Sardinia & Corsica: Alghero & Costa Smeralda
On this eight-day Sardinia Corsica tour, Irish holidaymakers will discover two of the Mediterranean’s most intriguing and rugged islands. While many think only of the white sands of the Costa Smeralda, our journey takes you far deeper into the heart of these lands to reveal a rich history and a unique cultural identity. This Escorted Tour has been carefully organised to showcase the balance between the sophisticated coastlines and the traditional, unspoilt hinterland where ancient customs are still very much alive.
Our journey begins in the coastal town of Cannigione, a perfect base for exploring the famous Costa Smeralda. You will see Porto Cervo, a town known for its distinct architecture and impressive marina, but we also take you to the quieter villages where the pace of life remains slow and traditional. A significant highlight for holidaymakers from Ireland is the ferry crossing to Bonifacio on the French island of Corsica. The sight of the historic citadel perched high on limestone cliffs as you approach from the sea is quite remarkable. Our guided tour through the old town’s Genoese tenements highlights the strong Italian influence on this corner of France.
Moving inland, the scenery shifts to dramatic granite mountains and thick cork forests. We include a visit to a local museum to learn about the importance of cork production to the Sardinian economy. One of the most authentic experiences on this Sardinia Corsica tour is our visit to a family-run agriturismo. Here, we share a traditional Sardinian meal made with produce grown on the farm, providing a true taste of local life. The second half of the tour is spent in Alghero, a medieval jewel with a fascinating Spanish history. The Catalan influence is still visible in the architecture and heard in the local dialect.
In addition to the historical sites, including a visit to the Bronze Age structures at Santu Antine, we also enjoy the flavours of the region with a visit to a family-owned wine estate for a tasting of prestigious local Cannonau and Vermentino wines. We conclude our tour in the colourful town of Bosa, situated on the Temo River, before taking a scenic coastal road back to our hotel. This is a straightforward, factual, and deeply rewarding tour for those looking to discover the real Sardinia and Corsica without the distractions of modern resorts.
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What is the typical group size for this escorted tour?
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What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- 7 nights in four-star accommodation
- Return flights & transfers from Dublin
- 8 included experiences
- Daily breakfast and two dinners
- The expertise of a professional Tour Manager
- All additional taxes and fees
- Checked luggage allowance
- Small group sizes with an average of 20-36 guests
Itinerary
1Arrival in Cannigione+
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred by coach to the coastal town of Cannigione. Located in the Gulf of Arzachena on the Costa Smeralda, your hotel is a short walk from the beach and local cafés. Irish holidaymakers will stay here for the first three nights. Dinner is included this evening (note that 2027 departures are on a bed and breakfast basis).
2The Dazzling Costa Smeralda+
Today we explore the famous Costa Smeralda, an area developed by the Aga Khan in the 1960s. We visit the main town of Porto Cervo, a location known for its pristine appearance, specific building regulations, and impressive marina filled with yachts. We also pass through several charming local villages to see the quieter, more traditional side of the region before returning to Cannigione for some free time.
3Crossing to Corsica on our Sardinia Corsica tour+
This morning we drive to the north coast and take a 50-minute ferry to Bonifacio at the southern tip of French Corsica. The approach offers excellent views of the citadel perched on limestone cliffs. We have organised a guided tour of the old town, which features narrow streets and Italian-influenced Genoese tenements. After some free time to explore the marina, we return to Sardinia. In 2027, guests will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
4Inland Sardinia and the Cork Region+
Our journey continues inland towards Alghero, passing through granite mountains and dense cork forests. We visit a dedicated cork museum to learn about the traditional harvesting and production techniques used in this major local industry. This evening, we enjoy a traditional feast at a family-run agriturismo, featuring fresh local produce and authentic recipes in a rustic setting.
5Alghero and Wine Tasting+
We begin the day with a guided tour of Alghero, a medieval city with a strong Catalan heritage and unique architecture. You will see the 16th-century cathedral and the massive defensive walls. In the afternoon, we head to a family-owned wine estate in a premier wine-growing region for a tour of the vineyards and a tasting of local Cannonau and Vermentino wines.
6A Free Day in Alghero+
The day is yours to explore Alghero at your own pace. You might enjoy a stroll along the beachfront promenade or browse the town's shops, which are famous for their coral jewellery. It is also an excellent opportunity to try a 'seadas' pastry or the local 'mirto' liqueur in one of the many cafés.
7Bronze Age History and Bosa+
We travel through the Valley of the Nuraghi to visit the Santu Antine nuraghe, a massive stone structure dating back to the Bronze Age. We then visit Bosa, a hillside town on the Temo River known for its colourful houses and cobbled streets. After some free time to discover Bosa, we return to the hotel via a scenic coastal drive.
8Return to Ireland+
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Dublin.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Jun 2027 | Twin | €2,359 | Enquire Now |
| 18 Sep 2027 | Twin | €2,239 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: RIV
