Sardinia. Italy’s Mediterranean Gem.

Wind down and savor a slower pace. Take a week to soak in the culture, flavors, and decompress. Relaxing swims in the azure water, treat yourself to time at the spa, walks on vibrant sandy beaches, or hike to gain overlooking panoramic views. Stroll the ancient cobblestone streets of a quaint Catalonian town, descend the Steps of Neptune at the edge of the sea.

If you have never heard about Sardinia, it is a gem in the heart of the Mediterranean. Situated west of the boot and below Corsica, its history of a Paleolithic civilization and history that dates back to the middle of the Bronze Age (18th-15th centuries BCE).  Still standing today, pre-historic megalithic temples, chambers, and dwelling structures of basalt stone are found throughout the island created by a mysterious primitive culture: the Nuraghe are said to be the first inhabitants to settle in Europe. Not only is it rich in archaeology but it is an island abundant in folk traditions, music, festivals, and delicious cuisine. The stunning coastlines contrast with the islands interior of rugged terrain vibrant with myrtle berry vegetation, sheepherders, skilled artisans, fabric makers, basketweaving, filigree jewelry, cork products, ironworking, and ceramics.

How about the gastronomy? Sardinia is a pescatarian’s dream, get to taste the local seafood that is only fished out of Mediterranean waters. Learn how to make traditional dishes like semolina gnochetti pasta and saedas with honey in the cooking class, discover how the local cheese artisan makes fresh ricotta and pecorino. Sip chilled Vernaccia at the winery and try the specialty myrtle liquor.

Join us ?

Highlights

Private transportation
5-star and 4 star hotels on the sea
Cooking lesson, learn to make local dishes
Wine tasting
2 meals a day
Private art history walking tour
Winery visit, tour, and tasting
Visit archaeological Nuraghe ruins
Artisan cheese making
Light hike to panoramic point
Boat ride excursions to private beaches
Michelin star dining

Free days and evenings

ITINERARY

THIS ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE as we get closer to the trip.  Day trips and other experiences may be changed (for the better!) 

DAY 1
Friday

Arrive in Alghero, the west coast of the island. Welcome and check in to the hotel overlooking the sea, which will be home for the first 4 nights stay. Relax poolside and imbibe views of the sea. Then an afternoon aperitivo with the locals - some of Astrid’s best friends in the world, followed by dinner together at our chef friends’ trattoria. Enjoy a sunset walk along the bastioni, fortressed walls constructed in the 13th century.

DAY 2
Saturday
After breakfast meet the local historical guide for a walk to learn about the ancient history of the town dating back to the early 12th century. After, a cooking lesson and lunch, learn to make local specialties. Walk to the top of the 16th century bell tower - Il Campanile della Cattedrale.

DAY 3
Sunday
After breakfast depart for Capo Caccia, the panoramic point. Stop by to visit the essentially prehistoric constructions, Nuraghe, on the way. Arrive at the top of the point and descend the 654 stairs built into the cliff towards the Grotta di Nettuno, named after the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. Ascend the stairs and stop for a mirto, (made of local myrtle berries) with a view over the sea. Afternoon wine tasting at our favorite local winery with Vermentino and Cannonau flight varietals. Dinner on your own.

DAY 4
Monday Depart for a beach day to the furthest northwestern point of the island, swim to the island with 16th century stone tower or walk the sandy beach. Relax. At dinner try the local bread, “sheet music”, pane carasau by artisans, made with ancient grains.  

DAY 5
Tuesday
Depart Alghero for the east coast with a stop at a local cheesemaker to learn how to make fresh ricotta. Pause for lunch looking over the sea. Arrive at the hotel for a 4 night stay in this beautiful resort. Afternoon swim is an option. Dinner on your own at the resort.

DAY 6
Wednesday
A short hike with take you to a panoramic point  to visit a geological landscape feature with fantastic photo opportunities. A Michelin star lunch followed by afternoon beach  time, spa options, fishing excursions optional. If you have room for dinner after lunch, it’s on your own at your choice of restaurants at the resort.

DAY 7
Thursday
A complete free day to do what you wish. After the included breakfast, perhaps a day trip to Corsica, or just relax at the resort. Fishing? Or a massage, spa, or simply read a book by the ocean. We can give you ideas and set you up.

DAY 8
Friday

Depart for a boat excursion to islands and remote beaches. Picnic on the boat and time to relax. Our finale dinner will be overlooking the sea after sunset, coursed out, with a memory to last a lifetime.  

Pack your bags for a transfer for your departure to the mainland from Olbia airport in the morning.

DAY 9
Saturday
Departure to Olbia-Costa airport. Arrivederci!  

Pricing/Terms

9 days/8 nights

Price until 12/31/23: $7245/pp Double Occupancy / $2000 single supplement (see deposit and payment details below)  After 12/31/23: $7545/pp DO 

~ Room upgrade packages may be available ~

Price subject to increase for new bookings if dollar continues to decrease vs. the Euro.

50% of cost of trip due upon booking. Then, balance of full cost of trip due by 6/15/24. All payments are non-refundable. Payments made by check only. While our trips feature smaller groups for maximum enjoyment and interaction, this trip is subject to a low minimum number of guests. Please do not buy airfare until we inform you that the minimum has been met. 

While our trips feature smaller groups for maximum enjoyment and interaction, this trip is subject to a low minimum number of guests. Please do not buy airfare until we inform you that the minimum has been met.

WHAT IS/ISN’T INCLUDED: This trip includes accommodations generally in beautiful 4-Star hotels at a minimum, hotel taxes, food and/or beverage experiences specified in this itinerary (generally at least 2 meals a day included) and associated meal gratuities, and transportation to our excursions away from the city. 

They do NOT include airfare, transfers to and from the airport or trip insurance (which we strongly recommend — especially because of the possibilities Covid presents us and can be purchased online), mini-bar, incidentals, food not published on itinerary, gratuities (generally for drivers, tour guides) and personal expenses.

Pescatarians can be accommodated. Please ask about other food issues/allergies. This is called Portland Food ADVENTURES for a reason. Our trips are not great for people with restrictive food issues or preferences.

Lastly, our groups are really fun, and we want to make sure we keep them that way. So, if you’re a flexible, open traveler who appreciates the opportunity to sit back and let us do the planning and the legwork while you eat and drink really well, this trip is for you. If you need to be in complete control of your schedule, and need to know what’s happening months in advance on Friday at 3pm during the trip, this may not be the best way for you to travel. Our guests who put this in our hands report the times of their lives!!

We can help you with excursions before, during and after as well.

YOU ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO CALL CHRIS AT 503 314 4221 TO DISCUSS THE TRIP BEFORE OR AFTER MAKING YOUR DEPOSIT.  THERE MAY BE SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE ONLY OVER THE PHONE!!

We can help you with excursions before, during and after as well.

Astrid Ensign:  Our co-host - you must read this.

While the PFA format for our trips usually involves a chef or producer, in Italy our experienced tour planner and on-the-ground guide is Astrid Ensign of Taste of Italy. Astrid grew up in – of all places, rural Montana – in a town that had a one-room school house. Four of the other eight students in her school were her siblings. As a fifth grader, Astrid got her hands on a National Geographic Magazine, fell in love with an article about Italy, and announced to her parents that her dream was to go to Italy. “Sure, Astrid. If you can earn the money, then let’s talk about it…” By the age of 15, she’d saved enough money to gain the attention of her parents as being serious, and the arrangements were made. So, not yet speaking any Italian, this small-town girl was Italy-bound on a plane for the first time in her life, for an almost year-long exchange program in Italy.

That was 25 years ago, and since then, she continued her studies in Italy, living and flourishing in Florence and elsewhere, Astrid was taken with the food and wine of Italy. So she set about getting to know chefs, wine and food producers.

Astrid bases herself in Portland, and has been treating Portlanders to her findings for years, either through her work with travel companies or her own. Now, Portland Food Adventures has teamed up with Astrid’s Taste of Italy brand to curate everything we do in Italy. This will be our second trip with Astrid, and we can’t harp enough about how delightful her guidance and presence is. You are welcome to ask our previous guests. You’ll see her pictured in some of the images below, as Astrid and PFA’s Chris Angelus (who is your co- host) took a few days before their Tuscan trip in 2017 to experience first-hand much of what Astrid had in store for this 2018 Sicilian adventure, as well as some new discoveries. We are pleased to offer your chance to experience the best of Eastern Sicily.

NOTE:  When in the USA, Astrid pronounces her name Aus-tree En-sine.  (You'll hear the "d" in Astrid when in Italy and she's conversing in Italian.)

Listen to Chris and Astrid on the Right at the Fork Podcast, below.

A little story on Channel 8 about our last trip to Tuscany featuring Chris from Portland Food Adventures: