Olbia and Costa Smeralda for Cruise Passengers

Sardinia, Italy
Duration6h - 7h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Italian, French
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

This is an introduction to Sardinia, to the province of Olbia and to the Costa Smeralda. We’ll start from the Olbia area to arrive at a panoramic point near Golfo Aranci to admire the spectacular view of the island of Tavolara and Figarolo. After we’ll visit the resort of Portorotondo, once the port of the granite for the Romans, now the meeting place of the Italian elite, decorated by many works of important artists. Then, we’ll go up to the picturesque village of San Pantaleo set between peaks of granite. This little old town still retains the typical style of the ancient villages of Gallura. Next, we will go to Costa Smeralda with its capital Porto Cervo, where we will visit La Piazza, the Old Port and the church of Stella Maris. At the end, after Baja Sardinia, we will visit Forte Capellini, which in the XIX century was an important fortress dedicated to the defense of north Sardinia, but now, under the name of Phi beach, is one of the most fashionable disco of the Costa Smeralda.

What's included

  • In-person guide: English, French, Italian
  • Licensed Guide
  • small bottles of mineral water
  • Hyndai STARIA hybrid ( 2025 model 9 seater )
  • sodas, food, snacks
  • tickets for the archeological sites: 4 euro La Prisciona and 3 euros Coddu Ecchjiu

What to expect

  1. Olbia
    15m
    Meeting at the port of Olbia or the port of Golfo Aranci, where there will be a first stop at a panoramic point to admire the Gulf of Olbia, the islands of Tavolara, Figarolo and the Marconi house.
  2. Porto Rotondo
    1h
    PORTO ROTONDO, south of Porto Cervo, is one of the most important tourist destinations for the Italian and international elite. Situated around an almost circular natural bay, called by the locals “Poltu Ritundu”, it was founded by the Venetian counts Nicolò and Luigi Donà delle Rose in 1964. The vision of the two brothers was that PORTOROTONDO would become a “milieu” of artists and intellectuals, and the first to respond to the invitation were the sculptors Andrea Cascella and Giancarlo Sangregorio, then came Mario Ceroli, Renato Guttuso, Emanuel Chapalain and many others. All have helped make PORTO ROTONDO one of the most elegant and picturesque vacation villages in the Mediterranean.
  3. San Pantaleo
    1h
    Twelve kilometers from the glamour and luxury of Costa Smeralda, there is another world, the picturesque village of SAN PANTALEO. Set between peaks of granite, this little old town still retains the typical style of the villages of Gallura. In 1894 the shepherd inhabitants asked the bishop of Tempio Pausania for a religious and social centre and the pretty church, dedicated to SAN PANTALEO, was constructed. Since the seventies, a large group of artists have lived in the village, attracted by its timeless atmosphere and informality, far from the worldliness of the Costa Smeralda. Painters, potters and sculptors from all over Europe have created a bohemian community in SAN PANTALEO, working alongside an active group of Galluran artisans, skilled in handicrafts using wood, wrought iron, terracotta and ceramic. Every Thursday morning, there is a craft and food market, an unmissable opportunity to buy interesting pieces of art and fine local produce.
  4. Porto Cervo
    1h
    PORTO CERVO is the capital of COSTA SMERALDA, the most prestigious resort in Europe. It was created in 1963 by a group of international investors, like the Aga Khan, Patrik Guiness, etc.
    Since its origin, it was designed to be the meeting place of the world's élite. For this reason, the best architects available in Europe at the time were invited to design this resort: Michele Busiri Vici ( church Stella Maris, Hotel Romazzino), Jacques Couelle ( Hotel Cala di Volpe ), Pierluigi Vietti ( Hotel Pitrizza ) and many others. They made a world revolution in architecture, changing forever the relationship between the buildings and their environment, imposing the idea that these two elements have to stay together, in harmony, in a natural way.
  5. Baia Sardinia
    30m
    Baja Sardinia ( Cala Battistoni ) is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, even though rather crowded in July and August. Nearby there is the Phi Beach, once a fortress built against Napoleon in the XVIII century, now the most fashionable and glamourous bar, restaurant, nightclub of the Costa Smeralda.
  6. Palau
    20m
    From the terrace of Barrage in Palau, you’ll be able to admire an incredible panorama with a view of the islands of La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, up to the coasts of Corsica.
  7. Porto Rafael
    20m
    Porto Rafel was created by the Spanish count Rafael Neville in 1960, and it is probably one of the oldest touristic resorts in Sardinia. Porto Rafael ever since has been the meeting place of the European aristocracy, a quiet but very charming place. It stands in front of the so-called “Nelson Bay” a place where the famous British admiral kept his fleet before going to the battle of Trafalgar.
  8. Nuraghe la Prisgiona
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    The nuraghe La Prisciona is one of the biggest nuraghi in this area. The “nuraghe” is a kind of prehistoric castle or fortress built in the Bronze Age ( 3800 – 3000 years ago ). In Sardinia we have more than 7000 of them, and this makes the island the region with the greatest number of prehistoric monuments in Europe.
    The ticket, not included in this tour, costs 4 Euro for the Nuraghe La Prisciona and 3 Euro for the “Tomb of Giants” Coddu Ecchju” ( a particular evolution of the Dolmens with a gigantic stone door in the front of it). If you are not interested we can skip this visit.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

For all cruise ships docking in Golfo Aranci- Piazza del Porto at Golfo Aranci is a small place in front of the fishermen's docks, very easy to find as usually the cruise company organizes a stand with its staff. I will be just in front of it to meet you.

Meeting point

For all cruise ships docking in Olbia - The meeting point will be just outside, in front of the exit of the passenger terminal of the port of Olbia. This is the same place where you'll have to pass through for the securities controls when you return to the ship.

End point

For all cruise ships docking in Golfo Aranci- Piazza del Porto at Golfo Aranci is a small place in front of the fishermen's docks, very easy to find as usually the cruise company organizes a stand with its staff. I will be just in front of it to meet you.

End point

For all cruise ships docking in Olbia - The meeting point will be just outside, in front of the exit of the passenger terminal of the port of Olbia. This is the same place where you'll have to pass through for the securities controls when you return to the ship.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
€480.00 per group
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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From
€480.00 per group
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