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Ancient Sardinia
Sardinia
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This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
7 Nights
6 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Pink flamingos - "sa genti arrubia" (the red people)
- Ancient Nuragi ruins 1800-500 B.C.
- Stunning beaches, food, wine and Sardinian culture
- The mines of Montevecchio
- Explore the sound garden of Pinuccio Sciola
- "Pan di Zucchero" Island (the Sugarloaf)
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See Itinerary for details.
Immerse yourself in Southern Sardinia, a mystical and deeply artistic island
As if the mainland wasn't good enough, Sardinia offers you something extra-special with all of the charming elegance of Italy's peerless food, wine, fashion and flawless coastline, but away from the crowds, in a quieter, more ancient realm still deeply connected to its past.
This boutique itinerary exploring Southern Sardinia begins in the vibrant capital of Cagliari, with its sun-drenched alleys, historic architecture, and the renowned National Archaeological Museum. From flamingo-filled wetlands at Molentargius Park to the evocative salt pans of Conti Vecchi, you’ll explore ecosystems rich in wildlife and industrial heritage. Discover San Sperate, Sardinia’s “Museum Town,” and visit the incredible Sound Garden of Pinuccio Sciola, where sculpted stones produce music. Hike along the scenic Costa Verde coast, meet shepherds in Arbus raising rare black sheep, and experience farm life firsthand.
(Available as a small group tour or tailor-made holiday)
Uncover Sardinia’s mining legacy in Montevecchio and witness the vast golden dunes of Piscinas at sunset. Step back thousands of years in ancient Nuragi sites including the Barumini’s Su Nuraxi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander prehistoric tombs carved into the sandstone hills. The journey concludes in Orroli, where you’ll visit the imposing Nuraghe Arrubiu and learn the secrets behind the "Bread of the Centenarians" in a hands-on workshop.
With rustic accommodations, expertly guided tours, and intimate cultural experiences, this trip offers a rare, deeply authentic view of Sardinia and is ideal for curious travellers seeking beauty, history, and a connection with island life.
Adventure Optional Addons
Northern Sardinia Add-on adventure
An immersive historical and cultural trip in to the Barbagia and Northern regions of Sardinia
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See below for details.
Day 1: Arrive in Cagliari & city tour
Transfer
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
After arriving in Cagliari you will be transferred to your hotel to check in. You will then be taken on a city tour of Cagliari, guided by one of our most experienced guides. Lose yourself in the alleys among the small craft shops and discover the reasons why Cagliari is the jewel of the Mediterranean.
The tour will take you through all the city has to offer, from the charm of thousand-year-old buildings and areas, to the beauty of one of the largest city beaches in Europe and then to the lagoon areas within the city populated by numerous species of birds.
The second part of the tour will take you to the National Archaeological Museum which is located in the ancient Castello district, inside the Citadel of Museums. It is the most important archaeological museum in Sardinia with over 4000 objects that tell a story almost 7000 years long, from Prehistory to the Early Middle Ages, from Neolithic mother goddesses to Nuragic bronzes, from Phoenician and Punic jewels to Roman statuary and finally to cult objects from the Byzantine era.
There will be a choice of two recommended options for dinner either an authentic pizzeria or a seafood restaurant.
Overnight: Local boutique hotel
Day 2: The Molentargius – Saline Regional Natural Park
Transfer
Wildlife
Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, we will head to The Molentargius - Saline Regional Natural Park whichis a stunning wetland of international value, especially as a habitat for numerous species of water birds, found within the metropolitan area of Cagliari.
The history of the reserve is linked to the long history of the salt pans in the city so much so that the site owes its name to molenti (donkeys in Sardinian), the "means of transport" used in the past to bring the salt collected from the salt pans to the port.
The naturalistic complex that extends for about 1600 hectares includes fresh water basins, containing water with different degrees of salinity, and a plain of sandy origin. The Park boasts a rich variety of plant and animal species, many of which are protected. In particular, the site is famous for the presence of pink flamingos, sa genti arrubia(the red people) as they say in these parts, which nested here for the first time in 1993.
In the afternoon, embark on a journey back in time with a private trip to the Salt Pans of Conti Vecchi. This guided tour lets you walk in the footsteps of 1930s salt workers, exploring historic structures like the workshop, chemical lab, main office, and archive. The adventure includes a train ride through the saltworks, where the industry's history blends with nature, and flamingos roam freely.
Overnight: Local boutique hotel
Day 3: Exploring San Sperate & The Sound Garden Of Pinuccio Sciola
Transfer
Lunch
Boutique Hotel
Today’s adventure takes you to the vibrant town of San Sperate. Known as the "Museum Town," San Sperate is an open-air gallery, where hundreds of bright and expressive murals are painted on the towns walls. The murals depict thoughts and feelings from the time of their painting, deeply rooted in memory and tell the stories of its people, their traditions and their evolving identity. This unique form of street art began in 1968, when visionary local artist Pinuccio Sciola launched a revolutionary project to transform his hometown into a living canvas. A space where art and community would grow hand in hand. Since then, artists from all over the world have added their voices to the walls, and the town continues to breathe creativity.
Guided by a local expert, you’ll explore this dynamic village on a walking tour of its most iconic murals and hidden corners. You’ll also visit one of its most extraordinary sites: the Giardino Sonoro (Sound Garden), an open-air museum conceived by Sciola himself. Here, you'll walk among great limestone, basalt, and granite sculptures, stones that 'sing' through their construction.
After lunch in San Sperate you will embark on a circular route Belvedere of Nebida, a route that winds for about 700m close to the sea, offering a breathtaking view of Pan di Zucchero (meaning Sugarloaf), one of the most beautiful stacks in Italy.
Tonight we head back to Nebida for the night.
Overnight: Local boutique hotel
Day 4: Costa Verde
Transfer
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Starting in the morning, you will set off to discover one of the most captivating stretches of the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara, the 7-kilometre route linking San Nicolò Beach to Portixeddu. This coastal trail winds between wild cliffs and secluded coves, where light catches on the waves and landscapes.
With its gentle elevation, this walk is accessible to all, perfect for taking the time to observe and enjoy the scenes along the route. Arriving in Portixeddu, framed by dunes and pine forest, the view opens onto a horizon that melts into deep blue: a scene that feels designed for photography. The total length of the route is 7km, ascent 310m, 325m descent.
Late afternoon sees you meeting Monica and the people of Arbus, an authentic corner of Sardinia, where time flows at the rhythm of nature and the bond with the land is deep and genuine. In her farm, surrounded by silent pastures and the scent of wild herbs, Monica raises rare black sheep (la pecora nera), guardians of an ancient tradition and pride of the territory.
During your time here the focus will be on a relaxing, meeting the owners, learning about their lifestyle, and gaining insight into their daily rhythms and traditions.
Round off your day with dinner in the village of Montevecchio.
Overnight: Local boutique hotel
Day 5: Montevecchio
Transfer
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Enjoy the sunrise in Montevecchio and then take an immersive visit to the old mining area of the Medio Campidano province which was central to the mining industry in the south-west. Today, it is the site of the Geominerary park of Sardinia, a UNESCO world heritage site. A historical-cultural tour of the site allows you to discover a “ghost world” constructed by a complex of mines, a few hundred metres from the Piscinas dunes and close to other beaches on the Costa Verde.
Towards the end of the day, savour the sunset in Piscinas, the Dunes of Costa Verde. After walking along the unpaved and sandy trails, you will spy the immense and deep golden expanse, extending seven kilometres. This 'pearl' of the Costa Verde, in south-western Sardinia, is a dazzling yellow-ochre desert, stirred by the wind and dotted with Mediterranean greenery.
This wonderful oasis far from everything, with imposing and sinuous dunes of fine, warm golden sand that reach up to 60 metres in height, is shaped by the mistral winds and extends several kilometres from the hinterland until diving into the boundless and shimmering blue sea.
Tonight enjoy a beach dinner in Piscinas.
Overnight: Local boutique hotel
Day 6: Discover Barumini
Transfer
Lunch
Boutique Hotel
A late departure today takes you to Barumini and Su Nuraxi, the “giant” at the heart of the Marmilla territory. This remarkable Nuragic complex is one of Sardinia’s key landmarks and one of 58 Italian sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Built between the Middle and Late Bronze Ages, Su Nuraxi is the best-preserved of Sardinia’s thousands of nuraghi, the mysterious stone structures built by the island’s Nuragic people. At its heart stands a massive central tower, constructed from huge dressed stones, surrounded by the remains of the settlement that once formed the centre of Nuragic life. As you explore, you’ll begin to get a sense of the people who lived here more than 3,000 years ago. The surrounding green hills conceal prehistoric ‘houses’ of the deceased, carved into the rocky slopes and adorned with mysterious decorations.
You’ll also visit the necropolises of Corongiu and S’Acqua Salida, also known as Pranu Efis, just north of Pimentel. Carved into sandstone banks during the Final Neolithic period, these ancient burial sites reveal another layer of Sardinia’s prehistoric past.
There is plenty to discover today as you delve into the rich archaeological heritage of southern Sardinia, where traces of ancient civilisations are woven into the landscape.
Overnight: Local boutique hotel
Day 7: Orroli
Transfer
Lunch
Boutique Hotel
An early start today to catch the sunrise at Nuraghe Arrubiu in Orroli. Much more than a collection of picturesque ruins, this ancient Nuragic site is a place steeped in mystery, offering a glimpse into a civilisation that flourished thousands of years ago. The name Arrubiu means “red nuraghe”, referring to the distinctive colour of the stones that dominate the plateau. As the first light reaches the ancient walls, you’ll discover more about the little-known history of the Nuragic people.
You’ll then stop for lunch at a countryside farmhouse, just steps from Nuraghe Arrubiu. Here, dishes are prepared using ingredients grown and sourced from the surrounding fields, giving you a taste of the local landscape.
After lunch, visit Orroli itself, which stretches across the Pranemuru plateau. Its stone houses and ancient manor buildings include small museums and artisan workshops, offering a glimpse into the traditions of the local community.
In the late afternoon, take part in a workshop where history, food and sustainability come together. In an authentic family setting, you’ll discover the making of the famous “Bread of the Centenarians”, named after the remarkable longevity of people in this part of Sardinia. The family-run, women-led business has preserved the tradition of baking with organic Senatore Cappelli durum wheat, stone-milled using volcanic millstones to retain the germ and its nutritional qualities.
Overnight: Local boutique hotel
Day 8: Orroli - departure day
Transfer
After breakfast today, you will be transferred to Cagliari airport for your international departure flight, reinvigorated by the beauty that Sardinia has to offer.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single room supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis.
We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is not available to book for part of the trip where it would have been possible.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International Flights & airport taxes
- Visas
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Some group transfers, where use of public transport is easy and cost effective
- Lunches and some dinners - see itinerary for details
- Drinks & snacks
- Tipping (not widely expected - see Essential Info)
Adventure Optional Addons
Northern Sardinia Add-on adventure
An immersive historical and cultural trip in to the Barbagia and Northern regions of Sardinia
Contents
Accommodation
We believe that where you stay is an important part of experiencing a destination, so we choose accommodation that helps you connect with the places and people you are visiting.
On this adventure, you’ll stay in a selection of comfortable, locally run hotels, apartments and agriturismi, generally of a comparable three-star standard. The exact properties may vary depending on availability, but we always select accommodation that is well located, welcoming and suited to the character of the area you are exploring. Choosing locally owned properties also means that more of your holiday spend stays within the local economy, supporting the people and communities you visit.
As you travel through southern and western Sardinia, your accommodation will range from stays in historic towns and coastal areas to rural properties in the island’s interior. The agriturismi in particular offer a chance to experience Sardinia’s strong connection to farming, food and the land.
Guiding & Your Group
Throughout the adventure, you’ll be accompanied by experienced local guides and specialists who bring their own knowledge and connection to Sardinia. From exploring Cagliari and its archaeological treasures to discovering the island’s Nuragic heritage, mining history, wildlife and rural traditions, their local insight will help bring the places you visit to life.
You’ll also meet people whose lives are closely connected to the land, including Monica and her family in Arbus, who raise rare black sheep and continue traditional agropastoral practices, and the women-led family business preserving the ancient art of making Sardinian bread.
We believe working with local people is an important part of responsible travel. It means that your visit supports local communities while giving you a more personal understanding of Sardinia and its way of life.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works well with the ratio of guides and ensures an enjoyable level of service throughout your adventure.
We have clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you are travelling with friends or family, or would like to explore more of Sardinia, extend your stay, include different places or tailor your accommodation, we can create a private, tailor-made version of this adventure for you. Just let us know what you have in mind and we can put together a personalised itinerary and cost it for you.
Am I fit Enough?
This adventure is a wonderful mix of cultural exploration, wildlife, photography and walking, taking you into some of Sardinia’s most fascinating landscapes and archaeological sites.
To get the most out of the adventure, you should be in good physical health and enjoy walking as a way of exploring a place. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker, but you should be comfortable walking for a few hours at a time, sometimes over uneven or rocky ground and on coastal paths. The longest walk is around 7 km, with approximately 310 m of ascent and 325 m of descent.
There are also some early starts, including a sunrise visit to Nuraghe Arrubiu. The emphasis is on exploring and discovering rather than strenuous hiking, with regular opportunities to stop, take photographs and enjoy your surroundings. You’ll only need to carry a small day pack with water and personal essentials.
Comfortable, well-worn walking shoes or lightweight walking boots are recommended, particularly for the archaeological sites and coastal trail where the ground can be uneven.
Most importantly, come with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. This adventure is about getting beneath the surface of Sardinia, meeting local people and discovering a side of the island that many visitors never see.
Weather Conditions
Sardinia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with generally mild winters, warm summers and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Conditions can vary depending on the season and the part of the island you are visiting, so it is worth being prepared for changeable weather.
This adventure takes you through a variety of landscapes, from the coast and wetlands around Cagliari to the more exposed landscapes of Costa Verde and the inland hills around Barumini and Orroli. Early mornings can feel cooler, while temperatures can rise during the day, particularly when you are walking or visiting exposed archaeological sites.
We recommend packing lightweight layers, sun protection and a waterproof jacket, with comfortable clothing that can be adapted to the conditions throughout the day. Your pre-departure information will include more specific guidance for the time of year you are travelling.
Travel & Arrival
Your YellowWood adventure starts at your hotel in Cagliari.
Transfers are included on the official start and end dates of your adventure. If you choose to arrive before the start date or depart after the end date, transfers will not be included. If you would like to extend your stay and need help arranging additional transfers or accommodation, please add these services when booking or contact us directly and we’ll be happy to help.
Once you have made a booking, you’ll be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide your flight details and exact arrival and departure times. We’ll use this information to organise your private transfers. Please note that private transfers are subject to availability.
You’re also welcome to make your own travel arrangements. If you choose to do so, we’ll provide clear instructions on where and when to meet the group at the start of your adventure.
Finding Flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your adventure. Whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you.
We recommend using a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights. We will send you a Flight Information Sheet with further pointers on which flights to book.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all YellowWood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover.
We recommend arranging your insurance when you book so that if you have problems during the run-up to your holiday and need to cancel, you are covered.
Ahead of your trip departure, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24-hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address and telephone numbers of your next of kin or person to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your policy must include cover for cancellation for a reason outside your control before departure, medical expenses whilst away, including repatriation if medically necessary, and the activities you may participate in during your trip.
Reviews
YellowWood Adventures
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Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- $US or GB£ to exchange for local currency
- Passport and Insurance Documents
- Credit / Debit Cards (for use in ATMs in cities only)
- Prescription medication & antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
- Mosquito repellent
- Hand sanitiser (70% alcohol) & min of 2 reusable & 10 disposable face coverings
- Day rucksack for walking / sightseeing (approx 20L)
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
- Sunglasses & Sun cream (high factor)
- Plug adaptor
Clothing
- Socks & underwear
- PJs / nightwear
- Light tops that can be layered for day time - long and short sleeved tops (av trip temp: low 14ºC, high 28ºC)
- Trousers, shorts & skirts as required
- Warm layer: fleece or jacket (check weather conditions ahead of travel)
- Waterproof jacket (good quality)
- Good hiking shoes with non slip soles
- Sandals or trainers
- Swimwear & quick drying towel
Optional
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Ear plugs (in case of snorers!)
- Head torch & batteries
- Umbrella
- Phone & Charging cables / plug
- Sun hat / baseball cap
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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