Days 1-2
Ajaccio, Corsica / Sartène
We meet in Ajaccio, Corsica, and stretch our legs with a walk among the dramatic standing stones at Filitosa, a striking reminder of Corsica’s prehistory. Another hike takes us through mystical oak woods on the high, maquis-covered plains of Cauria and along the coast for gorgeous Mediterranean views. Overnights are in the delightful hilltop village of Sartène, with its perfectly preserved medieval center.
Days 3-4
Bonifacio
Some of Corsica’s most beautiful scenery awaits us on trails in the Bavella mountains. We hike through a beautiful forest of Corsican pine by way of a majestic natural arch, and along towering limestone cliffs above the turquoise sea. Overnights are in cliff-perched Bonifacio, whose Old Town is a maze of tiny streets with a Renaissance flavor. Bonifacio’s perfect natural harbor has been a magnet for fishermen and traders for many centuries.
Days 5-6
Sardinia / Alghero
Ferrying to Sardinia, we hike through sweet-scented maquis scrub and old Roman quarries on spectacular Capo Testa, a granite promontory with dramatic bays and sea-sculpted rocks. Hiking the magnificent limestone headlands of Capo Caccia (Hunter’s Cape), we follow trails made by wild animals and enjoy dramatic seascapes. Our hotel in Alghero overlooks a romantic blue bay.
Days 7-8
Oristano / Tharros
After a hike into Sardinia’s wild interior cork woodlands, we visit Santa Cristina, an extraordinary underground temple dating to 1,000 BC. At the peaceful Stagno di Cabra coastal lagoon, local fishermen prepare a traditional lunch for us, and later we explore the Phoenician ruins of Tharros on the coast.
Days 9-11
Tiscali / Su Gologone
At rural Sant’Antine de Sedilo, we visit an evocative sanctuary where Christianity and paganism intertwine in every detail. Hiking up to Tiscali, we find a mountaintop village of the mysterious prehistoric stone dwellings found in Sardinia. A canyon path brings us to Cala di Luna, a tiny half-moon beach of white sand. Overnights are at the luxurious Hotel Su Gologone, with its mountain setting and noted restaurant offering Sardinian specialties. We depart on Day 11 from Olbia.
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