Mix & Match: Serene Sardinia

Welcome to Sardinia, one of the Mediterranean's oldest cities. Cagliari has been shaped by Phoenicians, Romans, and Spanish rulers, and the layers of history are visible everywhere — from the medieval towers of the Castello quarter perched high above the city to the pink flamingos that wade in the lagoons fringing its coastline. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. With the rest of the day free, there's no better introduction than wandering the narrow streets of the old town, finding a harbour-side table and letting the island pace wash over you. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

After breakfast, the day is yours to explore Cagliari freely before joining your group tomorrow. For food lovers, a visit to the Mercato di San Benedetto is a must — one of Italy's largest covered markets, its lower floor is piled high with the catch of the morning while the upper level overflows with local cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal produce. From there, the harbour-front streets of the Marina quarter are lined with trattorias and wine bars worth exploring at lunch. If you have room, seek out seadas — a crispy Sardinian pastry filled with fresh cheese and drizzled with bitter honey that has been a staple of the island's table for centuries. Those looking to round out the afternoon could head to Poetto Beach, a sweeping stretch of pale sand just minutes from the city centre, where Cagliari locals come to swim, stroll and unwind.

After breakfast, meet your Tour leader at 10am in the lobby before joining a local guide for a walking tour through Cagliari's historic districts of Castello, Stampace and Marina. Along the way you will see the Bastion of Saint Remy, the Elephant Tower and the Cathedral of Santa Maria, each telling part of the city's long story.You will return to the hotel with the afternoon at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. You might wander down to Poetto Beach for a relaxed stroll along the sand, browse the shops and cafes around the Marina district, or simply find a sunny piazza to enjoy a coffee and watch island life go by. Tonight is at your leisure to seek out a local restaurant for dinner. Inspiring Highlights Cagliari - Guided walking tour

After breakfast, the road trip continues north into Barbagia, one of Sardinia's most authentic regions. Your first stop is Nuoro, a town known for its museums and craft traditions, where you will have time to explore before heading up into the mountains. Here you will sit down to a traditional lunch with local shepherds, surrounded by the unspoiled nature of Barbagia. Enjoy a spread of Sardinian dishes with drinks included, in a setting that feels a world away from the everyday. After lunch, continue to Orgosolo, a village famous for its striking murals and strong pastoral traditions. From here you will travel on to Alghero, your home for the next two nights. Inspiring Highlights Nuoro - Town visit Barbagia - Traditional lunch with shepherds Orgosolo - Mural village visit Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

This morning after breakfast, set out on a walking tour through Alghero's old town, where Catalan roots and handsome architecture give the city a character all its own. At lunch, enjoy a gastronomic experience on a local estate, tasting your way through regional Sardinian cuisine with drinks included. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Nuragic site of Palmavera to see its Bronze Age remains, then head to Capo Caccia for sweeping views out over the cliffs and sea. You will return to Alghero with time at your own pace. Tonight is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Alghero - Guided walking tour Palmavera - Nuragic complex visit Capo Caccia - Cliff viewpoint

After breakfast, travel east across the island. Your first stop is Castelsardo, a hilltop coastal town looking out over the Costa Paradiso, where you can explore the medieval centre and take in the view. From here, continue inland to Tempio Pausania, a peaceful town rich in granite buildings and baroque churches. Here you will enjoy a traditional Sardinian lunch featuring local specialties with drinks included, followed by a tour of the town. Later, continue your journey to Olbia, a lively port town known for its beaches and its links to the Costa Smeralda, where you will spend your final two nights. Inspiring Highlights Castelsardo - Medieval town visit Tempio Pausania - Town tour Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning after breakfast, head out to explore the Costa Smeralda, calling in at Porto Rotondo and the glamorous Porto Cervo with free time to wander these pretty coastal towns at your own pace. Around the middle of the day you will return to Olbia, where the rest of the day is yours. You might stroll through the streets of Olbia, relax by the hotel, or spend some time down by the beach. It is a day to slow down and enjoy the island on your own terms. Tonight is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Costa Smeralda - Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo visit

Your Sardinian journey comes to a close today. After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport for your onward journey. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.