Reflections of Italy

Our journey begins on the west coast of Sardinia, so you’ll want to fly into Alghero Airport (AHO). Most international travelers will connect through a major European hub such as Rome, Milan, Frankfurt or Paris before continuing on to Alghero.

At the end of the trip, we’ll depart from Olbia Airport (OLB). You’ll simply connect onward from Olbia back to your European gateway city and then home to the U.S. A private group transfer to Olbia airport is included on departure day.

Not sure which route makes the most sense for you? No worries at all. I’m happy to help you navigate flight options and timing so your arrival is as smooth and stress-free as possible. You can book a travel planning call using this link: 

Italy Travel Planning

Absolutely! In fact, I encourage it if your schedule allows. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to recover from jet lag and ease into vacation mode before the tour begins. Others decide they simply aren't ready to leave and extend their stay after the trip.

If you'd like to spend extra time exploring Sardinia, I can recommend beautiful beaches, charming villages, boat excursions and hidden corners of the island that aren't included in our itinerary. Or, if you're dreaming of continuing your Italian adventure, why not hop over to Corsica, spend a few days on the Amalfi Coast, explore Tuscany or discover another favorite destination?

As a Fora travel advisor, I'm happy to help arrange hotel stays, transportation, ferries, flights or additional experiences before or after the tour.

Just reach out to me, and we’ll make it happen!

For U.S. citizens, traveling to Italy is easy! You'll need a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months after your return date.

At the time of writing, U.S. travelers do not need a visa for tourist stays of fewer than 90 days in Italy or elsewhere in the Schengen Area.

Beginning in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, are expected to complete a simple online ETIAS travel authorization before arrival in Europe. The process is expected to be quick, inexpensive and valid for multiple trips over several years. If this requirement is in effect for our departure, I'll provide all the details and reminders well in advance.

As always, I recommend making a photocopy of your passport and keeping a digital copy stored securely online or on your phone, just in case.

If you're traveling from outside the United States, please check the entry requirements for your country of citizenship or reach out and I'll point you in the right direction.

For the latest entry requirements and travel advisories for Italy, please visit the official U.S. Department of State page.

Travel insurance is a condition of participation for all Travel Passionistas journeys, and for good reason.

Travel insurance can help protect your investment if you need to cancel your trip unexpectedly, experience flight delays, lose your luggage or encounter a medical emergency while abroad. It's one of those things you hope you'll never need, but you'll be grateful to have if the unexpected happens.

Over the years, I've seen travelers benefit from insurance for everything from family emergencies and illness to airline disruptions and lost baggage.

You're welcome to purchase coverage from any provider that meets your needs. If you'd like a recommendation, I'm happy to provide a quote from a trusted travel insurance company that many of my guests have used successfully.

My goal is simple: I want you to travel with confidence and peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your Italian adventure.

This journey is designed for women who believe travel is about more than checking destinations off a bucket list. It's for those who love discovering beautiful places, connecting with local culture and sharing unforgettable experiences with like-minded travelers.

Our guests appreciate charming villages, spectacular coastlines, leisurely meals, boutique hotels, scenic boat rides and the simple joy of lingering over a cappuccino or a glass of wine with new friends. They enjoy staying active enough to explore while still leaving plenty of time to relax and soak it all in.

You don't need to speak Italian, be a seasoned traveler or know anyone else on the trip to feel right at home. Many of our guests travel solo, and by the end of the week, they've made friendships that last long after the journey ends.

If crystal-clear water, colorful markets, hands-on cooking classes, hidden beaches, unforgettable sunsets and authentic Italian experiences sound like your idea of the perfect vacation, there's a good chance this trip was designed with you in mind.

Absolutely! In fact, most of our guests travel solo.

One of the best things about small-group travel is that you arrive as strangers and often leave as friends. By the end of the trip, you'll likely have a collection of inside jokes, shared memories and maybe even a few new travel buddies for future adventures.

Many women tell me they were nervous about coming alone, only to discover it was one of the best decisions they ever made. Our groups are warm, welcoming and filled with women who share a love of travel, laughter and new experiences.

Of course, if you're traveling with a friend, sister or spouse, that's wonderful too. But please don't let the lack of a travel partner keep you from experiencing Sardinia. Life is simply too short to keep waiting for "someday."

This is one of the most common concerns I hear—and one of the easiest to answer.

Many of our guests arrive knowing absolutely no one. That's the beauty of small-group travel. There's something about sharing incredible experiences, lingering over long meals, sailing to beautiful islands and exploring new places together that turns strangers into friends surprisingly quickly.

Before we leave, I'll host several Zoom get-togethers where you can ask questions, talk through the itinerary and put names to faces. A few weeks before departure, I'll also create a private WhatsApp group so everyone can introduce themselves, stay connected and share in the excitement leading up to the trip.

By the time we meet in Sardinia, you'll already recognize a few friendly faces and feel like part of the group.

And who knows? You just might meet your new favorite travel buddy...or even a lifelong friend. It happens more often than you might think.

You certainly don't need to be an athlete to enjoy this journey, but a moderate level of mobility is important.

We'll be walking through charming villages, along waterfront promenades and over cobblestone streets that can sometimes be uneven. There are also a few hills, stairs and inclines along the way. While our days are relaxed and unhurried, you should be comfortable walking for periods of time and standing during guided tours.

The good news? This isn't a race. We travel at a comfortable pace, take plenty of breaks and always make time to pause for a beautiful view, a cappuccino or a gelato. Many of our guests are in their 60s and 70s and do just fine.

That said, this tour isn't the best fit for travelers who rely on canes, walkers or wheelchairs, or who have difficulty walking moderate distances over uneven terrain. My goal is for every guest to feel confident, comfortable and able to fully enjoy the experiences we've planned.

If there's ever an activity or excursion you'd prefer to skip, that's perfectly okay too. This is your vacation, and whenever possible, you're welcome to enjoy it at your own pace.

If you're unsure whether this trip is a good fit for your mobility level, please reach out. I'm always happy to have an honest conversation and help you decide if this is the right adventure for you.

Not at all! One of the biggest advantages of traveling with a small group is that I take care of all the logistics, so you don't have to worry about schedules, tickets, directions or figuring out where to go next.

During our week together, we'll take a short ferry to the beautiful island of La Maddalena, enjoy a scenic coastal cruise along the dramatic cliffs of Capo Caccia and spend a relaxing day aboard a private catamaran exploring the crystal-clear waters of the La Maddalena Archipelago. These aren't just ways to get from one place to another—they're some of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

If you're prone to motion sickness, I recommend bringing your favorite remedy for the boat excursions, just in case. The waters are often calm, but it's always better to be prepared.

Your only job is to relax, soak up the scenery and enjoy every moment. I'll take care of the rest.

I've intentionally designed this itinerary to strike the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.

While there's plenty to see and do, this isn't a race, and you won't be rushed from one attraction to the next with a checklist in hand. Throughout the week, you'll have time to relax by the pool, enjoy the beach, wander charming villages, browse local markets, linger over a cappuccino or simply soak in the beauty of Sardinia.

And remember, this is your vacation. If there's ever an activity you'd prefer to skip in favor of a leisurely morning, some quiet time or independent exploration, that's perfectly okay too.

My goal is simple: for you to return home with wonderful memories, new friendships and a full heart—not feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation!

Packing light is one of the best ways to enjoy Italy!

While this itinerary is easier than some of my other tours, we'll still be changing hotels once, loading and unloading luggage from our private coach and settling into boutique accommodations where oversized suitcases can quickly become more of a burden than a blessing. In my experience, guests who pack lighter simply enjoy the journey more.

For this adventure, I ask that you limit yourself to:

• One suitcase no larger than 24 inches, including wheels and handles
• One small carry-on, backpack or personal item

You'll be responsible for handling your own luggage when moving between hotels, although our drivers and hotel staff are often happy to lend a hand when possible.

If you're connecting to Sardinia from mainland Italy, keep in mind that many of the regional airlines have strict luggage size and weight limits, and oversized or overweight bags can result in additional fees. Packing light can save you both money and hassle.

Don't worry—we'll cover packing in detail during our pre-trip Zoom calls, and I'll share plenty of tips to help you pack smart, stay comfortable and still leave room for a few Sardinian treasures to bring home!

We offer both double-occupancy and single-occupancy room options to suit your travel style and budget.

If you're traveling with a friend, you'll share a room with two separate beds. Traveling solo but open to sharing? I'll gladly try to match you with another guest who is also looking for a roommate. While I can't guarantee a match, I'm usually able to pair guests successfully.

If you'd rather have your own space, single rooms are available for an additional fee. Because only a limited number are available, they tend to be one of the first room categories to sell out.

No matter which option you choose, my goal is simple: for you to be comfortable, well-rested and ready to enjoy every day of your Sardinian adventure.

May is one of the most beautiful times to visit Sardinia. The island is lush and green from the spring rains, wildflowers are in bloom, and the summer crowds haven't yet arrived.

Daytime temperatures typically range from the upper 60s to mid-70s, making it ideal for exploring charming villages, strolling along the waterfront, enjoying outdoor cafés and spending time on the water. Evenings are usually comfortable but can be a bit cooler, so you'll want a light sweater or jacket for dinner by the sea.

As with spring anywhere, an occasional rain shower is always possible, so I recommend packing layers along with a lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella. And while the Mediterranean may still be a bit brisk for some, many guests are surprised to find it's warm enough for a swim—especially on sunny afternoons.

Don't worry—we'll cover wardrobe suggestions and packing tips during one of our pre-trip Zoom calls, so you'll know exactly what to bring and what to leave at home!

We'll collect your dietary preferences and food allergies after registration and communicate them to our hotels, restaurants and activity providers throughout the trip.

Whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free or have other dietary needs, we'll do our very best to ensure you're well taken care of and able to fully enjoy Sardinia's wonderful cuisine. As a vegetarian myself, I understand how important it is to have delicious options—not just an afterthought.

Italy is generally very accommodating when it comes to dietary preferences, and Sardinia's emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients means there are often wonderful choices for everyone. If you have a severe food allergy or a highly restrictive diet, please let me know before booking so we can discuss whether this itinerary is a good fit for your needs.

Not a problem at all! While wine is certainly part of Italian culture, our winery visits are about so much more than what's in your glass.

These experiences are an opportunity to meet passionate local winemakers, learn about Sardinia's unique wine traditions, enjoy breathtaking scenery and savor delicious regional foods. Whether you choose to sample the wines or simply soak in the atmosphere, you'll still be part of the experience.

Most wineries are happy to provide water or other non-alcoholic beverages, and there's never any pressure to drink if you'd prefer not to.

Whether you're a wine enthusiast, an occasional sipper or someone who doesn't drink at all, you'll feel just as welcome and included on this journey. (And if you pass on your tasting...someone at the table will probably be happy to help! 😉)

That really depends on your personal travel style, but most guests find that €500–€800 is plenty for the duration of the trip.

Since your hotels, transportation, breakfasts, many lunches and dinners, and all included activities are already covered, your extra spending will typically go toward souvenirs, local markets, a few independent meals, cocktails or wine with dinner, spa treatments and perhaps an extra scoop or two of gelato (strictly for research purposes, of course 😉).

For gratuities, I recommend budgeting approximately €75–€100 per person for our local guides, drivers and hotel staff. While tipping in Italy is appreciated, it's not expected in the same way it is in the United States, and restaurant service charges are often already included in the bill.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Sardinia, but I recommend carrying a small amount of cash for cafés, taxis, local markets and smaller purchases.

We'll discuss Italian customs, tipping expectations, money-saving tips and the best ways to access euros during one of our pre-trip Zoom calls, so you'll feel completely comfortable before you arrive.