Walking in Sardinia
Start: Dorgali Finish: Dorgali
Duration: 7 Nights
Physical rating: Moderate
Special diets catered: Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour Operator: Exodus
Group size: 5 - 16
Age range: 16 to 99
Tour operated in: English
Prices From:
Tour Overview
With its stark beauty, crystal clear waters, golden beaches and undulating limestone ridges, it’s easy to see why Sardinia is considered one of the Mediterranean’s finest gems. Based in the Dorgali area, we explore on foot the idyllic forest-framed coastline of the east and the rugged rocky mountains in the west, walking through valleys, gorges, peaks and spectacular turquoise bays. In addition to its serene natural beauty, Sardinia is also a place of great historic interest and during the week we have the chance to visit the famous monolithic monuments built by the Nuraghi peoples, one of the main prehistoric Mediterranean civilisations.
Highlights
One of the wildest islands in the Mediterranean- Fascinating ancient Nuraghic monuments
- Family-run hotel with excellent restaurant
- Inviting sandy beaches
Itinerary
Day 1
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Fly to Olbia; transfer to Dorgali.
Meals: dinner
Our week begins at the Hotel S'Adde 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
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Orientation walk through an old path around Monte Tului with beautiful views of the Gulf of Orosei.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
We start with an orientation walk, talking an old path that winds around Monte Tului (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 5 hours.
Day 3
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Walk along the Gorroppu Gorge, Italy's deepest natural canyon; free time to paddle on the Flumineddu River.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
On our drive above the Flumineddu Valley, we enjoy the sweeping views before our arrival at the Gorropu Gorge - also known as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe'. Its high, narrow, vertical walls reach 200 metres making it the deepest and roughest natural gorge in Europe. Over millions of years, the Flumineddu River has eroded the landscape to create the incomparable natural beauty of the gorge. We can appreciate it in all its glory during our walk, which takes around six hours. There is a chance to paddle on the river if conditions allow. This evening, there is the opportunity to enjoy dinner in a restaurant in Dorgali centre - payable locally.
Day 4
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Explore Nuraghic village of Serra Orrios, with its complex circular huts dating back to the Bronze Age; relax on an idyllic sandy beach. Local wine tasting
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
We begin with a drive to the site of the Giants Tomb, the Sardinian megalithic gallery grave that was built during the Bronze Age by the Nuragic civilization. We then continue on to the site of the Serra Orrios, one of the most famous of the Nuraghe villages. The Nuraghes, cone tomb-like towers positioned around the island, are the symbols of Sardinia and of its unique ethnicity. The Nuragici people, who built these towers, are considered the most accomplished, yet mysterious civilisation in the Mediterranean. We explore the archaeological complex of Serra Orrios with its circular huts dating back to the Bronze Age. After this, we have time for a quick coffee stop before driving on to Cala Orsala. This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, surrounded by rocks, pinewoods and lush Mediterranean scrub. Weather permitting, we will have lunch on the beach. Next up is a visit to the 'Grotta degli Ispinigoli' home to the longest stalactite-stalagmite column in Europe. We finish the day with a visit to a wine factory (cantina) for wine tasting and a short talk about the local wines.
Day 5
:
Free day; 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.
Meals: 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 for you (price and all the details to be agreed locally with the hotel); alternatively, you can take an optional wonderful boat trip to Bue Marino Grotto (weather permitting).
Day 6
:
Walk around the prehistoric Tiscali Village, built inside a cave; visit the springs of Su Gologone.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
The Nuragic village of Tiscali is fascinating, and not much is known about its origins, nor the people that lived there. It does seem that is was populated even before the Nuragic era but archaeologists put its main period of activity as between the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. 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 moved back here to hide from the Romans. We also visit Su Gologone, described as a ‘natural masterpiece’, the result of karst being 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 500 litres of water per second come crashing out of the chasm into this mini oasis.
Day 7
:
Explore the caves and cliffs on walk from the beach of Cala Luna; free afternoon.
Meals: 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 Hotel S'Adde in Dorgali.
Meals: breakfast
End Hotel S'Adde in Dorgali.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 1 wine tasting and 5 dinners
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Tour leader throughout
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Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
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All transport and listed activities
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All accommodation (see accommodation section)
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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/Local taxes (approx. EUR 10 per person, see Trip Notes)/
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 evening meals are included. In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which 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. The Traditional Sardinian cuisine is full of local and delicious recipes. Popular specialities include: roast suckling pig, excellent seafood dishes and local Sardinian wines, such as Vermentino, Nuragus, Cannonau and Monica. Mirto is Sardinia’s after dinner liqueur, which is made from the leaves of the myrtle plant. /NB 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./
Your Peace of Mind Options
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a deposit of 20% to secure a place on this tour, and the final balance is not due till 70 days before departure..
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Secure payments
All payments to TourHub are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.