Photography and golf on Sardinia's wild west coast
Sardatur Holidays the specialist tour operator to Sardinia and the rest of Italy, has introduced an enticing pair of packages to its high-end holiday programme for summer 2011.
The new packages – both of which are based at the supremely comfortable Is Benas Country Lodge on Sardinia's wild west coast - are themed around the ever-popular attractions of photography and golf and offer all the quality, service and value for money that one might expect from the company's 30-years of unparalleled experience in this beautiful corner of Europe.
Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean and offers a huge amount of scenic diversity, from beaches and mountains to forests and farms. Much of the island remains unspoilt and filled with natural wonders, though nowhere more so than in the western region of Oristano. The area abounds in historical sites and natural paradises, with the wetlands of the Sinis Peninsular being of particular importance for their astonishing range of birdlife (including large flocks of wild flamingos). It's in this area that the Is Benas Country Lodge is located. This charming, four-star hotel offers the relaxed and informal ambiance of a genteel private home and makes the perfect base from which to discover the unspoilt beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Photography courses
Thanks to its superlative setting, Is Benas Country Lodge is ideally suited to those interested in the art of photography. The immediate area has a stunning coastline and endlessly interesting interior, affording a never-ending variety of incredible photo opportunities. Sardatur has teamed up with renowned wildlife photographer David Fettes to create a series of unique photography holidays that make full use of these scenic attractions.
Under David's expert guidance, guests will learn how to capture the magic of the Sinis Peninsular and its wildlife on one of four week-long photography courses. Each holiday follows an identical format, starting off with an introductory lesson into the secrets of successful photography. This is followed by a series of excursions into the field to encounter different subjects, from the birdlife on the coastal marshes to the picturesque cityscape of ancient towns and even a medieval castle with commanding views of the area. A particular highlight will be the visit to the otherworldly plateau of the Giara di Gesturi (home to a unique herd of wild, dwarf horses) and a sunset shoot at the archaeological site of Tharros, a ruined Phoenician city. The itinerary also includes plenty of leisure time for guests to make their own explorations or simply relax amid the comforts of the hotel.
There are two departures in June and two in September, with the holiday costing from £1,250 per person (based on two sharing, to include BA flights from London Heathrow; in-resort transfers; seven nights' full-board accommodation; five half-day guided excursions; and expert tutorage from David Fettes for the duration of the trip).
Golf Holidays
Those with a penchant for a game of golf might already have heard of the Is Arenas Golf Club. Lying just two kilometres from the hotel, it is one of Italy's most exceptional golf courses and the focus for Sardatur's new golf holidays for summer 2011. The 18-hole course is set within a wonderland of sand dunes, forest and natural water features and is widely considered to be one of the best and most scenic golf courses in Europe. With the Is Benas Country Lodge being so close at hand, the golfing breaks offer an excellent opportunity for guests to combine their passion for the game with the superbly relaxing ambiance of the hotel.
The week-long golf packages are available throughout the summer, departing weekly from London Heathrow (on Saturdays) between 14 May and 24 September. Prices start from £829 per person, to include flights; in-resort transfers; seven nights' accommodation on B&B basis; and three green fees at Is Arenas Golf Club. Half-board upgrades and flights from Manchester and Edinburgh are available at a supplement.
Commenting on these new developments, Gianni Bonuglia, MD of Sardatur Holidays said, "The new golf and photography packages are a perfect fit to our range of luxurious, hand-picked holidays and will appeal to both new and repeat customers alike. Anyone booking one of these specialist holiday options will benefit from the years of experience, exceptional customer service and first-hand knowledge that makes Sardatur the undisputed experts in travelling to Italy and Sardinia."
For more information on Sardatur Holidays or to request a brochure, visit: sardatur-holidays.co.uk