Ffestiniog Travel

Friday 15 June to Sunday 24 June 2012

As rail specialists, Ffestiniog Travel has created a tour for you to experience some of Sardinia’s most memorable narrow gauge lines, taking you on a holiday where the majority of train journeys are in specially chartered railcars or with vintage diesels. Experience this atmospheric way of travelling as we journey across spectacular mountain gorges, view wondrous island scenery and encounter Sardinian hospitality.

Day 1   London to Palau

Depart London by air for Olbia. On arrival take a private bus to Palau for an overnight stay.

Day 2   Railcar to Sassari

Relax today, as the journey to our next destination is taken in our own chartered railcar, passing through quintessential Mediterranean scenery. This long and remote branch line only has services over its full length in high summer; consequently our private railcar provides us with an opportunity to appreciate the ride, as we travel to the historical centre of Tempio Pausania. There is time for lunch, before continuing in our railcar to Sassari for a 2 night stay.

Day 3   At Leisure in Sassari

A day at leisure to explore the narrow gauge lines that radiate to the charming coastal resort of Alghero. Enjoy the cafés and winding streets which overlook the harbour or take a trip to Olbia on the standard gauge mainline or the branch line to Porto Torres.

Day 4   Across Sardinia

A morning departure by private bus to Bosa Marina, where we board our chartered railcar to travel across the heart of Sardinia on the narrow gauge lines to Macomer and onwards to Nuoro. On arrival we board our private bus transfer to Lanusei where we spend 2 nights at the hospitable Hotel Villa Selene where we are booked on full board.

Day 5   Full Day Sightseeing Tour

The mountains in Sardinia are magical as they shimmer in the summer heat, providing a scenic backdrop to the coastal plains. Today we take a full day sightseeing trip by private coach to Orgosolo and onwards over the spectacular Passo Arzu Correboi. Packed lunch included.

Day 6   Special Train to Sadali

An incredible three days of extraordinary narrow gauge travel start today over little used lines with stupendous scenery. We join our chartered train this morning, taking a packed lunch provided by the hotel (included), relaxing and appreciating the views as the line snakes up through the hills to Sadali. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for a stay of 1 night on full board basis. The journey we take today is breathtakingly spectacular for everybody, connoisseurs of rail travel or not.

Day 7   To Mandas and Sorgono

This morning we re-join our private train at Sadali and continue to Mandas where the train reverses and travels north to Sorgono along a branch line no longer open to regular traffic. Once again a packed lunch is included. Here we continue by private coach to Lake Gusana and the Hotel Taloro where we stay for 1 night on half board basis.

Day 8   Mandas and Cagliari

A final opportunity today to travel on our chartered railcar as it takes us back to Mandas where we continue our journey on the scheduled service to Cagliari (Monserrato). Transfer to the Hotel Regina Margherita for a 2-night stay.

Day 9   At Leisure in Cagliari

Relax at leisure today in Cagliari, the island’s main port. This ancient town has much to explore including a scenic castle, shaded squares and winding streets. Alternatively, continue your Sardinian rail adventure, taking the mainline train to the north or visiting the standard gauge branch lines to Carbonia Stato and Iglesias.

Day 10   Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for flight to London.