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Hotel
DAY 1: Check-in at the 5-star Petra Segreta Resort & Spa and Welcome Dinner at Michelin Star Restaurant “Il Fuoco Sacro” (San Pantaleo)
DAY 2: La Prisgiona/Tomb of the Giants Archeological Sites and historic Capichera Winery
DAY 3: Castelsardo, Nuraghe Majori Archeological Site & Olivastro Millenario di Luras (Millenary Olive Grove)
DAY 4: Maddalena Archipelago in Private Boat & Porto Cervo (Emerald Coast)
DAY 5: Dorgali in Sardinia’s Blue Zone for Exclusive “Dressing of the Bride” ceremony, traditional lunch in Sardinian home, and visit of Museo del Costume (Nuoro). Check-in at the Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa (Villasimius)
DAY 6: Su Nuraxi UNESCO Archeological Park (Barumini) and Blue Zone cheese making experience
DAY 7: Porto Flavia (Industrial Archeological Site) & Old Mining Village of Nebida
DAY 8: Check-out of Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa
*All of our Travel Programs are Led by Dr. Rocky Ruggiero*
While most of the world is familiar with Sardinia for its breathtaking white-sand beaches and glamorous resorts on the Emerald Coast, the real secrets of Sardinia are located in its more rugged and mountainous hinterland. It is there that you will find the world’s first-ever Blue Zone – an area with an extraordinarily high concentration of centenarians and where men live just as long as women. Sardinia is also home to an extraordinary archeological heritage dating back to the Bronze Age and characterized by monuments known as “nuraghi” – large stone towers built of massive stones without cement or mortar. Then there’s Sardinia’s “European Caribbean” as the Maddalena Archipelago National Park is known for its strikingly bright blue water surrounding a group of 60 islands in the strait separating Sardinia from Corsica. And if it’s great food and wine that you are after, from world famous pecorino cheese to super high antioxidant Cannonau red wine, then Sardinia is definitely the place for you!
Join me in June 2027 and let me share the secrets of Sardinia with all of you!
Join us for a luxurious and customized experience in Sardinia where participants will
Walking tours and on-site visits may entail uneven terrain such as cobblestones and city hills, as well as challenging environments with stairs without handrails and/or the absence of elevators).
DAY 1: SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2027 – ARRIVAL IN SARDINIA
3:00 pm – Arrival in Sardinia and check-in at the Petra Segreta Resort & Spa
*Recommended Airport for arrival: Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB)
*Private transfers from Olbia airport and/or train stations to the Petra Segreta Resort & Spa are available upon request
7:30 pm – Welcome Dinner at Michelin Star Restaurant “Il Fuoco Sacro”
DAY 2: MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2027 – LA PRISGIONA/TOMB OF THE GIANTS ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES & CAPICHERA WINERY
10:30 am – Visit to the Prisgiona and Tomb of the Giants
La Prisgiona is one of the most important archeological Nuragic sites in Sardinia. It is set on a granite hill overlooking the Capichera valley and surrounded by a landscape famously associated with Vermentino vineyards. The Tomb of the Giants is one of Sardinia’s best preserved and most impressive groups of Bronze Age (1800-1600BCE) graves built by the Ancient Nuragic civilization, adding another powerful archaeological dimension to a tour that blends taste, territory, and ancient history.
1:00 pm – Group lunch at the historic Capichura winery with traditional Sardinian foods paired with local Gallura wines
Enjoy an exclusive traditional lunch and tasting of five wines, with Vermentino and Cannonau naturally taking center stage as Sardinia’s most distinctive expressions of freshness, terroir, and minerality. The Capichura winery setting is especially scenic, with vineyards, countryside views, and the unmistakable atmosphere of rural northern Sardinia, where agriculture and local identity are tightly connected.
4:00 pm – Return to Hotel
5:00 pm – Free Evening
DAY 3: TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2027 – CASTELSARDO, NURAGHE MAJORI ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE & OLIVASTRO MILLENARIO DI LURAS
9:00 am – Depart for Castelsardo
10:00 am – Walking Tour of Castelsardo
The medieval town of Castelsardo is in northwest Sardinia and built on a promontory overlooking the sea. It is characterized by colorful houses, a 12th-century castle, and local artisan weaving traditions. Not surprisingly, Castelsardo ranks among “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy” (I Borghi Più Belli d’Italia). Castelsardo was alsofamously featured as the backdrop for Prince Eric’s castle in Disney’s live action movie “The Little Mermaid” (2023).
1:00 pm – Lunch with traditional Sardinian foods in a scenic location with breathtaking views of the coast
3:00 pm – Visit the Nuraghe Majori and walking tour of Tempio Pausania
The 3,500-year-old “Nuraghe Majori” near the town of Tempio Pausania is an ancient stone structure perched 500 meters above sea level that offers a glimpse into Sardinia’s prehistoric civilization.
4:30 pm – Walking Tour of Modena and Visit of the Duomo di Modena Visit to the Olivastro Millenario di Luras (“Millenary Olive Trees of Luras”)
The final stop is the Olivastro Millenario di Luras to view olive trees that are thousands of years old. Experts estimate that the oldest among them, known as the “great Patriarch,” is between 3,000-4,000 years old, and is the oldest millenary olive tree in Europe. In 1991, the olive grove was declared a Natural Monument.
5:30 pm – Return to Hotel
6:30 pm – Free Evening
DAY 4: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2027 – MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO IN PRIVATE BOAT & PORTO CERVO (EMERALD COAST)
9:00 am – Depart hotel for visit to the Maddalena Archipelago in private boat
The Maddalena Archipelago is a group of over 60 islands in the Strait of Bonifacio, between Corsica and Sardinia. It is a massive national park with the water so bright blue it is often called the “European Caribbean.”
1:00 pm – Seafood lunch in restaurant along the coast
3:00 pm –Free time to shop and explore Porto Cervo – the “Pearl of the Emerald Coast”
Porto Cervo is the main town of the world-famous Emerald Coast (“Costa Smeralda”), the northeastern coastline of Sardinia named after its magnificent, bright emerald-green water and Italy’s most exclusive vacation spot. In addition to being home to some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches you’ll ever see, such as Capriccioli and Spiaggia del Principe, Porto Cervo and the Emerald Coast are also famous for high-end designer boutiques, luxury yachts, and extravagant nightlife.
5:00 pm – Return to Hotel and Free Evening
DAY 5: THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2027 – DORGALI IN SARDINIA’S BLUE ZONE FOR EXCLUSIVE “DRESSING OF THE BRIDE” CEREMONY
9:00 am – Check-out of hotel; Depart for town of Dorgali in Sardinia’s Blue Zone
10:30 am – Arrival in town Dorgali in Sardinia’s Blue Zone
11:00 am – “Vestizione della Sposa” (“Dressing of the Bride”)
Our first stop will be in the town of Dorgali, situated in Sardinia’s Blue Zone – one of only five areas on Earth where people live significantly longer, healthier lives. There we shall view an absolutely unique event called the “Vestizione della Sposa” (“Dressing of the Bride”). This event usually only occurs only once annually in the fall in the Barbagia region but shall be staged exclusively for us. This tradition is a deeply symbolic ritual where handmade layers, precious gold filigree, and meaningful amulets are carefully fitted to the bride.
11:30 am – Visit to local gold filigree laboratory
Sardinian filigree (filigrana) is an ancient, highly specialized goldsmithing technique where gold and silver threads are expertly twisted, curved, and woven together with tiny spheres to create intricate, lace-like jewelry.
12:30 pm – Traditional lunch hosted in a local historic Sardinian home
2:30 pm – Depart Dorgali for Nuoro to visit the Museum of Sardinian Dress (“Museo del Costume”)
Inaugurated in 1976, the Museo del Costume, is Sardinia’s main ethnographic museum. The museum offers a comprehensive view of the island’s traditional life, covering themes like work, celebrations, homes, clothing, food, religion and the popular imagination.
4:00 pm – Depart Nuoro for hotel
6:30 pm – Hotel check-in; Free evening
Arrival to Villasimius and check-in to the Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa
DAY 6: FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2027 – BARUMINI ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK AND BLUE ZONE CHEESE MAKING EXPERIENCE
10:00 am – Depart hotel for Barumini
11:30 am – Visit of the Su Nuraxi di Barumini Archeological Park
Su Nuraxi is a Nuragic archeological site in Barumini in south-central Sardinia. It is the largest and best-preserved “nuraghe” on the island, which is a giant stone tower without any cement or mud holding the giant stones together. An ancient people known as the Nuragic civilization built it back in the Bronze Age, around 3,500 years ago, long before ancient Roman civilization. The site resembles a large labyrinth with a large central tower, surrounded by four smaller towers and with an entire stone village built around it. UNESCO made it an official World Heritage site in 1997.
1:00 pm – Traditional lunch with cheese making experience in the Blue Zone town of San Niccolò Gerrei
In addition to learning about shepherding traditions, artisanal dairy production, and the flavors that define Sardinia’s inland communities, we shall enjoy a traditional Sardinian lunch showcasing local Blue Zone specialties.
4:00 pm – Return to Hotel
5:00 pm – Free Evening
DAY 7: SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2027 – PORTO FLAVIA & NEBIDA
9:00 am – Depart hotel for Porto Flavia
11:00 am – Arrival and visit of the mining complex of Porto Flavia
Porto Flavia is a sea harbor built directly into the side of a cliff located on the southwestern coast of Sardinia. Constructed in 1923, it is an unmatched monument of industrial archaeology, consisting of a giant tunnel system carved straight through a mountain cliff allowing ships to conveniently load up on metals. The harbor is named after Flavia Vecelli, the daughter of the harbor’s engineer and designer Cesare Vecelli.
12:30 pm – Depart Porto Flavia for Nebida
1:00 pm – Farewell seafood lunch in traditional seafood restaurant
3:00 pm – Depart for hotel
5:00 pm – Arrival at hotel and free evening
DAY 8: SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2027 – ARRIVEDERCI SARDINIA!
12:00 pm – Check out of the Alma Timi Ama Resort & Spa and (sadly) the end of the program
*Recommended Airport for departure: Cagliari Elmas (CAG)
*Private transfers from the hotel to Cagliari airport and/or train stations are available upon request
All participants will be staying at two different historic luxury five-star hotels:
SAN PANTALEO:
Petra Segreta Resort & Spa – 5 Star
Via Stazzu Malcusa, 07026 San Pantaleo, Sardinia Italy
+39 0789 187 6441
https://www.petrasegretaresort.com/en/
VILLASIMIUS:
Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa – 5 Star
Via dei Ginepri, 3 09049 Villasimius Italy
+39 070 79791
https://www.almartimiama.com/en/
All transportation will be provided by private coach.
JUNE 20 – JUNE 27, 2027
Double Occupancy – $12,890.00/person
Single Occupancy – $15,790.00/person
Includes:
– 7-night accommodations in Deluxe Double rooms in all hotels (breakfast included)
– All lectures with Dr. Rocky
– All admissions
– All group lunches
– All ground transportation between June 20 and June 27, 2027
– Welcome dinner and Farewell lunch
Not included:
Airfare to Italy and transportation to Petra Segreta Resort & Spa/from Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa
Payment:
A deposit of 30% of the program fee is required to reserve a space on a program. All payments may be made by credit card or check. Deposits are applied to final payment of the program price.
A second deposit of 30% of the program fee is required 6 months after the first payment, unless otherwise noted.
The balance is due 60 days prior to the first day of the program, unless otherwise noted. If full payment is not received by the final payment due date, your place cannot be guaranteed on the program.
Wait List:
If the program of your choice is fully subscribed, you may choose to be placed on a waitlist by contacting us at info@rockyruggiero.com or by phone. Individuals on the wait list will be contacted if space becomes available and can inquire about program status by contacting us. If you choose to withdraw from a wait list, please notify us.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Following enrollment, a participant’s withdrawal from the program for any reason, including, but not limited to, illness, injury, family engagements, work-related issues, geopolitical concerns, or airline delays and/or cancellations, etc., will be deemed a cancellation. Please understand that there will be no exceptions to our cancellation policy. Per person cancellation fees are based on date of written notice to Rocky Ruggiero.
We will refund on the following basis:
– Cancellations within 10 days of booking: Full Refund
– Cancellations after 10 days of booking: Full Deposit Retained
– Cancellations made within final payment date, 60 days before departure: No Refund
– Cancellation by Rocky Ruggiero: Full Refund or Credit
– Non transferable to other travel programs, tours and online and in-person events.
Travel Protection Plan:
Purchase Travel Insurance to Protect your Vacation 
Special Travel Arrangements:
Participants may wish to extend their stay in the group hotel either before or after the tour. We will work with you on these arrangements, dependent upon space availability. Should you decide not to participate in certain parts of the program, no refunds will be made for those unused parts of the program.
READ CAREFULLY: RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
Neither Rocky Ruggiero nor faculty shall be held liable for personal injury, death, property damage or accident, delay or irregularity arising out of any act or omission of these suppliers. Rocky Ruggiero and other faculty reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of tour participants.
Rocky Ruggiero and designated faculty also reserve the right, without penalty, to withdraw the program announced, to decline to accept any person as a participant in a program, or to require any participant to withdraw from the program at any time (including, but not limited for inappropriate, or offensive behavior) when such action is determined by program staff to be in the best interests of the health, safety or general welfare of the program group or the individual participant.
Dates, schedules, tour details, and costs, although provided in good faith based on information available at the time of publication on the website, are subject to change and revision.
AS A CONDITION OF ACCEPTANCE OF ANY APPLICATION, EACH APPLICANT MUST AGREE TO THE STATEMENT SET FORTH BELOW:
The undersigned has read carefully the Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer set forth above, the schedule of activities for this program, as well as the terms and conditions of application and participation as set forth in the program materials and recognizes and accepts any risk associated with the program and the conditions, including the refund policy, set forth in the program materials. The undersigned further acknowledges that there are many risks and uncertainties inherent in any travel program, including but not limited to the hazards of various modes of transportation, forces of nature, acts or omissions of foreign governments, terrorism, war or insurrection, theft, illness, and damage to person or property due to the negligent acts or omissions of program staff or others. In consideration of, and as part payment for, the right to participate in the program, the undersigned, on behalf of himself, his dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, agrees to release Rocky Ruggiero, its Regents, officers, employees, representatives or agents, the United States, from liability for personal injury, death, property damage or loss suffered by any person in connection with this tour, even if caused by the negligence (but not the reckless, willful, or fraudulent conduct) of program staff or other related persons or entities. In addition, by registering for this program, the applicant certifies that he or she is mentally and physically capable of full participation in this tour. By registering for a “Rocky Ruggiero Program in Italy”, the participant agrees to the Responsibility Statement and Liability Disclaimer and the Terms and Conditions herein.
