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the
Sardinia
Trip
For the love of
​ROCKY COVES
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LOCAL CHEESE
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SANDY BEACHES
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PINK FLAMINGOS
SARDO LANGUAGE
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RED WINE
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TURQUOISE SEA
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SAILBOATS
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STRIKING CLIFFS
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SARDINIa
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Sardinia caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s searching for dreamy coastlines and stunning beaches, island wine and cuisine, and glassy blue seas in the magical Gulf of Alghero.
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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.
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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?”
Included
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7 nights in Sardinia – 3 nights in Cagliari, 1 night in Cala Gonone, and 3 nights in Alghero
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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, 2 lunches, 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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Traditional Sardinian cooking class
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Walking tour through Cagliari’s historic streets and alleyways
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Guided tour through Su Gologone mountain spring
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Olive oil experience and traditional farm lunch
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Private Cala Gonone cruise and snorkel
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FTLO Trip Leader
*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 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.
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That afternoon, you’ll meet up with the rest of the crew before you make your way to a fantastic seafood joint for a taste of those rich Sardinian flavors.
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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
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.​
Then, it’s time for some home cooking, so that evening, we’ll step into the kitchen with a local chef and learn to make pasta like a true Sardinian.
Taste
Day 3 - Cagliari
Sardinian Sun
Today we’re rolling out in style toward some of the softest sands around, so pack the sunblock, throw on those suits, and say hello to the beach day to end all beach days.
These salty, sunny, azure sights are so spectacular they’ve actually appeared on the big screen with some of the world’s biggest names. Naturally, we figured if they’re fit for the stars, they’re fit for our crew too. You'll be soaking up that dolce vita in Italian paradise as you kick back—cocktail in hand—on your very own daybed and lounge it up Sardinian style.
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After a day of water and rays, unwind with friends back in town.
Relax
Day 4 - Cala Gonone
Mountain Spring
Today, we’re packing up and heading north through the heart of Sardinia for a bit of Supramonte mountain magic.
Trek out with the crew and hike past limestone cliffs around the natural springs of Su Gologone, where crystal clear waters pool out from crevices in vertical walls. The rocky ravine marks the end of the country’s largest underground river (divers have explored past 400 feet, but no one has reached the bottom).
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After our walk in the woods, it’ll be time for a bite, so we’re off for a traditional Sardinian lunch and olive oil experience at a farm nearby before continuing on to the seaside town of Cala Gonone.
Refresh
Day 5 - Cala Gonone, Alghero
Sea to sea
Start your day the right way and cruise out into the balmy blue of the Med with the crew for a morning of snorkeling and sightseeing.
Hidden coves, powdery white beaches, and rocky mounts shooting up from dreamy seas make this one particularly unforgettable corner of the island. So, soak up paradise before we hit the road that afternoon and cut back across Sardinia to one of Italy's most charming seaside enclaves. Oh, Alghero! With red-tiled roofs, meandering alleyways, and historic pastel homes, this just may be the best of the West.
Drop your things, and we'll head out for a group dinner. 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 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 catamaran.
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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.
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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
Your morning and afternoon are free, so take a stroll, hit the beach, or relax and soak in the Sardinian sun.
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Just make sure you meet back up with the crew in the evening; 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.
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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.
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​Head out at night and see some more of the town with friends.
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.
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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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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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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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Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months after your return date.
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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.
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On European trips, we stay as close to historic city centers as possible. This means your accommodations will often be on the small side, quirky, and unique (we love this!).
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More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
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.
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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. We do recommend flying in earlier to have some time to explore the city on your own! We advice 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!
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*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.
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