Tour of the South-West Area of Sardinia 2023

South West Sardinia - 

Private Tour of the Sulcis and Iglesias area
Sant'Antioco Island - the Dunes of Porto Pino - the Mines of Carbonia and Porto Flavia - the cozy towns of Iglesias and Calasetta - the ghost village of Tratalias

6 Days tour with private driver!

A tour focused on its treasures of historical interest and coastal splendours

1° day – Cagliari - Carbonia - Arrival at Cagliari airport and private transfer to the city of Carbonia. According to the arrival, time a leisure for relax or for a stroll in the historical centre. Dinner at the Hotel. 

2° day – Sant'Antioco and Calasetta - Full day excursion by car and private driver to the island of Sant’Antioco. The town was founded by the Phoenicians and later conquered by the Carthaginians. The morning is dedicated to the visit of the Catacombs in the Basilica, the archaeological site of the Tophet and the Necropolis. In the afternoon we go on with a panoramic drive of the island towards north and reach the second town of the island named Calasetta, with its white houses of the cozy historical centre and the spectacular view from the promenade overlooking the coast, or for a bath in the turquoise water of the adjacent beach. Time available for a stroll and shopping. Return at the Hotel, dinner and overnight. 

3° day - Nebida - Porto Flavia - Iglesias - Departure after breakfast towards north to the scenic area of Iglesias and Nebida for the visit of the futuristic work on the promontory of Masua, actually a port built in 1922-1924 at 37 meters height serving as the mineral production hub in the west coast of Sardinia and its tormented sea. Today, the site belongs to the mining archaeology and visited with guided Tours. The entrance overlooks the sea and faces the Pan di Zucchero, a natural monument 132 meters high, shaped by the power of the wind and the sea. As the exceptional panorama is so breathtaking, the stop at the Belvedere on the way to Iglesias is a must. Arrival before noon in Iglesias, church in Spanish, and known as the city of the 100 churches as every street of the old town has his own church. Time at leisure for lunch and explore the castle of Salvaterra and enjoy the historical centre with the ArtNouveau-styled façades rich in decorative features. On the way of return, stop to the Mine of S. Giovanni for the visit of the Grotte di Santa Barbara 1.30hrs. In 1952, during a shaft excavation and tearing down a rock wall, the mine workers discovered the spectacular view of a magnificent extended natural cavity. The Cave, remembering a sumptuous Cathedral, has remained unknown for millions of year sheltered in the heart of the mountain Return in the late afternoon to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. 

4° day – Old Tratalias & the Great Coal Mine of Serbariu - Breakfast at the Hotel. In the morning departure with private driver to Old Tratalias. Once the main town of the region, saw its main splendour as episcopal headquarter  during the Pisan and Spanish period. The buildings of the original and ancient village have been heavily damaged and abandoned after the construction of the dam on the Rio Palmas and the subsequent creation of the artificial Lake of Monte Pranu. Now the ghost village still preserves the cathedral of Santa Maria di Monserrato, built between 1212 and 1282. After the visit, transfer to the Great Coal Mine of Serbariu in Carbonia where you’ll explore the underground gallery and the museum.  Afternoon at leisure for relax at the Hotel’s SPA. Dinner has not been included in order to give you the opportunity to enjoy a meal in a Pizzeria or Trattoria and explore the local cuisine. 

5° day – Santadi - Porto Pino - Today we explore the internal area and the south of the Sulcis Region. After breakfast departure to the village of Santadi, surrounded by woods and vineyards reaching international fame for its red Wine Carignano del Sulcis. Very appreciated for its olive oil, high quality cheese, honey, a variety of different typical bred and Sardinian sweets and for the historical importance of the area. Sheltered by century-old olive trees in an extraordinary environmental context of the hill of Pani Loriga, the archaeological area hosts 6000 years of history and findings dated from the Neolithic, the Nuragic, Phoenician and Punic and later also from the Roman Era. Guided walking tour through the area among Nurage, Domus de Janas (antique tombs) from the Nuragic Period and over 150 burial chambers from the Phoenicians. Transfer to Santadi for a break and if time available a short visit of the museum. Before noon the tour goes on to the Zuddas Caves, a splendid underground setting unique in the world. After the visit lunch at the restaurant included. In the afternoon transfer to Porto Pino. Crystalline waters and tall white dunes, one kilometer of soft sandy hills reaching up to 3 meters height. Time at leisure to explore the area. Return before evening to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. 

6° Day – Departure - Breakfast at the Hotel. According to flight departure transfer to Cagliari airport.

During summer season we suggest to spend one more day for a full day at the Porto Pino Dunes and beach or in Cagliari main town!

* 5 overnights in Carbonia at the Lu Hotel 4**** in classic double room
* 4 Dinner, 1 Lunch at the Restaurant;
* Airport R/T Transfer and Excursions by Minivan and private driver as mentioned in the program;
* Guided visits (english) of the  Great Coal Mine, Porto Flavia, Santadi archaeological site of Pani Loriga, Zuddas Caves, Sant'Antioco archaeological site;
* Entrance fees at the Zuddas Caves;

entrance fees to be paid on spot - estimated € 58 subjetc to confirmation
 
Accommodation in rooms with 3rd and 4th bed available!
Rates for single supplement, children reduction will be quoted on request!
This private tour allows changes of time schedules, duration of stay, number of participants and visits according to your wishes!