Corsica and Sardinia

Fly to Cagliari in southern Sardinia and transfer to the medieval city of Alghero on the west coast (143 miles, three hours).

Stay three nights at the 4-star Hotel Catalunya (4Q). The centrally located hotel has a restaurant, and boasts impressive panoramic views from the rooftop bar. Look forward to a welcome drink and dinner at your hotel this evening. D

This morning, a walking tour reveals Alghero’s historic centre. Here a tight-knit maze of lanes opens on to cafe-lined piazzas and the Catalan signposts reveal the city’s colonial heritage, a throwback to Alghero’s Iberian rule which ended three centuries ago.

The afternoon is free to spend at leisure. Continue exploring independently, or you could choose to join an optional excursion to the cliffs of Capo Caccia and Grotta di Nettuno. B, D

Spend the day exploring the Sardinian towns of Bosa and Macomer. First, visit Bosa, considered one of Sardinia’s most picturesque towns because of its beautiful landscape of pastel-coloured houses climbing the steep hillside. Situated on the banks of Sardinia’s only navigable river, the River Temo, the town’s historic centre of cobbled streets, palazzos, and piazzas lined with cafes is a delight to explore on foot.

Continue to the small town of Macomer, located further inland. Built on a granite plateau, the town has a long history of dairy production, and offers the chance to see the mysterious ‘nuraghi’, ancient stone structures dating from 1900-730 BC. With over 7,000 scattered across Sardinia, there is no consensus on the purpose or function of the nuraghi – they could have been military structures, religious temples, or simply ordinary dwellings. B, D

Prepare for a long but rewarding day of travelling today as you depart Sardinia for Corsica. Journey north to the port of Santa Teresa Gallura (85 miles, two hours), then make the crossing to Corsica aboard the inter-island ferry (45 minutes).

On arrival, head through the lush green interior of the island to the town of Calvi on the north coast (142 miles, four hours). Here you’ll stay three nights at the 4-star Hotel L’Abbaye (4Q). This former Franciscan convent is centrally located and is just a short walk from the beach. Dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening. B, D

Spend the morning at leisure in Calvi, perhaps choosing to explore independently, or relaxing at your hotel.

This afternoon take a tour of Corsica’s quaint mountain villages in the region of La Balagne, known as the ‘Garden of Corsica’ for its fertile soils. Visit the traditional hilltop villages of Monticello and Speloncato and enjoy free time to explore and admire the views.

Dinner is included in a local restaurant this evening. B, D

Spend the day at leisure in Calvi, or join an optional excursion to L'Île-Rousse by train. B

Travel south to Porto-Vecchio (126 miles, three hours and 30 minutes). En route visit Corte, the unspoilt historic mountain capital of Corsica. Corte has an impressive natural setting and is home to a lofty citadel, old mansions and market. The town comes to life in the summer when hikers, cyclists and climbers flock to explore the surrounding valleys.

On arrival in Porto-Vecchio, stay three nights at the 4-star Hotel Le Balamina (4Q). The modern hotel has a restaurant, bar and an indoor swimming pool. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening. B, D

Begin the day with a guided tour of Porto-Vecchio. The bustling port town has Roman origins and a charming old town with a 16th-century fortification. Spend the morning exploring the harbour, the old town and Palombaggia beach, a nearby beauty spot renowned for its white sand lined with pine trees and crystal clear waters.

This afternoon is free to spend at leisure. B

Today, take a short drive south for a guided tour of Bonifacio. Located on the southern tip of Corsica, this historic town has a distinctly Italian feel. The citadel and the old town emerge from limestone cliffs, overlooking the bustling marina, lined with bars and brasseries.

You’ll also have free time for lunch and to explore independently. Perhaps climb up to Montée Saint Roch for unparalleled views of Sardinia, looking out for endemic orchids en-route.

Return to the hotel later this afternoon. B

Make the return journey by ferry to Sardinia (45 minutes), and continue by road to the port city of Olbia (39 miles, 90 minutes), arriving in the early afternoon.

Stay three nights at the 4-star Grand Hotel President Olbia (4Q). The centrally located hotel has an elegant style and the panoramic terrace is ideal for enjoying the views over the harbour.

You’ll have free time to explore Olbia independently this afternoon. This small but attractive city is filled with charming cafes, trendy wine bars, boutiques and sun-filled piazzas. Perhaps visit the medieval San Simplico Basilica or the Archaeological Museum of Olbia. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this afternoon. B, D

Join a full day tour of Sardinia’s most popular stretch of coastline. The Costa Smeralda is famed for its white sandy beaches, exclusive hotels and A-list celebrities who have flocked to this sun-drenched resort for decades.

Visit Porto Cervo, a high-end resort with a marina and exclusive boutiques, restaurants and cafes, and perhaps enjoy a cappuccino as you watch the yachts come and go.

Enjoy lunch at a nearby hotel, then continue to the charming town of Baja Sardinia admiring the views of tucked-away bays, coves and extensive sandy beaches, all fringed by the vivid turquoise sea. B, L

Spend the day at leisure in Olbia, or alternatively, join an optional excursion to La Maddalena in the Maddalena archipelago.

Dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening. B, D

Transfer to Cagliari airport (161 miles, three hours) for your return flight to the UK. B