The Secrets of Sardinia
October 05-11, 2025
Double Occupancy: $6290 per person
Single Occupancy: $6990 per person
Airfare is not included.
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“It all began on a small island off the coast of Italy”
- Dan Buettner, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People who’ve Lived the Longest
Sardinia is an ancient island full of mystery and magic. It’s so beautiful that it wouldn't feel out of place as the setting for a fairy tale. The turquoise waters, the quaint villages, ancient ruins, and slow-paced lifestyles makes it seem almost fictional--much like the "fountain of youth" that Sardinia seems to possess.
Go Learn has planned an epic seven-day exploration of Sardinia and its culture of health and long life! We’ll spend our time exploring Sardinia’s “Blue Zone,” an area known for having the world’s highest concentration of centenarians and for its inhabitants' overall health and strength! Our expert trip leader (and U instructor), Giuliana Marple, will share her research into the “Blue Zone” and the history and insights of her native Italy and Sardinia’s unique approach to aging. We’ll see the sites, experience the culture, and taste the unique food and wines that Sardinia has to offer. We’ll enjoy boat rides, historic walks, a cooking class, and wine tasting—all in the name of research and longevity.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a small group of like-minded, curious travelers. Trips like this fill quickly, so you’ll want to book your spot now. Write your own Sardinian-set fairy tale. Let Go Learn set the scene while you fill the pages.
We can’t wait to experience Sardinia with you.
Today we arrive in Olbia, Sardinia and will have an afternoon airport pick-up. We have a two-hour transfer west to Alghero which will allow time for rest and acclimation to the Sardinian ways.
After settling into your room, we’ll meet for introductions and kick off with Giuliana Marple before embarking on a walk to a local restaurant for our welcome dinner with traditional Sardinian cuisine.
Hotel: Hotel Carlos V opens a new window
Meal: D
Activity Level: Moderate
We’ll breakfast at the hotel with a morning discussion by Giuliana Marple. And then off to the Nettuno caves! They’re worth seeing at least once in everyone’s lifetime, the marine grotto offers an experience of unique beauty and remarkable charm. Located on the northwestern ridge of the promontory of Capo Caccia between the cliffs overlooking the sea, Neptune’s Cave truly is one of nature’s most breathtaking sites in the Mediterranean.
It’s 654 steps down the famous panoramic staircase known as “Escala del Cabirol“, or “Roe Deer Staircase”.
After our vigorous morning being energized by the fresh air and sea, we’ll have some time to relax and have lunch on our own in Alghero.
In the later afternoon, we’ll embark on a walking tour with a local historian at the picturesque historic center, one of the best preserved in Sardinia. Enclosed by robust, honey-colored walls, it’s a tightly knit enclave of cobbled lanes, Gothic palazzi, and café-lined piazzas. We’ll plan for a walking tour of Alghero to get acclimated to the history and legacy of Sardinia and then we will enjoy dinner at a typical Sardinian agriturismo.
Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure, we’ll see you in the morning!
Hotel: Hotel Carlos V opens a new window
Meals: B, L
Activity Level: Strenuous
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out after breakfast.
Today is our day with Dr. Gianni Pes, researcher of the Sardinia “Blue Zone” in a city that embraces longevity to its core. We’ll hear from Dr. Pes as well as leaders of the city to learn how they encourage, celebrate, and prioritize longevity in their community. The more than 12 centenarians who live in Bolotana will also be part of our inspiring day. We will enjoy a group lunch with Dr. Pes in a local café.
Private transportation to our hotel located in the charming coastal town, Golfo Aranci.
You’ll have time to settle into the stunning hotel by the sea and enjoy an evening on your own at the hotel or walk to a local restaurant.
Hotel: Gabbiano Azzurro opens a new window
Meals: B, D
Activity Level: Moderate
After breakfast, we’ll drive north to Nuraghe La Prisgiona. Our local guide will share insight into the daily life and religious practices of the ancient Nuragic civilization. We’ll walk 1 km to visit Tomba Dei Giganti “Tomb of the Giants” one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Sardinia. The tomb was used for important burials and reflects the Nuragic civilization’s rituals related to life and rebirth.
We’ll walk to a magical picnic spot for our lunch and take part in a wine-tasting with traditional Sardinian wines. Then we’ll have an after-lunch walk (4.3 miles) along a scenic, flat old rail path to Arzachena village for free time to enjoy gelato and shopping.
We’ll get back in the afternoon for some rest before taking a shuttle for dinner in the charming San Pantaleo village.
Hotel: Gabbiano Azzurro opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
We’ll breakfast at the hotel before we head to the water. Today we’ll depart from the port of Palau (approximately 45 minutes away) and enjoy a full day discovering the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago, aboard a comfortable boat. Our experienced skipper will take us to the crystal-clear waters of the Sardinian Sea with stops at Cala Garibaldi, Budelli to visit the Natural Pools just west of the Cavaliere Beach and the final stop at Cala Connari on the island of Spargi. We will enjoy an apéritif featuring local traditional products, followed by a first course meal in Budelli. This is an exceptional day, that’s a promise!
After our fun filled day on the ocean, we’ll return to the port of Palau and head back to our hotel. The rest of the evening will be yours to explore or relax right at the hotel.
Hotel: Gabbiano Azzurro opens a new window
Meals: B, L
Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
We’ll breakfast at the hotel. You’ll have the option to join a private yoga session before breakfast. And then we’re off to Lu Branu (approximately 40 minutes away), a traditional farm for a hands-on cooking class to prepare longevity-promoting dishes. Giuliana will share in a discussion on the importance of cooking, fresh foods, and shared meals to the Blue Zone ways. We’ll have lunch together on the farm.
We’ll connect once again with local centenarians, hearing and learning wisdom that brings home the lessons of our magical week in Sardinia.
Our farewell dinner will feature ancient Gallura dishes in a picturesque setting.
Hotel: Gabbiano Azzurro opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate
We’ll breakfast at the hotel before we depart for the airport. Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Sardinia. Our private driver will transport you to Olbia airport where you’ll catch your flight back to the US or continue on your European travels. Arrivederci!
We’ll see you soon at the reunion.
Meal: B
Giuliana has been an international tour director for many years. She has directed programs for the university of Utah Learning abroad for more than a decade and she leads tours to Italy every Spring and Summer. One of her greatest passions is to teach. For the last 23 years as an educator she has been teaching Italian culture and society in many different kinds of settings. At the university of Utah she teaches Italian, Italian literature and civilization. Giuliana believes that traveling enriches the heart and soul, and opens the mind to new ways of seeing and living life.
Pre-Departure
Like all Go Learn journeys, the adventure begins at home. We’ll meet about a month or so before the trip to discuss travel logistics and packing. This trip may appeal to travelers from all over the US and we’re happy to send the information you’ll need ahead of time if you can’t join us in person.
This trip will also offer a pre-trip lecture by Giuliana to help prepare us for what we’ll see and experience in Sardinia.
Post-Departure
Our journey does not end with the day we leave Sardinia! A trip reunion a month or so after our return is a wonderful capstone to an unforgettable and enriching edu-vacation (as we like to call our journeys)!
About Sardinia
We deliberately picked October as the time of travel as we feel this will show Sardinia at its best (without the crowds of tourists). While we’ll miss the heat and humidity of the summer, the weather will still be warm and pleasant for our adventures. We can expect warm sunny days and cooler evenings with consistently pleasant high temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees and lows between 54 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll want to bring a light jacket in case you're chilled in the evenings.
Activity levels and restrictions
In order to fully explore the sights on our itinerary, we’ll be walking every day. Some walking could be on uneven surfaces and we’ll encounter many stairs and some hills. We may stand on our feet for prolonged periods. We’ll be taking advantage of Sardinia’s beautiful and unique landscape including the exploration of Nettuno Caves. We’ll also spend time on boats in the ocean and you’ll have the opportunity to swim. We consider this trip to be a Level 2 with the day of Nettuno being a strenuous day due to the access and steep winding steps.
Learn more about our .
Be sure to pack comfortable shoes for walking! We’ll rely on private buses for most of our transportation. Our full itinerary will leave you happily exhausted at the end of each day.
Starting in 2025, U.S. travelers will need a UK ETA 'visa' for travel to or through the UK, including transfers and layovers. In the last quarter of 2026, U.S. travelers will need an ETIAS 'visa' for many European countries.
Dates
October 5 -11, 2025
Size
Tour is limited to 20 participants
Cost
Double occupancy: $6,290.00 per person
Single occupancy: $6,990.00
Payment options are available upon request. Contact golearn@utah.edu for information.
See for payment and cancellation details.
Included
Not included