THE ISLANDS OF SARDINIA AND CORSICA ITALY & FRANCE Sunday 9th - Sunday 16th October 2016

Day 1: 9th October 2016 Check-in Dublin airport. Your flight cost includes priority boarding at Dublin airport. On arrival in Alghero we will have a beautiful drive across the island to Orossei prior to check-in at your hotel. Alghero, situated on the north-western coast of the island of Sardinia, is a combination of breathtakingly natural beauty and ancient remains. The ancient walls still surround the old town centre with its typical alleys and shops, and where their famous coral is worked and exhibited.

Following the brief tour of the city you will be transferred to the hotel Cala Ginepro where your accommodation has been reserved.

The hotel is located in a small bay 12 km north of Orosei. The facility is made up of two separate houses with two floors each that perfectly fit the Mediterranean nature. The hotel features the following; traditional local architecture and colours; a large restaurant and wine bar, with lounge room; 3 swimming pools; a party room; a playground and private beach, with deckchairs and sun umbrellas. The 160 rooms are furbished in typical Sardinian style and have a private bathroom, bath tube with shower, and hair dryer. All rooms offer a beautiful view on the garden and the swimming pool. The variegated cuisine offers typical Sardinian dishes, and staff are friendly and professional.

Day 2. 10th October 2016 Visit of Nuoro and Orgosolo Following breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred by coach to the Barbagia area which is considered the heart of Sardinia and the name comes from the age when the Romans conquered the island. The Romans themselves were unable to subdue the fierce inland population so this part of the island was named "The Land of the Barbarians" (i.e. the foreigners), inhabited by the men who remained separated from the Roman culture. Today, the Barbagia area has ancient traditions which survive in the rhythm of modern life, in the landscape, the economy, the architecture, hospitality and their cuisine too. There is also the possibility to visit the museum in Nuoro, the capital of the province, where local costumes, objects in daily use and jewels can be seen. You will also have an option to have a lunch with the shepherd of Orgosolo. Here you take part in an open air picnic visiting the ‘murales’ of Orgosolo, the famous bandit villages and the many attractions of the surrounding area. You will sit down in a semi circle on granite benches, covered in oak leaves among the wonderful cork-oak and ilex woods. Lamb and porchetta are roasted on an open fire, followed by local Sardinian break and home made red wine.

Nuoro, the capital city of the eponymous province, is located in the heart of Sardinia, occupying the middle of the island from the east to the west coasts. This is the region people head directly to when they’re interested in discovering Sardinia at its most genuine. Neither the Romans nor the Carthaginians nor any other foreigners have ever succeeded in conquering this wilderness. Over the centuries the remoteness of this region has created a culture in which ancient customs and traditions infuse everyday life to a greater extent than just about anywhere else on Sardinia. In many villages magnificently colourful traditional clothing is still worn, and visitors who witness one of the countless festivals that are held here will come away convinced that the ancient rituals still thrive in this region. Following the day tour, you will be transferred to the Hotel Cala Ginepro, where your evening meal and accommodation have been reserved. Day 3. 11th October 2016 Beach walk in Biderosa Breakfast at the hotel and then depart for today’s trek. Our walk starts in Biderosa conservation area near Orosei. Walking along leisurely trails we will wander through a fragrant pine forest to reach a hill with wonderful panoramic views over the Biderosa bay. Coasting a small lake we reach the dazzling white beach of Berchida and continue to walk on the soft sand along the coastline. Walking time 3 hours.

Return to the hotel for evening meal. Day 4. 12th October 2016 Emerald Coast – A beach walk with flair Breakfast at leisure in the hotel.

Not too far away lies the Emerald Coast, a veritable paradise for stars and millionaires discovered by Prince Aga Kahn. A beach walk on the path that links one bay to another along this unique coastline offers everything you can wish for including; golden sand; turquoise sea; and fragrant maquis. Later, we will visit the world-famous Porto Cervo with its enchanting church of Stella Maris. Porto Cervo is the main centre of the so-called Costa Smeralda, one of the most prestigious tourist areas in Gallura on Sardinia’s North-Western coast. Resorts such as Cala di Volpe, Liscia di Vacca and Baja Sardinia are now considered a very sought after tourist destinations. Porto Cervo is a village of multicoloured buildings, recently built in front of the natural port and the surrounding hills. Walking time approx. 2 hours. Tonight your accommodation and evening meal are reserved in the Park Hotel Resorti in Baja Sardinia.

The Park Hotel is a 4-star resort in Baja Sardinia, on Sardinia's famous Costa Smeralda. The rooms are surrounded by a Mediterranean garden that leads to the private beach. In the park you will also find an outdoor pool and a sun terrace, equipped with parasols and sun chairs. Park Hotel Resort's restaurant serves Sardinian specialities, including fish and meat grills.

Day 5. 13th October 2016 In Garibaldi’s footsteps – Walking tour on Caprera Following breakfast in the Park hotel we will take the ferry to Maddalena and continue on to the nature reserve of Caprera Island. Powerful nature, untamed sea – the very landscape that attracted the Italian patriot Garibaldi. So much so that he decided to make it his home. Climb to the highest point of the island, Monte Telaione (212 m) and descend the East flank to reach a wonderful bay, Cala Coticcio, also known as “Tahiti”. Far from civilisation and at one with a primeval nature. Experience that quintessential island feeling, and then slowly wander back into the lively Maddalena.

Walking time 3-4 hours. Height difference 250m. Following the days excursion we will return to the Park hotel where your evening meal and accommodation has been reserved. Day 6. 14th October 2016 A rocky wonder world – Capo Testa – Walking tour After breakfast in the Park hotel we will depart for today’s tour. This walk through imposing granite boulders is a scenic highlight. When weather conditions are good, you can see the limestone cliffs of the neighbouring island of Corsica. This spectacular circular walk takes you to the secret Valle della Luna. After a stroll in the nearby village of Santa Teresa, climb to the famous Bear‘s cliff of Palau, from where you can enjoy a fantastic view over the Maddalena Archipelago.

Walking time 2-3 hours.

Return to the Park hotel for an evening meal and relaxing evening.

Day 7. 15th October 2016 Bonifacio Following breakfast in the hotel we meet with our guide at 9am. We will travel the seaside road and the Bonifacio cliffs (possibility of taking a small train). Then a ferry from Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio, that lies in a beautiful fjord. The medieval old town gloriously stands on imposing chalk cliffs from where you will enjoy dramatic views over Sardinia. Bonifacio, one of Corsica’s most visited towns, is picturesquely located on imposing chalk cliffs fringed by sea water. Founded in 833 by Tuscany Count Bonifacio, the upper town has maintained its medieval fabric that is a reminder of its tumultuous past. Enjoy an unforgettable visit to the ‘Ville Haute’ that offers a nice view over the 12km far coast of Sardinia.

After today’s tour we will transfer back to the Park hotel for our evening meal and enjoy our last night together in Sardinia. Day 8. 16 October 2016 Return home. After breakfast in the Park hotel we travel to Alghero airport for your return flight to Dublin. Details:    

The total amount to be raised by each participant for the walk is a minimum of €3,500 There is an initial non-refundable registration fee of €250 which will be included in the total amount raised In order to retain your place on the walk you must forward a first instalment of €1,800 to Make-A-Wish Ireland on the 27th of May The final amount must be raised by the 31st August

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Return flights Dublin to Alghero Government & Airline taxes Prioriry boarding at airports. 1 checked in bag per person weighing up to 15KGS per person. Transfer from and to Alghero airport with transfer representative 3 nights on half board basis in the Hotel Cala Ginepro 4 nights on half board basis in the Park Hotel. All bus transfers indicated in the itinerary Ferry between Sardinia Italy to Corsica France Each day walking guide will accompany the group Two bottles of water for each person on walking days Full group travel insurance Services of ground handler Services of Go Hop /Atlas Travel Dublin Services of Tour Manager Package excludes: Single room supplement: €230 Meals not specified in itinerary