Sardinia & The Little Green Train

Fly from London to Cagliari, the capital Sardinia. A verdant gem in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, the Italian island of Sardinia is famous for its untouched beauty and cultural treasures. Seductive white beaches, turquoise waters, a laid-back way of life, enthralling ancient ruins and fascinatingly, the last remaining wild horses in Europe, make this a truly delightful destination. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for the next 7 nights, the 3-Star Hotel Villa Asfodeli in the quaint village of Tresnuraghes. Nestled in the historic centre of the town and bursting with character, this family-run property offers the warm welcome and old-world charm you would expect from a traditional Sardinian hotel, with the oldest building on the property dating back to the 18th century.

• Dinner

After breakfast, walk to the station for a journey on the charming Trenino Verde, or Little Green Train. Named due to the verdant vegetation it runs through, a journey aboard this diminutive train allows you to discover the scenery of Sardinia in the best possible way - as you travel through the heart of its landscapes on a privately chartered, narrow-gauge train. Relax and soak up wonderful views of wild fauna, lush valleys, and undulating hills as you journey through some of Sardinia's wildest countryside on the way to Macomer. Macomer is steeped in history, and is known for the impressive archaeological areas which surround it; this region boasts more nuraghi - ancient megalithic buildings that are now synonymous with Sardinia - than any other part of the island. You have time at leisure to grab lunch and uncover the rich cultural heritage of the town. Perhaps visit Le Arti Antiche, a small but fascinating museum dedicated to local arts and crafts and housed in a beautiful 19th-century building. This afternoon, join the Little Green Train for your journey back to Tresnuraghes.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Travel by coach to coastal Alghero, a city on the western coast of the island with strong ties to the Spanish region of Catalonia. With its city walls, cobbled streets, and historic Old Town, Alghero is one of Sardinia's most attractive medieval cities. You have free time here to explore. Besides the historic architecture, the city offers a collection of enticing restaurants and cafés, the perfect opportunity to indulge in traditional cuisine. Sardinian food is distinctly Mediterranean, with a focus on fresh seafood. Alghero in particular is known for mouthwatering lobster, traditionally served 'Catalan style' with tomato, onion and a lemon and oil dressing - best enjoyed with a glass of white wine in the sun.

Day 4 is spent at leisure to explore the traditional bars and friendly cafés of Tresnuraghes, venture further afield and discover more of Sardinia, or simply relax at the hotel. Perhaps lounge by the outdoor pool or in the pretty gardens, where you can relax under the shade of a lemon tree, drinking up views of the lush valley and the sparkling ocean on the horizon.

• Day 3 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 4 - Breakfast

Transfer to Nulvi station this morning for another private journey on the Little Green Train to Costa Smeralda, a small stretch of coastline famous for its natural beauty. The journey takes you through thick vegetation, around wide, sweeping turns, and past the petrified forest of Carucana. You arrive in Palau, a thriving port town perched on the northern tip of the island. Palau boasts splendid views; its harbour is dotted with pretty, colourful boats, and, in the distance, La Maddelena archipelago is fringed by the azure waters of the Mediterranean. After some free time, continue to Porto Cervo, a chic Italian town known for being one of the most expensive resorts in the world. The glittering town takes influences from a handful of styles scattered around the Mediterranean Sea - from North African and Greek touches, to hints of Spanish style, resulting in a beautiful centre that is fascinating to discover. Explore the pretty streets, lined with designer boutiques and glamorous bars, or head to the beach to soak up the sun, before returning to the hotel by coach.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy another full day at leisure in Tresnuraghes. You could choose to pamper yourself at the hotel, which boasts a wellness area, Turkish bath, and whirlpool, or perhaps partake in one of the exciting activities on offer, including trekking and wine tasting (payable locally).

On Day 7 we head to Bosa, with its shimmering river and maze of narrow cobbled streets, lined with rainbow-hued houses and a scattering of palm trees, Bosa is quintessential small-town Sardinia. Your time here is free to explore. The area surrounding the marina is particularly splendid, with a golden sandy beach lapped by enticing clear waters and dominated by an old Spanish watchtower. Why not relax on the beach and soak up the Sardinian atmosphere, or sit down to a delicious lunch at one of the nearby eateries?

• Day 6 - Breakfast
• Day 7 - Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Cagliari for the flight to London, where your tour concludes.

• Breakfast