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Italy

Stunning Sardinia: From the Ancient World to the Costa Smeralda

Program No. 22330RJ
The sun-soaked Italian island of Sardinia is a treasure trove. Enjoy coastal beauty one day, and discover the artifacts and megaliths left behind by ancient civilizations the next.
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Small Group
Length
11 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
4,499
Flights start at
1,050

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11 days
10 nights
22 meals
9B 8L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Cagliari, Check-In, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Cagliari
3
Lecture, Cagliari, Villanovaforru, Siddi, Su Nuraxi
Cagliari
4
Nora, Sant’Antioco Island
Cagliari
5
Bosa, Alghero
Alghero
6
Family-run Caseificio, Free Time
Alghero
7
Castelsardo, Olbia
Olbia
8
La Maddalena Archipelago
Olbia
9
San Pantaleo, Tempio Pausania, Free Time
Olbia
10
Nuoro, Orgosolo, Cagliari
Cagliari
11
Program Concludes
In Flight
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Become a part of the long, rich history of Sardinia, a beautiful Mediterranean island, by experiencing its two different worlds. Take a peek into the ancient world by visiting the mysterious archaeological sites of a "Nuragic civilization" and learn how wave after wave of cultures left their mark. Then flash forward to the modern era and enjoy the idyllic coastal cities and white sand beaches along the Costa Smeralda, home to some of the world’s most beautiful and serene landscapes.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on uneven terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Experience a range of archeological ruins including remarkable Phoenician-Roman seaside settlements and the unique megalithic architecture of the Nuragic Civilization.
  • Marvel at the “Su Nuraxi” - a unique archeological settlement with stone sculptures carved from local sandstone by Sardinia’s ancient Nuragic inhabitants.
  • Enjoy a boat excursion through the small islands of La Maddalena Archpelago: Bargi, Budelli and Razzoli.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Nicola Sanna
Nicola Sanna was born in Cagliari, Sardinia, and is an expert on Sardinian prehistory. He has a Bachelor’s degree in classics and a Master’s in prehistory archaeology from the University of Cafliari. He is currently the museum education officer at the Santadi Civic Archaeology Museum, where he worked as the director and curator from 2017 to 2019. Nicola’s research has focused on protohistoric architecture, including the Nuragic so-called “megaron” temples, Sardinian prehistoric, and Punic and Roman pottery.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Nicola Sanna
Nicola Sanna View biography
Nicola Sanna was born in Cagliari, Sardinia, and is an expert on Sardinian prehistory. He has a Bachelor’s degree in classics and a Master’s in prehistory archaeology from the University of Cafliari. He is currently the museum education officer at the Santadi Civic Archaeology Museum, where he worked as the director and curator from 2017 to 2019. Nicola’s research has focused on protohistoric architecture, including the Nuragic so-called “megaron” temples, Sardinian prehistoric, and Punic and Roman pottery.
Profile Image of Paola Loi
Paola Loi View biography
Maria Paola Loi is a licensed group leader from Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia. Born, raised, and educated in Sardinia, she studied English and French literature prior to living in the UK for several years. Passion for her own home island brought her back to Sardinia where she became a licensed group leader 25 years ago, specializing in history, archaeology, and Sardinian art and literature. She has collaborated with the Sardinian tourist board, traveling all over Europe to promote the island.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Program No.
22330
Duration
11 days
Program Begins
Cagliari
Program Concludes
Cagliari
Group Type
Small Group
Activity Level
At a Glance
Become a part of the long, rich history of Sardinia, a beautiful Mediterranean island, by experiencing its two different worlds. Take a peek into the ancient world by visiting the mysterious archaeological sites of a "Nuragic civilization" and learn how wave after wave of cultures left their mark. Then flash forward to the modern era and enjoy the idyllic coastal cities and white sand beaches along the Costa Smeralda, home to some of the world’s most beautiful and serene landscapes.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Experience a range of archeological ruins including remarkable Phoenician-Roman seaside settlements and the unique megalithic architecture of the Nuragic Civilization.
  • Marvel at the “Su Nuraxi” - a unique archeological settlement with stone sculptures carved from local sandstone by Sardinia’s ancient Nuragic inhabitants.
  • Enjoy a boat excursion through the small islands of La Maddalena Archpelago: Bargi, Budelli and Razzoli.
View Full Itinerary
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Nicola Sanna
Nicola Sanna was born in Cagliari, Sardinia, and is an expert on Sardinian prehistory. He has a Bachelor’s degree in classics and a Master’s in prehistory archaeology from the University of Cafliari. He is currently the museum education officer at the Santadi Civic Archaeology Museum, where he worked as the director and curator from 2017 to 2019. Nicola’s research has focused on protohistoric architecture, including the Nuragic so-called “megaron” temples, Sardinian prehistoric, and Punic and Roman pottery.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on uneven terrain.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 4 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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