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 Sardinia, blessed with an incredibly sunny climate, is Italy’s most undiscovered region. This is one of the most scenic parts of Europe with a beautiful rocky coast, islands everywhere, and the Mediterranean at its most emerald green. Interspersed among the rocks are seductive beaches. Underground temples, ziggurats, mysterious objects and dwellings whose proportions are attributed to a mythological race of giants, honeycomb the land.
Today, its people are simple, pure and hardy. You will enjoy meeting them as much as they will you. Its distinctive cuisine and wines are brutally honest yet delicious, and you will relish these as well. You will also discover that pink is the dominant color of Sardinia. Pink sands and flamingoes line the coast just as wild peonies rise at whim throughout the rugged interior. We will also spend a day in Corsica, a department of France, for a look at Bonifacio, built on the top of soaring cliffs. The setting is spectacular. Our guided tour in Sardinia & Corsica is your best way to discover these off-the-beaten track Mediterranean islands.
Day 0 - Monday, May 22, 2017
Depart the USA, or Canada on any regularly scheduled flight to Cagliari (CAG), Sardinia. Although it is possible to travel via other Italian cities, the most common way is via Rome (FOC).
Day 1 - Tuesday, May 23, 2017
 Arrive Rome and connect to your flight to Cagliari. Your flight will most likely arrive in the morning or midday. Rooms are officially available from 12noon. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to relax. Gather this evening for a Welcome Dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Regina Margherita Hotel, Cagliari, 4*
Room: Standard Room
Day 2 - Wednesday, May 24, 2017
 Today, as an introduction to this stunning island, we start with a tour of its capital. Like many of Italy’s great cities, Cagliari has an extensive history, which first dates back to the Phoenicians and has been influenced by the Romans and the French; it also suffered much damage during the Second World War. Today it is a thriving and attractive Mediterranean town with arcaded streets overlooked by the old city ramparts. We will make a stop at the National Archaeological Museum to understand the history of this island that has seen the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals & Arabs rule its shores and cities.
In the afternoon, we drive a short distance to Pula to see the Ancient Sunken City of Nora. Visible to us are the Temple of Aesculapius, beautiful mosaics, patrician villas, the baths and the famous theater of Nora. Return to our hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Regina Margherita Hotel, Cagliari, 4*
Room: Standard Room
Day 3 - Thursday, May 25, 2017
 Discover the simple life of the Sardinian shepherds and the genuine flavors of the island during a typical farmhouse lunch. Travel along a scenic mountain road, inland, to Dolianova, a charming village some 18 miles from Cagliari. The farmhouse is located on 300 acres of holm oaks. Visit the typical shepherd hut, the ‘’pinnetta’’, built of stones and juniper branches. This is the traditional shelter for the shepherds while away from their homes. After enjoying a welcome aperitif, we visit the stables and watch the production of ricotta cheese from the milking of the goats to the finished product. We are then served a full Sardinian lunch, sausage, fresh cheeses, Sardinian pasta (malloreddus), “porchetto” (roasted pig), pecorino cheese, local cakes and plenty of black wine…
After lunch we continue drive along the southeast scenic coast road to Villasimius, well-known for having the best Sardinian beaches.
Afterwards drive back to Cagliari for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Regina Margherita Hotel, Cagliari, 4*
Room: Standard Room
Day 4 - Friday, May 26, 2017
 Our day starts early this morning and our first stop is Barumini, where our guide will give a tour of the Su Nuraxi complex of Nuraghi, stone structures unique to Sardinia that were created by an ancient Megalithic civilization. Brought to light in 1950, the Su Nuraxi is the Nuraghic monument of primary architectural importance on the island, and is the most famous of all Nuraghi, also for its being registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1997.
Continue to the Carthaginian town of Bosa, situated on the River Temo and dominated by the ruins of the Castle Serravalle. Bosa is home to the original shawl makers who work at home on their dexterous embroidery. We continue north and discover the different aspects of this ancient and varied region, travelling by the panoramic coastal road to Alghero. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Arrive Alghero and check in to the Hotel Villa Las Tronas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa, Alghero, 5*
Room: Standard Room
Day 5 - Saturday, May 27, 2017
 Visit Alghero this morning, one of Sardinia’s most beautiful medieval cities. Once a Catalan colony, you will notice the Spanish influence in the atmosphere and street signs as you stroll through the tangle of traffic-free lanes.
We spend the afternoon on the beautiful promontory of Capo Caccia. Home to an extraordinary nature reserve frequented by large birds of prey. At lunch, enjoy some of genuine local products (salsiccia, pecorino cheese, seasoned ricotta cheese, misto salumi, crispy fried vegetables, carasau bread, torrone and local wine) while enjoying a beautiful view. The restaurant is famous for the production of own bacon, cheese and red and white “mirto” liquor. At the end of the excursion drive along the seashore back to the pier at Alghero.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa, Alghero, 5*
Room: Standard Room
Day 6 - Sunday, May 28, 2017
Depart Alghero and drive to the ferry at Santa Teresa Gallura. Take a one hour ferry ride to the Corsican port of Bonifacio with its deep, narrow harbor sitting at the base of sheer limestone cliffs. Upon arrival, we board Le Petit Train for a ride to the town’s walled fortress area; the fortified 12th-century town is built on the top of the cliffs with great views of the sea. Select one of the many restaurants for your lunch. The rejoin our guide for a walking tour to see the walled fortress area, strolling along the bluff above the harbor, and stopping at the former barracks of the French Foreign Legion. Enjoy some free time before taking the ferry back to Sardinia and to our hotel, Hotel Pitrizza on the Emerald Coast
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Pitrizza Hotel, Emerald Coast, 5*
Room: Standard Room
Day 7 - Monday, May 29, 2017
 The Emerald Coast is the most exclusive and beautiful area of all of the Sardinian Islands. Discovered and developed by the Aga Khan in 1961, the Emerald Coast is a sanctuary where natural beauty and personal privacy are preserved, where natural beauty, where service is still an art, where the sun shines for more than 3000 hours each year on its quiet, white and sandy beaches.
Starting from our hotel we will enjoy a beautiful drive to Baia Sardinia with its crystal clear waters and to the hill of San Pantaleo with impressive granite formations. A short stop at the village of San Pantaleo will give you a glimpse of the local lifestyle. Afterwards proceed along the scenic and impressive coastline. Finally, we take a pleasant walking tour of Porto Cervo and explore its streets, tiny squares and shops. The afternoon is at leisure to relax at our lovely hotel and enjoy the beach or hotel facilities. This evening we celebrate with a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Pitrizza Hotel, Emerald Coast, 5*
Room: Standard Room
Day 8 - Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Transfer to the airport in Olbia and fly to Rome where you will connect with your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
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• 7 nights accommodations in 4 & 5 star properties:
3 nights at Regina Margherita Hotel in Cagliari;
2 nights at Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa in Alghero;
2 nights at Pitrizza Hotel on Emerald Coast
• Breakfast daily; 5 lunches; 2 dinners
• Arrival and departure transfers in Sardinia
• Transportation via modern motor coach
• An English-speaking Sardinian guide to travel with us throughout
• A Coda Tour Manager on minimum participation
• Entrance fees for sites listed in the itinerary
• Pre-departure information
• International airfare
• Visa and passport fees (if applicable. No visas are required for American/Canadian passport holders for this trip)
• Meals not stated in the itinerary;
• Gratuities to guides and drivers;
• All items of a personal nature (e.g. beverages, telephone calls, laundry, personal insurance);
• Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.
Regina Margherita Hotel, Cagliari
 Located on the road that, from the ancient fortified quarter of Castello, runs down towards the elegant promenade in front of the harbour, the Regina Margherita Hotel welcomes you with a modern ambience that will provide the stunning backdrop to your holidays in Cagliari.
Situated in an enviably central position, just a stone’s throw from the harbour and the main shopping streets, this 4-star Hotel encapsulates the sense of hospitality and the warm welcome that are so typical of Sardinia, making every stay in Cagliari all the more comfortable.
 The Regina Margherita offers 100 rooms in which every detail has been thought through to ensure the wellbeing of our guests, whether they prefer a peaceful, tranquil room or the exclusive refinement of a suite.
All of hotels spaces are free from architectural barriers and have been designed to accommodate all types of travellers with a welcoming, discreet atmosphere, in a perfect combination of design, technology and high-quality hospitality.
Breakfasts based on locally sourced sweet and savoury specialities are complemented by a refined bistro that casts the spotlight on traditional cuisine and a lounge bar that is open until late.
Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa, Alghero
 Villa Las Tronas Hotel & SPA features an outdoor pool with panoramic views over the Gulf of Alghero. Ten minutes' walk from Alghero centre, it offers free Wi-Fi and free parking.
A former royal retreat, the Villa Las Tronas offers luxurious rooms equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV. They have modern and antique furnishings, and many have sea views.
 The Las Tronas SPA features an indoor salt water pool, a hot tub and a gym. A variety of relaxing treatments are available including massages and beauty therapy.
A sweet Italian-style breakfast is provided daily. The restaurant at Hotel Las Tronas serves traditional Mediterranean specialities, cooked by the award-winning chef.
Pitrizza Hotel, Emerald Coast
 The Pitrizza is a welcoming hotel offering beautiful views over the crystal-clear sea of Sardinia's Costa Smeralda. Enjoy an impeccable service in a refined, inviting establishment.
The Pitrizza Hotel is set near the renowned resort of Porto Cervo, one of the most famous and appreciated tourist destinations of the whole Mediterranean basin.
 Enjoy a luxurious stay in a boutique hotel, surrounded by unspoilt nature and offering a wealth of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a wellness centre, and a fitness centre.
The in-house restaurant serves delicious Sardinian cuisine and classic Mediterranean recipes. Outdoor dining is also possible.
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