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Sardinia
Japan
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This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
7 Nights
6 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- A rich journey through Southern Sardinia
- Natural parks and historial sites
- Rich archaeological heritage
- The beauty of the second largest of Italy's islands
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See Itinerary for details.
Explore Sardinia in this small group adventure
(Available as a small group tour or tailor-made holiday)
To learn more on the Ryukyu Islands, you can read our Journal post here.
The white sandy beaches and glistening clear waters of the Ryukyu Islands remain an oasis of time and nature amidst the ever-increasing modernisation of their neighbouring Asian countries. With a rich and unique history including the Ryukyu Kingdom 琉球國 from the 15th to the 19th Century, it is where the martial art of Karate first originated before spreading to Japan, and where culture flourished due to it’s positioning as a centre of maritime trade.
There is also an optional ‘mainland’ Japan add-on that includes the stunning temples of Kyoto the ancient capital, as well as the neon jungle of Tokyo, for those whom want to explore this bustling metropolis before flying home.
Adventure Optional Addons
Sardinia Add-on Adventure
Explore the second largest island on the west coast of Italy.
Addon Optional extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See below for details.
Day 1: Arrive in Cagliari & city tour
Transfer
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Arrival transfer from Cagliari Airport to Cagliari city centre and hotel check in. The duration of the transfer is approximately 10 minutes drive.
Cagliari city tour -The charm of thousand-year-old buildings and areas, the beauty of one of the largest city beaches in Europe, the lagoon areas within the city populated by numerous species of birds and the amazing naturalistic sites make the city of Cagliari a one of a kind destination in the Mediterranean.
The southern port of Sardinia and the Region’s capital and largest city, Cagliari has been shaped by its maritime traditions. Among alleys, ramparts, labyrinths and underground caves, the four historical districts of Cagliari: Castello, Villanova, Marina and Stampace show us the evolution of the city over the centuries.
Fronting the port is the central Via Roma, dotted with shops, boutiques and bars open at all hours, and the gateway to the city’s historic quarters, such as Marina, crammed with trattorias and restaurants and immersed in a colourful multi-ethnic atmosphere. A short stroll uphill rise the curtain walls of the Bastione and the Castello quarter where ancient artisan workshops stand side by side with modern art galleries. Then comes Villanova, with its pastel-coloured buildings, the sound of church bells and the characteristic scent of fresh laundry hung out to dry. The Stampace quarter, nestled at the foot of Castello, is an oasis in which sounds and habits remind us of times gone by. A few minutes’ drive from the city centre takes us to the city’s beach stretching for no less than 8 km: it’s the famous Poetto Beach, dotted with kiosks which in the summer are open day and night, making this area one of the liveliest and most enticing along the coast.
Guided by one of our most experienced guides, lose yourself in the alleys among the small craft shops and discover the reasons why Cagliari is the jewel of the Mediterranean.
The Archaeological Museum is located in the ancient Castello district, inside the Citadel of Museums built between 1956 and 1979 with the recovery of the Royal Arsenal and the medieval walls.
It is the most important archaeological museum in Sardinia with over 4000 objects that tell a story almost 7000 years long, from Prehistory to the Early Middle Ages, from Neolithic mother goddesses to Nuragic bronzes, from Phoenician and Punic jewels to Roman statuary and finally to cult objects from the Byzantine era.
Two recommended options for dinner - authentic pizzeria or seafood restaurant.
Overnight in Giardino Segreto or similar
Day 2: The Molentargius – Saline Regional Natural Park
Transfer
Wildlife
Lunch
Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, at 09:00 you will begin your day heading to The Molentargius – Saline Regional Natural Park is a wetland of international value, especially as a habitat for numerous species of water birds, within the metropolitan area of Cagliari.
The history of the reserve is linked to the long history of the salt pans in the city so much so that the site owes its name to molenti (donkeys in Sardinian), the "means of transport" used in the past to bring the salt collected from the salt pans to the port.
The naturalistic complex that extends for about 1600 hectares includes fresh water basins (Bellarosa minor and Perdalonga), water with different degrees of salinity (the ponds of Molentargius and Quartu, transformed in 1830 into a plant for the extraction of salt which stopped working in 1985 for hygienic-sanitary reasons) and a plain of sandy origin (Is Arenas).
By virtue of the different ecosystems that compose it, the Park boasts a rich variety of plant and animal species, many of which are protected. In particular, the site is famous for the presence of pink flamingos, "sa genti arrubia" (the red people) as they say in these parts, which nested here for the first time in 1993. The headquarters of the Park are in the Sali building Chosen, a former salt deposit, and an example of industrial architecture dating back to the 1930s.
In the afternoon, embark on a journey back in time with a private trip to the Salt Pans of Conti Vecchi.
This guided tour lets you walk in the footsteps of 1930s salt workers, exploring historic structures like the workshop, chemical lab, main office, and archive. Relive the workers' experiences through vivid vignettes, historical documents, and video presentations. The adventure includes a train ride through the saltworks, where the industry's history blends with nature, and flamingos roam freely.
Overnight in Giardino Segreto or similar
Day 3: Exploring San Sperate & The Sound Garden Of Pinuccio Sciola
Transfer
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Art and nature blend in perfect harmony in a vibrant town nestled within the fertile plains of southern Campidano. Surrounded by fragrant citrus groves and colourful orchards, this is one of Sardinia’s most productive agricultural centres—renowned for its peaches, citrus fruits, honey, and tomatoes. Each July, the village comes alive for a beloved local festival that celebrates these treasures with parades, open-air performances, artisanal markets, and traditional Sardinian flavours: malloreddus, panadas, handmade breads, and exquisite desserts are just a few of the delicacies on offer.
But what makes this town truly extraordinary is its soul: a bold, creative energy that turns every corner into a discovery. Known as the "Museum Town," San Sperate is an open-air gallery, where hundreds of murals—bright, expressive, and deeply rooted in memory—tell the stories of its people, its traditions, and its evolving identity. This unique form of street art began in 1968, when visionary local artist Pinuccio Sciola launched a revolutionary project to transform his hometown into a living canvas, a space where art and community would grow hand in hand. Since then, artists from all over the world have added their voices to the walls, and the town continues to breathe creativity.
Guided by a local expert, you’ll explore this dynamic village through a walking tour of its most iconic murals and hidden corners. You’ll also visit one of its most extraordinary sites: the Giardino Sonoro (Sound Garden), an open-air museum conceived by Sciola himself. Here, you'll walk among great limestone, basalt, and granite sculptures—stones that sing. With a gentle touch, they resonate, revealing the surprising music hidden within the earth itself. It’s an unforgettable encounter with art that speaks, literally, to the soul.
The sound garden in Pinuccio Sciola - The Giardino Sonoro is an open-air museum, it is the place used by Pinuccio Sciola since the 60s as a laboratory, creating an identity in full union with nature until it became an exhibition site at the beginning of the twentieth century. A horizon of megalithic stones, a timeless, constantly evolving artistic space that allows visitors to take an exciting walk inside the citrus grove in a path without signs or directions, among the megaliths capable of magically amplifying the sense of bewilderment .
A place of art, which is expressed in all the languages of the world, where basalt and limestone produce evocative archaic, ancestral and mystical sounds; where stone "seeds" are sown so that culture can fertilize nature; where the granites, in the dark of the night, reveal new three-dimensional surfaces through the oblique light.
A place surrounded by greenery, full of energy, which involves all the senses, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy Art and Nature in an unprecedented dimension. A living nature, down to its most immobile and silent element: stone.
Around 1pm, you'll break for lunch in San Sperate in a local restaurant blending contemporary and traditional dishes.
After lunch you will embark on a circular route Belvedere of Nebida, a route that winds for about 700m close to the sea, offering a breathtaking view with a thousand shades of blue and green. Guests will be able to enjoy a suggestive panorama of the natural beauties of this splendid corner of the coast and admire the famous Pan di Zucchero, one of the most beautiful stacks in Italy.
From the evocative and spectacular setting of the coast of Iglesias, in the extreme southwestern area of Sardinia, a huge cube of sugar appears to be suspended in the middle of the sea.
Admiring the impressive rock at sunset, as it rises out of the sea just a few metres from the coast, increases its splendour: the sunlight bounces off the limestone silhouette in every shade of yellow and orange. Pan di Zucchero (meaning Sugarloaf) is one of the most impressive and spectacular natural monuments on the Island and the symbol of the coast of Iglesias. The name comes from its resemblance to the famous Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) in the bay of Rio de Janeiro and in the 18th century, this name had already replaced the original Sardinian name Concali su Terràinu. You can get to it in a dinghy or by boat from the magnificent cove of Masua, a coastal district in the Iglesias area, just two and a half kilometres away.
Once having succeeded in reaching its rocky walls, which is not so simple, climbing enthusiasts, with equipment and supported by expert guides, can climb up its 133 metres: it is the highest sea stack in the Mediterranean. From the top, you will be able to see its three ‘younger brothers’ next to it, two of which are known as s'Agusteri and il Morto, the southernmost one. The four sea stacks of Masua are structurally homogeneous, connected and an integral part of the monument: their cerulean-white colour stands out against the violet-coloured coast in front of them. They are composed of Cambrian limestone, which is chemically almost pure, and they were formed by the erosion of the sea, which generated their detachment from the mainland and specifically from the cliff of Punta is Cicalas: the 300-metre stretch of sea separating them is often inaccessible.
Pan di Zucchero has a massive, rounded shape. Karst phenomena have pierced its surface (less than four hectares) with flat steps, leading to the creation of two tunnel-like caves. They open up at sea level, are 25 and 20 metres long respectively, and are both habitats for seabirds. It is possible to pass through one of them in a small boat. Opposite the little island, the outlet of the Porto Flavia mining tunnel looks out to sea, magically suspended halfway up the sheer rock face. It is the most visible extremity of a futuristic complex of underground tunnels that end at a construction carved into the cliff at the beginning of the 20th century. From here, the minerals were loaded directly onto merchant vessels. At the foot of mine, there is the cave of Grotto del Soffione, so called because of the effect of the waves that enter the cavity and ‘bounce’, making big splashes. Alongside the ruins, there is the little beach of Porto Flavia mine: from the small lido, a destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, you will be dazzled by the contrast of colour between the greyish-white of the giant marine limestone rock, the azure and blue of the sea and the green of the surrounding pine forest.
Dinner and overnight stay in Pedra Rubia, or similar, in Nebida,
Day 4: Costa Verde
Transfer
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Iglesiente, at the far south-western end of Sardinia, is one of the most important examples of industrial archaeology, set in a landscape dotted with extraction wells and tunnels, processing stations and docks, buildings and the homes of the miners.
Its brick and stone processing station looks out over the coast of Masua, with lovely views of the shore of Pan di Zucchero (or Sugarloaf), which can be admired from a panoramic trail. Aside from the impressive processing station over the shoreline, what remains today of the old lead and zinc mines of Nebida, fifteen kilometres from Iglesias, are an abandoned office building with workshops and the small village where the miners once lived. It is one of Sardinia’s most interesting industrial archaeology sites and an integral component of the geo-mineral park of Sardinia, a heritage that has received UNESCO recognition. You will get there skirting Fontanamare beach.
The first modern mining efforts in the area date to the late XIX century, at about the same time as work began at the Salto Gessa mines in Buggerru. Houses in the village of Nebida were built around a square, a workers recreation centre, a health clinic, administration offices and a church. Three thousand people lived there in 1910, one third of whom worked in the mines. Today there are only about one hundred inhabitants, a ghost town. The side of the mountain is dotted with work stations. The style of construction can be considered Neo-Medieval, typical of mining sites, as evidenced by the crenulated roof trim and the pointed-arch window frames. Spectacular views of the sea are enjoyed from the Lamarmora station built in 1897, lead and zinc were processed. The station is composed of four stages that slope downwards to the coastline along with arches. There are two ovens and two chimneys on the sides. Inside is where they separated, classified and stored the minerals. The building also housed steam-powered equipment and ovens. At the lower end was a deposit and a small port for the boats to dock for loading. The floor was made of tiles and the roof, no longer there, was wooden. The mine was very productive in the first half of the XX century, with a peak in activity in the 1930s, and interrupted only by the two world wars. It went downhill during the great mining crisis of the 1970s and the town of Nebida emptied along with it.
Starting in the morning, you will set off to discover one of the most captivating stretches of the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara: the 7-kilometre route linking San Nicolò Beach to Portixeddu. This coastal trail winds between wild cliffs and secluded coves, where Mediterranean light dances on the waves and sculpts landscapes made to be captured through the lens.
Starting from the golden sands of San Nicolò, the well-marked path hugs the shoreline, revealing breathtaking views at every turn. Along the way, wind-carved rock formations and traces of industrial archaeology tell stories of labour and resilience.
With its gentle elevation changes, this stage is accessible to all – perfect for taking the time to observe and wait for the perfect light. The arrival in Portixeddu, framed by dunes and pine forest, opens onto a horizon that melts into deep blue: a scene that feels designed for photography.
- Total length 7 km
- Ascent 310 m
- 325 m descent
Meeting Monica means stepping into an authentic corner of Sardinia, where time flows at the rhythm of nature and the bond with the land is deep and genuine. In her farm, surrounded by silent pastures and the scent of wild herbs, Monica raises the rare black sheep with passion—guardians of an ancient tradition and pride of the territory.
During a two-hour walk, she will guide us among her animals, sharing her story and the daily gestures that define the agropastoral life: milking, transforming milk into cheese, and patiently waiting for the wheels to mature.
Each tasting is a true encounter: the bold flavor of pecorino, the delicacy of fresh ricotta, the intense aroma of aged cheese. It’s a moment to discover, to listen, and to support a life project that weaves together tradition, sustainability, and the local community.
And when it’s time to leave, we’ll carry home not just the flavors, but the living memory of a Sardinia that knows how to welcome and remain in the heart.
Round off your day with an overnight stay in Miniera Fiorita, or similar, and dinner in the village of Montevecchio.
Day 5: Montevecchio
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
For a century, the mining complex of the Medio Campidano province was central to the mining industry in the south-west. Today, it is the site of the geominerary park of Sardinia, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Here, there are the humble workers' cottages, the luxurious management building, the mining and processing sites, the directional locations and service areas. Amongst the monuments of industrial archaeology of Montevecchio, immersed in the territory of Arbus and Guspini, you can take a historical-cultural tour to discover a “ghost world” evoked by a complex of mines, a few hundred metres from the Piscinas dunes and close to other beaches on the Costa Verde. The mining activities of the site - being one of the eight that comprise the geominerary park of Sardinia and a symbol of the UNESCO Geoparks - has endured almost a century and a half, since 1848 when King Carlo Alberto granted the first licence to Giovanni Antonio Sanna, who devised the “deal of the century”, until 1991, the year when it finally closed following decades of economic crises. It saw times of flourishment and great development, aided by technological innovations - having 1,100 workers in 1865, it was the most important mine in the Kingdom of Italy.
The complex can be explored via four routes. The “management building” route unfurls within the edifice that Sanna constructed between 1870 and 1877 in the centre of the Gennas Serapis village. Originally used to house both the offices of the mining company and the residence of the initial owner's family, it later went on to be dedicated solely to administrative activities. The building that features classical and Neo-Renaissance forms was once the “heart” of Montevecchio and included the quaint church of Santa Barbara, patron saint of the miners. The rooms on the first floor, having been faithfully reconstructed, recount the splendour of the bourgeoisie of the time, especially the lavish 'blue room'. It is known as such thanks to the blue adornment of the walls and vault. This 'precious place' in the building was used initially to host receptions, then for meetings. Stand-outs around the fireplace include the succulent living room, golden mirrors and a piano, all evoking memories of parties and dances. In the other rooms, you can admire wall paintings and the objects collected by the former director, Castoldi. Upon climbing a single flight of stairs, the bourgeois splendour vanishes as you enter the attic where there are the modest rooms used as the servant's quarters, where the living conditions were nonetheless better than those of the miners.
The first stop of the “Sant'Antonio route” is the tower of the extraction well: a large winch with coils that travelled up and down some 500 metres, transporting men and minerals. The “neo-Gothic” crenelated dominates the yard, masking the intensive labour that took place within. Alongside the well, you will notice a forge room, lamproom, powerhouse, workshop and two compressor rooms. The wagons of an “internal” railway transported minerals from here to the ‘Principe Tomaso’ washery. The journey continues throughout the workers' rooms, with rudimental furnishing evidencing their status. Utensils, crockery, wrought-iron beds and sparse furnishings was all that a family of miners could expect. The former mineral deposit, the hub of the Rio complex, offers an overview of processing raw rock to the creation of metal ready for forging. Here, you can read documents on stratigraphic research and descriptions of the extraction process, the sorting and enrichment techniques. The 'workshop route' will accompany you through the support rooms: the foundry from 1885, the mechanical workshop, the rooms dedicated to the forging and tempering of the foils and the room containing the wooden models, necessary for reproducing the spare parts for machinery in the foundry. In the piazza surrounding the Piccalinna mine you can admire the architectural works in exposed basaltic stone and with brick decorations, especially the San Giovanni well reminiscent of the tower of a medieval castle. From here, the Piccalinna route sets out, whereby you can visit the forging area, lamproom and winch room with the impressive extraction machine dating back to the end of the 19th century. Its 120-horsepower steam extracted twenty cubic metres of material per hour - being the only one in the world to do so and still capable of working today. From the winch, you head to the compressor room and then the washery, which was transformed over time into housing and subsequently storage, before becoming the school for the workers' children. Around the dwellings is a reflection of the worker 'classes' - the refined villa of the foremen perched on the hill, the meagre housing of the miners' families and the houses of the unmarried men, now crumbling, as if within a ghost village.
It was one of the largest and most productive mines in Sardinia and today it stands like a ghost town near the central-western coast of the Island. It is part of the Parco Geominarario (Geological and Mining Park) and in 1997 it became one of the UNESCO network of Geo-parks.
Its name comes from gurturgiu, a species of vulture, or from 'inghiottitoio' (ponor), perhaps relative to ancient excavations. In both cases, it fully defines the wild setting in which it is located. Set between rugged mountains, Ingurtosu, a district of Arbus, which is ten kilometres away, is located in the valley of Is Animas, which stretches as fare as the sand dunes of Piscinas, a gem of the Costa Verde, where wagons used for transporting extracted material are abandoned. For over a century, it was the business centre of two mines, that of the same name and Gennamari, which were part of the Montevecchio complex. Today it is a deserted village in ruins.
The mining settlement extends along the entire valley, where there is an evocative atmosphere. You will move through timeless landscapes: the ruins of houses, plants and wells, enormous heaps of waste materials and rusted carts. A village out of the far west, now almost fossilized. Along the valley, you will find the remains of construction yards, washeries and seven villages, with a total of 900 total spaces that accommodated up to 2,500 labourers and their families. The humble miners' dwellings with the imposing granite management building, known as the 'castle', built (1870) in Neo-medieval style and characterized by an elegant balcony closed-in by glass panes. Its position was dominant. Alongside them, you will see an outlet and shops, post-office and newsagents, infant school and hospital, other services and even the cemetery. Then, there is the little church of Santa Barbara, patron saint of miners, dated 1916. Along the road from Arbus to Ingurtosu, you can admire Villa Wright and Villa Ginestra, respectively the dwellings of the deputy director and the president of Pertusola, an English extraction company that managed the mines.
Thanks to the highly advanced machinery, between 1855 and 1968, silver, lead and zinc were extracted from the numerous deposits. The apex of productivity was the period between the 19th and 20th centuries, following the transition to the English company: it meant development and innovation, which was the merit of Lord Thomas Brassey. The decline arrived after the Second World War, when the mining industry collapsed. Despite the concessions in 1964 transitioning to the Monteponi-Montevecchio company, the plants closed for good a few years later. The buildings became ruins and Ingurtosu a ghost town.
This 'pearl' of the Costa Verde, in south-western Sardinia, is a dazzling yellow-ochre desert, stirred by the wind and dotted with Mediterranean greenery.
This wonderful oasis far from everything, with imposing and sinuous dunes of fine, warm golden sand that reach up to 60 metres in height, is shaped by the mistral winds and extends several kilometres from the hinterland until diving into the boundless and shimmering blue sea. Piscinas, a jewel of the Costa Verde - in the territory of Arbus - is like an oriental painting, presenting a breath-taking landscape and a must-see beach on your island holiday, considered by National Geographic as being amongst the most beautiful in the world.
After walking along the unpaved and sandy trails, you will suddenly spy the immense and deep golden expanse, extending seven kilometres. The sea and sky merge along the blue horizon, whilst the shimmering sand dunes - declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO - blend with the colours of the Mediterranean scrub. The vegetation grows lush with centuries-old junipers bearing twisted branches, lentisks and olive trees that form small groves and, in spring, violets, sea lilies and sand poppies. Here, the Sardinian deer occasionally roams, whilst the sea turtles lay their eggs on the shore.
The day ends with an overnight stay in Miniera Fiorita, or similar, in the village of Montevecchio.
Day 6: Discover Barumini
Transfer
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
A late departure and visit to Barumini "Su Nuraxi", the "giant" in the heart of Marmilla territory. Lunch will be in the hotel you are staying in but first a chance to explore the beauty of Barumini.
Located in south-central Sardinia, in an area called Marmilla, “Su Nuraxi”, the nuragic complex of Barumini and part of the 58 Italian sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List is one of Sardinia’s landmarks.
Up to 18 meters in height, it is an important architectural testimony of how 3,500 years ago, a prehistoric community knew how to use innovative materials and ancient construction techniques.
The Nuragic complex, built between the Middle Bronze Age and the Late Bronze Age, is the best preserved of the 7000 nuraghi of the island, the centre of the social life of the Nuragic tribes, had a function of house-fortress comparable to that of the Medieval castles.
Explore the massive central tower, built from large dressed stones: consisting of 3 chambers, one upon the other, they are connected by a spiral staircase. Learn about the massive stone curtain wall that linked 4 subsidiary towers.
If the big blocks of stone of “Su Nuraxi” could speak, they would tell us the story of a thousand-year-old civilization still shrouded in mystery.
The green hills of the Trexenta region, in southern Sardinia, conceal prehistoric ‘houses’ of the deceased, built on the rocky slopes and enriched with mysterious decorations.
They are nearby and contemporary to each other, yet different, both in terms of architectural development and decorations: these are surrounded by an aura of sacredness alongside the ‘classic’ prehistoric themes. The necropolises of Corongiu and S’Acqua Salida – also known as Pranu Efis, from the name of the locality in which it lies - are located slightly north of the town of Pimentel, just one kilometre away from each other. Carved into sandstone banks, they date back to the Final Neolithic period, between the 4th and 3rd millennium BC, but their use probably continued at least until the Early Bronze Age (18th-16th century BC). Coming from the town, first you will encounter the Domus de Janas of Corongiu. Two have been identified, a few dozen metres apart, but only the one to the east is decorated. It consists of an access well, an anteroom and a main room.
You will be surprised by the engraved decoration, painted red, that appears on the entrance wall of the room, above and on the sides of the door. At the centre of the upper frieze, there is a vertical element that extends upwards in two spirals: it has been interpreted as the stylised face - with a nose and eyes - of a divinity, perhaps the Mother Goddess. Other spirals, double circles and ‘boat-like’ figures appear on the sides of the door and the upper decoration.
Continuing north you will come across the two centres that make up the necropolis of S’Acqua Salida, located 150 metres apart. The Domus numbered from 1 to 4 belong to the first group. These are mixed in type: well-type and running horizontally; the remaining three are all well-type tombs. In Tomb 1 you will notice various building phases: it was originally a well-tomb, but later on a long access corridor was built and the room was enlarged, annexing three small spaces pertaining to a nearby entombment. The antechamber has traces of red ochre paint. Tomb II still contains traces of two pillars that supported the ceiling, now partly collapsed, while on the floor there is a pool with cupules. Here too, there are traces of paint, with depictions of bull protomes. Tomb 4 has a circular room, imitating a residential hut: in fact, the decorations that appear remind you of housing structures. Near the first group of entombments, there is a sacred area, with a hearth and cupules, where funeral rites were probably carried out. In the second group of tombs, you will see other decorative elements, such as niches, counters and pillars, particularly in tomb 6. A further decorative element appears outside, in the layer of rock above the tombs, consisting of numerous cupules that contribute to fuelling the mystical and spiritual aura of the place.
Overnight stay in Sa Lolla Hotel Ristorante or similar in Barumini.
Day 7: Orroli
Transfer
Lunch
Boutique Hotel
An early start to catch the sunrise in Nuraghe Arrubiu in Orroli. A Nuragic site is much more than its picturesque ruins, it is a place of mystery and vestiges of an ancient past. Visiting the Nuraghe Arrubiu means being transported to another era. The name (literally: red nuraghe) is due to the color of its stones, which majestically dominate the plateau. From here you can enjoy, as well as a breathtaking view, a surrounding nature rich in Mediterranean suggestions, with its scents and colours.
Guests will be able to discover the little-known history of an ancient civilization, the ancient beating heart of the island, and create a connection with the more modern history of this region, thanks to a folklore show at the foot of the rock, with music and traditional costumes. A warm welcome to start your visit to Sardinia in the best possible way.
Then you'll stop for lunch at the Farmhouse. Immerse in the rustic charm of a countryside restaurant just steps from the ancient majesty of the Nuraghe Arrubiu. Set in a tranquil, green meadow framed by native shrubs and olive trees, this welcoming farmhouse is a perfect pause in your journey through time and landscape.
Once a shepherd’s home, today this stone-and-wood building warmly invites families and travelers to relax and dine in a simple, authentic sarcidan atmosphere. The well-cared-for garden offers a serene backdrop for unwinding after the morning’s archaeological explorations.
Inside, expect heartwarming Sardinian dishes, where the flavors speak of land and tradition—homemade classic pasta like malloreddus and ravioli, hearty lamb and suckling pig enriched with local herbs and vegetables, and each course made with ingredients sourced straight from nearby fields.
This setting is ideal for groups seeking relaxed comfort with regional flair—a peaceful spot to savor authentic flavors and local warmth, surrounded by the silent witness of ancient stones.
After lunch, enjoy a visit to Orroli itself, a Sardidano village, a historical region in the central-southern part of Sardinia, in which there is a remarkable prehistoric legacy in a setting of captivating landscapes.
Amidst the village's stone houses extending along the Pranemuru plateau, inhabited by over two thousand Orroli residents, the ancient manor houses stand out and are used as museums and artisan workshops. The old town centre is located around the parish church of San Vincenzo Martire, restructured in Gothic-Aragonese style in the 16th century over ruins that can be traced all the way back to a 6th century Christian temple. Next to it, its bell tower, made of red porphyry stands out.
In the late afternoon, in the quiet landscape of Sarcidano, nestled in a fertile plain that has long sustained local farmers, there is a workshop where history, flavour, and sustainability come together. Here, in an authentic setting, an ancient farming art is brought to life: the production of the famous “Bread of the Centenarians,” named after the remarkable longevity of the people in this area.
During your visit, you will be welcomed by a family-run, women-led business that has preserved a timeless knowledge: baking with organic hard wheat Senatore Cappelli, stone-milled on volcanic mills to retain the precious germ and all its nutritional qualities.
The bread is crafted using natural sourdough called su frammentu, a living culture passed down for over three centuries and renewed daily from mother to daughter. Slow, overnight fermentation and baking in a wood-fired oven fueled by aromatic Mediterranean shrubs transform every loaf into an intense sensory experience.
You will walk among ovens, millstones, and sourdough cultures, breathe in the aroma of freshly baked bread, and taste delights such as moddizzosu, coccoi, civraxeddu, pistoccu, as well as traditional Sardinian pastas like fregula and malloreddus — all crafted with care and rooted in tradition.
At national competitions, a special type of bread, the “Coccoi Pintau cun Sou,” has won the silver medal for baking excellence.
The visit is not only cultural but also convivial: enriched with tastings, stories, curiosities, and the pleasure of supporting a short, ethical supply chain where every step respects a balance between past and future.
Immersed in the rural beauty of Orroli, a house with a long and history-rich past stands majestically on Via Roma, at number 82: Omuaxiu, the manor house of the Vargiu family since the distant 1500s.
The nickname of the place, Omuaxiu, literally "Vargiu house" in the local dialect, is synonymous with a priceless cultural heritage, in which tradition and the art of craftsmanship come together in an unparalleled multi-sensory experience.
During your stay, a unique experience awaits you: the opportunity to witness the Omuaxiu living museum.
Here, the daily life of a typical Sardinian house from two centuries ago comes to life before your eyes, when life took place more in the countryside than in the village and everything was prepared at home, thanks to knowledge and art handed down through generations. generation after generation.
While you enjoy a typical and abundant breakfast, you will be able to watch the preparation of bread and wine, admire the table being prepared according to ancient customs and which still offers a traditional setting today.
In this living museum, time has stopped to preserve a cultural heritage of inestimable value, but also to offer a unique sensorial experience, in which modernity and antiquity blend in a perfect balance.
All this creates a feeling of wonder and emotion that will make you feel part of a thousand-year history, which still speaks to the heart of anyone who has the pleasure of visiting Omuaxiu.
Here, in fact, each room contains the secrets of ancient crafts and of a peasant society that fed on the flavours and scents of the earth. With a guided tour, it is possible to discover the warehouses of agricultural tools, the bread ovens and the cellars where full-bodied Cannonau wines patiently age.
The pantry then reveals all the treasures of the traditional cuisine of Sarcidano, from cured meats to cheeses, from preserves to the most delicious dishes.
Omuaxiu, a widespread hotel and ethnographic and embroidery museum, is a journey through the centuries and the culture of the past, in which every detail, every scent and every flavor carry with them the memory of a tradition that is still alive and vibrant.
Overnight stay in Sa Lolla Hotel Ristorante or similar in Barumini.
Day 8: Orroli - departure day
Transfer
Breakfast
After breakfast today, you will be transferred to Cagliari airport for your international departure flight, reinvigorated by beauty that Sardinia has to offer.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International Flights & airport taxes
- Visas
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Some group transfers, where use of public transport is easy and cost effective
- Lunches and some dinners - see itinerary for details
- Drinks & snacks
- Tipping (not widely expected - see Essential Info)
Adventure Optional Addons
Sardinia Add-on Adventure
Explore the second largest island on the west coast of Italy.
Addon Optional extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism and recognise the value of using hotels run by locals. The accommodation on this adventure really accentuates your experience and the mixture of hotels you will be staying in is very representative of the contrasts found in Japan. We feel that using different types of hotels helps deliver to you the complexity of Japan. It is a crazy patchwork of ancient & modern, corporate & family businesses, nature and urban, all of which coexist peacefully side by side. To authentically represent Japan, we have included as many of these as we can!
Having said that, there are themes with the various types of accommodation, and they will all be chosen for cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel which in Japan can be very expensive) and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us.
Please be aware that in areas where tourism is still developing, or in remote areas (like the smaller islands we visit), we may not have a wide range of options. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of familiar culture and to experience new things with are exciting and memorable and reflect the country we are visiting.
The list below gives information on our first choice of accommodation for this adventure. Where hotels are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Kagoshima (Day 1): Hotel Sunflex Kagoshima. Modern 3* hotel (tower block) with ensuite rooms, wi-fi, in a convenient location for sightseeing and within easy reach of the ferry terminals for our onwards travel.
Yakushima (Day 2 & 3): Seaside Hotel Yakushima. Modern 3* hotel set in stunning scenery with coastal views and mountain backdrops. Ensuite rooms with Wif-fi. Restaurant & spa.
Overnight Ferry (Day 4): Ferry to Tokunoshima - we eat dinner on board and sleep on the overnight ferry in 2nd Class bunks. Shared facilities.
Tokunoshima (Day 5 & 6): Sunset Resort: small local hotel situated on the beach where you can relax after a day of sightseeing. Ensuite rooms & restaurant serving delicious seafood (as you would expect!).
Okinerabu (Day 7): Hotel Seaworld: delight in the nostalgic 70's / 80's feel and warm welcome from this small local hotel, on the coast. Ensuite rooms & colourful restaurant dining room!
Okinawa (Day 8-10): Hotel Palm Royal Naha: Charming urban 3* resort hotel in city centre with small swimming pool, spa bath and poolside bar/restaurant.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Onsen etiquette
It may be that you only visit Japan once; for reasons of economy, time, or environmental considerations relating to long haul travel. So you need to make this visit count, and try to enjoy what cultural experiences you have on offer. One such experience is to visit an onsen: a geothermally heated spring with water that contains multiple minerals believed to have health and well-being benefits.
Japanese onsen have been used for centuries and are commonplace in some family homes, or attached to a hotel or ryokan. On this adventure, you will periodically be offered the option of enjoying an onsen and we highly recommend that you do! The hot-spring bath is a wonderful place to relax, meditate and immerse yourself in Japanese tradition.
As you might expect, there is a strict etiquette to follow (they are not 'water play' areas):
- Pools are often separated by gender, with either separate pools, partitions, or different bathing times.
- Wash before entering: not just a quick rinse - a proper scrub down and thorough wash with soap is expected.
- No costumes - onsen are experienced naked: clothing and towels etc are considered 'dirty' and should never be bought into an onsen.
- Modesty is appreciated: use your small provided tool to casually hide your nether regions as you move from changing room to shower to onsen and back again.
- Never dip your towel in the water: as they are considered dirty, they should not touch the water. Many people simply wear their towel on their heads.. follow the lead of those around you.
- Don't put your hair or head in the water: this prevents oils or dirt hitting the water
- No tattoos: if you have small tattoos then you can cover them with a waterproof bandage. If you have larger tattoos or ones that are not able to be covered then book a private onsen through a ryokan.
- Stay & relax after your dip: We would highly recommend finishing the whole experience off by ensuring you have time to relax after your hot spring. Options range from small bars to lounge areas to hot sand rooms, and they are very much a part of it.
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be an experienced, local, English speaking Japanese guide with a good knowledge of the areas visited. They will be joined by local experienced and licensed guides in Yakushima, Tokunoshima & Okinoerabu. In Kagoshima we will have an English speaking assistant who will accompany our group to the pier to ensure that travel to Yakushima and Tokunoshima goes to plan.
We work closely with our Japanese Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 6, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I fit Enough?
This adventure is a fabulous mix of sightseeing with private transfers, and exploring the stunning islands on foot.
To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be in good physical health, and enjoy walking as a way of exploring an area. You do not need to be an experienced hiker as the walks on the itinerary are taken at a leisurely pace (to enable wildlife spotting and photography) on well trodden paths, for short periods of time (up to 2hrs) and with regular stops. You will be carrying just a day pack and bottle of water (bottled water) when walking or sightseeing.
Walking shoes or lightweight walking boots are more appropriate for this trip than hard and heavy walking boots.
Please note that you need to have an open mind to adventure travel, and experiencing different cultures to your own, first hand.
Travel & Arrival
Travel
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the start hotel in Kagoshima city, Kyushu Island. We understand that arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible to help you prepare. If you would like us to get you a quote for a private airport transfer then do contact us.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights.
It is worth noting, if you are going to be using domestic flights, that Japanese Airlines (JAL) and ANA offer discounted domestic fares to foreign visitors. These have to be e-booked directly via their websites.
There are a few different airports on Kyushu Island, so whilst Kagoshima airport is an obvious choice as the start hotel is in Kagoshima city, you can also choose to fly in to Fukuoka, for example, and to continue to Kagoshima city by bullet train (1hr 40mins).
On your plane into Japan you will be asked to complete landing cards (disembarkation cards) and a custom form to declare goods/cash you are bringing with you. These are then handed in at immigration / custom control. At the border control you will receive a passport stamp with landing date and allowed stay period.
Please ensure you check with your airline, the procedures you need to follow regarding checking luggage if you are transiting rather than flying direct to Kagoshima.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also receive notifications direct from the FCDO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Arrival
Kagoshima Airport: It is the second busiest airport on Kyushu Island (the 3rd largest island of Japan's 5 main islands). It has both international and domestic terminals and English signage is widely used in appropriate locations, for international travellers. Depending on whether you arrive via a domestic or international flight, you ay or may not have to go through immigration. Following immigration, you will, as expected, head to baggage reclaim, then customs. There is an information centre with English speaking staff who can direct you to either a bus stop or taxi stand, depending on your preference.
Taxis: Drivers will not necessarily speak English, though they are likely to have the basics. They will either know, or be able to look up, the hotel address. The airport is approx 40kms (40min journey) from the city, as it serves the whole province. Expect to pay approx 10-11,000JPY for the journey (£67 on 2.3.21).
Bus: For a more cost effective option, it is easy to get one of the regular (every 30mins or so) public buses from Kagoshima airport to the city centre. Expect to pay approx 1400JPY (£10.50).
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend sorting your insurance when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered, particularly in the light of effects that the pandemic has had on travel.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hr emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
Your insurance needs to cover you for moderate walking with the following fairly standard inclusions:
- Medical Expenses
- Coronavirus linked expenses (these may be country specific, so please ensure you know what the requirements are relating to the country you are visiting)
- Repatriation
- Helicopter rescue & Air ambulance
We would also recommend that you have cover for the following optional items:
- Cancellation
- Loss or damage to property
General information on Japan
For information on Japan, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specificinformation.
Reviews
YellowWood Adventures
This is a new itinerary for YellowWood and as such, we do not yet have any reviews. We would love you to be the first to review the adventure!
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- US$ or GB£ to exchange for local currency
- Passport and Insurance Documents
- Credit / Debit Cards (for use in ATMs in cities only)
- Prescription medication & antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
- Mosquito repellent
- Hand sanitiser (70% alcohol) & min of 2 reusable & 10 disposable face coverings
- Day rucksack for walking / sightseeing (approx 20L)
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
- Sunglasses & Sun cream (high factor)
- Plug adaptor
Clothing
- Socks & underwear
- PJs / nightwear
- Light tops that can be layered for day time - long and short sleeved tops (av trip temp: low 14ºC, high 28ºC)
- Trousers, shorts & skirts as required
- Warm layer: fleece or jacket
- Waterproof jacket (good quality)
- Good hiking shoes with non slip soles (for Yakushima)
- Sandals or trainers
- Swimwear & quick drying towel
Optional
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Ear plugs (in case of snorers!)
- Head torch & batteries
- Umbrella
- Phone & Charging cables / plug
- Sun hat / baseball cap
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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