We fly to Cagliari and after a transfer to our hotel, the 4-star Regina Margherita in the city, we enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, setting the tone for our wonderful food tour in Sardinia. Both provide the perfect opportunity to meet and chat with your fellow travellers and tour manager.

Today is dedicated to Cagliari, Sardinia’s evocative and often underrated capital. Steeped in character, the city is outwardly Italian but with its own undeniable personality – interestingly, DH Lawrence called it ‘strange and rather wonderful.’ On a guided walking tour of Sardinia’s capital, we explore the historic old city, which sits on a plateau under an ancient citadel. After visiting the National Archaeological Museum to view artifacts spanning Neolithic and Roman times, we see the 13th century Cathedral and Bastion of Saint Remy, which commands stunning bay views, and ride the mini-train that winds through the medieval quarter.

Leaving Cagliari, we travel to Barumini, home to UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi, a cluster of ‘nuraghi’ defensive towers dating back 3,700 years. With a local guide, we go inside the central tower and learn the legends behind these age-old structures. Next, we visit the Olianas Winery for a vineyard tour, wine-tasting and light lunch of fresh, home-grown produce – a wonderful introduction to local flavours on this immersive wine tour in Sardinia – before crossing into Sardinia’s Gennargentu Massif to our base for the next three nights­ – the extraordinary Su Gologone Experience Hotel, tucked into the foothills of the Supramonte Mountains. This evening, we gather for an aperitif on an alfresco terrace before relishing the Sardinian speciality of suckling pig, accompanied by unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks.

A true adventure awaits in Sardinia’s rugged Supramonte peaks this morning. Travelling into the mountains by 4WD, we visit a nuraghi site before driving to a rustic shepherd’s hut for a picnic of flavoursome local foods including ‘carasau’ flatbreads, antipasti, roast lamb, cheeses, honey and desserts, all washed down with full-bodied Cannonau red wine. After our feast, we return to the Su Gologone, leaving the remainder of the afternoon and evening free for you to enjoy its inspirational amenities and setting. Maybe swim in the pool if the weather allows, relax on a scenic terrace, enjoy a siesta, or sip an aperitif at sunset – the choice is yours.

We embark on a leisurely walk to the Sorgente Su Gologone springs, which flow from a rock face. After taking in this mystical beauty spot, we have lunch in nearby Orgosolo, dubbed the ‘City of Murderers’, for harbouring notorious bandits until a few decades ago. Our local guide shows us the highlights of this intriguing town, which is now peaceful and painted with murals depicting everything from revolutionary scenes to saints’ portraits. Tonight brings a special tasting of local produce and wines. Gathered around a bread oven inside the hotel restaurant or one of its terraces (weather dependent), we watch an artisan baker create and cook local breads. The sweet aromas will surely whet your appetite for dinner and drinks, which follow.

This morning, we call at historic Nuoro, set on the slopes of Monte Ortobene before passing farmlands and nuraghi en route to the west coast. We stop for lunch in the medieval town of Bosa, where stacks of pastel-painted houses climb to a ruined castle. From here, it’s a scenic drive around headlands and cliffs to Alghero. This one-time Catalan outpost exudes both a Spanish and Sardinian feel, and boasts cobbled lanes and piazzas girded by fortified walls. After checking in at our hotel, we meet for prosecco and nibbles at the rooftop bar overlooking the harbour before enjoying the remainder of the evening at leisure.

After riding a boat across the emerald waters of Alghero Bay on one of the most scenic Sardinia boat tours, we reach the rocky Capo Caccia headland, home to the famous Neptune’s Caves, a network of natural sea grottos. Here, a cave guide leads us through the stunning caverns to see illuminated lakes, stalactites and stalagmites. Alternatively, you can choose to descend the ‘Escala del Cabirol’ (goat’s steps), a 656-step stairway down the cliffs to the caves’ entrance, revealing sublime seascapes at each turn. Returning to Alghero, we’ll have time to freshen up before enjoying a fabulous farewell dinner at a local trattoria – rounding off our unforgettable food tour in Sardinia.

We transfer to Olbia airport for our flight to the UK. This unforgettable journey showcases the very best of our Sardinia multi day tours, blending culture, cuisine and breathtaking landscapes.