Selena JonesAt Barrhead Travel it is important that our travel agents get to experience the holidays they sell to their customers for themselves so that they can give the best recommendations and tips to ensure that customers also have the best experience. Emma Holmes from our Gorden Street branch recently returned home from a 8-day combined tour of Sardinia with JustYou. Continue reading to hear all about what she got up to on her trip.
The FAM was based around two itineraries, so not exactly the same as either. They are in the relax and discover range and so you are based in one hotel the whole time, with a lot of free time and then optional excursions that you can do if you so wish.
8 Day Sardinia Holiday | Guided Tour of Sardinia
Holiday in Sardinia | Singles tour to Sardinia
Day One:
This was arrival day, once checked into the hotel we had an arrival drink at the hotel bar, which Just Your customers would also get, and then, a wonderful Sardinian meal. Every evening there was a buffet for starter that comprised of some salads, breads and cheeses usually. Then three courses. The food is traditional of Sardinia every evening.
Day Two:
Today we visited Costa Smeralda. First stop was Cappricioli Beach where, for Bond fans, he drives his Lotus Esprit out of the way into the bay. We were not lucky with the weather this morning and so they switched up the tour from a walking visit of the area to a little road train. From this we saw Porto Cervo. After lunch in the lovely little village of San Pantaleo it was a short drive back to the hotel were the sun came out and we spent the remaining afternoon at the hotel pool. As the full season had not started the pool bar isn’t open, but for guests on the tour it would be
Day Three:
Today we visited Alghero, an amazing walled city on the Northwest Coast. A guided tour was included where we learnt Catalan history. Following a short about of free time for some shopping and grabbing a sandwich for lunch, we headed to the Sella & Mosca winery. We had a tour of the winery and learned about the process and grapes, followed by a wonderful wine tasting along with some cheese and meat to accompany it (or cheese only for the vegetarians). Wine can be purchased from their shop before heading back to the hotel. (This day is included on Travelsphere itinerary but not Just You).
Day Four:
Today we visited Capo D’Orso where a short but steep walk gave stunning views to all the bay and beyond. We then did the site visit to Hotel Palau and from their the beach to see what it was like. We had a short amount of time to see the town of Palau – which will be lovely for the Just You guests to explore. Lunch was at San Panteleo again and the afternoon was spent again around the pool and then on the evening we visited a local Agro Tourismo for a home cooked vegetarian meal (not included on any of the tours).
Day Five:
We explored the nearby town of Olbia on a walking tour. After the tour we has time for shopping and taking in the area, some opted to fill their cases whilst others enjoy an aperitivo or coffee in the main square. From here we went to a Locanda for lunch. This is a typical Sardinian lunch where the plates just kept coming. (This is included on both tours)
Day Six:
This day was a highlight for all of us in our group, it is an optional excursion on both tours and a full day boat trip to La Maddalena, an archipelago of islands. The first stop is the island of La Maddalena where there were lovely little shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. After this we visited two uninhabited islands, with a light lunch of tomato pasta on board. There was time to swim or a little walk around at each before heading back on the boat.
Day Seven:
This was a day at leisure for the FAM, which was great to give people the idea of the free time that guests would have but also others choose what they wanted to do. Just over half of the group chose to spend the day by the pool and then have a lunch in San Pantaleo. The rest of us hired a car and heading out around the northern area of Sardinia, we were lucky that Jasmine from Travelsphere/Just You knew the area well and we were able to go to some extra places not included on the tour. They are pictured here but please note they are not included in the tours.
Day Eight:
Time to head home, after breakfast and settling our bar bills, we were lucky enough to have our morning arranged so that we could spend a final couple of hours in Olbia. Some opted for the Ferris wheel, others shopping and lunch. Then we heading to the airport and said goodbye to our amazing holiday director.
We stayed in the Hotel Rocce which is the Travelsphere hotel. But we also had a site visit to the Hotel Palau where Just You stay. Both were lovely and very traditional and fitting with the local charm. Your stay at either hotel is half board with breakfast and dinner included.
Hotel Rocce
This hotel has stunning views to the rocky landscape that surrounds it and then the sea in the distance. It has a pool, restaurant and bar. The rooms have terraces of varying sizes. It is split over 3 floors and there is no lift. It is secluded and although a short ride to the nearest little village, (there is a shuttle) nothing is within walking distance really.
Hotel Palau
This gorgeous hotel is situated about 20-minute walk from the town of Palau and Palau beach, there are shuttles also provided by the hotel. Just You customers will have as full double or twin room for their use, usually with a sea view but this cannot be guaranteed.
Guides and Holiday Director
Every tour will have a holiday director who will meet them at the airport on arrival and then see them off at the airport at the end. They will be staying at the hotel and be on hand at any point in the tour. Then when local tours are included there will be a local guide for that tour / city or site.
Optional Excursions
As mentioned, we visited La Maddelena which is an optional excursion on both tours, and something I would really recommend it to guests.
Travelsphere guests can also add on a visit to Corsica to their tour- we wanted to do this on our free day but the ferry was full, I would therefore recommend to guests to book this in advance to avoid disappointment Just You guests can add on a trip to Castelsardo, we did not visit this area specifically so I cannot comment but the pictures look lovely!
Summary
In culmination this was an incredible tour and opportunity to visit Sardinia, an island I knew nothing about beforehand. It was simply stunning. Touring in general is an amazing way for people to see various sights with the comfort of a group and guide. Just You is a great way for solo travelers to explore.