Mini-Cruise of the Coral Riviera

Market day in Bosa with guided tour and free time

The pretty fishing village of Bosa is just a short scenic drive along the coast from Alghero. It's considered one of the most beautiful of Sardinia's seaside retreats. And on this excursion, you'll have plenty of time to explore the handicraft market and old town, sit down for some lunch and soak up the laidback vibe. Valentina, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Apart from the castle, river and colourful houses climbing the hillside, Bosa is also famous for its Malvasia wine. It's a good bet if you are looking for a local variety to try with lunch.'As soon as you set foot in Bosa, you'll feel as if you've been transported back in time. Pastel-coloured houses flank the River Temo and character infuses every square centimetre. Lording it over the town is the hilltop Malaspina Castle – also known as Castello di Serravalle - which while a shell of its former glory boasts a remarkable medieval chapel adorned with fragile frescoes. Valentina adds, 'The oldest part of town is near the river. It wasn't until the castle was built that people chose to live away from the river, hoping for protection from the castle.'You'll enjoy a guided tour of the town to discover some of its secrets, and then free time to be able to browse the stalls at the weekly market where artisans and locals sell their own produce and goods. You'll also have time to find a restaurant to tuck into a local lunch, if you like. There's no rushing around on this tour, so you'll truly experience authentic Sardinia.

Neptune’s Caves Boat Tour

It may be named after the Roman god of the sea – but Neptune's Grotto was discovered only a couple of hundred years ago. Hidden just above the water level at the base of the towering and remote Capo Caccia cliffs, the grotto is one of Sardinia's most dramatic natural attractions.After sailing from the harbour, you'll pass rugged coastline before reaching the grotto in under an hour. On arrival, you can choose whether to go in to Neptune's Grotto or not. If you do, you'll see stalactites biting down like incisors from the roof of the cave and stalagmites stabbing up from the floor like daggers, and a saltwater lake that stretches out for 120 metres – all while having the geology expertly brought to life by your local guide.If you choose not to take the subterranean tour, you can stay on board basking in the sunshine. Either option is a great way to spend some time before a leisurely trip back to port.