12 Days in North Sardinia: Italian Immersion
Listen to the serenade of Sardinia's Mediterranean seascapes and Italian island culture on this 12-day tour of the region's northernmost corner.
Italy
12 days / 11 nights
$4,975 /person
$4,975 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Snorkeling through the clear, sunstruck waters of La Maddalena National Marine Park
Sipping local wines in the Gallura countryside's affamed vineyards
Cruising to the pristine and picturesque Tavolara Marine Protected Area
Kayaking in Porto Torres from coves to coastline
Sailing along Asinara National Park
Benvenuti in Sardinia!
San Teodoro Spiaggia and Vibrant Villages
Private Cruise to Tavolara Marine Protected Area
Costa Smeralda: Road to Cannigione
Gallura Galavanting: Wine Country and Cooking Customs
Show All 12 days
La Maddalena National Marine Park by Catamaran
Cannigione to Castelsardo: Journey Northwest
Kayaking Porto Torres
Sailing and Sightseeing in Asinara National Park
Onward to Alghero
Alghero Adventures at Leisure
Alla Prossima!
Private Cruise to Tavolara Marine Protected Area
Overview
Now that you’ve spent some time in Sardinia, you’ll deepen your impressions of the island on an enthralling, exciting, and exquisite boat tour. After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to one of the island’s most breathtaking natural treasures: the Tavolara Marine Protected Area. You won’t get there by foot, however, but by private boat, as you’ll board a captain-led dinghy for a scenic cruise through the water. The day’s journey will take you to Coda Cavallo, where dramatic rock formations frame crystal-clear waters, and the enchanting Grotta del Forno, whose sunlight reflects on the rock walls, creating magical colors and a positively ethereal site. Throughout the course of the day, you’ll also visit the natural Pools of Molara — an oasis of calm with shallow, turquoise waters — and the striking limestone and granite mountain formation of Tavolara Island. For an added touch of luxury, you may enhance the day’s tour with an optional and exclusive lunch at La Corona Restaurant on Tavolara Island. To wrap up this awe-inspiring cruise, you’ll continue along the coast to visit Capo Ceraso and Sassi Piatti, where you’ll savor secluded coves and end this day-long experience with a sunset view — and, perhaps, swim — over the sea.
Highlights
Private Dinghy Tour to Islands
All aboard your very own boat on today’s private dinghy cruise, which will lead you through the Mediterranean to the islands of Tavolara Marine Protected Area. Helmed by an expert captain, today’s cruise will make stops at the marine reserve, Coda Cavallo, Grotta del Forno, Molara, and the striking Tavolara Island, exposing you to the full range of Sardinia's scenery.
Tavolara Marine Protected Area
In northeast Sardinia, a granite colossus rises from the emerald sea, dotted with green juniper, rosemary and mastic bushes, and yellow helichrysum. Known as Tavolara, this limestone and granite mountain extends nearly 560 meters from the water, with impressive rocks and a rugged exterior. During today’s boat tour, you'll visit this dramatic landscape which has risen to fame as the smallest kingdom in the world. Still guarded by the descendants of its original “royal” family, the island is rich in Mediterranean flora and untouched beauty.
Tavolara Legends and Legacy
As part of the Olbia territory, Tavolara dates back to the reign of King Charles Albert of Savoy. According to legend, he arrived on its coasts in search of goats with teeth of gold. These teeth — which were most likely yellow due to the goat diet of helichrysum — imbued the animals with a legendary significance. Upon reaching the island, King Charles found the island’s only inhabitant Paolo Bertoleoni, and named him king of the island. Now, Paolos’ descendents remain the island’s only residents and guardians.
Accommodations
Hotel Don Diego (or similar)
Sleep, stay, and socialize by the sea at Hotel Don Diego, a Sardinia hotel that embraces its coastal locale. Overlooking the bay, with islands in the distance, this luxe property promises a tranquil retreat with a Mediterranean mindset. The building consists of 50 guest rooms and suites with various views, as well as multiple dining options in a combination of on-site restaurants, bars, and cafes. Rounding off the property, Hotel Don Diego also includes an outdoor swimming pool, so you can enjoy the water directly outside your door.
Location:
Via Lattea, 1, 07020 Costa Dorata OT, Italy
Phone:
+39078940006
How it works
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- Entry and exit information and assistance
- Accommodations for 11 nights
- Rental car for the duration of the trip, including insurance
- Boat tour to Tavolara and Molara (small group)
- Luxury catamaran excursion in La Maddalena National Marine Park, with skipper and lunch (small group)
- Wine tasting in Gallura countryside
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary
- Ferry tickets for private transfers to islands (unless included in specific day excursions)