Sardegna
Sardinia is one of two Italian regions whose inhabitants have been recognized as a "popolo" (i.e. a distinct people) by a local Statute (which is adopted with a Constitutional Law). The most spoken language in Sardinia is, undoubtedly, Italian, but Sardinian is widely spoken too. The island contains numerous extraordinary tourist areas, Alghero, North West, with Capo Caccia astonishing cliffs and the famous Neptun Cave, and including the Costa Smeralda and Gennargentu. The island is particularly famous for its beaches, but is also rich in other interesting places, such as some charming sea towns and archaeological ruins: THE NURAGHI. Cagliari is the capital city of the island and offers a variety of attractions, especially in the warm seasons. Sardegna is a true jewel. Water so clear it is impossible not to jump in for a swim. Fresh lobster that melts in your mouth. An interior rich in ancient history. Sardegna's two top destination are the Emerald Coast and the area around Cagliari. The Emerald Coast is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world and offers the best in five star accomodation. Activities range from excursions in private boats to the Maddalena Archipelago to Jeep Safaris. Programme 1: Alghero Jeep-Safari (half day). Programme 2: Exploring Gallura 1 (Monte Limbara). Programme 3: Exploring Gallura 2 (the North East and Costa Smeralda). Programme 4: Montiferru Jeep tour on the Moufflons path. Programme 5: Caprera Island Jeep tour and nature path. Programme 6: Piscinas Jeep tour (Little sahara ). Programme 7: Fishing Excursions. Programme 8: Land Rover Trip. Programme 9: Cycling along the Coral Coast. Programme 10: Cycling Between Land and Sea. Programme 11: Horse Riding in Arborea.
Programme 1: Alghero Jeep-Safari (half day).
Enjoy a relaxing break and experience the most stunning views of North West Sardinia's coast: from the harbour of Alghero and the Bay of Porto Conte to the natural magnificent scenery a little inland. Discover (if we are lucky) the different species of turtles and rare birds (eg heron) which can be found sometimes during the year at Lake Baratz (the only natural lake in Sardinia ) and amongst the sand dunes. The tour takes place aboard an air conditioned 4 wheel drive which crosses paths immersed in pine and eucalyptus forests. During the tour you will see towers and forts dating back to the time of the Catalans and the Second World War. The final stop of the tour will be a visit to the beautiful Capo Caccia. On the return journey there will be a brief stop in the Palmavera Nuraghic village. Programme 2: Exploring Gallura 1 (Monte Limbara).
A day along the numerous tracks immersed in the conifer woods of Monte Limbara, which is the highest peak in north Sardinia at 1,360 metres. A long but not difficult route which is full of surprises: exceptional panoramic positions facing the whole of north Sardinia from L ' Isola di Tavolara at Capo Testa (Santa Teresa Gallura) to Asinara, natural springs and in winter the snow paints a truly unique panorama. Lunch takes place in an equipped area near to a natural spring. Programme 3: Exploring Gallura 2 (the North East and Costa Smeralda).
A tour along the Forest tracks in the hinterland of the Costa Smeralda, amongst granite, Mediterranean scrub, cork oak and fruit trees. Depending on the time of year it may be possible to have breaks to pick cherries or corbezzoli (Arbutus unedo). Along this route you can often see tortoises and there are planned breaks near to natural springs and panoramic sites. Facing the Costa Smeralda and The Gulf of Olbia, in good weather you can see l ' isola di Tavolara and the archipelago Maddalena. There are 2 possibilities for a lunch break: a pic-nic
in a designated area or a typical Sardinian group lunch. Programme 4: Montiferru Jeep tour on the Moufflons path. A tour of a natural reserve which is of particular interest owing to the presence of several moufflons. The reserve is located at an altitude of 1,000 metres and from the peak of Monte Urtigu you can enjoy incredible views of the Gulf of Oristano, especially the Sinis peninsula, and in extremely clear weather also the east coast of Sardinia. The pic-nic break is planned near a natural spring immersed in an oak wood. In Autumn you can stop to pick corbezzoli (Arbutus unedo) and chestnuts.
Programme 5: Caprera Island Jeep tour and nature path.
A tour of Caprera Island which has been a Riserva Naturale Orientata since 1980 and is today part of the “ National Park of La Maddalena ” . The island is the symbol of Garibaldi, and we can take a break in the grounds of the Garibaldi museum which are full of Mediterranean scrub and inlets of rare beauty, making the island one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. During the tour there is a planned walk of about an hour along a nature route with several breaks to admire the beaches and the many military fortifications dating back to different periods. There are two possibilities for lunch: a pic-nic or lunch at a comfortable local agriturismo.
Programme 6: Piscinas Jeep tour (Little sahara ). A tour in a truly unique spot of more than 20 km of dirt roads which lead to the mining area of Montevecchio (where there will be a break) and then to the Piscinas dunes which are the second highest in Europe. It represents the largest dune area in Sardinia which at the same time is the least touristic since the road
is only just accessible. A very impervious track reserved only for 4x4 vehicles and allowing a diversion to the Corsari Tower, another area with dunes as high as 30 metres. There are two possibilities for lunch: a pic-nic in a suitably equipped area or the only restaurant made from a mine.
p Programme 7: Fishing Excursions. Fishing dishes are very popular in this area and fishermen spend half of a live time on their boats ! Take a deep dive in their lives and prepare your diner as a culinary workshop with the results of the day.
Programme 8: Land Rover Trip.
We cover the coast on board of a 9 seats Land Rover Def 110 reaching Solanas. We leave the asphalted road to start on our real journey. We cover some kilometres on a country road of an average difficulty. We pass through the Mediterranean vegetation and reach the heart of Minniminni wood, where we find huge rocks and visit a nuragic complex. We leave these bewitching places and go on to the old penal colony of Castiadas of which we can see only a part, because a wing of the building is under repair. After a short stop we resume our tour by following an agricultural road, that allows to reach the shephards” houses to have lunch with them, based on Sardinian genuine food.
Programme 9: Cycling along the Coral Coast . Three days by bike immersed in the fascination of times gone by, unspoiled nature and lively seaside villages. From the Catalan raProgramme 8: Land Rover Trip. We cover the coast on board of a 9 seats Land Rover Def 110 reaching Solanas. We leave the asphalted road to start on our real journey. We cover some kilometres on a country road of an average difficulty. We pass through the Mediterranean vegetation and reach the heart of Minniminni wood, where we find huge rocks and visit a nuragic complex. We leave these bewitching places and go on to the old penal colony of Castiadas of which we can see only a part, because a wing of the building is under repair. After a short stop we resume our tour by following an agricultural road, that allows to reach the shephards” houses to have lunch with them, based on Sardinian genuine food.
Programme 10: Horse Riding in Arborea.
The Horse Country Resort offers its guests the opportunity to stay in 3 different 4 star hotels, immersed in an ancient pine forest in Arborea, less than one hundred metres from the sea. There are more than 900 beds in charming rooms that are well designed in a mix of modern and traditional Sardinian. All the rooms are equipped with every comfort and private facilities, telephone, satellite TV, a safe, air conditioning and a mini-bar. The equestrian centre is located near the resort and it covers an area of about 400 hectares. Open all year, we offer outdoor equestrian activities that are suitable for beginners as well as for more experienced riders. Thanks to our qualified instructors you can practice, take lessons, go trekking, horseback riding or enjoy an exciting trek through the pine forest or along the beach. Those who come to Horse Country can choose to practice elegant English riding style, enjoy regular working-style saddles or feel like a cowboy and try the western riding facilities. Every activity here is conducted in full compliance with safety standards. You will find beautiful horses that are well trained and that can even help guide less experienced riders! There are two racing areas, one indoors and one outdoors
Those who don’t want to ride on a horse can enjoy an alternative programme on the Poseidonya Spa specialised in thalassotherapy (sea water) and seaweed therapy. It is equipped with absolutely modern facilities and equipment offering treatments and personalized services such as hydro massage, mud baths, massage therapy, reflexology, lymphatic drainage massage and relaxation techniques. The spa also offers all types of beauty services as well as providing a qualified dietician to design custom diets to enhance anti-cellulite and anti-stress programs.
