If you choose Sardinia as the island of your landing, you, inquiring travelers, shall start to abandon all the visualizations and ideas you have about Italy. Be conscious you will approach to a more different land than other best known Italian places, so you are going to feel an unexpected and enjoyable surprise. Like the majority of the Mediterranean islands, also Sardinia was a crossroads for exchanges and trades, but, differently to others, it has preserved its archaic and mysterious culture until nowadays. You will be impressed by countless things: the untouched Nature, the traditional cuisine, the vestiges of the ancient cultures. The merit of our travel is to show you an ancient Sardinia and a more modern one, to let you admire the artistic beauties, to enjoy the wonderful Sardinian Nature, especially the sea, and to taste local wines and cuisine. We cannot miss the nearest island, Corsica, which in the ancient time was called “Kallíste” (from Greek Καλλίστη), “the most beautiful”. The area including Sardinia and Corsica is the best preserved in Mediterranean Sea.
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea: 24 100 km² with 1 663 859 inhabitants. 188 km of Tyrrhenian Sea divide it from the Italian peninsula and  11 km from Corsica. Sardinia owns every possible kind of environments, much different from south to north. The coasts extend for 1.897 km, meanwhile the central area is occupied by Gennargentu massive. Both the sea and the mountains have been preserved with the institution of several national and regional parks. The chief town is Cagliari, placed in the southern coast.
Sardinia has been always integrated to the flow of events of the whole Mediterranean Sea. This island has preserved his magic culture over the millenia, not excluding the advantages derived from the contacts with further cultures.
The Nuraghi culture was one of the ancient indigenous folk, whose name derives from the many megaliths that characterize the island, like the mysterious Giants’ graves or the little village of Su Nuraxi, one of the most complete example of prehistoric architecture. In the old period, Sardinia was dominated by many people who travelled and traded in Mediterranean Sea: first Phoenicians and Roman, after Vandals and Byzantines; in modern times by Aragons and Savoy reign, until the Italian unification.
We promise you the most beautiful beaches, the most precious artistic works, the funniest nightlife, the more incredible travel experience you can enjoy.

ITINERARY & PROGRAM, overview

8 days – 7 nights

Day 1:  Welcome to Sardinia! The Emerald Coast

• Meet and Great with your personal driver at Olbia airport.
• Transfer to your accommodation in Costa Smeralda.
• Afternoon Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) and Porto Cervo sightseeing: from crystal-clear turquoise water, unspoiled beaches, untouched nature and stunning architecture, of luxurious hotels and villas.
• Overnightstay in you 5 starred hotel in Porto Cervo.

Day 2: Maddalena Archipelago – Winetasting

• Departure to Palau port and take the ferry to La Maddalena Island.
• Full day land excursion to explore the main island, La Maddalena fishing village and Caprera. We’ll take a pleasant walk amongst the nineteenth century buildings and paved alleyways of the village. Following the panoramic road, which skirts the coast for around 20 kilometres, we’ll pass through unforgettable panoramic areas, which combine the azure-blue colour of the sea with the green of the Mediterranean vegetation.
• After the excursion, on the way back to the Hotel we’ll visit of one of the famous winery in the north of Sardinia with wine tasting accompanied by a rich, typical snack.
• Return to Porto Cervo and overnight stay at you deluxe hotel.

Day 3: Corsica, Bonifacio

• Today we’ll take the ferry from Santa Teresa to Bonifacio (Corsica) to visit the southern region of the island, where the Corsican mountains sweep down to the sea in an apotheosis of beaches, creeks and islets.
• In Bonifacio, we will visit the old town with the Bastion de l’Etendard, the Place d’Armes, the very moving sailor’s cemetery, the magnificent King of Aragon steps carved out of the cliff face, and the church of Saint Dominique, one of the island’s few Gothic buildings.
• Lunch and leisurely afternoon.
• Proceed to Alghero and overnightstay in your 5 starred hotel.

Day 4: Aragonese Village of Alghero – Neptune’s Marine Caves

• If weather permits morning boat trip to the Neptune’s marine cave complex leaving from the touristic port of Alghero.
• In the afternoon time at leisure to visit Alghero’s old town. The village was founded around 1102 by the Genoese Doria family, as a fortified port. After the end of the war Alghero became a popular tourist resort. The charming little, cobble paved streets lead to the lovely promenade adorned with ramparts and towers dating back toi the sixteenth century.
• Overnightstay at your deluxe hotel in Alghero.

Day 5:  Barbagia Region: Nuoro – Orgosolo

• Departure for a full-day excursion to the Barbagia Region, in the heart of Sardinia.
• Visit of Nuoro, surrounded by valleys and mountains, an important cultural center and  birthplace of several renowned artists. Nuoro hosts some of the most important museums in Sardinia as the Grazia Deledda Museum and the Sardinia museum of ethnography. If weather permits we’ll visit the statue of Il Redentore, at about 1000 mt, which represents a destination for many pilgrims.
• Food lovers will not be disappointed by the selection of typical wines and food from the area where the local recipes are still carried out following the very antique, homemade methods. We will have table booked at the family-run country restaurant where Antony Bourdain shot an episode of “no reservation”.
• Afternoon, visit of the near village of Orgosolo, an open-air gallery of arts, with its ‘murales’ Cubist inspired. This mural tradition started around the late 1960’s or early 1970’s when student protest was beginning to question decades of social oppression and injustice.
• Proceed to the Oliena Hotel, your 4 starred hotel in Nuoro.

Day 6:  Tharros – Su Nuraxi – Cagliari

• Departure to the Oristano region.
• Visit The Marine Protected Area “Penisola del Sinis – Isola di Mal di Ventre”  and the archaeological site of Tharros. The site is one of the most fascinating archeological sites in Sardinia, not only because of the archaeological remains of this once flourishing town, originated from merging oriental urban and western prehistoric cultures, but also because of the unique position on the narrow peninsula overlooking the bay of Oristano.
• Continue on to Barumini to visit Su Nuraxi a special type of defensive structure known as nuraghi developed on the island of Sardinia and inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.
• End the day in Cagliari and overnight stay  at your 4 starred hotel.

Day 7: VIillasimius – Cagliari

• Departure to discover the south east coast along the scenic coastal drive to Villasimius. The village is situated on a beautiful tip with stunning white sandy beaches and electric blue sea. You can admire the nearest Capo Carbonara (natural reserve) its harbour and the old fortress. Within the double bay with fine white sand on one side and granulated sand on the other.
• Return to Cagliari a cosmopolitan working city surrounding an evocative Medieval centre where taverns and restaurants casually spill out onto the many cobbled piazzas. Cagliari’s two thousand years of history has also left its mark, with archaeological remains, superb churches and several fine museums. The historic neighborhood is still partially enclosed by the bastioned walls. Two medieval towers in white stone stand along the bastion enclosure along with two city gates that escaped demolition during the 19th century. The Castello itinerary begins at the S.Pancrazio (s’Avanzada) entrance or from the Porta dei Leoni, and follows the intricate web of Spanish-influenced streets.
• ALTERNATIVE : wine discovery at the well known wine maker Argiolas in Serdina. Full wine tasting and short cooking lesson on how to make typical ravioli.
• Overnightstay in your 4 stars hotel in Cagliari.

Day 8: Arrivederci!

• After breakfast, private transfer to Cagliari Airport.

Please, note the detailed program is available upon request by email to info@isolabella.it

FEATURES

General info

The unusual charm of Sardinia and Corsica is a private escorted trip designed to provide customised luxury services and let participants enjoy their experience at best. Accommodation provided is luxury, strategically located. When provided, the food is always typically local, with a blend of regional delicacies and top-quality wines. Transportation is top quality. Your driver/guide or your driver/escort and your local guides are qualified, knowledgble but pleasant and happy to meet any specific need and interest.

Departures
This tour is available all year round upon request.

Prices
Quote per person are given upon request with details of inclusions/exclusions.

Flights
We prefer you to take care of your flights according to your needs.

Adds-on
We would be happy to assist you in case of any pre and post nights in Sicily, Amalfi Coast, Rome or any other Italian city and Malta. Do not hesitate to ask for info.

Reservation & Payment
A deposit of 30% per person is required at the time of reservation. Final payment of the tour is due 60 days prior to the beginning of the tour.

Please, feel free to:

• contact info@isolabella.it for more info or for a customised proposal
• browse all our luxury tours in Sicily, Italy and Malta.

L'articolo The unusual charm of Sardinia and Corsica proviene da Isolabella.it.

The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north of Africa. The archipelago consists of three islands: Gozo and Comino with a total population of over 400,000 inhabitants occupying an area of 316 square kilometers making it one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries. Valletta, the capital of Malta, is also the smallest capital in the European Unions. Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Gozo  is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture. Comino, the smallest of the trio, has one hotel and is largely uninhabited.
Malta’s location as a naval base has given it great strategic importance throughout history, and a succession of powers including the Phoenicians, Romans, Moorish, Normans, Aragonese, Habsburg Spain, Kinghts of St. John, French and the British ruled the islands. Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and became a republic in 1974.
Megaliths, medieval dungeons and Calypso’s Cave – The Maltese Islands are positively mythic. The narrow meandering streets of their towns and villages lead to the main square, which is invariably dominated by the huge baroque church. As the countryside is dotted with medieval towers, wayside chapels and the oldest known human structures in the world, the Islands have rightly been described as an open-air museum.
The Maltese Islands have three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples and Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.
Valletta is inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order of St John of Jerusalem. Built after the Great Siege of 1565 and named after Grandmaster Jean Parisot de la Valette, this fortified city has hundreds of monuments, all within a relatively small space, making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
Caravaggio painted at least seven works during his 15-month stay on these islands, and two of his most notable works, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Jerome Writing are on display in the Oratory of the Conventual Church of St. John.
With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.

ITINERARY & PROGRAM, overview

 Day 1: Welcome to Malta!

• Arrival at Luqa International Airport.
• Meet & greet your driver and English speaking guide and enjoy a scenic drive on your route to your deluxe hotel. Balance of the day at leisure to discover the area on your own.

Day 2: Valletta – The Three cities Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Guided visit of Valletta, the Capital of the island. Our guided tour through the bustling streets will first allow you to view the Barracca Gardens that command a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Harbour and then to St John’s Co-Cathedral, adorned in riches that date back to the Knights of Malta including the world famous Caravaggio painting that is on display in the Oratory of this Cathedral. We also visit the Church Museum that is adorned with Flemish tapestries. After we will also view from the outside the Grand Master’s Palace and other buildings of historical importance.
• Tour of the historical area known as the three cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea.

Day 3: Limestone Heritage – Hagar Qim – Marsaxlokk – Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Today we’ explore the south of the island. We commence our tour with a visit to an insight of Maltese history. Bringing old and new together we enjoy an extensive feature within a modernized quarry that explains one of Malta’s foremost trades of quarrying and stone decoration always using the limestone that gives its name to this spectacle called ‘The Limestone Heritage’. We proceed by a visit to the most complex and elaborated temples of Hagar Qim, Malta’s foremost prehistoric site, which were excavated for the first time in 1839. These temples stand on a hilltop where one can admire the breathtaking view of the sea and the islet of Filfla.
• Lunch in the idyllic fishing village of Marsaxlokk to admire the waterfront lined with luzzus painted in traditional colours that add colour to this serene bay once site of landings by both the Turkish and French troops during Malta’s heroic past.
• End your day with a visit to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. Originally a sanctuary, it became a necropolis in prehistoric times. This enormous structure, built over 4,500 years ago, was accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Very few people a day are allowed to visit the site, so consider yourself lucky!

Day 4: Midina & Rabat

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Today, we’ll drive past varied agricultural land and vineyards up to the central part of Malta that is dominated by the ancient citadel of Mdina the ’Silent City’, one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture.
• Rabat is Arabic for “suburb” and is indeed Mdina’s suburb, the undefended area outside the walls that could evacuate to Mdina in times of trouble.According to tradition, it was here in 60 A.D. that the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the islands. The town is home of the St.Paul’s Catacombs, a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 7th, and possibly the 8th centuries AD. and represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.

Day 5: Gozo

• Breakfast at the hotel. 
• Malta’s sister island of Gozo is a world apart. After a twenty-minute ferry crossing, on setting foot in Gozo you will notice that although both islands are similar in history and development Gozo has a character entirely of its own. Gozo, which is a three hilled island, is greener and more picturesque than Malta. During this excursion, we visit the Temples of Ggantija, the citadel in Victoria, the bay of Xlendi, and the Azur Window at Dwejra.

Day 6: Sahha!

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
  Arrival at the airport and end of services.

Please, note the detailed program is available upon request by email to info@isolabella.it

***

FEATURES

General info
An Unusual Tour of Malta is an escorted private tour designed to provide customised luxury services and let participants enjoy their Maltese experience at best. Accommodation provided is luxury, strategically located. When provided, the food is always typically local, with a blend of regional delicacies and top-quality wines. Transportation is top quality. Your driver/guide or your driver/escort and your local guides are qualified, knowledgble but pleasant and happy to meet any specific need and interest.

Departures
This tour is available all year round upon request.

Prices
Quote per person are given upon request with details of inclusions/exclusions.

Flights
We prefer you to take care of your flights according to your needs.

Adds-on
We would be happy to assist you in case of any pre and post nights in Sicily, Amalfi Coast, Rome or any other Italian city and Malta. Do not hesitate to ask for info.

Reservation & Payment
A deposit of 30% per person is required at the time of reservation. Final payment of the tour is due 60 days prior to the beginning of the tour.

Please, feel free to:

• contact info@isolabella.it for more info or for a customised proposal
• browse all our luxury tours in Sicily, Italy and Malta.

L'articolo An unusual tour of Malta proviene da Isolabella.it.