AA taste of both Italy and France. Sardinia offers chic style, a rich, long history and some stunning beaches. Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, is home to craggy cliffs, delightful towns and a pristine coastline.
We spend most of our days on Sardinia. A walker’s dream and an ideal destination for nature lovers as well as those interested in its ancient Bronze Age civilization. Stunning natural landscapes appear untouched by man or time, where the trail leads to water springs and limestone caverns hide prehistoric settlements.
The Costa Smeralda, with its turquoise water and fine sand beach is one of the most celebrated coastlines in the Mediterranean.
A private boat whisks us to Corsica, “a French island basking in the Italian sun.” We explore magnificent, lively Bonifacio. Located at Corsica’s southernmost tip, this is a bustling harbour town with an impressive citadel. We’ll walk the southern coastline of the island, with its white cliffs, bays, and Mediterranean flora, walking as far as the cape to turn and absorb the fabulous views of Bonifacio.
Meet at the airport and transfer to our hotel nestled amid vineyards and olive groves near Oliena. Our magical home for three nights combines rustic luxury with unmatched views, features its own spring and wellness facility, and local arts space.
Oliena, Hotel Su Gologone
Starting at the hotel, we walk in the valley of the Supramonte mountain range, encountering numerous carved caves and grottoes. Our destination is the marvelous Bronze Age Sa Sedda ‘e Sos Carros monument and other important sites in the cave complex. Later, a shepherd joins us for a picnic lunch of local delicacies. The rest of the afternoon can be enjoyed back at the hotel or opt for the short walk to the clear waters of the Su Gologone Spring.
Oliena, Hotel Su Gologone
Today’s walk starts gently, then takes us up Mount Tiscali, where the remains of prehistoric settlements are hidden in a limestone cavern — a stunning and surprising sight! We’ll hike back down to the valley floor and return to the hotel for lunch and free time to enjoy the afternoon. Or opt for the afternoon excursion to see the famous modern-day murals of Orgosolo. Those preferring a more leisurely morning can chose to walk from Oliena back to the hotel.
Oliena, Hotel Su Gologone
This morning we leave the heart of Sardinia and head north to Costa Smeralda, with its turquoise water and fine sand beach. It is one of the most celebrated coastlines in the Mediterranean. We’ll walk in this area on paved and unpaved coastal paths, stopping for stunning views of the coastline. After lunch in Porto Cervo, we’ll take time to enjoy this lively town before transferring to the ferry that takes us to our resort hotel on La Maddalena.
La Maddalena, Grand Hotel Resort Ma & Ma
Today we focus on the tiny island of Caprera, following the coast to the bay of Cala Napoletana and its historic ‘fortezza’, with its tunnels and watch towers camouflaged in the local pink granite. After lunch, we’ll visit the famous retreat of Italian statesman and hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi. A local expert will meet us here for a private visit.
La Maddalena, Grand Hotel Resort Ma & Ma
Departing in the morning for Bonifacio, we’ll be traveling like locals on our own private boat, taking us beyond the beautiful archipelago into French Corsica. We’ll stop in secluded coves along the way, maybe have a swim and marvel at the pink beach, before arriving in magnificent Bonifacio, rising on white cliffs above the sea. Enjoy a guided town walk before dinner.
Bonifacio, Hotel Maquis Citadelle
Walk along the southern coastline of Corsica, with its white cliffs, bays, and Mediterranean flora, walking as far as the cape for fabulous views of Bonifacio. We’ll head into town for lunch and a guided tour of Bonifacio. Or opt for an afternoon walk towards the lighthouse, before returning to our hotel with time before our Farewell Dinner.
Bonifacio, Hotel Maquis Citadelle
After breakfast, transfer to the Figari-Sud Corse Airport for onward connections.
