Selena JonesAt Barrhead Travel, it is important that our travel agents 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 Touring & Adventure team recently returned home from an 8-day combined tour of Sardinia with JustYou. Continue reading to hear all about what she got up to on her trip.
This fam trip was based around two itineraries. 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 our arrival day. Once we checked into the hotel, we had an arrival drink at the hotel bar, which JustYou customers would also get, and then a wonderful Sardinian meal. Every evening, there was a buffet for starters that usually consisted of salads, breads, and cheeses. Then, there were three courses. The food is traditional of Sardinia every evening.
Day Two:
We visited Costa Smeralda. The 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, 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, where the sun came out, and we spent the remaining afternoon at the hotel pool. As the whole season had not started, the pool bar isn’t open, but for guests on the tour, it would be
Day Three:
We visited Alghero, an amazing walled city on the Northwest Coast. A guided tour was included where we learnt Catalan history. After a short amount of free time for shopping and grabbing a sandwich for lunch, we headed to the Sella & Mosca winery. We had a winery tour and learned about the process and grapes, followed by an excellent wine tasting and some cheese and meat to accompany it (or cheese only for vegetarians). Wine can be purchased from their shop before heading back to the hotel. (This day is included on the Travelsphere itinerary but not Just You.)
Day Four:
We visited Capo D’Orso, where a short but steep walk gave stunning views of the bay and beyond. We then visited Hotel Palau and, from there, the beach to see what it was like. We had a short 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 around the pool. Then, in the evening, we visited a local Agro Tourismo for a home-cooked vegetarian meal (not included on any 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, with 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, and others could choose what they wanted to do. Over half of the group decided to spend the day by the pool and then have lunch in San Pantaleo. The rest of us hired a car and headed out around the northern area of Sardinia. We were lucky that Jasmine from Travelsphere/JustYou knew the area well, and we could go to some extra places not included in the tour. They are pictured here, but 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 we could spend a final couple of hours in Olbia. Some opted for the Ferris wheel, others shopping and lunch. Then we headed to the airport and said goodbye to our amazing holiday director.
We stayed in the Hotel Rocce, a Travelsphere hotel, but we also visited the Hotel Palau, where JustYou stays. Both were lovely, 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 of the rocky landscape and the sea in the distance. It has a pool, restaurant, and bar. The rooms have terraces of varying sizes. It is split over three 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.
Hotel Palau
This gorgeous hotel is situated about a 20-minute walk from the town of Palau and Palau beach. The hotel also provides shuttles. JustYou customers will have a full double or twin room, 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 stay 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, an optional excursion on both tours that I would really recommend to guests.
Travelsphere guests can also add 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 that guests book this in advance to avoid disappointment. JustYou 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
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 travellers to explore.