Philítaly & Black Walnut Travel

Present: UnDISCOVERED SARDEGNA (The Blue Island) 2024

6 Days and 6 Nights on Sardegna:
 

The Italian region of Sardegna” (Sar-den-ya), “Sardinia” in English, sits in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and ranks among the most culturally diverse regions of Italy, It is also one of the least-known destinations for Americans. 

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The irregular coastline is dotted with natural bays and coves, providing many protected ports. Sardegna, features prominently in the history of western civilization. Phoenicians, Cartheginians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Moors and even the Nazis all used Sardegna for its rich natural resources and strategic location. Whomsoever wanted to rule the Mediterranean wanted Sardegna as a base. Every culture left its mark on the island, through art, architecture, language and culture.

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Today the Blue Island offers visitors beautiful beaches, famously clear water, and seaside resorts. Just inland from the coast lie rich, fertile valleys and soaring granite-peaked mountains, where vineyards, olive groves and a vast diversity of crops grow, including entire forests of cork oak.  

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Since the 1960’s, thanks to Prince Aga Khan, the Emerald Coast of Sardegna has been the summer playground for wealthy Europeans. Seaside towns such as Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo are filled with yachts, as people gather for the vibrant nightlife, upscale shopping and to see and be seen.  But come fall, most of the yachts depart, the couture shops close for the year, and the parties quiet down. Yet the weather is fine, and we continue to visit beaches, tour the archipelago, dine and recreate outdoors well into November/December. The perfect time to visit!

DAY ONE: LAY OF THE LAND

Arrive in Olbia,(OLB) the Emerald Coast Airport with direct flights to over 50 European destinations. You will be escorted to Berchidda, traveling inland past vineyards and cork oak forests. Accommodation options include hotels, private lodgings in town, bed & breakfasts or country homes right outside of town. Check-in unwind and relax. 

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EVENING RECEPTION IN BERCHIDDA: Join us at the Belvedere for an aperitif and light dinner on the terrace at Maman Ludi, a family owned restaurant, where Lucca, Mariella, and their daughter Chef Anastasia will treat you to traditional dishes made with a modern flair. The stunning view is the perfect backdrop to start your adventure. You will meet your fellow travelers, your hosts and some local dignitaries. 

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[NB: We’ll invite the mayor of Berchidda to offer a welcome and introduction to the town.]

ABOUT BERCHIDDA: Located in north-central Sardegna,Berchidda, population 2,772, lies in the foothills of the Limbara Mountains, 950 feet above sea level. Berchidda is  in the heart of Gallura, backed onto Monte Acuto and overlooking a sweeping valley of farmland.  Like most small Italian towns, it embraces modernity in its own way, even as it works to preserve millennia of local customs and culture.

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EVENING RECEPTION IN BERCHIDDA: Join us at the Belvedere for an aperitif and light dinner on the terrace at Maman Ludi, a family owned restaurant, where Lucca, Mariella, and their daughter Chef Anastasia will treat you to traditional dishes made with a modern flair. The stunning view is the perfect backdrop to start your adventure. You will meet your fellow travelers, your hosts and some local dignitaries.

[NB: We’ll invite the mayor of Berchidda to offer a welcome and introduction to the town.]

ABOUT BERCHIDDA: Located in north-central Sardegna,Berchidda, population 2,772, lies in the foothills of the Limbara Mountains, 950 feet above sea level. Berchidda is  in the heart of Gallura, backed onto Monte Acuto and overlooking a sweeping valley of farmland.  Like most small Italian towns, it embraces modernity in its own way, even as it works to preserve millennia of local customs and culture.

 

The locals, “Berchiddesi,” are used to visitors. It is the epicenter and founding city  of Time in Jazz, an international festival attracting 35,000 visitors to the region each year. Besides that, there are local festivals and celebrations throughout the year, especially in the fall. It is a community and region that loves gatherings and loves visitors
 

Berchidda is an official “Cittá del Vino (Wine City), with 250+ local producers. It is internationally recognized for producing fine Vermentino (DOCG- “di origine controllata garantita” the highest official Italian grape ranking), as well as many other red and white wines.

 

The locals, “Berchiddesi,” are used to visitors. It is the epicenter and founding city  of Time in Jazz, an international festival attracting 35,000 visitors to the region each year. Besides that, there are local festivals and celebrations throughout the year, especially in the fall. It is a community and region that loves gatherings and loves visitors 

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Berchidda is an official “Cittá del Vino (Wine City), with 250+ local producers. It is internationally recognized for producing fine Vermentino (DOCG- “die origine controllata garantita” the highest official Italian grape ranking), as well as many other red and white wines.

DAY TWO: SEA & SAND - A DAY AT THE COAST
 

Visit one of the iconic beaches of the Emerald Coast for a day of relaxation, seaside dining for lunch on your own. Explore the coastal towns and do some shopping. Mediterranean living at its best! www.sardinianbeaches.com

 

• POTENTIAL BEACH SITES:

  • Capo Ceraso, Murta Maria, Pittulungu, all close to Olbia

    • NB: We will select a beach location that is served by a restaurant or beach bar with chaise lounges rental available.. People will have  time to enjoy the beach and the sun, but also walk to the town for some shopping. NB: Depending on time of year and weather, beach amenities might be closed- We will look for a destination with seaside dining/food options, chairs/umbrellas, but these might be unavailable and we will have to provide amenities.

    • NB: Prepare rain/inclement weather itinerary.
       

DINNER: It isn’t Italy without pizza! We’ll dine at a local pizzeria and enjoy some local wine & beer.

La Perla - Berchidda or Da Ivan, space permitting.

(Alternatively - “La Pineta” in nearby town of Monti)
 

DAY 3: LIVE LIKE A LOCAL - WINE, OLIVE OIL, CHEESE AND CULTURE IN BERCHIDDA

• Breakfast on your own
   

We’ll spend the day getting to know your host city and the region. Explore the winemaking process and the different grape varieties grown in Sardegna, see an olive oil production plant in action.
 

• Olive Oil Consortium- a production facility– for olive oil tasting/tour.

• Wine Museum (Museo dei Vini)/ Visitor Center for Regional History. You’ll do a wine tasting and attend a lecture about the region, its history, people and customs.

• Visit and wine tasting at a local family-run winery set in their beautiful vineyard.
   

You’ll be sampling local culinary fare throughout the day, so no official lunch needed.

Free time after lunch for a siesta.
 

DINNER: Dine in with a local family in Berchidda
 

• You will dine in small groups at the homes of local residents. Enjoy the particular cuisine of Berchidda and the region, and really live like a local.
   

About the cuisine of Gallura: Sardegna depends in equal parts on fresh Mediterranean seafood and the wealth of the products from forests and farms. ‘Sardi’ cook with fresh ingredients, and in a small town like Berchidda, everyone relies heavily on local products. If a family doesn’t produce/grow/hunt it themselves, their neighbor does. From the sea-  mussels, clams, calamari, scampi, as well as bream, swordfish, tuna and mullet. From the larder– wild boar, lamb, beef, are abundant, and usually cooked whole or in large cuts in a fireplace, (which you will find in every Sardegna kitchen). Fruits and vegetables from local producers, olive oil and wine locally produced. It’s all local! TAKE NOTE: When dining in a restaurant, you will generally find “cavallo” (horse) and asinello (donkey) on the menu.Just so you know.
 

Dolci Sardi (desserts) rely on citrus, almonds, figs, pistachios, and are never too sweet. Saffron is a preferred local spice, as well as the aromatic leaves of the ‘mirto’ (huckleberry) bush.
 

Day 4 -  DEPART FROM BERCHIIDDA TO GO TO THE BLUE ZONES IN BARBAGIA. VISIT MAMOIADA, ORGOSOL, FONNI, OLLOLAI, GAVOI, ETC.

 

Possible Route: 

1h44min from Berchidda to Orgosolo.  27min from Orgosolo to Fonni

 

2h 10m from Fonni to Cagliari

 

Arrive in Cagliari with hotel accommodations in the centro storico. Dining at the port at a typical seafood restaurant, i.e. d’Antonio, or (find name of restaurant we went to with Sandro Azori)

 

Focus on BLUE FOODS.

Day 5: VISIT TO. CAGLIARI

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Tour the city, visit hospitals, and attend meetings

Meetings to do:

• legislative, assessori

• administrative , presidente della regione

• clinical officials , notable physicians

• Hospital - Cagliari hospital

• Datore di Lavoro qualsiasi - one with 500 ee or more

Cocktails at Palazzo D’Oglio

Dinner at the traditional restaurant in Cagliari.

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Day 6:  DEPART JUNE 27 - FLIGHT DEPARTURES FROM CAGLIARI IN EARLY MORNING SO NO OTHER PROGRAM 

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We’ll take you to the airport, or help you get to wherever you’re headed next. Maybe you’ll stay a few more days on your own, or rent a car to explore the rest of the island. Maybe another week on the beach or maybe you’ve made some great friends in Berchidda and will just want to stay indefinitely.