Walking in Sardinia

Walking in Sardinia

595 Views
8 Days From

$2400

$1920

Walking in Sardinia

8 Days Starting and ending in Dorgali

Visiting: Italy, Sardinia

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TES

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2400 $1920 Operator discount: -$480 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

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.

Highlights

  • Discover the most beautiful walking trails in Sardinia with a small group of like-minded adventurers

  • Hike (and maybe paddle) in Gorropu Gorge, the deepest natural gorge in Europe

  • Explore the large caves at Cala Luna, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean

  • Visit the mysterious Nuragic village of Tiscali

  • Enjoy Italian hospitality and excellent food at the family-run Hotel Il Querceto

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Fly To Olbia; Transfer To Dorgali

Meals Included: Dinner

Our week begins at Hotel Il Quercieto in Dorgali. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.

Day 2 : Take An Old Path Around Monte Tului With Beautiful Views Of The Gulf Of Orosei

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 : End Dorgali

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our Sardinia trip comes to an end after breakfast. Say a fond farewell to Hotel Il Quercieto, before beginning your return journey home.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, five picnic lunches, one wine tasting and five dinners

  • All accommodation (see accommodation section)

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Local taxes (approximately €10 per person, see Trip Notes)

Food

All breakfasts, five lunches and five evening meals are included. In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on each day.



Breakfast: Buffet including cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruit and cold meats.

Lunch: Large paninis (filled with cold meats/cheese), cake and fruit.

Evening meal: Three-course meal with soup/salad for starters; meat/fish for main course and local dessert.



Popular Sardinian specialities include roast suckling pig, excellent seafood dishes, and local wines, such as vermentino, nuragus, cannonau and monica. Mirto, which is made from the leaves of the myrtle plant, is Sardinia’s after-dinner liqueur.



Although meals mostly consist of meat/fish, the hotel staff endeavour to meet specific dietary requirements. Please advise us before departure so the hotel has sufficient time to prepare.

Accommodation

Il Querceto is our host for this walking adventure in Sardinia. It’s a relatively modest hotel but run by a local family who have created a home-from-home feel and serve delicious, hearty meals.



The hotel itself is adorned with locally crafted wooden furniture and contemporary regional artwork while facilities include a bar, restaurant and terrace. We’ve found our groups tend to gather on the terrace with a drink post-walk and pre-dinner, an ideal time to reminisce about the day’s adventures.



Additionally, the hotel is within walking distance of Dorgali, a small town specialising in crafts and ceramics, where there are shops, restaurants and bars. It’s also a 10 to 15-minute bus ride to the beach, where you’ll also find a row of restaurants and cafes.



Worth knowing



An indoor pool is available (access costs €10, to be paid at reception, depending on pool capacity)

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Walking in Sardinia

This was an excellent holiday. It is set in a good location with testing but not too strenuous walks. There is considerable variety to the walks - from walking on cliffs, hills etc to walking in a gorge. There are often stunning sea views. The location is also set in an area of significant archeological importance and it was interesting to hear about the history of the area.

Walking in Sardinia excellent mix of history

Fab mix of history, scenery, walking in this stunning country.

A fantastic adventure!

This was my first Exodus trip in many years - and what a trip. So much more than I expected - walking, swimming, history, culture, food, wine and super company. We packed a great deal into seven days - some high intensity days of climbing/walking up and down the mountains - but also rest days at the beach with pristine clear water and visiting historical monuments of which there are many. Sardinia has a rich history and a proud culture - I came away with a deeper understanding of the people and the country - and a greater appreciation of Sardinian landscape, beaches, wine and food. This trip is such good value - almost everything is included such as flights, accommodation, most meals including packed lunches for our walking days. We had two excellent meals out in Dorgali where our family run hotel was based; these were self funded but great value - mountains of food! The hotel was run by three sisters who worked their socks off to give us a good time. It's an authentic three star family run affair - I loved that so many local families came to dinner with their children and filled the restaurant with chatter and laughter.

WALKING IN SARDINIA

Amazing landscapes, mountains and beaches. The hotel was comfortable and the food was great.

Sardinia is special

Was on the 16th Sept. departure for Walking in Sardinia - proved to be a good time of year 25*C and plenty of sun but also some shade and gentle breeze. Lovely time to arrive as it was the weekend of the annual Dorgali festival, with small groups of singers and musicians touring the streets, street stalls, wine tastings etc. etc. Nice atmosphere and the town felt safe to wander any time of day. Local people were polite & helpful. Walks were on the strenuous side for me - but I enjoyed the challenge and on the few occasions I needed advice or assistance it was available immediately from our leader and/or other members of the group.

Great experience

A special mention must go to the Hotel S'Adde for their warmth and hospitality in general but for their food in particular. I have dietary requirements and I usually expect to eat a limited range of food (and/or have to remind staff at every meal), especially when in a small town off the beaten track. But Michaela and her team had my diet nailed from day 1 and went above and beyond to produce fantastic, appetising alternatives every time. Frankly, you should have this as a USP in your marketing of this trip!

Sardinia - another part of Italy

Varied walking with plenty of opportunities for personal choice in an incredibly beautiful part of Sardinia. The alluring combination of mountains, white beaches and turquoise seas was incredible. The walks provided challenges in length and technical skills with some great fun scrambling along the routes.

Unspoilt Sardinia

Excellent walking in an unspoilt, wild part of Sardinia. Walks are varied and interesting and reasonably hard going. If you like craggy, rocky landscapes with lots of up and down, this would suit you. Also enjoyed the cultural day visiting archeological sights, it made a good contrast and I was keen to find out more about bronze age Sardinia.

A varied programme on this interesting island

A late May departure found the sun shinning and temperatures up to mid 20s plus which is the top end of my comfort zone for hill walking. We were very lucky to follow a wet spell of weather that brought the spring flowers out in profusion. Walks are not long but can be challenging due to the rocky terrain, so not one for the novice. Highlights were: The archaeology of the Nuragha people The clear deep blue sea for swimming Hotel S'Adde that was so welcoming, clean spacious rooms, plentiful good food and wine, and endless hot water! A trip to Orgosolo to see the street art/murals on the free day

Sardinia on foot

A well planed and well lead interesting trip

Read all 46 reviews

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