Itinerary Include flights Expand all London to London Day 1 Fly to Olbia; transfer to Dorgali Fly to Olbia and transfer to the Hotel S'Adde in Dorgali. (1h 30 min) Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Orientation walk through an old path around Monte Tului with beautiful views of the Gulf of Orosei We start with an orientation walk, talking an old path that winds around Monte Tului (916m) and offers some of the best views of the Gulf of Orosei to one side, and the mountainous interior around Dorgali on the other. The walk should take around 5 hours. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Walk along the Gorropu Gorge, Italy's deepest natural canyon; free time to paddle on the Flumineddu River On our drive above the Flumineddu Valley, we enjoy the sweeping views before our arrival at the Gorropu Gorge - also known as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe'. Its high, narrow, vertical walls reach 200 metres making it the deepest and roughest natural gorge in Europe. Over millions of years, the Flumineddu River has eroded the landscape to create the incomparable natural beauty of the gorge. We can appreciate it in all its glory during our walk, which takes around six hours. There is a chance to paddle on the river if conditions allow. This evening, there is the opportunity to enjoy dinner in a restaurant in Dorgali centre - payable locally. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 4 Explore Nuraghic village of Serra Orrios, with its complex circular huts dating back to the Bronze Age; relax on an idyllic sandy beach. Local wine tasting We begin with a drive to the site of the Giants Tomb, the Sardinian megalithic gallery grave that was built during the Bronze Age by the Nuragic civilization. We then continue on to the site of the Serra Orrios, one of the most famous of the Nuraghe villages. The Nuraghes, cone tomb-like towers positioned around the island, are the symbols of Sardinia and of its unique ethnicity. The Nuragici people, who built these towers, are considered the most accomplished, yet mysterious civilisation in the Mediterranean. We explore the archaeological complex of Serra Orrios with its circular huts dating back to the Bronze Age. After this, we have time for a quick coffee stop before driving on to Cala Orsala. This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, surrounded by rocks, pinewoods and lush Mediterranean scrub. Weather permitting, we will have lunch on the beach. Next up is a visit to the 'Grotta degli Ispinigoli' home to the longest stalactite-stalagmite column in Europe. We finish the day with a visit to a wine factory (cantina) for wine tasting and a short talk about the local wines. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Free day; explore the archaeological sites of the Dorgali region, take an optional self-guided walk or simply relax by the beach and enjoy the leisurely Sardinian lifestyle Today is free to explore the archaeological sites of the Dorgali region, take an optional self-guided walk or simply relax by the beach and enjoy the leisurely Sardinian lifestyle. Horse riding can also be arranged for you (price and all the details to be agreed locally with the hotel); alternatively, you can take an optional wonderful boat trip to Bue Marino Grotto (weather permitting). Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Walk around the prehistoric Tiscali Village, built inside a cave; visit the springs of Su Gologone The Nuragic village of Tiscali is fascinating, and not much is known about its origins, nor the people that lived there. It does seem that is was populated even before the Nuragic era but archaeologists put its main period of activity as between the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. The dwellings are virtually invisible until you are at the vast cavity in which they are built. This has led some to postulate that people moved back here to hide from the Romans. We also visit Su Gologone, described as a ‘natural masterpiece’, the result of karst being sculpted by rushing water as it exits the gorge. The water is tinged green or blue, depending on the angle of the sun and an astonishing 500 litres of water per second come crashing out of the chasm into this mini oasis. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Explore the caves and cliffs on walk from the beach of Cala Luna; free afternoon We start the day with a boat trip to Cala Luna, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Here there will be time to explore the large caves and, as this is a popular spot for rock climbing, we may get to see some enthusiasts put their skills to the test. The walk back to Cala Gonone taks us through a vast forest and along deep gulleys, with occasional views of the coast. At the end of the walk at Cala Gonone we will have time for a very welcome drink and the opportunity for a swim before we return to Dorgali. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 To Olbia; fly to London. Transfer to Olbia airport; fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast
Italy No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
Hotel S'Adde - 3 Star You will spend 7 days at the Hotel S'Adde; a comfortable family-run 3 star hotel. All the rooms are en-suite and equipped with telephone and a satellite T.V., while only a few have minibar. The hotel facilities include bar, restaurant, TV room and terrace. Wi-Fi is only available in the reception area, not in the bedrooms. The hotel is located within walking distance from Dorgali, situated 1.5 hours from Olbia airport in the beautiful Gulf of Orosei. Only 7km from the coast, this small agricultural town is famous for its crafts and ceramics and offers a wide choice of shops, restaurants and bars.
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Reviewed October 2019 John Denyer Trip: Walking in Sardinia Good way to see Sardinia A good varied walking itinerary in excellent weather, good way to see and experience Sardinia. The family run hotel was excellent and provided a good range of local cuisine. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The scrambling walking route up to Tiscali What did you think of your group leader? Albert was an excellent leader, very organised with good knowledge of Sardinia. He was also very good at accommodating the varied needs and walking abilities of members of the group. He responded well to provide an alternative walk when the sea conditions prevented us from landing along the coast on our final walk.
Reviewed June 2019 geoff woods Trip: Walking in Sardinia Sardininian walking holiday The bast holiday we have had with Explore or Exodus What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The boat trip and then walk back along the cliffs of Bay of Orosei and the bue/green Mediteranean What did you think of your group leader? Wonderfully italian, great organisers, created a friendly environment, not good on Geography but that didnt matter Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Its a great trip/ Maybe on the day off, walk to Casa Gonome by retracing the Sunday walk, and turning left out of the tunnel, going across the two scarp faces ahead of you and slowly down into the town (for a late lunch), get the bus back. Is there anything else you would like to add? Hotel really good. Food excellent. All walks/days full of activity
Reviewed May 2019 CATHERINE LAMB Trip: Walking in Sardinia Sardinia on foot A well planed and well lead interesting trip What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We enjoyed the archaeology and caves as a balance to the lovely walks. The mountain flowers were just as I hoped to see in the wild, What did you think of your group leader? Knowledgeable and experienced, communicated well and demonstrated flexibility to account for changing weather. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take full bad weather gear this is hill country
Reviewed May 2019 Diane Humphreys Trip: Walking in Sardinia Walking in Sardinia We saw many historical and cultural aspects of Sardinia that were a complete surprise to us and these were a bonus. The planned walks were stunning in their scope and very ably led by Albert, our tour leader. The weather was variable and greatly impacted on the activities so re scheduling was necessary; having said that, we missed nothing in the end. Being flexible is part of travel. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the gorge and the cave after much scrambling over huge rocks. What did you think of your group leader? Albert was trustworthy, physically very capable and knowledgeable and patient with a diverse group of walkers. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Pack for all weathers and be prepared to work with the weather.
Reviewed May 2019 Liz Hesnan Trip: Walking in Sardinia Good Varied hiking, but need to be fit for the scrambling involved Excellent , Confident and friendly leader who coped well with a wide variety of fitness levels Good food served by the hotel, I personally found the beds very hard! Shame about the weather, but not much anyone can do about that! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Visit to the cave was spectacular What did you think of your group leader? Excellent friendly leader, felt very safe, and he coped well with a wide variety of fitness levels / and experience of the other hikers Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Prepare for all weathers, and assess your level of fitness to cope with the scrambling and uneven rocky hiking, and Some steepish climbs/descents
Reviewed May 2019 Pippa C Trip: Walking in Sardinia Walking in Sardinia The walk on the first day was cold and very windy and I was unsure what to expect - but after that we were lucky with perfect sunny weather. Every day was very different with some challenging walks and very interesting archaeology. The countryside was very green with colourful flowers and the sea very blue. The sea was pretty cold in early May but a brief swim was very refreshing in the clear water. The hotel was family run and very friendly with hot showers and homely food. Our leader Albert was great - although it would have been nice to have learned a bit more about Sardinian culture. Our group spanned 30 years in our ages - which made for a really good mix of people. I really enjoyed Sardinia and this holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hard to say. I loved Serra Orrios in its setting of olive trees - and also seeing a bee orchid! What did you think of your group leader? Albert was excellent. It was nice to have some local guides at some sites too. And having wine and local cheeses at the small family vineyard of our minivan drivers was very welcome. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Walking poles were good with some steep ups and downs on coastal paths.
Reviewed May 2019 Derek Clarke Trip: Walking in Sardinia A great holiday Sardinia proved to be a surprisingly beautiful island with good walks and a fabulous coast. The hotel is very good with excellent food and very friendly staff. We were blessed with great weather which I'm sure influenced my enjoyment. The group was also lovely but that's my experience almost every time with Exodus. If you happen to have Albert as your guide you will indeed be fortunate - a more caring, competent and sociable leader would be hard to find. Personally I would drop the 'tourist day', hence only four stars. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Perhaps the boat ride! What did you think of your group leader? Superb.
Reviewed May 2019 Laura Keely Trip: Walking in Sardinia Varied walking and friendly people Sardinia offers good, varied walking and activities on a beautiful island. We stayed at a very welcoming family-run hotel, as so often with Exodus. The town of Dorgali is a centre for crafts - traditional and modern jewellery, leatherwork and pottery, mostly - and the locals are friendly and helpful. The walking group included people with many different talents, backgrounds & interests. As usual I had many great conversations on a range of subjects, made some new friends, and learnt much. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? All the spring flowers What did you think of your group leader? Alexis was great, very helpful - especially when my luggage was delayed, as he lent me his down gilet for extra warmth! He put a lot of effort into making sure that everyone had the best possible holiday, and was always cheerful and flexible Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The weather was very variable on our late April trip - expect a range of temperatures and weather, sometimes in the same day Is there anything else you would like to add? There was a member of the group who was quite difficult to relate to, because she was slightly un-neurotypical. She also had problems and got upset as she found it hard to deal with us as well. It was a shame as no-one really knew or could arrive at a good way to get on with each other better. Alexis did his best to understand her, and our, problems. Unfortunately, people often have high expectations of their week off from work - and this made some of the reactions to her behaviour a bit intolerant. It gave us all lots to talk about though!
Reviewed October 2018 Andrea Stewart Trip: Walking in Sardinia First trip with Exodus First day of walking was straight up. Not a very interesting route. I suggest you rethink this option. Sight-seeing day was fun, informative and well paced. Tiscali was a fabulous day. An alternative hotel would be a significant improvement. The accommodation was simple, but with 4 hours post walk before dinner, the ‘lounge’ was minimal. Meals were simple and far from expectations- dining in Italy should be a great experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Great day going to Tiscali What did you think of your group leader? Fabulous! Energetic and personable. Alexi worked hard to ensure participants were happy and doing well Is there anything else you would like to add? A different location for the base of this trip should be considered. Why not reside in the seaside town 20 minutes away? How sad to have 4 hours after walking but to be no where near a beach? There are beautiful areas of Sardinia, but I don’t feel this trip includes them. I feel this itinerary needs a serious over haul.
Reviewed October 2018 Lesley Waud Trip: Walking in Sardinia Great trip One of the best trip leaders I’ve seen in almost 20 holidays with Exodus; lovely family run hotel; amazing gelato and great walking. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The lunch on the beach - great barbecue food and awesome views. What did you think of your group leader? Alexis was knowledgable, caring, considerate and good fun to be with. He was one of the best trip leaders I have come across.
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