Northeast Sardinia beaches Tour with free time and ice-cream

Guided tour of Costa Smeralda with Porto Cervo and beach time

San Pantaleo is known for its low-key rustic charm, with narrow streets and stone buildings that give it a traditional and authentic feel. The village square is the heart of San Pantaleo, and it is here that visitors can browse the small shops run by local artisans, selling traditional and unique handicrafts and Sardinian produce.In total contrast, Costa Smeralda is a sleek destination with Porto Cervo at its luxurious heart. Take a guided tour to see its marina packed with millionaire yachts and maybe mingle with the jet set. Soak up all the glamour from one of the pavement-side cafes, or in the designer shops and high-end boutiques.The last stop is Baia Sardinia, a glorious beach where you can enjoy some free time to relax, swim, or take a break in a beach bar. The fine sand invites you to linger, while the beach is bookended by rocky outcrops perfect for snorkelling or rock-pooling. We'll take a scenic route back to base with views over the coast and countryside.

Corsica day trip with guided walking tour and ferry

So near and yet so far apart. Corsica and Sardinia are like two siblings who moved to different countries and are separated not just by the sea but by culture, too. This day trip to the cliff-perched town of Bonifacio in southern Corsica is the ideal way to get to know France's wildest region. Local guide, Francesca, explains the dynamic, “People often think of the two islands as neighbours, but for centuries they were rivals. And despite Corsica being only 12km from Sardinia, the language, food and traditions feel distinctly French.”After a drive to the north of Sardinia to catch the ferry at Santa Teresa, you'll make the 50-minute crossing. Precariously built on 70m-high cliffs, Bonifacio's fjord-like harbour is quite the sight. You'll hop on a mini train to the centre before a guided tour of its vertiginous citadel with tightly packed narrow alleys. Once the tour has given you your bearings, the afternoon is yours to find a spot for lunch and explore.As you wander the cobbled streets, you'll be following in the footsteps of Corsica's most famous son, Napoleon, who plotted his failed 1793 invasion of Sardinia from here. The epic views from the cliffs make it easy to see why he chose this spot, but Francesca advises branching out from the viewpoints, “most visitors head straight for the views, but Bonifacio's real charm is in the backstreets. That's where you'll find the little cafés and workshops locals still use every day". You can browse for antiques, handicrafts and jewellery in the shops that now fill the ancient houses, or head down to the harbour to watch the yachts come and go.

La Maddalena Cruise from Budoni

Like rubies scattered across dazzling seas, the islands of La Maddalena are one of Sardinia's best-loved treasures. This cruise focuses on the archipelago's southern isles, with stops in la Maddalena and Spargi islands, and a few hours cruising by the pink granite coastlines of Santo Stefano and Caprera.

Northeast Sardinia beaches Tour with free time and ice-cream

Explore the splendid coast of northeast Sardinia on a trip filled with sun, sand, and sea. We've got two pretty special beaches a quaint seaside village, plus – a sweet treat lined up just for you. Daniele, one of our local expert guides, says, “Gelato isn't just ice cream - it's Italy in a spoonful. Made with fresh, natural ingredients and churned to silky perfection, one scoop and you'll understand why Italians take their gelato so seriously."First up, we're hitting Cala Ginepro, a beach that looks like it's straight out of a postcard. Imagine a curved stretch of light golden sand with pink rocky outcrops and a dazzling turquoise sea. It's the perfect spot for lounging, with calm, shallow waters that are just begging for a splash. Next, we'll call at the former fishing village of Santa Lucia. Wander through its charming streets where local fishermen are just going about their day, and you'll see how the sea is woven into everyday life.After free time to enjoy this photogenic spot, it's off to La Caletta, a long, wide beach that's all about family fun. Surrounded by a pine forest, it's got everything you need, from sailing and surfing to diving and boat trips, plus all the amenities you could ask for. You'll wrap things up at a local 'gelateria' where home-made ice cream in a rainbow of flavours is on the agenda. Whatever flavour you decide on, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Discover Wonderful Gallura with Lunch

From Olbia you'll weave through landscapes adorned with cork oaks on a tour that takes in some of Europe's oldest olive trees, Gallura's former capital - Tempio Pausania, and a light lunch. You'll also discover the unique Nuraghe Maiori, cone-shaped megalithic structures from the Bronze Age, and finish up in Calangianus, the center of cork processing, where you'll visit Arte Sughero for an insight into cork craftsmanship.

Gulf of Orosei by motorboat

Tucked away between limestone cliffs and craggy coastline, some of Sardinia's best beaches hide away in the Gulf of Orosei. With clear blue waters lapping powder-white sands, it's like Italy's answer to the Caribbean. Enjoy some sun on your face, knockout views and swim stops at a trio of hidden bays on this relaxing motorboat tour.

Guided tour of Costa Smeralda and San Pantaleo from Baia Sardinia

Just 20 minutes from the coast, the pace of life shifts down a gear as you arrive in the rustic village of San Pantaleo. It's sat at the base of a mountain range, where towering granite formations create a dramatic backdrop to this otherwise low-key community. Local guide Valentina, says, “San Pantaleo has a creative, artsy edge. It's a spot that's attracted lots of artists, musicians and writers over the years, meaning there's stacks of choice when you browse the stalls of ceramics, paintings and jewellery.” You'll have half an hour here, so be sure to head to the village square to see local life unfold. As you head back towards the coast, the scenery shifts. The hills flatten out, the greenery becomes more manicured and the horizon switches from mountain peaks to the masts of luxurious yachts bobbing in the marina. At the heart of the Costa Smeralda you'll find the glitz and glamour of Porto Cervo – a total contrast to the dream catchers and tie-dye scarfs of San Pantaleo. After a guided tour of the purpose-built resort, you'll have free time to ogle the yachts, sip a coffee at a stylish pavement café or check out the designer boutiques.After seeing two very different sides of Sardinia, you'll head back along the coast to Baia, which will feel like a stylish yet relaxed balance. There's free time here to swim at the beach or grab a drink with your fellow travellers before you return to your hotel.

Sardinian pasta cooking class with local chefs in Olbia

Book an authentic Sardinian pasta cooking class in Olbia, learn traditional techniques from local chefs, and enjoy a full meal with drinks included.

Excursion to La Maddalena Archipelago from Olbia with Minibus Transfer

Discover the most beautiful islands of Sardinia with this full-day excursion to the Maddalena Archipelago from Olbia.

La Maddalena Archipelago by Motorboat

Island hopping has never been more fun than on this motorboat cruise in La Maddalena Archipelago National Park off northern Sardinia. This full day experience drops anchor at La Maddalena town and off Spargi and Santa Maria, and cruises between the other islands.