OLD Sardinia: From Wild Trails to Secluded Luxury /// REPLACED BY: Wilderness & Luxury in Sardinia

Arrive at Olbia International Airport (OLB). Private transfer to your hotel in Santa Maria Navarrese (2.5 hour transfer, 150km / 93 miles).  The hamlet of Santa Maria Navarrese is at the foot of a hill covered with olive trees, fig trees, locust trees, lotus trees, and dense brush. This coastal village is named after a small church erected in 1052 by the Navarre Princess, daughter of King Garcia Sanchez V.  She had likely fled her country because of a “love sin,” and is said to have wanted to thank the Madonna for saving her life during a shipwreck near the frightening "Monti Insani," now called Monte Santu. Today, Santa Maria has become a renowned seaside location. After you’ve settled in, you’ll have a trip briefing and equipment check before your trek.  Note that you will return to the same hotel at the end of your trek.  When you depart tomorrow, you will be able to leave any belongings that you do not wish to carry with you on trek to be stored at the hotel, and reclaim them when you return.

Begin your trek today with an incredible hike along the islands coastline! From Santa Maria take a short private transfer to Pedra Longa – a rocky spire that is accessible via an easy and panoramic trail along the coast.  Pedra Longa is the most impressive spur on the isle, surrounded by an azure sea, which makes the cliff walls appear to fall more vertically into the water. The monolith appears in front of you as an imposing calcareous massif, composed predominantly of karst. Measuring approximately 120 meters (394') in height, the soaring shape has a large base and a rounded top; it has come to be known as the symbol of Baunei and all of Sardinia.  From here, you’ll hike up the dolomitic ledge of Punta Giradili – its huge 750-meter (2,461') walls and peaks are considered by many as one of Sardinia’s finest sea cliffs.  Continue to Cuile Duspiggius, a fascinating sheepfold perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea and keep on your trail until you reach Ovile Bertarelli. An entirely self-sustained farmhouse and evocative example for the defense of Sardianian cultural heritage, Ovile Bertarelli is the winner of several awards for its valuable contribution to Sardinia's architecture. Enjoy a delicious typical Sardinian dinner, and spend the night outdoors, on the grounds of the farm. (5 hours hiking, 14.7km / 8.7 miles, 934m / 3,064' ascent, 287m / 942’ descent.)


Transfer to Ginnurcu in the morning and start your hike to Capo Monte Santu, a rocky elbow teetering a thousand feet over the deep blue sea and continue walking along the edge of 200-meter (656') cliffs, high above the sea. From Capo Monte Santu, it is approximately four hours hiking to Portu Pedrosu and Portu Quau, two beautiful small fjords surrounded by grey limestone. Enjoy some scrambling in this area before returning by boat to Santa Maria Navarrese.
(6 hours hiking, 7.5km/ 4,349 miles, 123m / 404' ascent, 870m / 2,854' descent.)

Transfer by car to Iribidossili and hike to Punta Salinas for a fantastic view of the Mediterranean Sea and the vertical limestone cliffs that fall into the Orosei Gulf.  A fast descent brings you to the astonishing Aguglia di Goloritze and on to the stunning white and blue cove of Goloritzè. Cala Goloritzè is a small white sandy stretch of beach overlooked by the 128-meter (420') high Punta Caroddi, also known as Aguglia. It is the most photographed beach in the Ogliastra area of Sardinia – as soon as you lay eyes on it, you will surely understand why! The beach is covered in white pebbles, with clear water, visible to a depth of 30 meters (98'). Not surprisingly, it dedicated as an "Italian National Monument" in 1995. Hike up to the Altopiano di Golgo and enjoy a Sardinian dinner. (5 hours hiking, 11.8km / 6.8 miles, 653m / 2,142' ascent, 643m / 2,110' descent.)

Transfer to Altopiano di Golgo and hike to the Grotta del Fico (Cave of the Fig), passing by Bacu Mudaloru. The first part of the hike is on very steep, rocky terrain, transitioning to a beautiful forest along a ridge (530m / 1,739'). When you reach a high plateau, continue along a vertical ridge hiking and doing a couple of rappels. Descend with ropes 45 meters (148') down to the Grotta del Fico. The Grotta del Fico is probably the most beautiful cave in Sardinia. You are sure to be amazed by the spectacular formations, lights and shadows that dance along the walls and in the water, and fresh water falls inside the cave. Beyond its beauty, it is important in both the history of Sardinian speleology (the scientific study of caves and other karst features) and wildlife research, specifically monk seals, who were last seen here in the early 1980s. Boat transfer to Cala Gonone and transfer to your hotel for tonight (6 hours hiking, 13km / 8 miles, 751m / 2,464' ascent, 736m / 2,415' descent).

Enjoy a beautiful hike to the Lanaitho Valley in the Supramonte Mountains. This area is considered a paradise for all those who love trekking, wild flora, and fauna. Once inland, you will hike to the Tiscali Village. Nestled in a valley atop Mount Tiscali (518m / 1,699'), it is considered one of the wonders of Sardinian archaeology. Thought to have been built and inhabited between the 15th and 8th centuries BC, the village is set on the top of Mount Tiscali, in a huge hollow that was created by the collapse of a cave. 40 Nuraghic huts lie within. The village was entirely built along the walls of the hollow, so that it's impossible to see it if you do not penetrate inside. Some archaeologists think Tiscali must have been an untraceable shelter during the period of Carthaginian invasions.(3-4 hours hiking, 4km / 2.5 miles, 100m / 328' elevation change.)
In the afternoon, take a private transfer to the northern tip of Sardinia. From here you will ride a car ferry to Isola La Maddalena, followed by a short drive your hotel (total transfer time ~3 hours). Suspended between the main island of Sardinia and France’s Corsica, La Maddelena is an archipelago comprised of seven large islands and 55 tiny islets (isolotti). It features some of the most spectacular beaches in Italy, and some of the cleanest and clearest water. The archipelago takes its name from La Maddalena, its largest island where you will be staying, and from the National Park of which it is the administrative center.

Today, enjoy an unforgettable journey cruising along the most picturesque locations and idyllic beaches of the Maddalena archipelago. Come aboard a tall sailing ship and set sail around the islands, exploring hidden coves and enjoying a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters. We will explore the shores Caprera, the second largest island of the archipelago and a national park, with no full time residents, as well as several smaller islands and islotti, depending on the tides and weather. A delicious freshly made traditional Sardinian lunch will be served on board our vessel.

Breakfast and departure by private transfer to Olbia International Airport (OLB).
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