the city and its center and with the beautiful natural parks and areas just outside.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4-5 hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Your Second Full Day in Cagliari

The kaleidoscopic flavors of Sardinian gastronomy

Suggestion to explore on your own

A crossroad of Mediterranean trading routes since over 2000 years, with influences from Genoese to Catalan and Middle eastern, Cagliari offers an exciting and delicious variety of food delicacies. The local restaurants and taverns are concentrated in the area around the "Marina" districts, where we recommend to try the flagship gnocchi Campidanese (with semolina and flavored with saffron, tomato sauce, pecorino cheese and pork sausage into), the spawning and the famous grilled Sardinian suckling pig (excellent at Trattoria Gennargentu). And yet: the "cocciula" and cozzas "to schiscionera", a dish of clams and mussels prepared with olive oil, garlic, parsley and bread crumbs and the fish soup known cassola, with mullet roe, mullet, tuna and mullet. For the picky eaters lobster campidanese and spicy fried fish with sweet and sour sauce called on scabbecciu.For a sweet touch, look for "pardulas", cheese-based, the candelaus, with marzipan and a spicy orange flavor, the fried ravioli seadas covered with honey and cakes of raisins called pabassinas. All paired with the many local wines like Nuragus, Nasco, Malvasia, Girò, the Monica and Moscato.

A Taste of Sardinia

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

A driver will pick you up at your accommodation and drop you off at Cagliari Airport for your departing flight. The journey should take around half an hour.

We also offer the following excursions in Cagliari

Nora and Capo Spartivento Private Day Trip
Moderate6 hours
The Family Experience Private Tour
Moderate10 hours
Traditional Sardinian Small Group Cooking Class
Light3 hours
Unesco Site of Barumini & Giara Private Day Trip
Light8 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Alghero

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Alghero Airport Transfer
Alghero Private Walking Tour
Asinara Island Full Day Small Group Excursion
Alghero - Santa Teresa Private Transfer

Santa Teresa di Gallura

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
La Maddalena Archipelago Small Group Boat Tour
Santa Teresa di Gallura - Cagliari Private Transfer

Cagliari

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Cagliari Private City Tour
Cagliari Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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