Sardinia, Italy
Summer 2025
Alghero & Sassari
Sardinia, Italy
Step off the beaten path and into the soul of Sardinia—an island where time slows down, and every moment is steeped in tradition and natural beauty. This small-group journey invites you to savor world-class local wines at family-run vineyards, indulge in authentic Sardinian cuisine made with love and generations of knowledge, and soak in the serenity of crystal-clear emerald waters lapping against untouched white-sand beaches. With intimate access to local guides and a handpicked group of fellow explorers, you’ll experience the island not as a tourist, but as a welcomed guest.
Alghero, known as “Little Barcelona,” carries a Catalan soul within Italian skin. With its Gothic architecture, sunlit ramparts, and a dialect that still echoes Catalan roots, this seaside gem offers a rare blend of cultures. Wander its cobbled old town, savor fresh seafood by the marina, and feel the unique rhythm of a place shaped by centuries of Spanish influence.
Just inland, Sassari reveals a more rugged, authentic Sardinia. As one of the island’s oldest cities, it’s steeped in tradition and grit—famous for its grand religious festivals, baroque churches, and lively piazzas. Here, modern life meets ancient ritual, and the proud spirit of Sardinia pulses through its streets.
The Hotel
Tucked along the unspoiled coastline of northwest Sardinia, Hotel Corte Rosada is more than just a place to stay—it’s a sanctuary surrounded by nature, where the rhythms of the Mediterranean set the pace for your days. Set within the protected beauty of Porto Conte Natural Park, this adults-only retreat offers effortless elegance and front-row views of the emerald waters of Capo Caccia Bay.
Wake each morning to the scent of pine and sea breeze from your private terrace, then step onto a secluded beach reserved for guests. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast with sweeping views of the sea, sipping local wine by the pool, or indulging in a massage infused with Sardinian botanicals at the on-site spa, every detail is designed for deep rest and connection.
At Corte Rosada, your experience extends beyond the hotel walls. With direct access to hiking trails, kayaking spots, and hidden coves, adventure is always close—but never rushed. Return in the evening to watch the sun melt into the horizon over dinner featuring seasonal Sardinian dishes, thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated.
This is where your Sardinian journey begins: in comfort, in nature, and complete peace.
Day 1
Itinerary*
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Arrival
Welcome Dinner featuring local wines
Boat excursion to explore the Grottoes of Neptune
Visit to Alghero, called “Little Barcelona” for its Catalan influence
Dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide Italy 2025
Excursion to Castelsardo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
Exclusive tour and workshop experience with local, renowned ceramic artists
Dinner
Local vineyard tour and visit, with tasting menu
Afternoon outing to a local beach
Dinner
Tour and wine tasting at a local winery
Afternoon at a local beach
Dinner in Historic Sassari
Early departure for Cala Goloritzé (#1 Beach in the World)
Visit the Nuraghi - prehistoric dwellings unique to Sardinia
Free Day
Local guides will provide options for relaxation or exploration of the area
Departure
*The order of activities may change based on weather conditions or other factors
Upcoming Trip Dates
June 22 - 29, 2025
July 19 - 26, 2025
August 12 - 19, 2025
September 21 - 28, 2025
Highlight: Festa di San Giovanni in Alghero June 23
Highlight: Festival of Ferragosto August 15
Highlights of each trip
Photo: https://www.focsdesantjoan.it/
June 23 (June 22 - 29 trip)
Festa di San Giovanni in Alghero: A Night of Ancient Magic by the Sea
On the evening of June 23rd, Alghero transforms into a scene of glowing firelight, folkloric rituals, and heartfelt celebration as locals gather to welcome the summer solstice with the Festa di San Giovanni. Set on the shores of San Giovanni Beach, this age-old tradition blends Sardinian heritage, community spirit, and midsummer mysticism into a single unforgettable night.
At the heart of the celebration are the bonfires—symbols of renewal and connection. As the sun dips into the sea, you’ll see flames rise along the sand, drawing people together in laughter, music, and ritual. The most iconic tradition? Jumping over the fire—a gesture believed to bring good luck, burn away negativity, and seal friendships or love with a bond that’s said to last forever.
You'll also find bowls of wildflowers and herbs soaking in water—known as Acqua di San Giovanni—believed to carry protective and healing properties if you wash your hands or face with it the next morning. The air is rich with the scent of rosemary and lavender, the sound of folk songs, and the warmth of shared joy.
More than a festival, this is a night of intention and transformation, where fire meets sea, ancient meets present, and strangers become companions under a Sardinian moon.
August 15 (August 12 - 19 trip)
Experience Ferragosto in Sassari: A Celebration of Summer, Spirit, and Sardinian Soul
Each August, the streets of Sassari come alive with the vibrant energy of Ferragosto, Italy’s beloved midsummer festival. But in this historic Sardinian city, the celebration takes on a uniquely powerful form through the "Discesa dei Candelieri"—an awe-inspiring procession that blends centuries-old tradition with communal pride and spiritual devotion.
At the heart of the festival are the Candelieri—towering, hand-carved wooden columns symbolizing votive candles. Carried on the shoulders of local guildsmen through the narrow, cobbled streets, these massive structures sway rhythmically to the beat of drums, the chants of the crowd, and the pulse of Sardinian heritage. Locals and travelers alike gather in celebration, not just to observe, but to feel the heart of Sassari beating in unison.
This isn’t just a festival—it’s a living story of resilience, unity, and joy. With music echoing into the night, traditional dress on proud display, and the aroma of street food mingling with warm summer air, Ferragosto in Sassari is a moment suspended in time. It’s a chance to witness the true spirit of Sardinia—raw, radiant, and unforgettable.
What’s included
What’s not included
Flights*
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses, incidentals, shopping
4 Star Superior Hotel Accommodation: sea view room overlooking the pool with a king-size bed
All activities listed in the Itinerary
Daily breakfast
7 Authentic Sardinian dinners
Daily Lunch/tasting menus
Airport transfers
Welcome gift
Create and take home personalized pottery
Transportation between locations
Experienced local guide, alongside founder of ___Travel
Investment
*as always, we are available to help you with your flight needs
$ 5695Single occupancy
Double occupancy means the price is based on two people sharing one room. If you're booking as a couple, with a friend, or a travel partner, you'll be staying together in the same room with one king-size bed. This option requires 2 people to book.
$ 4250Double occupancy (per person)