Kayaking holiday in Sardinia, Italy
| country: | Italy |
| location: | Sardinia |
| departures: | 2010: 22 May, 18 Sep |
| price: | From £1150 (8 days) excluding flights. |
| more info: | Price includes accommodation, meals, equipment. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Kayaking holiday in Sardinia, Italy
The limestone coastline on the east coast of Sardinia, extending for 50 kms, has it all for a true Mediterranean sea kayaking adventure: rugged towering cliffs, small hidden sandy coves, big sea caves, wild birds within an expanse of transparent emerald blue sea.
During this week of sea kayaking, guided by our professional paddlers, you will head out into the wilderness with single kayaks to explore the many caves and little sandy coves that line this stretch of coast. Amongst the kayaking highlights, are the coves of Marioulu, the rocky pinnacle of Goloritze' and the beach of Cala Luna.
After paddling for 4-5 hours a day, there is plenty of time to relax on the beaches, enjoy some snorkelling, try out some rock climbing, explore the inner canyons, or simply sit back and relax with a cool drink watching the sun set over the Mediterranean. There is nothing better than ending a day with a succulent meal prepared by our guides, savouring the delights of Sardinian fresh produce, whilst enjoying reminiscing on the day's events.
During this week of sea kayaking, guided by our professional paddlers, you will head out into the wilderness with single kayaks to explore the many caves and little sandy coves that line this stretch of coast. Amongst the kayaking highlights, are the coves of Marioulu, the rocky pinnacle of Goloritze' and the beach of Cala Luna.
After paddling for 4-5 hours a day, there is plenty of time to relax on the beaches, enjoy some snorkelling, try out some rock climbing, explore the inner canyons, or simply sit back and relax with a cool drink watching the sun set over the Mediterranean. There is nothing better than ending a day with a succulent meal prepared by our guides, savouring the delights of Sardinian fresh produce, whilst enjoying reminiscing on the day's events.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Travel to St Paolo, Sardinia - Arrive at Olbia airport on the east coast of Sardinia where you will be met and transferred to St Paolo, on the coast overlooking Tavolara Island. After settling in to our accommodation this evening in a family run hotel, we enjoy dinner and the chance to meet our guides. After dinner we have a trip briefing and discuss the week ahead. (D). |
| Day 2: | Trip Preparation and Exploration of Tavolara Island - In the morning we’ll refresh some essential paddling techniques and safety before heading onto the water. Mid morning we embark on our first paddle, exploring the little inlets of pink granite rock, paddling round the small islands of Piana and Rosso, before crossing past the southern tip of the beautiful limestone island of Tavolara, a natural sea marine reserve. 3-4 hour paddle. Overnight stay in family run hotel. (B,L,D). |
| Day 3: | Paddle south down the Orosei Coast to Cala Gonone - After a short transfer, we pack our equipment into our kayaks and venture out on our second day of paddling. Depending on river and sea conditions, we aim to drop our kayaks into the Cedrino river, a natural habitat for a variety of sea birds, and head out of the estuary, heading south along the coast. The rocky coastline alternates between basalt rock, idyllic sandy coves and limestone cliffs and caves. We arrive in Cala Gonone in the late afternoon and check in to our hotel. 5-6 hour paddle. (B,L). |
| Day 4: | Explore the inlets and caves on the way to Cala Sisine - Our expedition begins this morning as we leave civilization behind and follow the wildest coastline in Sardinia. Still heading south, we paddle below stunning limestone cliffs, with many little inlets and caves for us to explore. On our way to the stunning Cala Luna, we stop to visit the carsick Bue Marino Caves. Our first night’s wild camping this evening will be in Cala Sisine. We set up our camp and enjoy our first night under the stars. Wilderness camping. 5-6 hour paddle. (B,L,D). |
| Day 5: | Enjoy Cala Goloritze with its wonderful beach and rock climbing - Today we enjoy more paddling beneath the towering cliffs and pinnacles, stopping off on the remote Cala Goloritze beach. Here we can admire the magnificent 100m limestone natural climbing pinnacle and archway. After another short paddle we reach our next camp on Portu Quao beach. Wilderness camping. 5-6 hour paddle. (B,L,D). |
| Day 6: | Final sea kayaking day to St Maria Navarrese - Our final day of sea-kayaking completes the expedition. Highlights today include the Colombi cave and the landmark towering rock of Perda Longa. Reaching the small hamlet of St Maria Navarrese we take a transfer and check in to our Agriturismo, which is set in an idyllic location, overlooking the whole bay of Orosei. This evening we enjoy the pleasures of a four course dinner - luxury! 6 hour paddle. (B,L,D). |
| Day 7: | A day of relaxation - A day to rest your arms and do nothing other than enjoy the wonderful scenery, relax on the beach, snorkel, rock climb, stretch your legs on a walk or enjoy a swim in the sea. Agriturismo stay. (B,L,D). |
| Day 8: | Return journey home - Breakfast and transfer back to Olbia in time for your flight home. (B). |
how this holiday makes a difference
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Global adventures start with a local perspective – that's our philosophy. Whether abroad, or just as importantly at home, the start point is the same; how to create a sense of well-being and enjoyment in the holiday, while benefiting the local people, economy and respecting the environment.
Kayaking is a great way to explore a country, travelling at a speed that enables you to be immersed in nature, meeting local people without damaging the environment and the culture. As guides, we set an example, trying our best to leave the smallest footprint as possible. Environmentally: • We limit printing on paper and recycle as much as possible. • We don’t buy over-packed products. • We buy fresh local products, aware of travel miles. • Our picnic sets are re-usable. • We try to reduce water, energy and fuel consumption • We use bio-degradable products as much as possible. • Use our bikes for shorter distance travel. From an economical perspective our policies are: • Work with local people with fair wages. • Buy local in small family run shops. • We select family run accommodation, farm stays “agriturismi” and small “pensioni” with their own responsible policies. • Never negotiate local prices. Also, our group sizes never exceed 12 people, in order to give our travellers the possibility to experience Sardinia in a relaxing way. Our friendly and easy going approach ensures a good personal relationship with every member of the group, combined with being able to participate and connect with the local culture, provides a richer holiday experience. Travellers on our Sardinia holidays are provided with our Travellers Codes that encourage the reduction of water usage, systems for collecting, recycling or safe disposal of litter and relevant suggestions to minimise damage to the environment, wildlife and marine ecosystems.  Nominated by their customers and voted as one of the Top Five Best Small Tour Operators in the Guardian/Observer Travel Awards 2009.  Voted in February 2010, by The Guardian newspapers list of experts as one of the top 75 outstanding green travel companies in the Guardian Green Travel List 2010.
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Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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