An intense weekend to discover the Punic and Phoenician roots, Roman influences, Catalan-Aragonese art, and the strong Spanish impression on the island's capital city.Day 1
An Initial Taste of the City
From the airport, transfer to the city centre for an initial contact with the seafaring soul of Cagliari, starting from the
atmospheric setting of the harbour and the visit to the Basilica di Bonaria. We continue along the hill of the Castle of San Michele, a defence and residential fortress already from the Pisan period which, because of its privileged position, makes it possible to embrace Cagliari from above in a splendid overall view. Dinner at a restaurant and overnight stay
at the hotel.
2
Archaeology and the History from Nora to Cagliari
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Nora, which holds considerable remains of the Phoenician, Punic, and Roman periods. Along the stone-paved roads you will be able to admire the remains of the necropolis, and the Punic temple of Tanit, the wellpreserved theatre, which is still used for prestigious shows today.Completing the visit will be four thermal bath omplexes and various floor mosaics. Lunch at a restaurant. Afternoon devoted to Cagliari. Visit to the National Archaeology Museum, situated in the charming Cittadella dei Musei (Citadel of Museums), an ancient Spanish fortress. The Museum holds a collection of famous small bronzes of the Nuraghic Age, the only expressions of a civilization that was unique in the Mediterranean basin. Of great
impact is the National Picture Gallery, with its combination of Sardinian figurative art and that of the Catalan-Aragonese matrix. After a brief stop at the Roman amphitheatre, we continue walking along the little alleys of the Castle, full of antiques and local handicrafts. An obligatory stop is the Cathedral of Cagliari, which for centuries has acted as political, administrative, and religious centre. A little time for shopping and then a stop at a typical Sardinian house, where you will enjoy a dinner of local flavours. Overnight stay at the hotel.3
The Castle of Calamosca and the Sand of the Poetto
Visit to the Castle of Calamosca and the “Lazzaretto”, which was recently turned into a museum structure and is the site of a vast exhibition of Sardinian rugs and tapestries. Lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, excursion to the protected nature reserve of the marsh of Molentargius, where pink flamingos seasonally dwell after migrating from Africa. A relaxing walk along the Poetto, the beach preferred by Cagliari’s citizens, with its impalpable white sand. Transfer to Pula, a locality along the coast, for a fish dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
