Dream of Sardinia Tour
A Taste Experience of Land and Sea
October 4 – 10, 2026
Join me, Italian chef and cooking instructor, Deborah Dal Fovo, on my Dream of Sardinia Tour—an immersive journey to one of Italy’s most unique and idyllic destinations. Discover the magic of this intriguing island, where rugged mountains meet turquoise seas and ancient history shapes everyday life.
During my insider’s tour, we’ll explore the many sides of Sardinia, including its world-famous coastline. But we’ll go beyond white-sand beaches, venturing inland to experience Sardinia’s beating heart and dive deep into its ancient culture, cuisine, and terroir. We begin the week in the island’s lush inner heartland, where pastoral life and time-honored traditions remain central to the Sardinian way of life. From there, we unwind along the coast, admiring emerald waters and dramatic cliffs that embody pure Mediterranean beauty before arriving in Cagliari at the southern tip to uncover its rich layers of ancient history. Along the way, we’ll savor Sardinia’s distinctive flavors and cultural heritage, creating memories that linger long after the journey ends.
Barbagia: The Wild Heart of Sardinia
Our travels start in Barbagia—the untamed inland countryside considered the cultural and gastronomic heart of Sardinia—where Sardegna, as locals call it, remains fiercely authentic. Verdant hills dotted with grazing sheep define a landscape shaped by centuries of pastoral life, where shepherds continue the age-old tradition of transforming raw milk into exceptional pecorino and ricotta cheese. Traditional dress, colorful handwoven textiles and basketry with a deep connection to the land remain woven—quite literally—into everyday life. From handmade Sardinian pasta and sheep’s-milk cheeses to local breads and delicate pastries, we’ll experience the island’s signature cuisine and craftsmanship, tasting flavors and appreciating artistry passed down through generations.
Cultural Oasis & Orosei Gulf Coast
For our first three nights, our home is an enchanting art-centric resort—a serene oasis where Sardinian heritage comes alive. Corridors are lined with local art, traditional costumes, and artifacts, while artisan workshops showcase the island’s vibrant crafts. Outside, organic gardens bloom around the estate, and meals are served in an evocative restaurant devoted to regional cuisine. Here, you’ll learn Sardinian food traditions firsthand—wandering the gardens to explore indigenous ingredients, baking crisp carasau bread in a wood-fired oven, and roasting meats over an open hearth, as locals have done for centuries.
One of the highlights of our week is a boat excursion along the Orosei Gulf, where crystalline waters shimmer beneath dramatic cliffs, and secluded beaches embody the dreamlike paradise for which Sardinia renowned. Every moment is a feast for the senses, bringing the island’s colorful scenery, cuisine, and spirit vividly to life.
Hands-On Pasta Making Class
We’ll roll up our sleeves for a hands-on Sardinian pasta workshop led by a local pasta master, learning the ancient, tactile art of forming intricate Sardinian pasta shapes by hand—a skill passed down through generations. We’ll also witness the extraordinary process of making Filindeu—the legendary “Threads of God” pasta, considered the rarest pasta in the world. This remarkable art form survives through only a handful of Sardinian women, making the experience as rare and meaningful as the pasta itself.
Next, we pack our bags and travel south to Cagliari—the ancient port city and capital of the island perched at the southern tip—where we’ll spend the next three nights immersed in a vibrant blend of history and coastal life.
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Cagliari & Environs: Spectacular Southern Sardinia
The second half of our week unfolds in and around Cagliari, where we’ll explore the atmospheric Castello district, wandering through historic streets and landmarks while admiring sweeping views over the city and sea. A visit to the renowned San Benedetto Farmers Market offers a glimpse into everyday Sardinian life, while meals highlight exceptional seafood that reflects the island’s deep maritime traditions.
In Cagliari, our accommodations are in a beautifully restored noble palazzo overlooking the city. Elegant suites, furnished with a thoughtful blend of antiques and modern comforts, provide a refined and intimate setting from which to experience the capital.
Gergei Farm-to-Table Experience
From Cagliari, we’ll take a day trip inland to the Gergei region, a pastoral landscape of rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards that embodies Sardinia’s agricultural soul. We’ll participate in a private cheesemaking experience, observing and assisting in the traditional production of raw-milk pecorino and ricotta. As a chef, I’ll connect this experience to how these cheeses are used in Sardinian cooking, translating what we taste into an understanding of everyday meals and celebratory dishes—a true farm-to-table experience.
Sardinian Wine & Nuraghe
Our exploration of Sardinian terroir continues with a visit to a prestigious local wine cellar, where we’ll enjoy guided tastings of exceptional regional wines. Together, we’ll explore how native grape varieties, soils, and microclimates influence each wine and discover their traditional place at the Sardinian table.
No journey through Sardinia is complete without encountering a Nuraghe, the island’s enigmatic Bronze Age stone structures, often likened to Stonehenge. Along our travels, we’ll stop to marvel at these ancient monuments—enduring symbols of Sardinia’s mysterious past.
An Unforgettable Experience in Sardinia
As our journey through Sardinia comes to a close, you’ll leave with far more than memories of beautiful places and unforgettable meals. You’ll carry a deeper understanding of a culture shaped by land and sea, with traditions and flavors rooted in time and terroir. This is Sardinia as it is lived—authentic, generous, enduring—an experience meant to be savored long after you return home. A journey so magical, it feels like a dream come true!
Highlights of 7-day/6-night tour Include:
– Private boat excursion along the Orosei Gulf
– Hands-on pasta making class with Sardinian pasta master featuring traditional hand-formed shapes
– Demonstration of rare Filindeu, the rare “Threads of God” pasta
– Demonstration of traditional Sardinian Carasau bread
– Shepherd experience & raw-milk cheesemaking lesson, learning the art behind Sardinia’s iconic pecorino
– Introduction to Sardinian desserts, including intricate lace pastries and celebratory sweets
– Visit to a prestigious Sardinian wine cellar with guided tastings of regional varietals
– Exploration of ancient Nuraghe stone structures, revealing Sardinia’s mysterious Bronze Age history
– Guided walking tour of historic Cagliari, including Castello district and farmers’ market
– Encounters with traditional Sardinian crafts, including basket weaving, loomed textiles, and ceramics
Pricing & Terms:
The price of the Dream of Sardinia Tour for 2026 is $6,700 per person based on double occupancy. Single occupancy of double room requires a single supplement charge of $1400. Airfare not included. Upon inquiry, necessary booking instructions, terms & conditions, and release form will be provided via email.
This tour has limited space. Reservations are secured by deposit on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve your spot:
A deposit of $1,500 per person is required to secure your spot. Final payment of the remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the tour start date and can be broken up into two payments at 120 and 90 days. Payments can be made using U.S. domestic checks, Zelle bank transfers, or credit cards (please note that a 4% transaction fee for payments via credit card is applicable).
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Included in the tour:
– 6 nights lodging in a double-occupancy rooms with private bathroom (suite upgrades available with added cost)
– Welcome and farewell dinners
– Most meals during the tour, including breakfast and curated menus of regional specialties with paired wine
– Private transportation to group destinations during tour
– All cooking classes and demonstrations
– Walking tour in Cagliari city center with visits to historical monuments
– Visit to food markets with presentations and tastings of specialty products
– Entry fees for monuments, museums, parks, cultural sites
– Winery visit with tasting of wines
Not included in the tour:
– Airfare to/from Sardinia
– Transportation from airport to meeting point at hotel in Sardinia
– Transportation outside scheduled activities
– Travel insurance
– Shopping and personal expenses
– Drinks or other cocktails not included in the itinerary
– Meals during free time
– Tips for tour guides and bus drivers
– All other expenses incurred during free time
Reserve your spot here
For questions and to reserve your spot for this tour, please use the contact form below:
See my other culinary tours in Italy here