EXPLORE THE BLUE ISLAND:
8 Days and 8 Nights on Sardegna:

You will explore a different and surprising aspect of the island, f
rom its prehistoric monuments to fashionable beaches, and every day you will be immersed in the local culture. You will visit the Emerald Coast towns and beaches, enjoy wine and olive oil tastings, outdoor recreation in the mountains, cultural and historic sites, ancient and medieval history, and, of course, plenty of food and
lots of unique shopping.

DAY ONE: LAY OF THE LAND
 

Arrive in Olbia,(OLB) the Emerald Coast Airport with direct flights to over 50 European destinations. Or take an overnight ferry from the mainland, Livorno or Civitavecchia (Rome).
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.
 

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.

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 5 - WALK ON THE WILD SIDE - AT ONE WITH NATURE. (or  YUM! CHE BUONO!)--Near BERCHIDDA
 

• Option 1: Go on a guided hike on Monte Acuto, learn about the history of the area, and visit the ruins of the medieval castle and Lago (lake) Coghinas. This is a moderate level hike - no rock climbing but a good bit of uphill terrain. The hike takes about 4 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
   

• Option 2: The lighter side of nature. Visit the Butterfly sanctuary in the town of Monti. Enjoy the beautiful view from the ranger station and hear a lecture about the local geology, flora and fauna. Explore Monti on your own, with perhaps a visit to one of the local wineries.
   

Dinner at  La Vecchia Costa restaurant in Arzachena– no matter what you chose to do for the day, in the evening we will gather at an old and treasured establishment, La Vecchia Costa, for a family style dinner.


Day 6: GET YOUR SPAIN ON!
 

A Day In Alghero - City of Coral and Aragonese/Catalan Culture.
Up to now, our trip has focused on the east coast of Sardinia. Today we head to the west coast, facing Spain, to the seaside city of Alghero. Skipping (for the moment)  past the rich ancient history and prehistory of the area, the city was largely built by Aragonese (Spanish) mariners who occupied the city for 300 years from the 14th to the 17th century. Catalan is still spoken by the Algherese. 
Alghero is known as the coral Riviera, where rich, deep red corals were harvested for centuries. It is a typical seaside town, like many others you would find… in Spain.
 

The guided tour may include:

• Visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

• Explore the Sea Caves (weather permitting)

• Tour the medieval historic center

• Visit the Coral Museum or the Archeological Museum

• Visit the most well-known winery on the island, Sella e Mosca.
   

Dinner at a restaurant in Alghero or Maman Ludi back in Berchidda.

 

Day 7: A DAY OF DOMESTICITY - COOKING OR SHOPPING
 

Lectures on La Maddalen…….Military……Blue Zone

Option 1: Take a boat trip to the Maddalena Archipelago, a group of islands off the coast of Sardinia. Enjoy a dip in the water, or stay on land and explore the beautiful port town.  [OMIT La Maddalena - weather and excursion availability is iffy by mid-September]

Option 1:  In Berchidda for a Cooking class with Sabrina– Put your aprons on and get ready to roll up your sleeves, metaphorically, that is. Local gifted culinary genius, Maestra Sabrina, will demonstrate some of the most treasured local dishes. She is also a master of pastries– dessert is included!

Option 2: Spend the day shopping and enjoying the seaside towns of San Pantaleo, Azarchena and the Golfo Aranci  boutique and artisan shops, café.

Dinner on your own.
 

Day 7: Free Day
 

• Relax for one more day on the beach or go for a swim in the ocean, forage for wild mushrooms in the foothills, or go for a hike. Shuttles will run from town to the shopping mall in Olbia and the beach.
   

Farewell Dinner: Join your hosts Ron and Raff at their home where we will enjoy one last special dish - Zuppa Berchiddese - prepared by our friends and neighbors (and now your friends!).
 

Day 8: ARRIVADERCI = “Until we meet again!”
 

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.
 

There will be shuttles  throughout the day for departures from Olbia (OLB)  by sea or air.. Note that there are two additional airports on the island, in Alghero, AHO, and the capital city of Cagliari, CAG. These are both port cities and offer ferries as well. Transportation to Cagliari by train, transportation to AHO by train or coach. The French island of Corsica lies just to the north of Sardegna, easily reached by boat or air, from Corsica there is a high-speed passenger ferry to Nice on the Côte d'Azur.