Sardinia & Corsica Discovery - 14 days
Sardinia & Corsica Discovery - 14 days
Sardinia & Corsica Discovery - 14 days
14 Days Starting in Cagliari, Italy and ending in Bastia, France
Visiting: Cagliari, Bosa, Alghero, Castelsardo, Palau, Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio, Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 25
Age range:
0-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 14-day journey through the enchanting islands of Sardinia and Corsica, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of Italy and France. Begin your adventure in Cagliari, Sardinia's vibrant capital, with a guided walking tour and leisure time to soak in the local culture. Discover the picturesque town of Bosa, savoring local cuisine, and explore the historic city of Alghero. Traverse the scenic Costa Smeralda, visiting charming hamlets like Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. Cross the Strait of Bonifacio to Corsica, where you'll marvel at the clifftop town of Bonifacio, enjoy a boat tour of the Gulf of Porto, and explore the historic towns of Ajaccio and Bastia. Delight in wine tasting in Calvi and uncover the beauty of the Cap Corse Peninsula. With guided sightseeing, delicious meals, and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of these Mediterranean gems.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cagliari
Location: Cagliari
Accommodation Name: hotel
Arrive in Cagliari, in the south of Sardinia. You will be collected at the airport and transferred to our start hotel in the city. The remainder of today is free for you to head out and explore the city.
Day 2: Cagliari
Location: Cagliari
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tuck into breakfast at the hotel before you meet our tour guide in the lobby. We then embark together on a 3-hour walking tour through the streets of Sardinia's capital. We explore each of Cagliari's three historic neighbourhoods, Castello, Stampace and Marina, taking in many of the city's highlights along the way. Admire the Bastion of Saint-Remy, which dates back to 1896. See the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Elephant Tower, a medieval fortification built to try and repel the Aragonese invasion of 1323.
The afternoon is at leisure. You could head to the coast for a stroll, or grab your beach towel and enjoy a few hours of sunbathing at Poetto Beach, which is also located near the city's historic Roman Amphitheatre.
Day 3: Bosa
Location: Bosa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cagliari - Oristano - Tinnura - Bosa - Alghero. Today we begin our journey north, exploring some of Sardinia's most captivating destinations en route. In Oristano, we visit the cathedral and the town square, and learn more about how the town's history is intertwined with the Phoenicians and a national heroine, Eleonora de Arborea.
In the tiny village of Tinnura, there is time to enjoy the murals painted mainly by Pina Monne, which decorate many of the buildings here. We then drive to Bosa, where we enjoy a delicious local lunch. After we've eaten, we explore the town, nestled on the banks of the Temo River. See the medieval Castle of Serravalle and enjoy some leisure time to browse the town's boutique shops. Arriving in the north-western city of Alghero, the evening is at leisure.
Day 4: Alghero
Location: Alghero
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We start today with a walking tour through the historic centre of Alghero. Once forming a part of the Crown of Aragon, the nickname 'Barceloneta' is still used for the city today. We will meander through the Old Town, protected by coastal walls. Admire pretty courtyards and historic medieval palaces and churches, not to mention splendid views of the coast and the beaches which wind along it. Lunch is included today at a charming estate with a wonderful view of the surrounding area.
After our tour, we enjoy a panoramic drive along the coast to reach Capo Caccia Natural Reserve. There's time for a walk, during which we can admire the view of the coast and lighthouse, before returning to Alghero for the evening.
Day 5: Castelsardo
Location: Castelsardo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Alghero - Castelsardo - Tempio Pausania - Palau. Heading north-east today, our first stop is the coastal town of Castelsardo near the 'Costa Paradiso'. This area is renowned for its beautiful wild beaches and rugged landscapes. The houses in Castelsardo are nestled between the sea and the town's hilltop castle, and we will explore the historic centre during our visit.
Our next stop is the small town of Tempio Pausania, where we enjoy some free time to explore. Then it's on to the Galluras Museum in Luras. This small local history museum is privately owned and we have the privilege of being guided by the owner himself. We then complete our drive to Palau on the island's northern tip.
Day 6: Palau
Location: Palau
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy some leisure time this morning to soak up some Sardinian sunshine by the pool. At around midday we'll head to a charming rural estate in the Gallura region, where we enjoy a delicious included meal. Afterwards we take a scenic drive along the Costa Smeralda, stopping to explore the small hamlets of Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo. Returning to Palau, your final evening in Sardinia is at leisure.
Day 7: Bonjour Corsica
Location: Porto Vecchio
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Porto Vecchio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Palau - Porto Vecchio (Corsica, France). It's Arrivederci to Sardinia and Bonjour to Corsica this morning as we take the ferry across the Strait of Bonifacioto to Corsica, a gorgeous French island in the Mediterranean. On arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel in the pretty coastal town of Porto Vecchio. There's free time before we meet our tour leader for the next part of our journey, and there's an included group dinner at the hotel tonight.
Day 8: Bonifacio Sightseeing & Boat Tour
Location: Bonifacio
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Porto Vecchio
Meals Included: Breakfast
Porto Vecchio - Bonifacio - Porto Vecchio. Today we head to the clifftop town of Bonifacio, home to a well-preserved medieval citadel and offering sweeping views of the coast. On an included city tour, we ride the tourist train through the upper town and you can find a local restaurant to enjoy lunch at leisure. We also take an included boat ride to discover the rugged cliffs of Fazio and Paraguano and some of the sea caves that dot the coast. We also admire the old town of Bonifacio from the water and see the King of Aragon's staircase before returning to Porto Vecchio.
Day 9: Sartene & Ajaccio
Location: Ajaccio
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Ajaccio
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Porto Vecchio - Sartene - Ajaccio. Departing Porto Vecchio after breakfast, we visit Sartene, a typically Corsican town home to beautiful stone houses. Along the way we pass the Gulf of Valinco and Olmeto, the village where the heroine of Prosper Merimee, lived. We arrive in Ajaccio, capital of the French island, and can take in the Genoese Quarter and the Renaissance cathedral where Napoleon was baptized. We enjoy an included lunch today and then continue to Cours Grandval, Place Austerlitz, and the Pointe de la Parata, which offers a view of the famous Sanguinaires Islands. Returning to Ajaccio, we check into our hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 10: Gulf Of Porto
Location: Ajaccio
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Ajaccio
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ajaccio - Piana - Gulf of Porto - Ajaccio. On today's day trip we head first to the village of Cargese, founded in 1770 as a colony for Greeks from the Peloponnese. We also visit the pretty village of Piana, famous for its numerous coastal calanques (narrow inlets), sculpted by erosion. We take in the Gulf of Porto and enjoy a boat tour (weather conditions permitting) to see some of these beautiful calanques and to admire the coastline and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Porto. We return to Ajaccio for the night.
Day 11: Corte & Bastia
Location: Bastia
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Bastia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ajaccio - Corte - Bastia. Our first stop today is the former Corsican capital of Corte, today a thriving university town. We can see the town's citadel, perched high above the town on a precarious clifftop. We explore Corte aboard the tourist train and enjoy an included lunch before continuing to the town of Bastia. There's free time here to head out and explore at your own pace, and dinner tonight is included at the hotel.
Day 12: Calvi & Wine Tasting
Location: Calvi
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Bastia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bastia - Calvi - Bastia. We explore Calvi today, widely believed to have been the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. This town was loyal to the Genoese for many centuries. We enjoy included wine tasting at a local winery and there is free time for lunch before we continue our excursion to some of the villages of Balagne. These coastal clifftop villages are Corsica at its prettiest. We'll see Lumio, Cateri, San-Antonio, Pigna and Corbara before returning to Bastia for the night.
Day 13: Exploring Bastia
Location: Bastia
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Bastia
Meals Included: Breakfast
You didn't think we would spend three nights in Bastia without taking in the sights, did you? The capital of upper Corsica, we have time to take in the historic old port, cobbled streets and Place St Nicholas. Next, we're exploring the Cap Corse Peninsula. Highlights of this pretty strip of land include the village of Erbalunga and the renowned pilgrimage site of Lavasina. We will enjoy free time for lunch before continuing our excursion to Sisco, Luri and Nonza with its pretty main square and tower. After our guided excursion of the peninsula, we return to Bastia for our final night.
Day 14: Bastia
Location: Bastia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tuck into a final breakfast at the hotel before our touring arrangements come to an end.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4-star hotels -
13 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 2 dinners
Enjoy 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners included in the tour package.
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13 nights 3-4-star hotels
Stay in 3-4-star hotels for 13 nights during the tour.
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Receive an airport arrival transfer on the first day of the tour.
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Escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader with specialist guides for some sightseeing
The tour is escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader, with specialist guides for certain sightseeing activities.
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Transportation by deluxe coach with Wi-Fi, audio headsets and onboard toilet
Travel in comfort with transportation by deluxe coach, equipped with Wi-Fi, audio headsets, and an onboard toilet.
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Ferry from Sardinia - Corsica
The ferry transfer from Sardinia to Corsica is included in the tour.
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Guided sightseeing in Cagliari, Oristano, Alghero, Castelsardo, Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio, Ajaccio, Corte & Bastia
Enjoy guided sightseeing tours in various locations including Cagliari, Oristano, Alghero, Castelsardo, Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio, Ajaccio, Corte, and Bastia.
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Entrance to the Museo della Femmina Agabbadòra in Luras
Entrance to the Museo della Femmina Agabbadòra in Luras is included.
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Porto Vecchio boat tour
Participate in an included boat tour in Porto Vecchio.
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Gulf of Porto boat tour
Enjoy a boat tour in the Gulf of Porto, weather permitting.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Departure transfer
Departure transfer is not included in the tour package.
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Additional meals and drinks unless specified
Additional meals and drinks are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
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Entrance fees unless specified
Entrance fees are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is considered a personal gesture.
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City tax of €1 - 6 per person per night
City tax ranging from €1 to €6 per person per night is not included and must be paid directly to the hotel at check-in or check-out.
Age Policy
No Minimum Age. Children aged 0 - 5 travel free. Children aged 6+ pay adult priceMaximum Age: No maximum age but not suitable for pax with mobility issues
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with transportation by deluxe coach featuring Wi-Fi, audio headsets, and an onboard toilet, along with a ferry crossing from Sardinia to Corsica.
Accommodation
Enjoy 13 nights in comfortable 3-4-star hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures across Sardinia and Corsica.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 13 nights in 3-4-star hotels.
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Is there a transfer provided from the airport upon arrival?
Yes, an airport arrival transfer is provided on day 1 of the tour.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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Will there be a tour guide during the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Italian tour leader with specialist guides for some sightseeing.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation is provided by a deluxe coach with Wi-Fi, audio headsets, and an onboard toilet.
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Is there a ferry ride included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a ferry ride from Sardinia to Corsica.
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Are there any guided sightseeing tours included?
Yes, guided sightseeing is included in Cagliari, Oristano, Alghero, Castelsardo, Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio, Ajaccio, Corte, and Bastia.
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Is there a wine tasting experience included in the tour?
Yes, there is an included wine tasting experience in Calvi.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Is there a departure transfer included at the end of the tour?
No, a departure transfer is not included in the tour package.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Entrance fees are not included unless specified in the tour package.
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Is tipping included in the tour package?
Tipping is not included and is considered an entirely personal gesture.
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Is there a city tax that needs to be paid during the tour?
Yes, a city tax of €1 - 6 per person per night, varying by city, needs to be paid directly to the hotel at check-in or check-out.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Saturday
Oct 20, 2024 - Nov 02, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.