La Serenissima Plus Sardinia

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Venice

   Venice is a legendary city with a charm and atmosphere all its own. The city was constructed on more than 100 islands connected by a series of canals, most of which are lined with gorgeous palaces, beautiful churches, and all sorts of impressive architecture. While the city isn’t huge, it is packed with pedestrian-only streets and quaint, winding alleys that will keep you exploring for days. The city is very popular with tourists year-round, so you certainly won’t be the only travelers walking through the streets with camera in hand. This being Italy, the cuisine in Venice is delicious, and we can especially recommend the Cicchetti of Venice tour. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, and this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic eateries and its most delicious recipes. If it’s your first time in Venice, we can organize a tour to show you all the most important sites. And since no trip to the city of canals is complete without a boat ride, we offer a number of ways for you to get a new point of view of the city and its magnificent architecture. It’s easy to while away your time in Venice, discovering new secrets around every corner.

   Start your Venetian experience off in style by arriving in a private water taxi. We'll arrange a transfer by boat from Venice Marco Polo airport to the closest possible point to your hotel in Venice. Please note that porter assistance from the water taxi to the hotel is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

   

   Welcome to Venice!

   Enjoy Venice from the very start! Depending on your preference, this can be a relaxing or active time. After that, enjoy an aperitif with a view of the Grand Canal at Erbaria (Rialto), where there are many bars with outdoor seating. Finally, dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Rialto area will definitely make your first evening in Venice a perfect one. If you arrive full of energy and ready to explore, head to the Zattere area and enjoy a stroll along the canal up to Punta della Dogana, where you can admire the view of San Marco and the Grand Canal. The walk to Santa Maria della Salute church is pleasant, and you can take the traghetto (a big gondola) to cross the canal.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Venice

   

   First Time in Venice Private Tour

   Discover Venice with this unique walking tour, which unfolds through the elegant Piazza San Marco, surrounded by the governmental buildings of the ancient Republic. You'll see the beautiful Saint Mark church, then stroll through the Castello district including the large campo Santa Maria Formosa. The square of San Giovanni e Paolo will be your next stop. Before reaching Rialto you'll pass by the Marco Polo house. From the top of the famous Rialto bridge you'll encounter all the splendours of the Grand Canal.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Venetian Tapas and Wine Tours

   You're in Italy, so good food isn't too far away if you know where to look. One of our favorite ways to get to know a city is by taking a food tour. We can highly recommend taking part in these small group tours and getting your culinary bearings set with an afternoon sampling cicchetti (Venetian tapas), accompanied by wine at Venice's best Bacari (traditional wine bars).

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Venice

   

   In the Footsteps of the Doges

   The Doge's Palace is a stunning palace built in the Venetian Gothic style and one of the most conspicuous landmarks in Venice. Situated next to the Basilica in Saint Mark Square, the palace opened as a museum in 1923. The Doges were the rulers of Venice, elected for life by the aristocracy of Venice. As you'd expect, the Doge's Palace is sumptuously decorated, and it befits the ruler of one of the world's most important powers of the Medieval and Renaissance eras.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour 15 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Private Gondola Ride

   A gondola ride is the most iconic and romantic way to experience Venice. Glide through enchanting canals, gently rocked by the water. Admire grand palaces, historic bridges, and hidden corners only visible from the water. Let your gondolier take you through breathtaking views and timeless beauty.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 25 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Costa Smeralda by Airplane / Arrival in Costa Smeralda

   Today you're bidding a fond arrivederci to Venice, taking a short flight to Sardinia. We will arrange for a water taxi to pick you up at, or as close as possible to, your accommodation in Venice and take you across the Venetian Lagoon to the landing stage at Venice's Marco Polo airport. We have included one-way flight tickets on a direct flight to Olbia in your package. Please note that porter assistance from the hotel to the water taxi is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

   Costa Smeralda delivers the quintessential Mediterranean feeling: a relaxed seaside vacation between jaw-dropping seaside scenery and the crystalline water. From the elegant boutiques and restaurants of Porto Cervo to the more local and vibrant atmosphere of historic Santa Teresa di Gallura on the northern coast. Although a magnet for Italian and international celebrities who want to see and be seen, as well as world-class sailing competitions, Costa Smeralda can also deliver on authentic island experiences.

   After you land at Olbia Costa Smeralda airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name on. The journey to your accommodation in Porto Cervo should take around one hour.

   An Elegant Night

   With its luxury boutiques and charming lifestyle, Porto Cervo is the ideal place for an evening stroll. From Piazzetta del Principe and Promenade du Port, head to the harbor, where you can see the expensive yachts parked for the night as you sip on a fancy cocktail or savor seafood delicacies at a beachfront restaurant.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Costa Smeralda

   

   Full Day Catamaran Small Group Excursion to La Maddalena Archipelago

   Joining a boat ride on a luxurious catamaran or an elegant and comfortable sailing boat is the most exclusive way to fully enjoy the beauty of Sardinia while being close to nature. You will be enchanted by the crystal clear waters and the white sands of the stunning bays across the Maddalena Archipelago. You can swim and snorkel with the equipment that will be provided onboard.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 7 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Costa Smeralda

   

   A 007 Sunset Drink in San Pantaleo

   The picturesque village of San Pantaleo is nested in a scenic mountainous location. It retains its original look and temperament even after the touristic development of the coast and the fact that it served as the set of James Bond’s movie "The Spy Who Loved Me" with Roger Moore and Barbara Bach. The ideal time to visit is sunset, when the mighty mountains surrounding the village turn pink as you sip your drinks and enjoy local delicacies in the lively Piazza della Chiesa (we recommend Caffe Nina). San Pantaleo is located around a 30-minute drive from Costa Smeralda hotels, so you will need your own transportation, or our local Destination Expert can include the experience in our guided excursions.
   

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Exploring the Spectacular Beaches of Porto Cervo and Cannigione

   The coastline around Porto Cervo and Cannigione is a treasure trove of stunning beaches, easily accessible by car or boat. Grande Pevero, with its soft white sand and turquoise waters framed by Mediterranean vegetation, offers a tranquil escape. Just a promontory away, Piccolo Pevero provides the perfect starting point for a rewarding hike with views of the enchanting Li Nibani islets. Further south, the breathtaking destinations of Romazzino, Principe Beach, Cala di Volpe, and Liscia Ruja await, each boasting its unique beauty. Whether relaxing on the sand or exploring by sea, this stretch of Sardinia promises unforgettable coastal adventures.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   Stella Maris Church - An Architectural Masterpiece by the Sea

   Perched above the Porto Cervo Marina, the Stella Maris Church is a remarkable example of Sardinian modernist architecture, designed by the famous architect Michele Busiri Vici. The church’s smooth whitewashed curves and minimalist design create a striking contrast with the surrounding lush hills and the deep blue Mediterranean Sea below. Visitors will appreciate the exquisite features, such as the bronze door crafted by sculptor Luciano Minguzzi and the valuable El Greco painting in the interior. Accessible by a short walk or car ride from Porto Cervo’s center, the church offers stunning panoramic views of the marina, combining cultural interest with breathtaking scenery for an enriching visit.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Traveling to Alghero by Private Transfer / Arrival in Alghero

   

   Today you will leave Porto Cervo towards Alghero, the gem of the north-western coast. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your preferred departure time and take you to your accommodation in Alghero (or to Alghero airport, according to your flight's departure time). The journey takes around 2 and a half hours. If you'd like, we can arrange a stop on the way for an additional fee. We recommend visiting the seaside town of Castelsardo nested atop a scenic cliff or the beach area of Isola Rossa. Please note this is a non guided transfer.

   A 3000-year-long history spanning from the unique bronze-age Nuragic settlements to Renaissance and Baroque treasures, make Alghero the most interesting cultural site of north Sardinia. The mighty bastions, the labyrinth of narrow streets, and lively piazzas bustling with life echo the many languages of this Mediterranean crossroad of peoples. The colorful and diverse cuisine reflects the multiple influences, in particular the Catalan origins of the city.

   The driver will take you directly to your accommodation in Alghero.

   

   Drinks on the Beach

   As you kick off your Alghero adventure, consider making your way to Spiaggia di San Giovanni for an unforgettable evening. This beach, especially vibrant during the summer months, boasts a lively ambiance with its array of bars along the shore. Settle into your chosen spot just as the sun begins its descent, treating yourself to a delightful happy hour against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Alghero

   

   Alghero Private Walking Tour

   Walking by its streets you will discover the History of Alghero, called “Barceloneta”, the little Barcelona: in fact Alghero is the only Italian city speaking a Catalan dialect, and where you will also eat in a Catalan way. Visit to the ramparts with the Aragonese Towers and the Gothic-Catalan Cathedral  of  Santa Maria  (XVI-XIX century). Alghero is also famous for its “Red Gold”:  the Corallium Rubrum, the most precious Coral of the Mediterranean Sea, that is caught here.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Traditional Small Group Cooking Class

   Join this cooking class in a secluded countryside home near Alghero in northern Sardinia. Your hostess, Irene, warmly welcomes you and makes you feel as if you’re cooking with a friend as she shares her tips. Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch paired with a simple, delicious sauce. Enjoy a small aperitif before your meal, then savor your pasta alongside a glass of locally-produced wine for a truly authentic experience.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Alghero

   

   Group Sailing Experience in Alghero with Lunch

   Set sail from Alghero on the historic "Andrea Jensen," a unique gaff-rigged ketch that offers an exclusive escape into the turquoise waters of the Porto Conte marine reserve. Whether you’re hoisting the sails with the crew, spotting dolphins, or snorkeling in secluded coves, your day includes a fresh buffet lunch paired with local wines as you cruise past the dramatic cliffs of Capo Caccia. It’s an immersive, full-day sailing adventure that trades crowded beaches for spacious decks and breathtaking Mediterranean history.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

10. Day 10 Departure Day

    A driver will pick you up at your accommodation and drop you off at Alghero Airport for your departing flight. The journey should take around half an hour.