Global Epicurean offers an exploration of the flavors of Sardegna that is tailored to your individual needs. This is not a group trip- it is a custom experience that allows you to discover the many hidden gems of this wonderful region. We work with a very exclusive tour operator (and long time friend!) in Sardinia, so we can guarantee a wonderful experience any day of the year, based upon availability of the chef. A booking can be done for a minimum of just two people. If you are a solo traveler, you can join a class where others have already booked.
This is a 6-nights immersion in wine, food and people from Sardinia, and a genuine contact with local people. The accommodation is in a charming -and well managed- small hotel. This vacation is a sustainable tourism experience, as it is based on respect for the local culture and for its natural environment.
Location
One of Sardinia’s most interesting area is around the ancient Carthaginian stronghold of Oristano, built on reclaimed marshland and center of Sardinian rice cultivation. On the Northern promontory of the Gulf of Oristano we find the ruins of Tharros, in magnificent surroundings. The original urban complexes, temples, houses, and baths make Tharros one of the most important Mediterranean complete site. Just north of this area we have the Montiferru, with curvy roads going up-hill and down to the seaside again. It is home of a traditional beef’s breed of remarkable quality. You will easily find top producers of cheese and wines. The area is also known for its white, desert beaches and for Is Arenas golf course.
The Program
Day 1
Arrival to Cagliari, Olbia or Alghero airport. Pick up of your rental car and of road-book with information package (alternatively: meeting with your chauffer for transfer to the hotel). Drive to Oristano area (less then 2 hours drive). Welcome at the hotel and overnight.
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel. Introduction to the area with a panoramic drive on the peninsula of Sinis. Visit to the 15th century fishery “Peschiera Pontis”, where local fishermen still practice old-style fishing techniques. Lunch included in the fishery’s restaurant, served and cooked by the fishermen. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight.
Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure (optional visit to the Montiferru area). Cooking class at 4pm in the kitchen of the hotel. The class will be devoted to fish: the plates and recipes will depend on what the market offers. Both traditional and innovative recipes are covered. Dinner with wine is included at the end of the class.
Day 4
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure (optional visit to Barumini, the largest Nuraghe (prehistoric tower- in Sardinia). Cooking class at 4pm in the kitchen of the hotel. The class will be based on pasta and its endless variations and uses. Dinner with wine is included at the end of the class.
Day 5
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure (optional visit to the Barbagia area to visit a tailor of traditional corduroy vests and to the Guggenheim-founded Museum of the famous artist Nivola (www.museonivola.it). Cooking class at 4pm in the kitchen of the hotel. The class will be devoted to meat and desserts: the plates and recipes will depend on what the market offers. Both traditional and innovative recipes are covered. Dinner with wine is included at the end of the class.
Day 6
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure (optional visit to the Medieval town of Bosa and lunch at a top-quality trattoria). At 4pm, visit to 2 producers of high-quality wines in the area. Our local guide will introduce us to the owners for a wine tasting session in each cantina. Possibility to buy bottles locally at a convenient price. Overnight.
Day 7
Breakfast. Depart to your airport on your rental car (or with your chauffer).
Accommodations:
Riola Sardo- Hotel Lucrezia
Hotel Lucrezia is a charming little property located in a historical house in the heart of the village of Riola Sardo, a few miles away from the West Coast. Inside, the hotel kept the atmosphere of old times, when all the activities connected with field labor were performed in the house. In the inner garden you still find the wine cellar, the well, the grain wheel, the oven to bake bread, all surrounded by centuries-old trees. The oil-mill and the millstone were restored and integrated in one of the living rooms. The hotel is a sober testimony of the austere sardinian country life. The seven double rooms are furnished with unique handmade pieces of the late 1800. The atmosphere of the past gets along well with all the comforts of a luxury hotel. Each room has private bathroom, internet connection, mini-bar, TV set, air conditioning, safe box.
Cooking Classes
We will hold 3 classes. The classes will be hands-on and lead by local cooks, expert women or young creative chefs. You don’t need to be a professional chef to participate- just enjoy cooking in a relaxed, no-rush environment. Each class will be 3 hours long and will end with lunch or dinner. The classes are in English or in Italian with immediate translation. Wine included.
What is included
All transfers
* 6 overnights in double room in 3* stars hotel
* 6 breakfasts
* 3 dinners
* 3 cooking classes
* 1 lunch at the fishermen restaurant
* 1 visit to the fisheries
* 2 wine tastings at the local
* Car rental for 7 days
* Motus in Sardinia booking fees
* Information package delivered to the car rental station
Pricing
Based on a group of 2 people, this trip is priced at €1,200. If you’d rather have a guide/ chauffeur with you instead of renting a car, it can be arranged for an additional €200 per person. Please contact us at info@globalepicurean.com for pricing of larger groups, as we can offer better rates.
