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the
Sardinia
Trip
2023 dates
*Trip availabilities change throughout the day and may not be accurately reflected here. To see if space is available for the date you are interested in, please click through to the booking form.
Aug 27 - Sept 3, 2023
sept 3 - 10, 2023
Labor Day Trip - likely to sell out
Sept 17 - 24, 2023
sept 24 - Oct 1, 2023
8 days/7 nights
starting at $3,799 USD
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
2024 dates
$200 ofF with code "EB2024SAR"
May 26 - June 2, 2024
Memorial Day Trip - likely to sell out
June 9 - 16, 2024
June 23 - 30, 2024
June 30 - July 7, 2024
July 4th trip - likely to sell out
July 21 - 28, 2024
Aug 11 - 18, 2024
sept 1 - 8, 2024
Labor Day Trip - likely to sell out
sept 22 - 29, 2024
8 days/7 nights
starting at $3,899 USD
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
Page Menu
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Sardinia caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s looking to immerse themselves in the unique cultural traditions of small-town life, devour island specialties with locals, and cruise through glassy blue seas in the Gulf of Alghero with new friends.
Roughly halfway between Europe and Africa, this mountainous Italian island plays loving host to eye-popping views all the way from the bright homes of the capital in the south to the rugged and rocky shores of Alghero in the north. You’ll explore it all and, along the way, find a fascinating subculture of food, family, and language way beyond what you’d encounter elsewhere in Italy.
So, hit up Sardinia and devour pasta, fall in love with homegrown wines, discover 20,000 years of history, and swim between white powder strips of unparalleled perfection. It’s a complete island experience custom designed for those always asking themselves, “well, where to next?”
For the love of
ROCKY COVES
LOCAL CHEESE
SANDY BEACHES
PINK FLAMINGOS
SARDO LANGUAGE
RED WINE
TURQUOISE SEA
SAILBOATS
STRIKING CLIFFS
SARDINIa
Included
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7 nights in Sardinia – 3 nights in Cagliari, 1 night in Cala Gonone, and 3 nights in Alghero, with day trips to Chia and Mamoiada
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All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
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Private boat tour to the Gulf of Alghero with wine and lunch
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Wine tour, tasting, and experience
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Sardinian cooking class of island specialties
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Walking tour through Cagliari’s historic streets and alleyways
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Off-road tour along the coast of the Chia region
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Guided artisan studio walking tour in the village of Mamoiada
*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights to and from Sardinia
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $300)
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Incidental expenses
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Private rooms available for additional costs
DAY BY DAY
Itinerary is indicative for 2023 and is subject to change*
Day 1 - Cagliari
COLORS OF Cagliari
Welcome to Sardinia, a land of wine, sea urchins, and beachside shades of aquamarine stolen from the pages of a kid’s book. After you land, make your way to the hotel in the capital city Cagliari and take some time to unpack and get settled.
That afternoon, you’ll meet up with the rest of the crew before you head out to a fantastic little local joint for a taste of those rich Sardinian flavors and some home-cooked goodness.
The night is yours to roam the capital, so if you’re up for it, head out in search of local tunes and drinks with new friends.
wonder
Day 2 - Cagliari
Cruisin’ Paradise
Today we’re rolling out in style towards some of the softest sands around. Hello, Chia!
We’ll head off-road in Jeeps and cruise this absurdly beautiful stretch of marvelous Mediterranean coastline. On the way, we’ll twist past pink flamingos living it up in their natural habitat, check out some mind-blowing panoramic views, and visit some of Italy’s most incredible beaches.
These salty, sunny, azure sights are so spectacular they look like they belong on the big screen with some of the world’s biggest stars (spoiler alert, they were). So kick back in real Italian paradise and soak up that dolce vita.
Taste
Day 3 - Cagliari
Now and Then
Grab an espresso and a bite at the hotel before we kick off the day with a walking tour of Cagliari.
Today, you’ll get all the deets on what sets this city and island apart from the mainland—we’re talking culture, cuisine, and even language. Dive into an ancient past as you walk through the Castello district, a neighborhood that’s served as the religious, political, and cultural center of Cagliari since the 13th century, and then grab a glass of local wine and some savory treats.
The afternoon is yours, so kick back or keep on strollin’ through the past before we meet up in the evening to check out some traditional Sardinian music and dance.
Relax
Day 4 - Mamoiada, Cala Gonone
Masked Marvels
The morning’s yours to relax; then we’re packing up and heading north to the mountain village of Mamoiada, deep in the heart of Sardinia.
Today, you’ll be checking out arts and traditions passed down from one generation to the next. Get a sneak peek into local culture as you roam through town and discover the secrets behind the eye-popping, hand-made carnival masks chiseled by local artisans.
After a morning of the arts, it’s time for some grub, so we’ll pop over to the winding, narrow streets of nearby Orgosolo for a bite. From there, it’s off to the seaside town of Cala Gonone, where you’ll have the evening free to explore with friends.
Refresh
Day 5 - Cala Gonone, Alghero
Alghero amore mio
Start your day the right way, and pop in the balmy blue bathwater of the Med before we pack it in and make our way to Alghero that afternoon.
This lively coastal town is something to see—with red-tiled roofs, meandering alleyways, and pastel-colored buildings steeped in history; it's one of Sardinia's most charming seaside enclaves.
Drop your things; then we'll head off for a cooking class to get our hands dirty as we dabble in some local Sardinian delights. If you’re feeling up to it that evening, keep the party going; Alghero's known for its lively nightlife, so head to one of the town's popping clubs and dance it up.
Gaze
Day 6 - Alghero
Sail away
Get ready for adventure in paradise; today, we’re hitting the high seas for a cruise through the bluest blues on our very own private sailboat.
Say hello to the glorious Gulf of Alghero, where you’ll spend the day lounging, swimming, and roaming rocky islands fringed by powdery sand and topped by wild green vegetation. Sail by rolling dunes and hidden lagoons, and then top it all off with lunch and wine floating in paradise.
In the late afternoon, we’ll head back to our hotel to freshen up, and then the evening’s free for you to relax or head out and hit the town once more.
splash
Day 7 - Alghero
Sip of Sardinia
Today, we're heading out to sip, savor, and sample some of Sardinia’s best over at a local farm for a wine experience like no other.
This is where the magic happens and Sardinia’s finest fruits become just a tad more fun. You'll learn about the production process from the experts, taste some of the best wine in the region, and maybe even pick up a bottle or two to bring back home.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please. Take a stroll, hit the beach, or just relax and soak in the Sardinian sun. In the evening, we’ll all meet up and head out for one final meal with the crew.
Day 8 - Alghero
Arrivederci
Grab a bite and pretend it’s not over for a few more minutes. Then it’s time to make your way to the airport and say goodbye to Sardinia. Unless…you’ve got some more time to spare.
In that case, keep on living the good life. If you want to extend your time in Italy, consider checking out the Amalfi Coast, or head to the Tuscan hills for some wine tasting.
If you’re in more of that island mood (we don’t blame you), there’s more to see on Sardinia, and there are plenty of other Mediterranean gems to check out nearby. Hop over to Corsica or cruise over to Crete with the FTLO crew and crisscross one of Greece’s most fascinating spots for that endless summer.
"Life in Sardinia is maybe the best a man can hope for: twenty-four thousand miles of forests, of countryside, of coasts surrounded by a miraculous sea should coincide with what I would recommend the good God to give us as paradise.”
- Fabrizio De André
FAST FACTS
Just for fun
Sardinia is home to some of Europe’s oldest architecture. In fact, there are more than 7,000 ancient stone fortresses on the island!
When we say Sardinia is unique, we mean it. Although this is Italy, more than 1.5 million people on the island speak native Sardo.
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There are three million sheep on Sardinia. That’s almost double the number of people.
Trip notes
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Summers in Sardinia are long and hot. That also means the water temperature is perfect for swimming.
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Visas are not required for US Passport Holders (see more info here). For all other nationalities, please check here.
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Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months after your return date.
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We offer a first run experience discount of $300 on our inaugural trip.
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All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
About Sardinia
With pristine white sand beaches, fascinating coastal rock formations, and some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful stretches of sea, Sardinia has become a playground for the rich and famous. However, the island is much more than that, it’s a sprawling green expanse of mountains, hiking trails, ancient history, and unique culture.
GOOD TO KNOW
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While Italian is the primary language on the island, the local Sardinian language Sardo is widely spoken as well.
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Sardinia and the rest of Italy use the euro for currency.
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Tipping is unnecessary in Sardinia; however, if you have excellent service, consider leaving 10%.
Flights
Fly into Cagliari (CAG)
You'll need to be in Cagliari by 2pm on Day 1, however with the recent amount of flight delays we recommend planning to arrive a day early just to be safe. We recommend booking roundtrip flights from Milan or Rome and then booking a separate flight to Cagliari.
Fly out of Alghero (AHO)
We recommend flying out of Alghero to either Milan or Rome or extending your trip and enjoying a few more days in Italy.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts to Sardinia so you can grab the best deal!
*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
