Participating in expedition travel means confronting unexpected challenges and adapting to turn a defeat into a victory. This was demonstrated today during our visit to Alghero, Sardinia, when we learned upon arrival that a visit by boat to the unique Neptune's Grotto cave would not be possible due to unusually high ocean swells that made the cave inaccessible. Staff and guests joined together to turn the day into great success, providing all of us with a wonderful visit to this picturesque and culturally rich island.
The day began as planned with a morning at sea. We had left the lovely island of Menorca behind the night before, and it saluted us with a magnificent sunset. After morning stretch class with wellness specialist Kat on the sun deck for those hardy souls able to get out of their beds by 7:30 a.m., our National Geographic photographer Massimo Bassano gave a presentation on his remarkable career at the upper echelons of his craft. He then sat down with guests for one-on-one sessions on how to improve their pictures. Then, Portuguese naturalist Madalena Patacho gave a fascinating talk on the red coral of the Mediterranean.
By the time we finished lunch (which featured a number of Greek dishes, including two of my personal all-time favorites: moussaka and loukoumades, the addictive deep fried, honey soaked dough that tempts me to abandon my diet every time I visit Athens) we were ready to head out on the Zodiacs for Sardinian shores.
Instead of our visit to Neptune's Grotto, our inventive staff made alternative plans, including bringing the collection of brand-new bicycles to shore stacked on Zodiacs so guests could explore Sardinia with pedal power. This option was quickly adopted by a group of energetic guests, who happily wheeled off to discover the lovely white-sand beaches and winding ancient streets of this beautiful part of the world.
The rest of the guests embarked on an excursion that took them an ancient archeological site from the first settlers of the island: the enigmatic Nurag people who left beehive structures that can still be seen throughout the island. That was followed by a visit to the magnificent Capo Caccia cliffs, which offered an unequaled view of Alghero. Finally, the group visited the Leda D'Itirri family vineyard where they were given an enlightening tour by the mother and daughter who run the vineyard. Ample tasting of wine, local cheese, olive oil, bread, and salami were consumed, leaving everyone happy and just a little tipsy. Luckily, there was time to sit and relax by the family pool.
All guests and staff reconnected at the Alghero pier with two hours to explore the city on their own. Its winding, cobblestone streets offered plenty of surprises, and a plethora of gelato shops competing for our attention. I myself went for two scoops, one of almond and the second of cherries and cream, which served as the symbolic cherry on top of what was a wonderful day in Alghero, Sardinia.
