EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

A visit to the ancient city of Nora is a must for those who want to learn about the island’s centuries of occupation, admire Roman and Phoenician remains and the sparkling blue Mediterranean under the watchful eye of the 400 year old Spanish watchtower. Enjoy an orientation drive through Cagliari with a photo stop at Monte Urpino’s panoramic lookout point. Drive along the coast passing St. Gilla's lagoon, where if you’re lucky, you’ll see the pink flamingos and the salt flats. This pleasant drive follows the route taken by thousands of pilgrims every year as they follow Santo Efiso’s Cart.

Nora was founded by the Phoenicians. It had two harbors, one sheltered from the west winds and the other from the Mistral. The site has Carthaginian and Roman remains. After a period of Roman prosperity, there was a decline and in the 3rd Century AD the city was engulfed by the sea in a natural disaster. Admire the beautiful mosaics of the thermal baths, an amphitheater and small Roman Theater, as well as small houses and villas. Recently the forum, or agora, has been found, but a substantial part of the former town remains under the sea. It isn't hard to imagine ancient people living their lives so close to the blue waters of the Mediterranean. You’ll also see the outside of the little church where, every year, during the first days in May, important religious celebrations take place to commemorate St. Efisio. The church was built on the same site where the saint was martyred.

See the highlights of Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia from the comfort of your motorcoach. The city dates back to prehistoric times and has been dominated by various peoples through the ages. Drive through the modern part of Cagliari, the marina district with its liberty style villas. Stop in front of the Basilica of Bonaria for an outside view and explanation of the history of the church.

Reach the panoramic view point of Monte Urpino, to admire the views of the ancient part of Cagliari and the coastline. Drive along Poetto Beach to reach the beach of Mare Pintau, where you’ll have a brief stop for photos. Near the Monlentargius Saltponds, you might have an opportunity to spot flamingoes. Enjoy a typical and tasty Sardinian snack accompanied by wine at a local restaurant, followed by some free time.

Cagliari es la capital de Cerdeña y su puerto principal. La ciudad fue fundada en la época prehistórica y ha sido dominada por distintos pueblos desde entonces. Recorre la parte moderna de Cagliari, el distrito marítimo, con sus residencias estilo Liberty. Detente frente a la basílica de la Virgen de Bonaria para verla desde el exterior y escuchar una explicación de la historia de esta iglesia. Alcanza el mirador de Monte Urpino, desde donde podrás contemplar las vistas de la parte antigua de Cagliari y la costa. Conduce por la Playa del Poetto y sus estanques salados. Camina por el centro histórico y visita la catedral, que se remonta al siglo 17 y es famosa por su ornamentado interior barroco, sus torres y sus magníficos bastiones. También visitarás una parte de la ciudad conocida como "castello", desde donde podrás disfrutar de unas espectaculares vistas de Cagliari desde sus terrazas. Disfruta de algo de tiempo libre para hacer compras o tomarte un espresso bajo los soportales de Via Roma.

Enjoy highlights of the city and a visit to a leading wine producing estate in the land of farmers, olive groves and vineyards; where harvest after harvest, from parents to children, the tradition has been handed down. Stop in front of the Basilica of Bonaria for an explanation of the history of this Church, from the outside. Ascend to Monte Uprino for a great panoramic photo opportunity of the city below. A scenic drive takes you to Serdiana where you’ll visit a local winery and enjoy a wine tasting.

It all started in 1918, when Francesco Argiolas started from scratch and planted the first vineyard with the assistance of some war prisoners; the rest is history, and you’ll hear it all during your tour. Visit the cellars where the juice is fermented and the wine is aged in barrels, in the company of an expert. Three generations of the family work together to produce a high quality product. After visiting the cantina, you’ll taste their wines accompanied by Sardinian snacks to help you discover the flavors and sensations that centuries of know-how can offer. Before returning to your ship, you’ll have some free time in Cagliari.

Sardinia has deeply rooted traditions. Food and wine always come first to mind but their music and dances are also an integral part of their culture. Experience them as you join your fellow cruisers on this memorable outing. Stop in front of the Basilica of Bonaire while your guide explains its history. From the view point at Monte Urpino, you’ll have a great view of the old city, dominated by the Cathedral and the bay with its salt ponds. See the popular Poetto Beach on your way to Maracalagonis, a rich agricultural area at the foot of the Sette Fratelli Mountains.

In these mountains, herds of wild boar and Sardinian deer are still found. Being so close to Cagliari (about 15 miles), allows the people living here to keep their traditions without suffering the inconvenience of excessive isolation. Stop at a typical country house to enjoy a lively folkloric performance with dancers dressed in ancient Sardinian costumes. While you watch, try some of the local delicacies and cookies prepared according to traditional recipes, all accompanied by Sardinian wines. You’ll be welcomed to join the locals on the dance floor and learn a few steps. After learning about Sardinian food, dance and traditions, you’ll return to the ship full of joy.

Discover Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. During the Bronze Age, a special type of defensive structure nuraghi was developed on the island of Sardinia and today you’ll have a chance to explore this amazing site.

Barumini is one of the main strongholds of an entire network of large and small nuraghi all over this area. It gained considerable importance after the discovery, in the late fifties, of the extraordinary fortress of Su Nuraxi, with its adjoining village. The oldest original tower, dating back to approximately the 15th century B.C. is three stories high, with a height of approximately 60 feet/18 meters.

Around the tower are massive fortifications comprising of four towers surrounded by an enormous wall forming a large inner courtyard with a well dug out of rock. You’ll also see an intricate village with dwellings, buildings for religious purposes and meetings. The well-preserved remains of the bakeries with ovens, kneading tubs and mill-wheels are impressive.

Sardinia is known for its natural beauty, and today, you’ll have an opportunity to be in direct touch with nature and explore one of its most beautiful settings. Leave the ship by 4X4 and head to Mount Arcosu, a pristine natural reserve located about 12 miles from Cagliari, with four thousand hectares of wild mountains covered in dense forest typical of the Mediterranean. The forest is well known and is famed for its symbol, the Sardinian deer, protected from extinction and roaming freely and undisturbed here. This reserve belongs to the World Wildlife Fund, which bought it in order to preserve the splendid holm-oak forests present in this territory.

Explore the reserve with its lonely valleys and rocky ridges and take in the spectacular views. You’ll take an approximately one hour leisurely walk through paths enriched by the beautiful and fragrant Mediterranean vegetation. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Sardinian deer and hear its bell. Other species who call this habitat home are fallow deer, boar, hare, wild cat, partridge and golden eagle. After this invigorating walk, you’ll be treated to a hearty typical snack accompanied by Sardinian wine.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Cagliari, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Cagliari, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Giardini Publici gardens
• Piazza Palazzio
• Piazzetta David Herbert Lawrence (Bastion San Remi)
• Marina Piccola
• Piazza Yenne

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Cagliari.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Enjoy the serenity of the Giardini Publici gardens and perhaps see flamingoes nearby.
• Admire the panoramic views from the Piazzetta David Herbert Lawrence.
• Spend free time in Piazza Yenne, a beautiful square and shopping area.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.