Stunning Sardinia Tuesday 9 May 2023 (5 Days) £399 (8 Days) £519 Just over the water from Palau, the pink-granite island of Maddalena lies at the heart of the archipelago. From the moment you dock, you’ll be taken by the urbane character of the place, its cobbled piazzas and infectious holiday atmosphere. The archipelago of La Maddalena, off the Costa Smeralda, is a quiet place of turquoise lagoons, deserted islands and the most heavenly beaches in Sardinia, with barely a footprint to spoil them In the translucent seas of the La Maddalena archipelago, you're in another world. It doesn't feel like the Mediterranean here. It feels like a more rugged version of the Caribbean. Suspended between Sardinia and Corsica this scatter of seven large islands and 55 tiny isolotti has some of the most spectacular beaches in Italy and some of the cleanest and clearest water. But it is only recently that these islands have begun to discover tourism, and in turn to be discovered by tourists. Napoleon later besieged the port, and met his first defeat here. Nelson visited the waters off Maddalena three times in the build-up to Trafalgar, but never once came ashore, though he did present a silver crucifix to the parish priest. in the archipelago, swimming, sailing and long walks are the default activities. At the end of a long day's communing with nature, you come home to La Maddalena, a surprisingly large, lively, sophisticated town, buzzing with bars and bookshops, cinemas, shops and restaurants. Because all the development has been concentrated in the town, the island itself has some quiet corners which are well worth exploring. Things to see and do La Maddalena is quite a large island with several very appealing sandy beaches. These all lie outside the town, but are easy to reach thanks to a panoramic circular bus service. Organised boat trips depart every day from the waterfront in La Maddalena. Boats leave in the morning, cruise through the islands stopping at two or three beaches for long bathing/exploring breaks, and lunch (usually seafood pasta) is provided on board. This is a great way to see the island group, atmospheric uninhabited islands and some beautiful isolated beaches - although you will be sharing them with your fellow passengers and those of other boats. Palau is definitely one of the most spectacular and noteworthy seaside towns in Gallura and bordering the Emerald Coast. It's also an important landing place for ferries coming from Corsica and the archipelago of La Maddalena. Its modern harbour's development is tied to the entire extending coastline, offering a variety of gulf, dream-like bays, uncontaminated spiagge and small rocky islands that emerge from a crystal-clear sea teaming with life. Includes
Costs: £399pp Single Supplement: £110 for 4 nights, £193 for 7 nights (double room, single occupancy) Deposit: £150 Tour Reference: Extra 3 nights £120pp Bristol Flight Supplement: £50 Gatwick Flight Supplement: £30
Itinerary Day 1- Depart Luton on your flight to Olbia (07h00 - 10h30) Transfer to Palau (approx. 40 mins) then by ferry (approx.15 mins) to La Maddalena Day 2 – Day at Leisure or Optional Excursion Day 3 - Day at Leisure or Optional Excursion Day 4 - Day at Leisure or Optional Excursion Day 5 – Transfer to Olbia via Palau late afternoon/early evening for your return flight to Luton airport Return Flight 11h05 - 12h35 or extend you stay by an extra 2 nights for just £150pp
4* Hotel Excelsior
The Excelsior is located in the centre of La Maddalena Island, a 2-minute walk from the ferries to/from Palau. There is free public parking in front of the hotel. A varied buffet is served in a breakfast room with views of Santo Stefano Island. In summer, guests can enjoy it on the panoramic outdoor terrace. The hotel provides elegant rooms with classic Italian furniture, plasma-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms offer views of the sea, and some are equipped with spa bath and emotional shower. Bicycles to explore the island can be rented at the Excelsior's 24-hour reception. Air Con Lift Bar Safe-box in room Express Check In Express Check Out Panoramic terrace 24/24Hours Reception Excelsior Terrace From 7.30 PM to 01 AM, try one of the cocktails offered by our barman, while the sun sets in front of you, on the panoramic terrace on the first floor, or after a romantic dinner by candlelight, while the light turns off the island Santo Stefano. Extra 3 nights £120pp
Flights
Luton - Olbia - Luton Outward: 07h00 - 10h30 Return: 11h05 - 12h35 (Saturday) Return: 21h30 - 22h55 (Tuesday) Door2Door Transfers £150pp Return (Sheffield and Rotherham areas only) Bristol and Gatwick available for a small supplement All times shown are in the local times applicable to that country Flight supplements: no other flight options All prices and airports are subject to availability – routes can be reintroduced, cancelled or amended by the airline at any time. Luggage Included 1 x Small Cabin Bag (45x36x20cm) See “Extras” for additional luggage with charges Transfer Time: Approx. 60 mins
Luggage
A) Cabin Baggage Only (1 Small Bag 45 x 36 x 20cm) to be placed under the seat in front of you This is included with all bookings. B) Cabin Baggage 2 bags onboard £50 ( 1 Case/Bag Max 56x45x25cm and 1 the included Small Bag 45x36x20cm) C) 15kg Check-In Luggage £70 D) 23kg Check-In Luggage £80
Prices are shown for the return. Option B will be subject to availability at the time we book the flights. Should this option not be available, then we will contact you. Door 2 Door Transfers These are currently only available from Sheffield, Rotherham and Chesterfield areas Luton Airport £150pp Return Hotel Upgrades – see Accommodation Room Upgrades – see Accommodation Luton Airport Supplement: £50 Optional Excursions – Full Day Island Cruise of the Archipeligo (a touch of the Caribbean, crystal clear turquoise seas and white sandy beaches) Day Trip To Corsica and the beautiful town of Bonafacio Day Trip to Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda (the Monaco of Sardinia) Train Journey on Vintage style train into the mountains Further details will be e mailed to you approximately 3 months prior to departure Add-Ons – not available for all tours Special Assistance - If this is required at the airport please notify us when booking
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