Sardinian Spectacular
Holiday brief
The Italian island of Sardinia really is a jewel to behold and particularly at
this time of year. The weather is pleasantly warm, the wild flowers are out in
abundance and the holiday crowds are yet to arrive. The island boasts both
narrow and standard gauge public rail systems along with a number of scenic
lines over which only excursion trains and a limited summer service operates.
We cover the lot, of course, as well as historic towns and villages, boat
trips, archaeological remains, museums and trams. A support coach is with us
throughout and with the number of special arrangements and private hires
involved this holiday is certainly not cheap but is worth every penny
– read on:-
Classic coastal vistas
OUR HOTELS
All four hotels we stay at are of three star category or above and have been
chosen both for their geographical suitability and comfort. Each has a
different character but all boast the usual facilities one would expect in
hotels of this class.
The Hotel Catalunya in Alghero (four nights) is ideally situated for the town. Most rooms at the Hotel Piccada in Palau (two nights) have balconies overlooking the islands. The Hotel Victoria in Tortoli (one night) has a rooftop breakfast room and the Hotel Panorama in Cagliari
(three nights) boasts a panoramic dining room.
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Tracks through the hills
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OUTLINE ITINERARY
Our first three nights are based in the historic Catalan port of Alghero. Winding, cobbled streets,
medieval walls and towers and tucked away restaurants
– a delight in itself. From here we explore the northern branch-lines emanating
from nearby Sassari, take a boat trip to some awesome caverns, and include one
of many rail highlights. The line down to the fluvial port of Bosa is stunning.
We take a privately hired train from Macomer and allow some time to explore the
lovely town and its palm-lined port.
From Alghero we head across the north of the island using a second privately hired train to cover the line
from Sassari to the western coast. This delightful journey meanders through the
hills, past a tranquil lake and delivers us into the town of Palau. Being the
St. Tropez of Sardinia in the summer months this place is fantastic out of
season and boasts a selection of fine restaurants. We are here for two nights
and on our big day out hire a sleek and spacious motor launch for an
exploration of the Arcipelago di la Maddalena. Enjoy full hospitality on board
as we visit three islands during a day amid this aquamarine nature park
– you may like to bring a swimming costume for this classic day out.
Moving on, we travel by rail into the heart of the island, to see something of the mountainous interior. The
road journey from Nuoro to Tortoli is the most scenic on the island and you can
expect to see wild boar, magnificent vistas and little else amid the uplands.
We stay one night in Tortoli before our next privately hired train takes us
from the port of Arbatax up into the mountains, past
orange and lemon groves, and down towards Cagliari – superb scenery throughout.
The next four nights are based in the islands capital. We’ll see pink flamingos, have time to appreciate this wonderful city and include
some highlight railway attractions. A brand new tram system connects the city
with the railway museum at Monseratto. We hire a steam train to climb up to
Sorgona, possibly the best narrow gauge trip of the tour and complete the rail
network with a trip along the western branch-lines. Our final journey takes us
by rail and road for a finale night back in Alghero before transfers back to
the airport.
Special Note: This holiday is priced from arrival in Sardinia and does not
include travel from the UK. It is possible to travel by rail with an overnight
stop en route and then onwards by overnight ferry but the more practical option
is by air from Stansted. However, we would advise that you not book your
flights until we have confirmed that the holiday is definitely operating
.
Date & Price
Tour Ref: SS11/1
Saturday April 26th (11 days)
£1325.00 based on €1.40 to the £
Price Variation
Single supplement £250.00
See booking conditions for currency
fluctuation clause
