The Crown Jewel of the Tyrrhenian Sea
Join us on a journey to one of the Mediterranean's island treasures, Sardegna, also known as the island of Sardinia, located just west of the Italian coastline midway to Majorca and the Bealeric Islands. We'll focus our exploration on the northern region of the island and the picturesque Maddalena island archipelago, its granite rock outcroppings sculpted by the wind and waves into dramatic landscapes against the sea. This is a paddler's trip, offering the experienced paddler opportunities to paddle diverse conditions, yet providing ample protected waters for those newer to kayaking to enjoy the incredible beauty one can only experience from the cockpit of a kayak. For sure, the rewards will be great as we lose ourselves in the adventure, finding some real gems off the beaten path. Expect to establish some long-lasting friendships with the people we meet as we share exceptional food and sustenance at the table.
Although part of Italy, Sardinia is in-and-of itself, a world apart. The native dialect, Sardo, has been identified as the closest living language to the Latin spoken by the ancient Romans. The island was once controlled by Rome's greatest enemy in the Mediterranean, Carthage, whose armies threatened Rome itself under the leadership of their famous general Hannibal Barca. The Bronze Age Nuraghic civilization left their mark on the island as well; these ancient builders constructed countless stone towers scattered through the countryside, an archaeological mystery waiting to be solved by those of us with the Indiana Jones-gene! Even the rock formations have an other worldly appearance, shaped by the Mistral, that harsh west wind that accelerates down the Rhone Valley, across Provence, and then out to sea sculpting the island's coast line into organic shapes. The result reminiscent of the smooth, flowing, carvings of sculptor Jean Arp if one uses some imagination. This is a place not to be missed!!
The clear azure sea that offers us breathtaking ocean-bottom-views 60 or more feet below our kayaks will be the stage upon which we become the actors in this dynamic drama of ebb and flow. Lots of paddling to be found, secret places to explore, hidden sea caves, secluded beaches and the opportunity for some lively surf will be part of the action too. For land lubbers there will be opportunities to hike or bike instead, and of course time can be taken to find a cliff-side perch and simply watch the ever-changing sea.
At the end of the day, we will all have experienced some fun, some serious paddling, and an unequaled sampling of food and wine prepared in a traditional manner. Could be just the ticket for a great getaway!
Sept 17 - 26, 2020
PLEASE NOTE: The flight fromUS to Italy is an overnight flight so participants will need to depart the US on Sept. 16th to arrive in Italy on the 17th.
$3950 per person based on double occupancy; singles add $500
The Price includes 9 night accommodations in Inns or hotels, meals as noted on itinerary, in-country transportation once you have arrived at our first night's Inn as outlined on the itinerary, ferry to Sardinia, kayaking gear and safety equipment, and highly qualified & trained guides
