SARDINIA, A PARADISE FOR GOURMETS AND FINE WINE LOVERS

Start the day with breakfast before embarking on a morning guided walking tour of Castello, Cagliari’s historic district where 14th-century towers still stand guard over the medieval city walls. Here you will walk along its aristocratic palaces, see its towers and bastions, and visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary with its well-hidden gem: the crypt of the Saints and Martyrs. Free time for lunch on own, before heading to the Marina area. Delve into the city’s local cuisine while strolling the narrow lanes of this charming neighborhood, where you will visit local shops for samples of Sardinian specialties like oysters from Tortolì and tasty cheese and cold cuts accompanied by locally produced wines. Overnight in Cagliari. (B)Today, it is all about learning the secrets of the Sardinian cuisine and its traditions, during a hands-on cooking class held in a traditional Campidanese-style house. Here, along with a local chef, you will learn how to prepare “culurgiones” (Sardinian ravioli with potatoes and mint) according to ancient traditions handed down for generations, and the most traditional Sardinian sweet, “sa sebada” (puff pastry fried in lard and filled with hot cheese). At the end of the class, you will have the chance to taste what you prepared with your chef and her family. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of Nora, one of the first settlements to be founded in Sardinia by the Phoenicians, situated on a promontory just outside Pula and Southwest of Cagliari. Travel back in time as you stroll along the old-world Roman Roads and delve into the Roman Architecture. Head back to Cagliari and enjoy free time for dinner on your own. Overnight in Cagliari (B, L).

Today, it is all about learning the secrets of the Sardinian cuisine and its traditions, during a hands-on cooking class held in a traditional Campidanese-style house. Here, along with a local chef, you will learn how to prepare “culurgiones” (Sardinian ravioli with potatoes and mint) according to ancient traditions handed down for generations, and the most traditional Sardinian sweet, “sa sebada” (puff pastry fried in lard and filled with hot cheese). At the end of the class, you will have the chance to taste what you prepared with your chef and her family. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of Nora, one of the first settlements to be founded in Sardinia by the Phoenicians, situated on a promontory just outside Pula and Southwest of Cagliari. Travel back in time as you stroll along the old-world Roman Roads and delve into the Roman Architecture. Head back to Cagliari and enjoy free time for dinner on your own. Overnight in Cagliari. (B, L). 

In the morning you will have the chance to stroll through the district of Villanova, one of the most interesting districts in town, with its art and crafts workshops and charming alleys. See “Antico Cafè”, one of the oldest cafes in town, and San Giacomo and San Domenico Church before reaching San Benedetto market, the largest market in town and the core of street food in Cagliari. Walking through the market you will have a chance to taste some typical products such as the renowned mullet roe. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Cagliari. (B)

After breakfast you will depart for an excursion to Sarcidano, a region of dappled landscapes forever dedicated to farming, winemaking and shepherding, that is the core and backbone of Sardinia’s most genuine and heartfelt authenticity. Rising among the exquisitely nuanced plateaus, golden wheat fields, and cork oat woods that dot the countryside, this time-honored land is the cradle of Sardinian vine farming and an outpost of biodiversity in the Mediterranean. Here you will visit an estate vineyard, 30 hectares devoted to native Sardinian wine varieties among unspoiled fields where farming and shepherding traditions thrive. Learn about the estate’s fascinating history and the Biointegrale philosophy, as well as an overview of their farming and winemaking practices before enjoying a leisurely, pleasurable, guided tasting of four wines. Continue your tour with a visit of a historic home from the 1800s in Gergei, made comfortable thanks to a respectful restoration. Here while learning how milk is transformed into cheese using age old techniques for the creation of cheese, you will taste different kinds of cheese, from the strongest and saltiest to the freshest and sweetest, accompanied by cold cuts, honey, jams, and select wines. End the tour in Escolca with a visit of an oil mill and ethnographic museum. Walking among the centenary olive trees will be catapult you into an experiential journey of tasting different oils produced in the area. Overnight in Oristano. (B) 

Today enjoy a half day at sea in the protected area of the Sinis Peninsula, an unspoilt paradise recognized by the European Commission as an 'Eden' destination of excellence and unique natural setting. Here, under the guidance of an experienced fisherman you will be involved and introduced to different fishing techniques. Lunch will follow with the results of your efforts before heading back to Cagliari. (B, L) 

Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight home (or extend your stay). (B)