La Serenissima Plus Sardinia

Name: Venice and Sardinia 10 Day Itinerary – Customizable Private Tour
Brand: JayWay Travel
Rating: 4.80 (1 reviews)

10 Days / 9 Nights

Venice, Costa Smeralda, Alghero

Average Guest Rating 4.8 / 5

This 10-day itinerary combines one of the world's most iconic cities with Italy's most laid-back island. If visiting Venice and Sardinia on the same trip hasn't occurred to you before, this customizable itinerary might just change your mind. Start your journey in Venice, a dreamy city that never fails to make visitors gasp in awe before its utter beauty. Sample Venetian tapas, step inside the emblematic Palazzo Ducale, and splurge on a private gondola ride you'll remember for life. Stunned by Venice's mesmerizing allure, fly to Sardinia to get acquainted with Italy's authentic side, away from the tourist crowds. In Costa Smeralda, spend time exploring the Maddalena Archipelago or tasting the local wines. End your trip in quaint Alghero, a quintessentially Italian small town blessed with gorgeous natural landscapes and known for its delectable food. 

One of our team members in Italy will be available to answer any questions and arrange local services leading up to and during your trip. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best this country has to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (whom you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.

3 Nights in Venice

3 Nights in Venice

Venice is a legendary city with a charm and atmosphere all its own. The city was constructed on more than 100 islands connected by a series of canals, most of which are lined with gorgeous palaces, beautiful churches, and all sorts of impressive architecture. While the city isn’t huge, it is packed with pedestrian-only streets and quaint, winding alleys that will keep you exploring for days. The city is very popular with tourists year-round, so you certainly won’t be the only travelers walking through the streets with camera in hand. This being Italy, the cuisine in Venice is delicious, and we can especially recommend the Cicchetti of Venice tour. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, and this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic eateries and its most delicious recipes. If it’s your first time in Venice, we can organize a tour to show you all the most important sites. And since no trip to the city of canals is complete without a boat ride, we offer a number of ways for you to get a new point of view of the city and its magnificent architecture. It’s easy to while away your time in Venice, discovering new secrets around every corner.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Venice

Start your Venetian experience off in style by arriving in a private water taxi. We'll arrange a transfer by boat from Venice Marco Polo airport to the closest possible point to your hotel in Venice. Please note that porter assistance from the water taxi to the hotel is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

Welcome to Venice!

Suggestion to explore on your own

Enjoy Venice from the very start! Depending on your preference, this can be a relaxing or active time. After that, enjoy an aperitif with a view of the Grand Canal at Erbaria (Rialto), where there are many bars with outdoor seating. Finally, dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Rialto area will definitely make your first evening in Venice a perfect one. If you arrive full of energy and ready to explore, head to the Zattere area and enjoy a stroll along the canal up to Punta della Dogana, where you can admire the view of San Marco and the Grand Canal. The walk to Santa Maria della Salute church is pleasant, and you can take the traghetto (a big gondola) to cross the canal.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Venice

First Time in Venice Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover Venice with this unique walking tour, which unfolds through the elegant Piazza San Marco, surrounded by the governmental buildings of the ancient Republic. You'll see the beautiful Saint Mark church, then stroll through the Castello district including the large campo Santa Maria Formosa. The square of San Giovanni e Paolo will be your next stop. Before reaching Rialto you'll pass by the Marco Polo house. From the top of the famous Rialto bridge you'll encounter all the splendours of the Grand Canal.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours

Venice Street Food and Rialto Market Group Tour

Venetian Tapas and Wine Tours

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

You're in Italy, so good food isn't too far away if you know where to look. One of our favorite ways to get to know a city is by taking a food tour. We can highly recommend taking part in these small group tours and getting your culinary bearings set with an afternoon sampling cicchetti (Venetian tapas), accompanied by wine at Venice's best Bacari (traditional wine bars).

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 3 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Venice

In the Footsteps of the Doges

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

The Doge's Palace is a stunning palace built in the Venetian Gothic style and one of the most conspicuous landmarks in Venice. Situated next to the Basilica in Saint Mark Square, the palace opened as a museum in 1923. The Doges were the rulers of Venice, elected for life by the aristocracy of Venice. As you'd expect, the Doge's Palace is sumptuously decorated, and it befits the ruler of one of the world's most important powers of the Medieval and Renaissance eras.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 1 hour 15 minutes

Private Gondola Ride

Included in your vacation package price.

A gondola ride is a classic part of the Venetian experience. Your experienced gondolier will give you a new perspective on the city, coasting along the narrow canals that are synonymous with this magical place.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 30 minutes

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Costa Smeralda by Airplane

Today you're bidding a fond arrivederci to Venice, taking a short flight to Sardinia. We will arrange for a water taxi to pick you up at, or as close as possible to, your accommodation in Venice and take you across the Venetian Lagoon to the landing stage at Venice's Marco Polo airport. We have included one-way flight tickets on a direct flight to Olbia in your package. Please note that porter assistance from the hotel to the water taxi is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

We also offer the following excursions in Venice

Ancient Crafts & Artisans' Workshops Tour

Light3 hours

Authentic Murano Glass Factory Private Tour

Light2 hours

Cortina and Dolomites Private Day Tour

Moderate8 hours

Cortina and the Dolomites Day Small Group Tour

Moderate8 Hours

3 Nights in Costa Smeralda

3 Nights in Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda delivers the quintessential Mediterranean feeling: a relaxed seaside vacation between jaw-dropping seaside scenery and the crystalline water. From the elegant boutiques and restaurants of Porto Cervo to the more local and vibrant atmosphere of historic Santa Teresa di Gallura on the northern coast. Although a magnet for Italian and international celebrities who want to see and be seen, as well as world-class sailing competitions, Costa Smeralda can also deliver on authentic island experiences.

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Costa Smeralda

After you land at Olbia Costa Smeralda 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 Porto Cervo should take around one hour.

An Elegant Night

Suggestion to explore on your own

With its luxury boutiques and charming lifestyle, Porto Cervo is the ideal place for an evening stroll. From Piazzetta del Principe and Promenade du Port, head to the harbor, where you can see the expensive yachts parked for the night as you sip on a fancy cocktail or savor seafood delicacies at a beachfront restaurant.

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Costa Smeralda

Full Day Catamaran Small Group Excursion to La Maddalena Archipelago

Included in your vacation package price.

Joining a boat ride on a luxurious catamaran or an elegant and comfortable sailing boat is the most exclusive way to fully enjoy the beauty of Sardinia while being close to nature. You will be enchanted by the crystal clear waters and the white sands of the stunning bays across the Maddalena Archipelago. You can swim and snorkel with the equipment that will be provided onboard.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 8 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Costa Smeralda

A 007 Sunset Drink in San Pantaleo

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

The picturesque village of San Pantaleo is nested in a scenic mountainous location. It retains its original look and temperament even after the touristic development of the coast and the fact that it served as the set of James Bond’s movie "The Spy Who Loved Me" with Roger Moore and Barbara Bach. The ideal time to visit is sunset, when the mighty mountains surrounding the village turn pink as you sip your drinks and enjoy local delicacies in the lively Piazza della Chiesa (we recommend Caffe Nina). San Pantaleo is located around a 30-minute drive from Costa Smeralda hotels, so you will need your own transportation, or our local Destination Expert can include the experience in our guided excursions.

Vermentino and Cannonau Winery Experience

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

For wine lovers, the ideal complement to a coastal vacation is a visit to a family-run winery to familiarize yourselves with indigenous Sardinian varieties and enjoy the local Vermentino di Gallura and Cannonau wines. Especially when an experienced sommelier presents them. Our local Destination Expert will help you choose among the best options, in particular around the area of Arzachena.

Vermentino and Cannonau Winery Experience

Day 7

Day 7 - Traveling to Alghero by Private Transfer

Today you will leave Porto Cervo towards Alghero, the gem of the north-western coast. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your preferred departure time and take you to your accommodation in Alghero (or to Alghero airport, according to your flight's departure time). 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. Please note this is a non guided transfer.

We also offer the following excursions in Costa Smeralda

Castelsardo and Muto di Gallura Full Day Private Tour

Light7 hours

Gallura Group Tour and Pasta-Making Experience

Light3 hours 30 minutes

Private Rubber Boat Tour to La Maddalena

Easy8 hours

3 Nights 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.

Day 7

Day 7 - Arrival in Alghero

The driver will take you directly to your accommodation in Alghero.

Drinks on the Beach

Suggestion to explore on your own

As you kick off your Alghero adventure, consider making your way to Spiaggia di San Giovanni for an unforgettable evening. This beach, especially vibrant during the summer months, boasts a lively ambiance with its array of bars along the shore. Settle into your chosen spot just as the sun begins its descent, treating yourself to a delightful happy hour against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 8

Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Alghero

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

Traditional Small Group Cooking Class

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Join this cooking class in a secluded countryside home near Alghero in northern Sardinia. Your hostess, Irene, warmly welcomes you and makes you feel as if you’re cooking with a friend as she shares her tips. Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch paired with a simple, delicious sauce. Enjoy a small aperitif before your meal, then savor your pasta alongside a glass of locally-produced wine for a truly authentic experience.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours

Day 9

Day 9 - Your Second Full Day in Alghero

Capo Caccia Natural Skyline

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

The limestone mountain of Capo Caccia is part of Alghero's skyline and is rich in natural caves, particularly the famous karstic Neptune’s Grotto. We recommend joining a half-day private tour to visit the otherworldly Neptune's Caves.

Day 10

Day 10 - Departure Day

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

We also offer the following excursions in Alghero

Asinara Island Full-Day Group Excursion

Light8 hours

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 and Stintino with Wine and Oil Tasting Full Day Private Tour

Light7 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.

Venice

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Venice Marco Polo Airport Transfer

First Time in Venice Private Tour

Private Gondola Ride

Venice - Olbia Flight

Venice Marco Polo Airport Transfer

Costa Smeralda

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Olbia Airport - Porto Cervo Private Transfer

Full Day Catamaran Small Group Excursion to La Maddalena Archipelago

Porto Cervo - Alghero Private Transfer

Alghero

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Alghero Private Walking Tour

Alghero 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.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.8 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

Angela & Bill

Tennessee

Don't miss Sardinia which was geographically beautiful and different than expected. JayWay Travel staff did another exceptional trip for us.

Year : 2022
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Costa Smeralda, Alghero, Inland Sardinia, Cagliari
Rating :

4.8 / 5

Get an Instant Price Estimate

Choose the month of travel, how many travelers and what star level accommodation you'd like to stay in, then get an instant price estimate.

Once you’ve done that you can request a tailor-made itinerary based on this by entering just a few more details.

Per Person Package Price from^*

Sending ...

Thank you!

Thank you for your interest in taking a trip based on this itinerary. One of our expert travel advisors will be in touch soon to start tailoring it precisely to your preferences.

Ooops!?

Something went wrong at our end, please try again in a moment.