CORSICA & SARDINIA
Between Italian and French Sea – Wild Islands, Deep Roots
May 18 – May 30, 2027 · 12 nights
TRAVEL STYLE & IDEAL FOR: best suited to active, curious travelers who like to move between coast and mountains, combining guided cultural discovery with scenic hikes, 4×4 excursions, boat journeys and unhurried encounters with island food and craft traditions.
CORSICA & SARDINIA TOUR OVERVIEW
From Corsica’s rugged maquis and mountain valleys to Sardinia’s crystalline coves and granite shores, this journey reveals two Mediterranean islands with distinct identities. Local cheese, charcuterie and Corsican wines give way to Sardinia’s Vermentino, Cannonau, pecorino and pastoral traditions. Sea crossings, Nuragic sites, coastal villages and local producers bring together landscape, flavor and island culture in a journey that feels wild, authentic and deeply rooted in place.
Tour Price: €7,990
Tour price includes:
- Group arrival transfer from Bastia–Poretta Airport and private departure transfer to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport*
- 12 nights in elegant accommodations of regional character: Saint-Florent (2), Venaco (2), Porto-Vecchio (2), Arzachena (3), Orosei (3)
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 12 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners and a traditional Sardinian shepherds’ lunch
- Professional English-speaking Tour Leader throughout the journey, accommodated at the same hotels as the group
- Private coach transportation throughout Corsica and Sardinia, plus the ferry crossing from Bonifacio to Santa Teresa di Gallura
- Professional local guides and audio headsets for the included cultural visits
- Guided visits in Saint-Florent, Corte and the Museum of Corsica, Porto-Vecchio, Bonifacio, Arzachena, Nuoro and Mamoiada
- Archaeological visits to Nuraghe La Prisgiona and the Giants’ Tomb of Coddu Vecchiu in northern Sardinia
- Outdoor experiences including the Agriates Desert by 4×4 and boat, a guided hike in the Restonica Valley, and a 4×4 excursion through the Supramonte
- Full-day boat excursion through the La Maddalena Archipelago and a boat excursion along the Gulf of Orosei
- Food, wine and artisan experiences including Corsican and Sardinian winery tastings, a cheese-producer visit, Sardinian cooking class, mirto tasting and cork producer visit
- Porterage, VAT, city taxes, and gratuities for the included guides, tour managers, hotel staff, servers and drivers
Tour price is per person based on a minimum of 6 participants and double occupancy. A single supplement of €1,670 is available for those traveling alone who would like their own room.
*International airfare is not included, but Olde Ipswich Tours can assist with booking flights.
Depart the US, flying overnight to Palermo.
BEGINS: Palermo, Italy | ENDS: La Valletta, Malta *
DAYS 1-2, SAINT-FLORENT & THE AGRIATES DESERT: Begin in Saint-Florent with a guided introduction to its marina, narrow streets and historic citadel, followed by a welcome dinner. The next day heads off-road through the wild Agriates Desert to Saleccia Beach, with time at Lotu Beach before returning to Saint-Florent by boat across the gulf.
DAYS 3-4, CORTE & RESTONICA VALLEY: Visit a Corsican winery and taste distinctive island wines before continuing to Corte, former capital of independent Corsica, for a guided visit and time at the Museum of Corsica. The following day, explore the Restonica Valley on a guided hike through pine forests, rocky gorges and dramatic mountain scenery.
DAYS 5-6, PORTO-VECCHIO & BONIFACIO: Meet a local cheese producer before traveling south to Porto-Vecchio for a guided walk through its historic center. In Bonifacio, discover the striking upper town perched above white limestone cliffs, then enjoy a free afternoon by the sea.
DAYS 7-9, GALLURA, LA MADDALENA & SAN PANTALEO: Cross by ferry from Bonifacio to Sardinia and explore the prehistoric landscape around Arzachena, including Nuraghe La Prisgiona and the Giants’ Tomb of Coddu Vecchiu. Spend a full day sailing through the La Maddalena Archipelago, with stops around Spargi, Budelli and Santa Maria. Then turn to Sardinian flavors with a hands-on cooking class and a visit to a mirto producer before an evening in the village of San Pantaleo.
DAYS 10-12, NUORO, OROSEI & SUPRAMONTE: Discover Sardinia’s inland traditions with a cork producer visit, Nuoro’s Ethnographic Museum and the Museum of Mediterranean Masks in Mamoiada. From Cala Gonone, cruise along the Gulf of Orosei before visiting a Sardinian winery for a tasting. The final full day ventures by 4×4 into the Supramonte, where limestone highlands and pastoral landscapes lead to a traditional lunch with pecorino, pane carasau, porceddu and Cannonau, followed by a farewell dinner.
DAY 13: Transfer to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport for your flight home.
*Transfers to major airports can be arranged at an additional cost.
