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Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure

Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure

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tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure | ZSRS | Map

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8 Days From

~~$2553~~

$2085

Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure

8 Days Starting and ending in Sardinia

Visiting: Olbia, Isola Caprera, Bonifacio (Corsica), Isola Lavezzi & Maddalena Archipelago, Portisco

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

ZSRS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 8

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Sailing

From: $2553 $2085 Operator discount: -$364 Travel Club discount: -$104 -18%

NB: Prices correct on 24-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Set sail across some of the most transparent, bluest water on earth on this relaxing nautical adventure to the coasts of Italy and France. 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 up in a new spot, with the freedom to do as much or as little as you please. At night, watch the sunset from the nearest pristine beach or from the deck of your group’s yacht and fall asleep to the undulating waves beneath you.

Highlights

Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and take the opportunity to go snorkeling among colourful fish and marine wildlife at each destination.
Explore the ancient citadel of fortified Bonifacio in Corsica, as well as the many medieval houses. chic bars, historic buildings and bustling Old Town.
Delight in the wildlife in beautiful Caprera, like the wild goats that roam freely. Look out for the varied birdlife on the island, too – declared a natural reserve for the seabirds that live here.
If you choose, opt to cycle around the lively city of Maddalena, a town in the archipelago of the same name that boasts many cafes, bars, restaurants and shops perfect for exploring on foot or wheel.
Watch the sunset each night from a local, white-sanded beach or rise nice and early each morning to watch the sunrise on the deck of your group’s yacht – this setting couldn’t be more perfect for some rest and relaxation.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Cooperativa Coraggio. Donations help them regenerate 22 hectares of unused public land to create local jobs and produce organic food in Italy.
Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and take the opportunity to go snorkelling among colourful fish and marine wildlife at each destination.
Explore the ancient citadel of fortified Bonifacio in Corsica, as well as the many medieval houses, chic bars, historic buildings and bustling Old Town.
If you choose, cycle around the lively city of Maddalena, a town in the archipelago of the same name that boasts many cafes, bars, restaurants and shops perfect for exploring on foot or wheel.

Itinerary

tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure | ZSRS | Route Map

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Day 1: Olbia

Location: Olbia

Accommodation: Overnight boat

Salve! Welcome to Italy. Your sailing adventure begins in Olbia, on the Northeast coast of Sardinia. Fifty years ago, this coast was farmland until a group of businesses turned it into a millionaire’s playground – it’s now nicknamed the Costa Smeralda or Emerald Coast for the green-blue of the water. Meet your skipper at 4 pm this afternoon at the café Principe Umberto. After, take a private transfer to Portisco, where your yacht will be waiting for you. You'll also head to the local supermarket to buy supplies for your trip as a group. Spend the first night on the Costa Smeralda. For dinner tonight, you can explore the restaurants in Portisco and get to know your group a little better.

Day 2: Isola Caprera

Location: Isola Caprera

Accommodation: Overnight boat

This morning, set sail for Caprera Island. This island has been declared a natural reserve for the species of seabirds that live here – the royal seagull, cormorant and peregrine falcon. The island is linked to Giuseppe Garibaldi, an Italian patriot and fighter who lived in the 19th century and was one of the fathers of Italian independence. He bought the island in 1855 and died here in 1882. His house is now a museum and a memorial chapel and the island itself is a national monument. The island was probably given its name due to all the wild goats living on it (capra means goat in Italian). When you arrive, swim in the beautiful water below and set off on your first snorkel of the trip. Tonight, maybe watch the sunset from a nearby beach or from the deck of the boat after helping out with dinner on board.

Day 3: Bonifacio (Corsica)

Location: Bonifacio (Corsica)

Accommodation: Overnight boat

This morning after breakfast, you’ll cross the Bocche di Bonifacio (strait of Bonefacio), famous for the strong wind that hits from the northwest – the Mistral. Your destination is Bonifacio on the French-governed island of Corsica. An ancient, fortified city, this is 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 that precariously teeter 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. Explore its busy marina filled with impressive yachts and lined with chic bars, restaurants and hotels or head to one of the several Corsican beaches, surrounded by mountains. Tonight, you’ll find a delicious dinner in one of the traditional little restaurants in the Old Town.

Day 4-7: Isola Lavezzi & Maddalena Archipelago

Location: Isola Lavezzi & Maddalena Archipelago

Accommodation: Overnight boat

This morning after breakfast, if the winds permit, head to the King Aragon steps in Corsico and ascend the 189 irregular steps for vast views over the seas, the cliffs, and Sardinia. Over the next few days, you’ll explore Lavezzi and the Maddalena archipelago – a collection of small granite islands and reefs in the Strait of Bonifacio that separates Corsica from Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea. This first stop is known as ‘a little paradise’ where the natural world is still well intact. These uninhabited islands are surrounded by great snorkelling opportunities, natural landscapes, multiple walking trails and crystal-clear waters full of colourful fish. You'll dock in the centre of the lively town of La Maddalena. Here, you’ll have the option to rent e-bikes and normal bikes to explore the island. The town has lots of small stores, cafes, bars and restaurants, perfect for wandering on foot by day or partying by night. For the next three nights, you'll have two dinners on board the yacht and one dinner will be free for you to find somewhere enticing in town. For your last night, head back to Portisco, where you can swim and find the perfect little restaurant for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 8: Portisco

Location: Portisco

Relax on board this morning before your unforgettable adventure comes to an end, at around 9am. Sardinia has so much to offer, see and do, so it’s recommended that you book a couple of extra days pre or post trip, to explore inland and further south. If you’d like to stay longer and explore Porto Istana, Porto Brandinchi or Porto San Paolo, just speak to your booking agent.

What's Included

What's Not Included

Insurance
International Travel

Transport

This is a sailing adventure so our time is spent on board a monohull yacht. You may be asked to assist on-deck, particularly when coming into or leaving port. No experience is necessary, but getting to know some 'sailing language' might help to get you into the spirit of the adventure.
Bow - front of the boat
Stern - rear of the boat
Port - left
Starboard - right
Deck - outside, upper area of the boat
Hull - the main part or body of the boat
Keel - part of the boat under water that keeps the boat stable and stops it capsizing
Mainsail - the large sail attached to the mast and boom
Mast - the big vertical pole that supports the mainsail
Boom - the big horizontal pole attached to the mainsail, coming off the rear of the mast (swing from side to side)
Jib, headsail, genoa, foresail - smaller sail near the front of the boat
Sheet - ropes used to control the sails
Booty - another word for pirate treasure
Lines - other ropes on the boat (ropes are never called ropes on yachts)
Spinnaker - large extra sail
Trim the sails - adjust the position of the sails when the wind changes strength or direction
Tiller or wheel or helm - used to steer the boat
Helmsman - person steering the boat
Running - sailing with the wind
Tack - turning the bow of the boat when sailing through the wind
Jibe - turning the stern of the boat when sailing through the wind
Figure-eight knot - the stopper: often used at the end of lines to stop them getting away.
Bowline (knot) - strong and dependable knot that is commonly used
Clove Hitch (knot) - not as secure it is often used to attach an object to a line

Accommodation

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION:
Please note that the majority of our sailing trips start and/or finish at a marina or port. For most of our destinations, we can provide transfers between the airport/hotel and the port/marina. Please check the joining and finish point information in the trip notes for details.
ELECTRICITY:
While there should be electricity on board throughout your trip the voltage is likely to vary widely, from 12V to 220V, and when in port or moored we are dependent on the supply available. Please be aware that the supply may not be sufficient to power some electronic devices all the time and that you may need a voltage adapter or similar (such as portable inverter used in cars). On some trips it may be possible to charge devices ashore at restaurants or resorts, however this is not guaranteed.
WI-FI:
Please note that our sailing boats do not have Wi-Fi. You will be getting off the boat and visiting towns regularly so you will be able to connect with the outside world then.
This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of between 48ft to 52ft. A typical yacht for 8 travellers is equipped with 4 double share cabins, 2/3 shared bathrooms and 2 showers. Our boats are real yacht’s and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.
Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another passenger of the same gender, which will mean sharing a double cabin with a double mattress. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board. There is no twin share bedding on this yacht.
While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.

Included Activities

Important Information

START TIME:
This trip starts on day one at 4pm in Olbia, Sardinia and finishes on day 8 in the morning in Portisco, Sardinia
ACCOMMODATION ONBOARD THIS SAILING YACHT
This trip is accommodated entirely on board a yacht of between 48ft to 52ft. A typical yacht for 8 travellers is equipped with 4 double share cabins, 2/3 shared bathrooms and 2 showers. Our boats are real yachts and this is a real sailing trip. Yachts are designed to keep sleeping areas to the absolute minimum of space, while maximising common areas as much as possible.
Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another passenger of the same gender, this will mean sharing a double cabin with a double mattress. Everyone including the skipper shares the bathrooms on board.
While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of an authentic sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.
HOT WEATHER:
Summer temperatures can reach up to 40°C, 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.
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 Essential Trip Information for these details.
TRIP KITTY:
On this trip it's compulsory to contribute to a kitty of EUR100 per person. The kitty is an on-ground payment put into a central fund managed by travellers. It helps fund for breakfast and lunch on the boat and other small items such as ice, water, snacks and drinks. Travellers are responsible for the preparation of these meals onboard and to shop at port where supermarkets are often very close to the mooring. Kitty amounts are subject to change to reflect local price increases. On day 1, the skipper will talk through the kitty and how it will be managed (by yourself or fellow travellers) The kitty will be collected when you arrive at the welcome meeting or in stages throughout your trip.

Mode of Transport

This is a sailing adventure so our time is spent on board a monohull yacht. You may be asked to assist on-deck, particularly when coming into or leaving port. No experience is necessary, but getting to know some 'sailing language' might help to get you into the spirit of the adventure.
Bow - front of the boat
Stern - rear of the boat
Port - left
Starboard - right
Deck - outside, upper area of the boat
Hull - the main part or body of the boat
Keel - part of the boat under water that keeps the boat stable and stops it capsizing
Mainsail - the large sail attached to the mast and boom
Mast - the big vertical pole that supports the mainsail
Boom - the big horizontal pole attached to the mainsail, coming off the rear of the mast (swing from side to side)
Jib, headsail, genoa, foresail - smaller sail near the front of the boat
Sheet - ropes used to control the sails
Booty - another word for pirate treasure
Lines - other ropes on the boat (ropes are never called ropes on yachts)
Spinnaker - large extra sail
Trim the sails - adjust the position of the sails when the wind changes strength or direction
Tiller or wheel or helm - used to steer the boat
Helmsman - person steering the boat
Running - sailing with the wind
Tack - turning the bow of the boat when sailing through the wind
Jibe - turning the stern of the boat when sailing through the wind
Figure-eight knot - the stopper: often used at the end of lines to stop them getting away.
Bowline (knot) - strong and dependable knot that is commonly used
Clove Hitch (knot) - not as secure it is often used to attach an object to a line

Check out our Q&As

Is this trip right for you

As most of this trip takes place on a sailing boat, you’ll need to feel comfortable with moving about the vessel, including using stairs. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however, all our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. There will be seasickness tablets on board, and your crew will do all they can to minimise discomfort.

Our yachts have a small Zodiac on board, which is used to transport travellers to shore if we need to anchor in the bay. However, we will most often overnight in the small marinas on each island we visit, so the Zodiacs aren’t used. Zodiacs can sometimes be awkward to climb in and out of, but a sense of humour and a can-do attitude are 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 sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. See the Essential Trip Information below for a full packing list.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
How long has the tour company been trading?

Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Operator discount: -$364