Description
Sardinia Gourmet Tour 8 Days
Introduction
Sardinia, a land of rich history, stunning natural beauty with its pristine coastlines and white sandy beaches, and deeply-rooted traditions, also boasts a long-standing heritage of sheep-farming, winemaking, and exceptional cuisine. Throughout our culinary journey, guided by our local food expert, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the diverse culinary traditions that span from the North to the South of the island.
Our adventure includes visits to vibrant markets, savoring organic delights at rustic farmhouses, exploring ancient wine cellars, and indulging in distinctive restaurants offering unique dishes and recipes. Along the way, we’ll also have the chance to admire some of Sardinia’s most magnificent landmarks. This tour is a feast for the senses, where you’ll not only savor the flavors of Sardinia but also discover the captivating traditions that have made the island world-renowned.
Highlights
These highlights encapsulate the rich and diverse experiences of your gourmet tour, from cultural explorations to culinary delights.
• Explore the captivating city of Cagliari on a walking tour.
• Delight in a Cheese and Wine tour with vineyard lunch, accompanied by stunning scenery.
• Immerse yourself in history and culture at the Archaeological Museum of Cagliari.
• Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cagliari’s food market and savor a traditional lunch in a historical house.
• Discover the fascinating Su Nuraxi in Barumini.
• Enjoy a Wine tour and Vernaccia Tasting.
• Explore the picturesque Cabras Pond and indulge in Bottarga.
• Visit the ancient city of Tharros.
• Embark on the Casizzolu cheese and Bue Rosso meat tour in Santu Lussurgiu.
• Explore the charming town of Bosa and savor a Malvasia Tasting.
• Marvel at the architectural beauty of the Basilica of Saccargia.
• Journey through the misteryous Necropolis Andrea Prius.
• Relish an authentic Sardinian lunch at a local farm.
• Experience the enchanting town of Alghero.
• Conclude with a special lunch with shepherds in the Cannonau wine region.
• Savor a delightful seafood farewell dinner in Cagliari’s marina.
Day 1: Arrival in Cagliari
Your Sardinian adventure begins with an arrival in Cagliari. After a warm welcome by your guide, you’ll embark on a fascinating walking tour of the city. Cagliari, an ancient city founded by Phoenician traders, boasts a rich history.
You’ll explore its historic streets, encountering remnants of its past, including impressive towers and sections of once-mighty walls surrounding the medieval Castello district. Cagliari is renowned for having the largest Phoenician necropolis in the Mediterranean.
The city is a paradise for birdwatchers, with vast wetlands hosting diverse wildlife, notably pink flamingos. Your city tour covers key sights such as the ornate 17th-century cathedral, ancient towers, and impressive bastions in the ‘Castello’ district. You’ll also visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Basilica of Bonaria.
After the tour, return to your hotel for a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Includes: Dinner
Overnight: Cagliari
Day 2 – Trexenta Region, Culinary Delights
Today, we venture into the Trexenta Region, renowned for its vineyards and culinary treasures. Our first stop is a cheese farm, where you’ll immerse yourself in the world of Sardinian pecorino cheese. With millions of sheep in Sardinia, pecorino cheese is a specialty not to be missed. The farm owner will guide us through the cheese-making process, from milk to the final product. Afterward, savor a delightful cheese tasting accompanied by Sardinian bread, local sausage, and a glass of wine.
Next, we explore a local winery, where you’ll uncover the secrets of traditional Sardinian wine. Whether it’s Cannonau, Vermentino, or unique local grape varieties, these wineries produce exceptional wines enjoyed by the locals. We indulge in a wine tasting followed by a scenic lunch overlooking the picturesque vineyards.
Upon returning to Cagliari, we visit the National Archaeological Museum in Piazza Arsenale. This museum houses over 4,000 artifacts, offering insights into Sardinia’s history from prehistoric times to the High Middle Ages.
To complete the day, we dine in a typical Sardinian restaurant, savoring Cagliari’s culinary specialties, including Spaghetti with Clams and Fritto Misto. Then, we return to the hotel for a restful overnight stay.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Cagliari
Day 3: Culinary Delights and Ancient Wonders
Today, we embark on an unforgettable culinary journey, exploring the enchanting and unique flavors of Sardinian cuisine. Our first destination is the renowned San Benedetto Market in Cagliari, the largest food market in Sardinia and one of the oldest in Europe. Wander through this magical marketplace, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of fresh and genuine foods.
Following our market adventure, we continue to Barumini, home to one of the most iconic monuments on the island, the UNESCO-listed Nuraghe Su Nuraxi. Before exploring this archaeological wonder, we pause for another delectable culinary experience. In a historic Campidanese house, Annarella, our host, will prepare a traditional meal featuring fresh, genuine dishes typical of the Marmilla region.
With our palates satisfied, we visit the Nuraghe Su Nuraxi. These ancient stone structures are symbolic of Sardinia’s rich heritage, dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. The central tower, once towering nearly 20 meters high, is encircled by a fortified courtyard and four side towers. Exploring the passageways within this monument is a thrilling and adventurous experience, as we traverse ancient corridors and walls. Beyond the fortifications lies a village with circular houses constructed over several centuries.
We return to the hotel for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Cagliari
Day 4: Wine Tour, Vernaccia Tasting, and Cultural Exploration
Today, we embark on a delightful journey to explore the art of winemaking and dive into the rich history of Sardinia. Our first destination is Oristano, home to the esteemed Attilio’s Winery. With over a century of tradition and innovation, this family-owned winery has been producing exceptional wines since 1898. They are renowned for their Vernaccia wine, a powerful and dry dessert wine with a history dating back to Roman times. The unique aging process in barrels with air inside and a penchant for temperature fluctuations make this wine truly special.
Your visit to the winery provides a glimpse into the dedication and expertise of Paolo, his grandchildren, and winemaker Piero Cella. You’ll witness the careful grape selection, winemaking, and aging processes that produce these exceptional wines. The winery is strategically located on the Sinis peninsula, near the Phoenician city of Tharros, San Salvatore village, and the archaeological site of “Sa Osa,” where grape seeds dating back to 2000 BC, the oldest evidence of wine cultivation in Sardinia, were discovered.
After this delightful wine experience, we head to the remarkable Cabras Pond, a sprawling water body covering over 3000 square kilometers, making it the largest in Sardinia, protected under international agreements. The pond remains a functional fishing reserve, with numerous “Peschiere” (fish tanks) demonstrating the harmonious interaction between humans and nature in shaping a unique cultural landscape. The primary catch of this region is the Grey Mullet, a species that can thrive in both saltwater and freshwater. They enter the mouth of the ponds in search of freshwater, and the Peschiera, a fish trap built at the mouth of the pond, captures them. At a local restaurant, we savor these freshly caught fish and their renowned red dried eggs, the Bottarga.
In the afternoon, we embark on a cultural journey to the ancient Phoenician town of Tharros. Established in the 8th century BC, Tharros held a strategic position as a peninsula, shielded from various winds. It played a pivotal role in maritime trade between the East and West Mediterranean regions. Notably, Tharros has yielded Egyptian scarabs, igniting curiosity as it is linked to the mysterious Tartesso mentioned in the Bible, a subject currently under exploration in Spain.
Conclude this day’s adventures with a return to our hotel in Oristano for a delightful dinner and a well-deserved night’s rest.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Oristano.
Day 5: Culinary Treasures of Montiferru and Enchanting Bosa
On this flavorful day, we venture into Sardinia’s heart, the Montiferru region, to discover its rich culinary heritage and ancient traditions. In Santulussurgiu, a charming village, we explore the essence of Sardinia’s agricultural legacy.
Renowned for its pristine forests, ancient churches, and a captivating Medieval Chevaliers settlement in San Leonardo de Siete Fuentes, Montiferru unfolds its history and charm. Santulussurgiu, in particular, shines with its unique gastronomic offerings—the Bue Rosso del Montiferru and the delectable Casizolu cheese.
Over a century ago, Sicilian farmers introduced the distinctive Modican race Bulls to Sardinia, resulting in the Bue Rosso, a unique breed celebrated for its red-hued veal. This breed contributes to the exquisite Casizolu cheese, a Slow Food-protected gem. We visit a local cheese farm to witness the cheese-making process and indulge in its distinctive flavors. Santulussurgiu also boasts craftsmanship, with a focus on knife-making and traditional liqueurs.
Our scenic route leads to Macomer, where we explore the Medieval Settlement of the Chevaliers at San Leonardo di Siete Fuentes, a testament to the region’s historical richness. A gourmet restaurant awaits us for lunch, offering the delightful Bue Rosso del Montiferru, known for its succulent meat and the creation of Casizzolu cheese.
In the afternoon, we arrive in the captivating town of Bosa, steeped in history and charm. Our city tour introduces Bosa’s historic center, where you’ll access its monumental treasures. From Phoenician origins to the grandeur of the Middle Ages, the city holds a rich heritage, with the formidable Malaspina Castle as a highlight.
Explore the Cathedral, dedicated to Mary Immaculate, and savor works by Emilio Scherer and other significant pieces. A stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, lined with elegant 19th-century palaces, reveals more of Bosa’s charm. Sa Costa, with its characteristic hillside houses, completes the experience.
Our walk includes a stop at a local wine shop, where you’ll savor the renowned sweet wine, Malvasia. Later, we continue our journey along the coastal road to Alghero, where you’ll enjoy a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Alghero
Day 6: Medieval Marvels, Ancient Mysteries, and Alghero’s Allure. Lunch In A Farm.
In the morning, we visit the remarkable Basilica of Saccargia, a Middle Age masterpiece in Codrongianos. The basilica, constructed by monks, features an exquisite blend of black basalt and white limestone, showcasing a Tuscan Romanesque style. It was consecrated in 1116, under the patronage of the Judge of Torres.
Afterwards, we explore the Neolithic Domus de Janas of Sant’Andrea Prius, near Bonorva, an ancient necropolis with around twenty graves, including intriguing multicellular tombs. Notable among them are the “Tomb of the Head,” the “Tomb of the Circular Hut,” and the “Chamber Tomb.” The “Tomb of the Head” is especially remarkable with its 18 labyrinthine chambers and historical Christian frescoes.
Following our cultural explorations, we enjoy a typical Sardinian lunch at a nearby farm, savoring authentic regional products and renowned recipes. In the afternoon, we return to Alghero to discover its captivating charm. Known as the “Little Barcelona,” Alghero is a popular coastal destination in Sardinia, famed for its exquisite red coral, which has earned it the name Coral Riviera.
The town’s historical center is a treasure trove of ancient Aragonese palaces, fortified walls, and towers. This lively area is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and pubs. Alghero is also known for its well-preserved defensive towers and ramparts, a testament to its history under Catalan-Aragonese rule. Explore the medieval Plàia Civica square, home to the Duke of Abis palace, and visit the S. Maria Cathedral, a stunning example of Catalan-Gothic architecture from the 16th century.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Alghero
Day 7: Cannonau County Adventure
Today, we delve into the heart of Sardinia, where the rugged Gennargentu Mountains are renowned for producing the famed Cannonau red wine. The name “Cannonau” embodies its powerful and robust nature, often described as “hitting you like a cannon.” Our destination is Oliena, where you’ll relish the exceptional Nepente wine, a special Cannonau variety.
Our journey continues as we make our way to Orgosolo, a proud mountain village. Here, you’ll partake in a rustic lunch experience with local shepherds, savoring succulent roasted suckling pig and delightful regional cheeses.
We’ll then return to Cagliari, where you’ll check in at your accommodation. In the evening, we’ll bid you farewell with a seafood-themed dinner in the marina district. Afterward, you’ll rest comfortably for the night.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Cagliari
Day 8: Departure
Following breakfast, you’ll have some free time to explore the bustling center of Cagliari, perfect for shopping and enjoying some final drinks. Later, we’ll arrange your transfer to the airport, marking the conclusion of our services.
Includes: Breakfast
