Sardinia and the Emerald Coast

May and October 2010 - Three separate tours

D H Lawrence wrote that the Italian island of Sardinia had been left outside of time and history. Sardinia’s spectacular scenery, ancient roots, friendly locals and amazing little railways make this Italian island a truly magical place to visit. A mountainous place about the size of Wales, Sardinia has a beguiling coastline and, inland, narrow gauge railways run for more than 450 miles through beautiful countryside. We travel on privately chartered trains, with steam locomotives available wherever possible. Our coaches are usually on display in the Sardinian Railway Museum and date back to the early 1900s; carriages with polished teak bodies, open balconies and stunning views. Mass tourism hasn’t reached Sardinia yet and it is still unspoiled, but the country’s narrow gauge railways are increasingly under threat. They are not, however, run down. They’re fully staffed and well maintained, and the only thing missing is the passengers! Sardinia is such a popular destination that this is our eleventh year of touring the island.

Tour 1 04.05.10 – 13.05.10
Tour 2 16.05.10 – 25.05.10
Tour 3 16.10.10 – 25.10.10

Day 1

London to Olbia

We board our morning-scheduled flight from London Gatwick to Olbia, where we check in to our 4-star hotel. (D)

Day 2

Steam from the Coast to the Mountains

After breakfast we leave Olbia and head south by coach to Villa Grande, where we have arranged lunch in a good local open air restaurant.

After lunch we join our special steam hauled narrow gauge train to Arbatax, a route with fantastic views over high mountains down to the sea. On arrival in Arbatax there is a very short walk to our hotel, the 4-star Arbatasar Hotel. (BLD)

Day 3

Steam from the Coast to the Mountains

In the morning we take a short walk to Arbatax Station, by the harbour, to join our special vintage train steam hauled by 2-6-2T No 400 or 402. Soon after leaving Arbatax Station we begin the long climb to Villa Grande, where a typical Italian open air lunch awaits.

We’re back on the train for the final dramatic climb through the spiral to Gairo, and then by coach to our Arbatax hotel. (BLD)

Day 4

Narrow Gauge Steam in Spectacular Scenery

We travel by coach to Gairo station, where our vintage steam hauled train will be waiting.

The climb up to the summit at Anulu is spectacular and the drop down to the fascinating little town of Seui – where our locomotive is serviced – is equally dramatic. At Bertilli we’ll stop for lunch at the station beside our train; it is a superb place to stop and the wine will flow freely! Onwards across some of the most beautiful scenery we’ve ever seen through Nurri, Mandas and Senorbi. From Senobi we transfer to the Jolly Hotel in Cagliari where a well deserved dinner and a good night’s sleep awaits! (BLD)

Day 5

By Steam Train to Carbonia

Today, transferring to Cagliari main station with its splendid overall roof, we travel on a superb vintage train hauled by 740 Class 2-8-0 740.303. Leaving around 10:00, we steam through the hilly countryside to Villamassargia. There, we head off along the little used Carbonia branch which runs past old collieries, evidence of an industry long gone from this region. At Carbonia we reverse and head north to Iglesias, where we break for the first of our splendid Italian lunches complete with wine. Early in the afternoon we travel back to Cagliari under steam, from where you can either return to the hotel or enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating city. (BLD)

Day 6

Narrow Gauge Steam Train to Sorgono

Our narrow gauge train, made from restored wooden-bodied vintage coaches and a diesel locomotive, awaits us at Monserrato station.

We head north to Mandas to visit the local depot and explore some old steam locomotives.

Then continue northwards hauled by a narrow gauge 2-6-2T steam locomotive No 400 or 402 on the scenic Sorgono branch, a line no longer open to regular traffic. At Ortuabis we enjoy a delicious Italian style barbecue complete with local folk group for entertainment. After lunch we travel to Sorgono, where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive and hello to our coach, which will take us to the Hotel Taloro, right by Lake Gusana. (BLD)

Day 7

From Nouro down to the Sea

We board the coach to Nouro, where a narrow gauge train will take us to Bosa, a small town on the left bank of the River Temo on the island’s west coast. Bosa is packed with ancient history and we’ll have time to explore the town, see its cathedral and visit the Piazza Umberto complete with lovely marble fountain. At Macomer we enjoy a typical Italian lunch in a local restaurant before heading over the escarpment to the coast and truly magnificent views of the sea. Today’s adventure over, we rejoin our coach for a glorious coastal ride down to Alghero and check into the Hotel Calabona. (BLD)

Day 8

Alghero to Palau by Narrow Gauge Train

At Alghero station we board a special vintage train, traveling in style aboard a first class coach sporting plush velvet seats. We pass through the mixed gauge station of Sassari before heading into the hills, winding our way through pretty rural villages. We pause at Nulvi for another excellent local feast before continuing through more of Sardinia’s dramatic uplands. Our train climbs right up to the town of Tempio for a short break before gradually descending to Palau Marina, down by the sea. From Palau Marina we’ll transfer to our 4-star hotel in Palau. (BLD)

Day 9

Cruising the Emerald Coast

After a leisurely breakfast we join our specially chartered boat at Palau harbour. Once wild, this stretch of coastline was developed in the 1950s as a millionaire’s playground. Now, it is well cared for and kept in pristine condition. We’ll enjoy a day’s cruise, taking in the picturesque Maddalena Island for lunch then continuing along the Emerald Coast. We call at Spargi Island along the way, where you can swim from the beach. At the end of the day, the boat returns us to Palau Harbour. (BLD)

Day 10

Return to London Gatwick

After breakfast we take in a quick visit to Olbia for last minute shopping, followed by a farewell lunch in a local restaurant. Then we transfer by coach to Olbia Airport for our late afternoon flight to London Gatwick. (BL)