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Sail the pristine waters of Sardinia through the Maddalena Archipelago to Corsica

Set sail across some of the clearest, bluest water on earth on this relaxing nautical adventure in Italy. Island-hop from Portisco to Bonifacio, stopping to snorkel among the coves of Caprera, swim in the archipelago, or find a quiet spot on a white sandy beach in Isola Santo Stefano. Climb the King Aragon Steps in Corsica, bush walk through wild national parks, or cruise Maddalena Island on two wheels. The beauty of a sailing adventure is that each day you wake in a new spot, with the freedom to do as much or as little as you please.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Sardinia, Italy
Finish
Sardinia, Italy
Destinations
France, Italy
Style
Original
Theme
Sailing
Code
ZSRS
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 9

Why you'll love this trip

  • Swim in the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and explore the ancient citadel of Bonifacio

  • Hike the wild landscape of Isola Caprera, and cycle around the lively city of La Maddalena

Is this trip right for you?

  • As the majority of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including the use of stairs. With that said, sea legs come naturally to some but not so much for others. Your friendly crew will be able to help with the effects of sea sickness if needed.

  • A zodiac is used to transport passengers from the boat to the mainland, with landings taking place at piers (dry landings) as well as on beaches (wet landings). Zodiacs can sometimes be awkward to climb in and out of, but a sense of humour and can-do attitude is all you need.

  • This is an adventure on board a real yacht, which means living spaces, cabins, bathrooms and showers need to be shared with other passengers. Sleeping quarters can be quite compact, but you will be spending the majority of your time above board in the open air.

  • Time on the water also means time in the sun. Remember to pack sun protection, such as sun screen and a hat, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. See ‘Essential Trip Information’ below for a full packing list.

  • Please note that smooth sailing is dependent on the weather, so itinerary changes may occur at the last minute if the weather becomes unfavourable. If any changes are made, you can trust in your knowledgeable skipper to choose an alternative route or activity.

  • Due to the size of the yachts, sound carries easily from one side to the other and can wake your fellow travellers. If you’re planning to have a late night, it’s a good idea to head into town and experience the local night life.

Map of Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure including France and Italy
50.5 Cyclades deck plan
Portisco in Sardinia, on a Sailing Adventure with Intrepid Travel

Itinerary
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This land resembles no other place. Sardinia is something else. Enchanting spaces and distances to travel-nothing finished, nothing definitive. It is like freedom itself. – DH Lawrence.

Meet the Skipper at 16:00 at the Café Principe Umberto in Olbia which located on the NE Coast of Sardinia. A short drive (approximately 20 min) will bring you to the Yacht which will be located in Portisco. The first port of call is then the local supermarket to buy supplies for your trip as a group. If you have any special dietary requirements, please make sure you notify us at the time of booking so we can accommodate your requests.

We settle on the boat that will be our home for the next 8 days and spend the first night in Portisco on the Costa Smeralda. Fifty years ago the coast north of Olbia was farmland that was until a group of well heeled business purchased the strip of coast and turned it into a millionaires playground, the Costa Smeralda or Emerald Coast. Called so because of the green-blue colour of the water. The rest of the trip we will be among the beautiful marine reserve of Sardinia and Corsica and their small islands.

***The beauty of sailing is that each day is unique and, while we have a destination to reach, if the weather changes or something takes the group’s fancy, we are flexible on the day's itinerary***
Accommodation
  • Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Your skipper will collect the trip kitty of EUR100 at the pre-departure meeting today.

This morning we set sail for Caprera Island where we have time to take a dip and go for our first snorkel of the trip.

This island has been declared a natural reserve for the particular species of seabirds living on it (royal seagull, cormorant and peregrine falcon). The island's name is linked to that of Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian patriot and fighter who lived in the 19th century and was one of the fathers of the Italian independence. He bought the island in 1855 and died there in 1882. His house is now a museum and a memorial chapel and the island itself is a national monument. Caprera is linked to La Maddalena island by a 600 metre long causeway.

The island was probably given its name because of the numerous wild goats living on it (capra means "goat" in Italian).
Accommodation
  • Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

It is time to cross the Bocche di Bonifacio (strait of Bonefacio), famous for a strong wind from north west, the Mistral. Our destination is Bonifacio (18 kms) located on the French governed Island of Corsica. Bonifacio is an ancient fortified city where according to tradition you must buy one of the famous knives.

Bonifacio is a star attraction in Corsica, drawing visitors from all over the island and overseas to marvel at its medieval houses precariously teetering on the edge of the imposing limestone cliffs.Bonifacio's Old Town, with a labyrinth of narrow streets and historic buildings, was built by the Genoese and is a fascinating place to wander around. Founded in 828 AD by Count Bonifacio of Tuscany, it's natural harbour bears a striking resemblence to the home of the Laestrygonians referred to in Homer's Odyssey of the 7th century BC.
Bonifacio also boasts a busy marina filled with impressive yachts and lined with chic bars, restaurants and hotels, enhancing the vibrancy of this fashionable coastal resort.

Add to this the fact that Bonifacio is close to several idyllic, unspoiled Corsican beaches as well as staggeringly beautiful mountains, and you have a near perfect, varied holiday destination.

A good dinner in one of the traditional little restaurants in the old town will be a great way to an unforgettable day.
Accommodation
  • Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Depending on the weather conditions we spend the afternoon and night in Lavezzi.

Lavezzi is located in the middle of the Bonifacio strait and known to be a little paradise where the nature is well intact.

We continue exploring the Maddalena Archipelago with possible stops in the Islands of Spargi, S.Stefano and anchor for the night in Budelli. The water here is crystal clear.

Un-inhabited islands are surrounded with great snorkelling opportunities and walking trails.

Set sail to Maddalena Island. The yacht will be docked in the center of the lively town of Maddalena.

Here we have the option to rent e-and normal bikes to explore the island. The town has lots of small stores, cafes, bars and restaurants.

The Island of Caprera was home of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian freedom fighter, that established his presence on the island and spend his final days here. Caprera and Maddalena are connected by a bridge.

We will then head back towards Olbia in the afternoon of day 7 for our last night. 
Accommodation
  • Overnight boat (4 nights)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Depending on mooring availability at Portisco Marina, the night of day 7 could be spend anchored off shore which means the arrival at the marina may not be until the morning of day 8.

Relax on board this morning before this unforgettable adventure comes to an end at around 11 o’clock.

Sardinia has so much to offer and as we've only touched the coast on this trip we recommend you book a couple of extra days pre or post your sailing adventure to explore inland and further south. Some recommended areas are:
Porto Istana, Porto Brandinchi or Porto San Paolo (Tavolara Island) which you can find about 20kms south of Olbia.
Pittulongu beach area which is about 8 kms north of Olbia
The rural village of San Pantaleo is about 5kms inland from Portisco
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Boat

Accommodation

Overnight boat (7 nights)

Dates & availability

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Important notes

HOT WEATHER:
Summer temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
MINIMUM AGE:
The minimum age on this trip is 15. Please note that triple cabins are not available. If travelling with a child, the child will need to share with one of the adults, and the other adult will share with another adult passenger, or pay a single supplement.
PASSPORT DETAILS:
Please provide full passport details at time of booking including exact name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, issue and expiry dates as these are essential for booking services on this trip.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:
Dietary requirements are required at the time of booking so that any included meals can be properly catered for.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:
Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. If you have pre-booked any additional accommodation through us, you will need to make your own way to the joining point on day 1 and from the finish point on the final day. We do not provide transfers between hotels and the port/marina. Please check the joining and finish point information in the trip notes for details.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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