Silversea Luxury Cruises A CAGLIARI (Sardinia)

Cagliari has its origins in Sardinian prehistory which includes the birth of civilizations capable of creating organized and free societies, characterized by intense trades and cultural exchanges among the Mediterranean people. Explore the ancient beauty and history of Cagliari during this scenic, half-day excursion through the city on the way to the archaeological site of Nora.

Cagliari, Bonaria Basilica and Monte Urpino

Depart the pier for the scenic drive through Cagliari on your way to the Bonaria Basilica, stop here to learn about this historic church with an exterior visit. Afterward, re-board your coach and drive to Monte Urpino. Upon arrival, take in picturesque vistas that include the Gulf of the Angels, or 'Golfo degli Angeli', and the Santa Gilla and Molentargius lagoons, home to flamingos, cormorants, ducks and herons.

Nora

Continue to the ancient Roman and pre-Roman town of Nora situated on a peninsula near Pula and Cagliari in Sardinia. Nora was an important trading town in its time, with two protected harbours, one on each side of the peninsula. According to legend, Nora was founded by a group of Iberians from Tartessus led by Norax, a mythological hero (the son of Eriteide and the god Hermes). It is believed to be the first town founded in Sardinia and to have been settled by the ancient Sherden or the Nuraghi people, and later colonized by Phoenicians.

The Nora Stone, a Phoenician inscription found at Nora in 1773, has been dated by paleographic methods to between the late 9th century and early 8th century BC, and has been interpreted as referring to a Phoenician military victory and conquest of the area. After a period of domination by Carthage the town came under Roman control after the conquest of Sardinia in 238 BC. It went into decline from the 4th century AD and appears to have been abandoned during the 8th century.

Several different building styles can be seen in the excavated buildings. Visit a promontory in the foreground of a 16th-century tower. From here, view the remains of Carthaginians warehouses, Roman buildings from the time of the Republic, a Carthaginian-Roman temple, large baths with splendid mosaics, a nearly-intact theatre dating from the time of the Empire, and a unique the water supply and drainage system.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometre) on uneven surfaces. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear walking shoes, lightweight, comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. Minimum age to participate is 6 years old.

Cagliari, the capital of the province and the region, is located at the heart of the beautiful Bay of the Angels <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golfo_degli_Angeli> (Golfo degli Angeli); like Rome, it was built on seven hills, which identify the historic neighbourhoods of the city. The province of Cagliari, despite the loss of many municipalities following the introduction of new Sardinian provinces, occurred in 2005, remains the most populous of Sardinia. Spend a half-day discovering the exquisite beauty and historic sights of Cagliari during a walking tour through the Old Town.

Cagliari, Bonaria Basilica and Monte Urpino

Depart the pier for the scenic drive through Cagliari, and an exterior stop at the Bonaria Basilica to learn about this historic church. From here, your panoramic drive continues along Poetto Beach en route to Monte Urpino. Upon arrival, take in picturesque views over ponds, salt-pans, the Gulf of the Angels, the port and historic centre. This area represents a real oasis to immerse in nature that is still not too far from the city.

Old Town Walking Tour

After a photo stop at Monte Urpino, re-board your coach for the drive to the Old Town of Cagliari. Upon arrival at the parking area, leave your coach and commence your guided walking tour. Pass the castle ramparts, the 13th-century Elephant Tower and the San Pancrazio Tower. Your walking tour continues on to the early 14th-century Santa Cecilia Cathedral and its 7th-century bell tower.

Cathedral and Archaeological Museum

During your guided visit of the Cathedral, see its three naves with side chapels and fine Baroque furnishings, a 17th-century marble balustrade and a sanctuary with three chapels. Your tour concludes with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive display of Punic, Greek and Roman artefacts, as well as a large collection of Sardinian antiquities.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the brief drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometres) on cobblestone and paved surfaces with some steps. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear flat walking shoes, lightweight, comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Conservative attire is required for the church visit; shorts, bare shoulders and tank-tops are not permitted inside. The tour sequence may vary. A minimum age of 6 years old is required to participate.

Enjoy the highlights of Cagliari, capital city of the island of Sardinia that overflows with beautiful architecture, stunning views and delicious cuisine.

Church of Bonaria

Departing the pier aboard your coach, enjoy the scenic drive that provides an overview of lovely Cagliari. Pause in front of the Church of Bonaria, also called Our Lady of Fair Winds in reference to the Virgin Mary, a patron saint of sailing. Learn a bit of the history of this sacred place; while the basilica's construction began in 1704, it was dedicated as a shrine over four centuries earlier and reinforced as an important place by a statue of the Virgin Mary that washed up to shore in 1370.

Panoramic Views at Monte Urpino

Drive another 30 minutes through more stunning scenery to arrive at Monte Urpino, which offers panoramic views of the city. Look down upon the urban landscape of Cagliari as well as the picturesque long beach of Poetto. Enjoy the view of the Molentargius wetlands, home to thousands of aquatic birds.

Learn About Cheese-Making at La Locanda di Baccalamanza

Travel another 40 minutes to La Locanda di Baccalamanza, an elegant restaurant where you have the opportunity to learn how pecorino cheese is prepared. Enjoy a tasting of other Sardinian specialties together with wine and water before making the return 30-minute drive to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking (approximately 220 yards) and a few stairs. Due to the stairs and bus boarding, this tour is not suitable for guests who are confined to a wheelchair. Children are welcome on all parts of the tour except for the wine tasting. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience the pristine natural beauty of Monte Arcosu in a unique and exciting way during this excursion via Jeep and on-foot. Become one with nature when you discover pink flamingos, deer, boar and other animals travelling from Cagliari to the W.W.F. nature reserve.

Cagliari

Depart the pier via 4x4 vehicles for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Monte Arcosu. Pass through the centre of Cagliari and drive by the Santa Gilla ponds, home to pink flamingo and one of the protected wetland areas that surround Cagliari. Enjoy a photo stop to admire the flamingos and many other species of birds.

Monte Arcosu

A natural reserve in the extreme northwest corner of Uta, Monte Arcosu belongs to the World Wildlife Fund (W.W.F.), who purchased it to preserve the splendid Holm-oak forests in this territory.

Upon arrival, begin your guided walking tour along paths lined with beautiful and fragrant Mediterranean maquis. The reserve's valleys and rocky ridges are home to the Sardinian deer, a species protected from extinction. Other animal and bird species found here include the fallow deer, boar, hare, wildcat, partridge, and golden eagle.

After your nature trek, a snack is served before commencing the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of off-road travel over bumpy and uneven surfaces. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart or respiratory conditions, guests with high blood pressure, guests suffering from vertigo, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket or sweater, as the temperature at Monte Arcosu is much lower than at the coast. Operation of this tour is subject to weather and road conditions. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Soak up nature's beauty at one of the most exquisite beaches in all of Sardinia. Nestled in a southwestern cove amid lush rolling hills between Capo Malfatano and Capo Spartivento, near Chia, Tuerredda Beach astonishes its visitors with brilliant white sand and shallow turquoise waters.

Drive one scenic hour to Tuerredda Beach and discover an excellent place to explore. Discover the diverse life underwater with snorkel gear, or just swim, sunbathe, or relax in the sand, dipping your toes in the clear water.

After a relaxing approximately three-hour visit make your return journey to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking from the parking area to the beach club (approximately 500 yards). This tour is not suitable for guests confined to a wheelchair due to the few steps for boarding the bus, and the beach is not accessible to wheelchairs. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable attire, swimsuits, and beach shoes. Guests should expect significant sun exposure and are recommended to bring towels, hats, sunglasses, sun protection, and water shoes.

Sail for about four hours on a tour created especially for the lovers of the sea. Departing from the city marina, this sailing voyage gives you a chance to see the splendor of the busy Cagliari waterfront before heading out for a relaxing sail upon crystal clear waters.

See the storied Devil's Saddle promontory, comprised of sedimentary rocks from the Miocene Epoch. Evidence of humans who lived in caves surrounding this area date to the sixth millennium BCE. As legend would have it, the Gulf of Cagliari was so enticing, that devils determined to seize the area. Allegedly, God sent his favored angles, including Archangel Michael, to banish Lucifer and his followers. There are several iterations of the story and why the promontory is so named, but it does undeniably resemble a saddle and it would certainly cause a devil of a pain if one fell from its heights!

From the distance of the sailing deck, guests can safely enjoy that which tempted the devils and was protected and won by angels. Reflect upon the angelic whiteness of the white limestone cliffs and dive into the dreamlike crystal-clear waters while you swim and snorkel and relax in a seascape that is nothing short of paradise.

Make the one-hour sail back to port and arrive at the pier relaxed and rejuvenated by the waters of the Gulf of Cagliari.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of activity. Guests must be able to balance and step aboard a sailing vessel that moves with varying degree, according to the weather. There is one step to board the vessel and a few more to go below for the marine toilet. This tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility concerns, back pain, or advanced stages of pregnancy. The vessel is not adapted to accommodate wheelchairs. Guests who experience sea sickness and those with a fear of water should not participate in this tour. Minimum age to participate is 6 years old and parents are reminded to pay close attention to their children's safety while aboard. Guests with a fear of water should not participate on this tour. Guests are recommended to comfortable clothes and shoes with grip soles. It is suggested to bring a swimsuit, towel, and a hat. Guests should expect significant sun exposure. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. The tour is subject to weather conditions.

The charms, ancient traditions and cuisine of the island of Sardinia await you on this delightful five-hour excursion that includes a market tour, a visit to the Convent of San Giuseppe, and the chance to prepare and dine on a classic Sardinian meal.

Market Tour by Professional Chef

Departing the pier, drive 15 minutes to the local market, with free time to browse the gourmet items and colorful vegetables for sale, gathering items to cook at your next destination. Enjoy the information your guide and professional chef provides you as you witness authentic Sardinian life and explore locally made goods.

Convent of San Giuseppe Tour and Cooking Lesson

Drive to the Convent of San Gieuseppe, a grand old Convent that is now one of the most renowned restaurants in Cagliari. Tour this historic site, established as Santa Maria delle Vigne a thousand years ago, when it was a small Medieval country church during the time of the Guidicati feudal kingdoms.

As your tour of the Convent concludes, your host guides you through the convent's the fields to harvest the vegetables to prepare you for your cooking lesson. Learn the secrets of Sardinian cooking straight from the Chef of the Convent. Enjoy the lunch that you prepared, enhanced by the beauty of the ancient structure around you.

After your delicious lunch, make the 30-minute return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking (500 m), over some unpaved terrain. The tour is not suitable for guests with mobility concerns that are unable to board and disembark the coach on their own, walk in the market and on the uneven terrain of the Convent fields or for guests who utilize a wheelchairs. Minimum recommended age to participate is 12 years old and children must be accompanied by a guardian. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The charms and ancient traditions of the island of Sardinia await you on this lovely and relaxing half-day excursion. Drive 30 minutes on a comfortable coach, traveling to the north of Cagliari to arrive at Dolianova, a town with roots extending to 1089, when the Catholic bishop Virgilio approved the creation of two monasteries.

Olive Mill and Museum

Walk through the small, picturesque town of Dolianova through its market and piazza, a local centre for olive oil and wine production. Make a visit to an olive mill to see the process of oil production for which Dilianova is named. Explore the exhibits at the Olive Museum, dedicated to the regional olive oil tradition that demonstrates the full cycle of olive oil production; learn about the entire process, from cultivation, milling, pressing and extraction, all the way to the traditional storage of the precious oil.

Dolianova Cathedral

Explore the nearby Dolianova Cathedral, built in the 12^th to 13^th century and dedicated to Saint Pantaleo, the all-compassionate and one of the 14 venerated Holy Helpers and one of the Holy Unmercenary Healers. This impressive Romanesque cathedral is connected to a site of worship dating back to the 6^th century.

Tasting of Local Specialties in Argiolas

Travel just 15 minutes for your last stop at Argiolas, the most prominent wine estate on the island of Sardinia. Tour this most popular winery's cellars and settle in for a tasting of local meats, cheeses, olives and of course wine, all accompanied by "pane carasau," a crispy, twice-baked Sardinian flatbread distinctive to the island.

After your delightful tasting make the 30-minute drive back to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking (approximately 0.6 miles). Guests should evaluate their personal level of ability to maneuver over cobbled surfaces. The tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility concerns and is not suitable for individuals confined to wheelchairs. Minimum age to participate is 2 years old and children must be accompanied by a guardian. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Guests should expect significant sun exposure. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore Cagliari at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Desk on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Cagliari at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Desk on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Cagliari at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Desk on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Cagliari at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Desk on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Discover the hidden secrets of culinary Sardinia on this memorable five-hour excursion to a winery. Tour a beautiful vienyard, witness fresh pasta being made and learn how to make it yourself, and of course, enjoy a delicious tasting of the island's wines, appreciated by wine enthusiasts around the world.

Sardinian wines are rich and complex, reflecting the island's rugged landscape and ancient, prehistoric settlements that date well before 1500 BC. The island's most famous native grape varieties are the rich yet refreshing Vermentino (white wine) and the classic red, Cannonau.

Departing the pier, drive 30 minutes to a local vineyard for a chance to discover this winery run by a local family and located in a stunning and unique, undulating landscape of Sardinia's gentle hills. After a tour of the winery grounds, watch a pasta-making demonstration and taste the iconic Cannonau and Vermentino wines. Your wine tasting is accompanied by Sardinian products such as pecorino cheese, cold cuts and famous "carasau bread."

After this memorable visit that is a gourmand's dream, make the return trip to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking (800 m), over some unpaved terrain and 10 stairs to enter and exit the wine cellar. The tour is not suitable for guest with mobility concerns that are unable to board and disembark the coach on their own, walk in the wineyard or for guests who utilize a wheelchairs. Minimum recommended age to participate is 18 years old. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.