Selvaggio Blu Hiking Trip

Island of Sardinia, Italy

  • Duration

    May 18-27, 2025
    10 days, 9 nights

  • Location

    Island of Sardinia, Italy
    Trip begins in Torino Italy (TRN and MXP are closest airports)

  • Group Size

    6-10

  • Price

    $ 500 (reservation deposit)
    $ 2750 (second payment)

SELVAGGIO BLU TREK: FROM PEDRA LONGA TO CALA SISINE

Join Saveur the Journey on a hiking and culinary adventure in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Italy; the “Selvaggio Blu” in Sardinia. The Selvaggio blu passes though one of the last true wildernesses of the Mediterranean and features stunning views of rocky escarpments flanked by an azure sea. There is constant elevation gain and loss, and a knowledgeable local guide is imperative as the ancient trails are unmarked and sections of the hike are technical, requiring climbing and rappeling (don’t worry your professional guide will facilitate all of this!). This trip is boat supported; each evening the boat will arrive with your overnight gear as well as fresh local fish, meats, salumi, cheese, vegetables, fruits, and beverages. Delicious dinners will be prepared for you on the beach as you take in the sunset. Since the tents and other overnight gear will be brought by boat, you will be able to hike with a daypack, carrying only lunch, water, essentials and an extra layer.

Spring and Fall are a great time to hike the Selvaggio Blu, temps are cool enough to be comfortable for hiking, but the ocean is still warm enough to swim in.

$3,250.00

In stock

Pay a deposit of $500.00 per item
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Knowledgeable Guides

Professional Local Bilingual guides who are experts in trekking, climbing, rappelling, and of course food!

Beautiful Landscape

Considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Italy, it passes through one of the last true wildernesses in the Mediterranean.

Boat supported hike

Boats will transport most of your gear and tents as well as bring amazing food each evening to be prepared for you on the beach.

The hiking portion of the trip starts in Baunei, a hill town 480 meters above sea level which includes a territory as vast as it is varied; 24,000 hectares of extensive plateaus, mountains and beautiful beaches. With the stages of our trek we reach different locations, “Us Piggius”, the inlet of Portu Cuau, the beach of Cala Goloritzè, the end of Bacu Su Feilau and Cala Sisine, moving continuously between white limestone peaks, the green of the Mediterranean scrub and the blue of the sea in complete isolation. We start from Pedra Longa and end in Cala Sisine following the old tracks of shepherds and charcoal burners. The trek is very fascinating, you walk on impervious, uneven paths, on stony ground, you face many differences in height both uphill and downhill. In addition, some sections of easy climbing (facilitated by your guide) and rappelling await us.

Days 1-3: Torino and Ferry to Sardinia

This trip begins in the Piemonte region of Italy, in the beautiful city of Torino. Here you will meet Monica Wuthrich, a native of Torino and graduate of Slow Food’s University of Gastronomic Sciences. After checking into a bed and breakfast and shaking of the travails of travel we will walk to Ernesto and Carlotta Wuthrich’s spacious appartement where bottles of prosecco will begin our “aperitivo,” which will eventually progress to dinner.

The next day Monica will lead our group to Porta Pallazo, the biggest open-air market in Europe, where our senses will be delighted by the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the amazing vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, spices, and other products. After a delicious seafood lunch at Pescheria Gallina we will pack up the vans and drive a few hours south and east to the Genoa in the Liguria region. Here we will drive onto the overnight ferry, which will take us to Olbia in Sardinia. The ferry has 4-person sleeping rooms, so we will can sleep during the long crossing. From Oblia we will drive about three hours along the coast to the refuge at the Golgo Plateau, where we will stay. On the drive we can stop for a gelato, wine tasting, or cheese visit, depending on desires!

The operational base is located on the Golgo plateau, 8 km above the town of Baunei. The Refuge is completely immersed in the Mediterranean scrub; silence, scents and colors will make your stay special both at the start of the trek, and at its conclusion. The dinners are famous and include: appetizers from our land such as salumi, antipasto, pecorino, traditional first courses like freshly made pasta and ravioli, second courses of Sardinian roast meats (pork, veal, goat) or freshly grilled fish,  with bread vegetables, and dessert, all accompanied by excellent Cannonau (Sardinian Red Wine) and Mirto (Sardinian Digestivo).

HIKING PORTION:
Day 4: ARRIVAL
Check-in and settle into the bungalows for the night. Briefing before dinner. The bungalows are simple wooden houses equipped with 2 bunk beds. You sleep with your own sleeping bag. The bathrooms are shared with the camping area.

Day 5- REFUGE-GENNIRICO
Departure by off-road vehicle for Pedra Longa. Continue on foot to Gennirco. Follow an easy path up to the Cengia Giradili which climbs the cliff for 2500 vertical feet until you reach the top. From here we can gaze out over the entire gulf of Arbatax towards the sea and up to the peaks of Gennargentu inland.
Travel time: about 5h
Difference in height: 2600ft uphill and 650ft downhill
Overnight in tent

DAY 6- GENNIRICO-PORTU PEDROSU/CUAU
Departure for Portu Pedrosu/Cuau. Hike along the edge of the Capo Monte Santo cliff, a promontory that separates the Gulf of
Arbatax from the Gulf of Orosei. Using juniper ladders put in place by the shepherds, we will descend into the Bacu Tenadili gully, and then climb up the opposite side. From here we have a chance to see Eleonora’s Falcon, as they live here in the greatest concentration in Europe.
Travel time: about 6h
Difference in height: 2600ft downhill and 650ft uphill
Overnight in tent

DAY 7: PORTO PEDROSU- SU TASARU
Departure for Su Tasaru. Passing by the inlet of Porto Cuau we continue until we reach Punta Salinas which overlooks Cala Goloritzè from where we will admire the grandeur of the Spire of Punta Caroddi. Then we descend surrounded by imposing holm oaks and junipers until we reach the scenic beach of Goloritzè. We go up the Boladina gully and two short climbs of III° and IV° will allow us to continue to Su Tasaru.
Travel time: about 8h
Difference in height: 3200ft uphill and 1600ft downhill
Overnight in tent

DAY 8: SU TASARU- BACU SU PADENTE
Departure for Bacu Su Padente. This is the most demanding stage of the entire trek, due to the rough path and various mountaineering passages, including 5 rappels of at least 45 feet each. It is perhaps also the most beautiful stage because we reach otherwise inaccessible points.
Travel time: about 8h
Difference in height: 2000ft uphill and 2300ft downhill
Overnight in tent

DAY 9: BACU SU PADENTE –CALA SISINE- REFUGE
This section, although less tiring than the previous one, has unforgettable and exciting climbs and descents including four longer rappels and two roped climbs.
Travel time: about 6h
Difference in height: 1500ft uphill and 2100m downhill
Overnight in bungalow

Day 10

After completing this hike we will drive back to Olbia, with lunch on the way and perhaps a stop at a winery/cheese tasting or just relax on the beach. We will then take the overnight Ferry back to Genoa and the next drive back to Torino. We should arrive in Torino around noon on the last day of the trip. You can either book a flight home for later that day, or spend a day relaxing and exploring Torino or Milan on your own.

This trip is for you if you…

…like hiking in a rugged and wild area with great food (and wine), excellent guides, and an the sea always nearby for swimming. You are in good shape and enjoy strenuous exercise. You like to hike with a daypack, rather than all your overnight gear and food, so that you can best enjoy the experience. In addition to hiking you enjoy the cultural aspects of travel including hosted dinners, wine tastings, market tours and lots of gelato.

 

Sample Itinerary- subject to change based on weather conditions

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN TORINO

Arrive in Torino Porta Susa train station meetup spot. You can either fly into Milan (MXP) and take an easy 2 hour shuttle to Porta Susa, or fly directly into Turin (TRN) airport and take a 45 minute bus to Porta Susa. We will pick you up by van and get you check into the bed and breakfast. Please plan on arriving no later than 4pm.

We will meet at 5:30 to do introductions and an orientation for the trip. Then we will walk to Monica’s parents house for “Aperitivo” (hors d’oeuvres and Prosecco), followed by a delicious dinner.

Day 2

DAY 2 VISIT TORINO (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner included)

After breakfast and cappucinos at the bed and breakfast we will head off to Porta Palazzo, the largest outdoor market in Italy for a tour of the sights, smells, textures and tastes. After seeing the products of the region and farther afield we will head to Pescheria Gallina for some of best and freshest fish anywhere in Torino. After a gelato we will head back to the B&B to organize our gear then drive a few hours South to Genoa where we will take the overnight Ferry to Sardinia. Dinner will be on board the ferry.

Day 3

DAY 3 ARRIVAL IN SARDINIA (B,L,D)

After we arrive in Sardinia by Ferry we will drive a few hours to the refuge on the Goglo Plateau, perhaps with a stop for a cheese or wine tasting and lunch on the way. Then we will check into the refuge a receive the briefing for the hiking portion of the trip. Dinner will be served at the refuge.

Day 4

DAY 4 THE HIKE BEGINS: REFUGE TO GENNIRICO (B,L,D)

Follow an easy path up to the Cengia Giradili which climbs the cliff for 2500 vertical feet until you reach the top. From here we can gaze out over the entire gulf of Arbatax towards the sea and up to the peaks of Gennargentu inland.
Travel time: about 5h
Difference in height: 2600ft uphill and 650ft downhill
Overnight in tent

Day 5

DAY 5 GENNIRICO-PORTU PEDROSU/CUAU (B,L,D)


Hike along the edge of the Capo Monte Santo cliff, a promontory that separates the Gulf of
Arbatax from the Gulf of Orosei. Using juniper ladders put in place by the shepherds, we will descend into the Bacu Tenadili gully, and then climb up the opposite side. From here we have a chance to see Eleonora’s Falcon, as they live here in the greatest concentration in Europe.
Travel time: about 6h
Difference in height: 2600ft downhill and 650ft uphill
Overnight in tent

Day 6

DAY 6 PORTO PEDROSU- SU TASARU (B,L,D)

Passing by the inlet of Porto Cuau we continue until we reach Punta Salinas which overlooks Cala Goloritzè from where we will admire the grandeur of the Spire of Punta Caroddi. Then we descend surrounded by imposing holm oaks and junipers until we reach the scenic beach of Goloritzè. We go up the Boladina gully and two short climbs of III° and IV° will allow us to continue to Su Tasaru.
Travel time: about 8h
Difference in height: 3200ft uphill and 1600ft downhill
Overnight in tent

Day 7

DAY 7  SU TASARU- BACU SU PADENTE (B,L,D)

This is the most demanding stage of the entire trek, due to the rough path and various mountaineering passages, including 5 rappels of at least 45 feet each. It is perhaps also the most beautiful stage because we reach otherwise inaccessible points.
Travel time: about 8h
Difference in height: 2000ft uphill and 2300ft downhill
Overnight in tent

Day 8

DAY 8  BACU SU PADENTE –CALA SISINE- REFUGE (B,L,D)

This section, although less tiring than the previous one, has unforgettable and exciting climbs and descents including four longer rappels and two roped climbs.
Travel time: about 6h
Difference in height: 1500ft uphill and 2100m downhill
Overnight in bungalow

Day 9

DAY 8 FERRY TO GENOA (B,L,D)

We leave the refuge and drive back to the Ferry in Oblia. We will stop for lunch and maybe a wine or cheese tasting on the way or a gelato. Then we will take the overnight Ferry back to Genoa. Dinner will be on board the Ferry.

Day 10

After the Ferry arrives in Genoa we drive several hours back to Torino. We should arrive around noon. We can then drop people off at the airport or train/bus station or at an accommodation in Torino. The end!

What’s included?

  • Local Italian and English speaking guides
  • All accommodations (1 night in B&B, 2 night on Ferry, 2 nights cabins, 4 nights in tents)
  • All meals and snacks, including hot breakfasts and dinners prepared sea-side
  • Transportation by private van, Ferry, off-road vehicles
  • Hiking/climbing guide (IFMGA) with ropes, climbing equipment
  • Storage of travel luggage
  • Tent, climbing harness, helmet, sleeping pad

What’s NOT included?

  • Airfare (Torino (TRN) and Milan (MXP) are closest airports
  • Airport transfers to Torino Porta Susa train station meeting point
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended). Try World Nomads
  • Alcohol
  • Gratuities
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FAQ Selvaggio Blu Hiking Trip

No! Italian language proficiency is recommended but not required. Even if the only Italian word you know how to say is “vino” you will be fine. We will help with translations and Italians are expressive and usually happy to try speak English.

You will need a valid Passport to visit Italy. Depending on what country you are coming from you will probably not need a visa, but it pays to make sure.

Breakfasts will be brought to us by boat and usually include bread, jam, coffee/tea, and some cake (Italians love sweets for breakfast). Lunch will also be given to us each morning and you can expect a panini (sandwich) with the excellent cured meats and cheeses of the area with fruit, vegetables, and snacks. Water will also be delivered each morning, as there are no places to resupply fresh drinking water.

The dinners are famous and include: appetizers from the land such as salumi, antipasto, pecorino, traditional first courses like freshly made pasta and ravioli, second courses of Sardinian roast meats (pork, veal, goat) or freshly grilled fish,  with bread vegetables, and dessert, all accompanied by excellent Cannonau (Sardinian Red Wine) and Mirto (Sardinian Digestivo).

You must be a solid hiker, comfortable with carrying a day pack that weighs 10-15lbs and able to climb and descend steep, rocky trails, sometimes with exposure. The trip has quite a bit of elevation gain and loss, so you must be in good physical shape and able to hike for up to 8 hours with up to 3500ft of elevation gain and 2000ft of loss in a day.

You do not need to have prior climbing experience, but it would be helpful. The professional guide will take care of setting ropes, belaying, and keeping everyone safe. You will need a climbing harness as well as a climbing helmet (can be rented).

The bed and breakfast in Torino is a classic Italian building, filled with antiques, located in Torino. The ferry has simple, 4 person sleeping berths. The bungalows in Sardinia are simple and comfortable, and also sleep up to 4.  The beds are bunk-beds and the cabins are mixed gender. The rest of the time we will be staying in tents (can be rented). There is no electricity, wifi, or running water while on the hiking portion of the trip.

The max group size is 10 and there will be a professional, local hiking/climbing guide who is certified in  wilderness first aid, and wilderness guiding. There will also be a local Italian guide. Both Italian guides also speak english.

If you have your own tent, sleeping bag (a 45F rated bag should be fine), sleeping pad, climbing harness, and climbing helmet you are welcome to bring them! If you don’t particularly like your gear or don’t want to have to travel with it then leave it at home and rent the gear (including tents, sleeping bags/pads, climbing harness, and climbing helmet) from us that are high quality and perfectly suited to the tour. Renting gear for the trip will cost about $150. Collapsible trekking poles are a good idea as well.

You will need to be in good shape for this trip. The itinerary is active and we will be in a very remote area where travel by foot is our only means of transportation. The trip has quite a bit of elevation gain and loss, so you must be in good physical shape and able to hike for up to 8 hours with up to 3500ft of elevation gain and 2000ft of loss in a day. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your physical ability or experience level. This trip is for active people who enjoy being outdoors.

Gratuities for guides are not included in the price of you trip and are much appreciated. Tipping is at your discretion. Normally average tips for excellent service are around 15%-20% of the trip cost. Tips are pooled together and shared equally among the guides.

October is a great time to visit Sardina. Temps will usually be around the 70’s and 80’s (Fahrenheit) and can drop into the 50’s at night. The sea is still warm enough to swim in.

Deposit is half refundable until 90 days before the start of the trip, after which it is non-refundable.

Final payment is due 60 days before the start of the trip. Cancellations between 30 and 59 days before the of start of trip are 50% refundable (of total booking cost). Cancellations less than 30 days are non-refundable (100% of booking cost). No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. The same applies if you leave a trip or cannot fully participate in a trip due to injury or illness. Refunds will be at the discretion of the Company if you are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.  For this reason, we recommend you consider purchasing travelers insurance (try World Nomads), which will cover the cost of your trip in extenuating circumstances.

In the event that Saveur the Journey has to cancel a trip due to the situation surrounding COVID-19 you will be notified and your deposit or trip balance will be applied to a future trip. If you need to cancel a Saveur the Journey trip because you test positive for COVID-19 you will be given a full credit for a future trip until 2026.

If a trip does not receive the minimum number of bookings the trip may not run. Please confirm with us before you purchase airfare or make non-refundable plans.

Our team

Aaron Schorsch

Owner- Saveur the Journey

Aaron Schorsch is the owner of Saveur the Journey where he combines his passions of food, travel, outdoor adventures, and culture. He grew up in rural New Hampshire and has lived and traveled extensively in the US and abroad. Aaron is a student of food who has worked throughout the food system from growing seed and farming of vegetables, fruits, and livestock to cooking in high end restaurants and managing farmer’s markets. He loves to talk about, think about, dream about and especially, cook and eat food. He is a member of Slow Food international and has been a US delegate at Terra Madre in Turin, Italy.

Monica Wuthrich

Tour Leader- Italy/Sardinia

Monica Wuthrich is an enthusiastic Italian foodie and a native of Piemonte. She holds a bachelor‘s degree in Food Technology at Slow Foods’ University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy. She loves cooking, and enjoys sharing her passion for food & wine with people from all over the world. In addition to being the cooking school manager of Scuola di cucina Lorenzo De’ Medici, she also organizes cooking classes out of her house, in the city of Torino. Her aim is to combine food with the culture, traditions, habits and customs of the Italian way of life.

Paolo Intropido

Italian IFMGA Guide- Italy/Sardinia

Paolo has been a certified mountain guide for nearly 20 years. Originally from Italy, he has always lived in the mountains and climbed his first 4000m peak at age 12. His love of the mountains and nature led to the decision to become a mountain guide. He is a patient and skilled teacher who loves imparting new skills to those around him. Paolo plays the bass, loves photography and reads a lot. He is excited to meet new people and show them the beauty of the mountains.

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