Cagliari Shore Excursion: Archaeological Nuraghe and Nora Tour

Pula, IT
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (1 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Bottled water
  • inclusion
    Flexible to cruise docking
  • inclusion
    Hotel/port pickup
  • inclusion
    Due to availability, please be aware that vehicles used in the excursions may be different from description and vary at the management's discretion
  • inclusion
    Skip the line
  • inclusion
    Private experience

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuities

Meeting Point

The shuttle will let you near the parking lot, our guide will be waiting outside the gate.

Meeting point

Cagliari, Metropolitan City of Cagliari , Italy

End point

End Point

The shuttle will let you near the parking lot, our guide will be waiting outside the gate.

Meeting point

Cagliari, Metropolitan City of Cagliari , Italy

End point

What to expect

1

Area Archeologica di Nora

History is alive and in abundance on the island of Sardinia. This tour is your opportunity to visit some of what remains of a civilization that is approximately 3,000 years old! Enjoy an exclusive guided visit to the Phoenician city of Nora and the hidden gem town of Pula. Your guide will meet you at the Passenger's Terminal at your Cagliari cruise port for a picturesque 40-minute drive to the ancient ruins of Nora, the first Phoenician city of Sardinia! For approximately 2 hours, your friendly and knowledgeable guide will share the rich history of this site that may eventually be inaccessible. The southern part of Sardinia is sinking into the Mediterranean Sea, which has resulted in a significant portion of the former town now being submerged. Nora was a Roman and pre-Roman town dating back to the time of the Phoenicians. Whether fact or a bit of fiction, the founding of the town is bathed in colorful history. Pausanias, who was a geographer in the 2nd century, outlines in his work Description of Greece, that the Iberians founded Nora when they crossed Sardinia under the leadership of Norax, an ancient mythical hero. The tradition says that Nora was the first city on the island. As you enter the archeological zone, you will see what remains of the thermal baths. Walk along the cobbled street to the heart of this open-air museum - Piazza del Foro. Here you will see the ruins of the Temple of Tanit - a Carthaginian goddess. The archeological zone was revealed in 1889 following a storm that uncovered the Phoenician Tophet, a kind of cemetery for children. And hence the excavations began. An aqueduct and necropolis are found on the site, as are the remains of a nobleman's house dating back to the third century. The rooms of the house are lined with stunning mosaics. Your guided visit to Nora will be approximately 2 hours. The main attraction of Nora is the theater, the only one in Sardinia. In its day, it was lined with marble and could seat 1,000 people on its 20 terraces. The magnificent structure still today is host to the La Notte dei Poeti festival! Please note that during the celebrations, the theater is covered to protect the ruins. Despite all that you will see, much of Nora remains unexcavated! Looking out across the golden sands of the beach and the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, you can likely take yourself back to the forgotten past of this ancient urban trading center and imagine what it must have been!

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2

Nuraghe Sa Domu 'e s'Orcu

Sa Domu 'e s'Orcu "Ogre's House" in the native Campidanese language, was a settlement build in the 15th century BCE and was inhabited up until the 6th century. Nuraghe is a type of megalithic tower-like structure. You will have approximately 1 hour to explore the archaeological site. Although the real function of this nuraghe is still not known, it could have been any number of things, including a fortress, a religious place, a refuge. Throughout your experience, your guide will be with you to share information about the sites you visit.

Duration 30 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Specialized infant seats are available
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    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Additional information
    At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
  • Additional information
    Due to availability, please be aware that for groups of more than 8 participants vehicles used in the excursions may be different from description and vary at the management's discretion.
  • Additional information
    The excursion will not be cancelled and refunds will not be issued because it rains
  • Additional information
    If the tour starts late or encounters delays, for any reason, we will shorten the tour to return our guest to the cruise port by the scheduled time. There are no critical portions of the tour operated by third parties which could result in the inability to return to port on time.
Provided by Bitan Daily Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try local seafood at Pula restaurants
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    Visit the nearby beautiful beaches
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    Bring a camera for stunning views
  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking
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    Check local timings for the theater

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the fascinating history of Sardinia with the captivating Cagliari Shore Excursion: Archaeological Nuraghe and Nora Tour. This tour will take you on a journey through ancient ruins and archaeological sites, allowing you to uncover the rich history and traditions of this beautiful island.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect to explore two significant historical sites in Sardinia: the ruins of Nora and the Nuraghe Sa Domu 'e s'Orcu. At Nora, the first Phoenician city of Sardinia, you will have the opportunity to discover the remains of this ancient civilization. Walk along the cobbled streets, visit the thermal baths, and marvel at the stunning Temple of Tanit. The highlight of Nora is its theater, the only one in Sardinia, which still hosts cultural events today. Next, you will visit the Nuraghe Sa Domu 'e s'Orcu, a megalithic tower-like structure dating back to the 15th century BCE. Explore the archaeological site and immerse yourself in the mysteries of its purpose and function. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will provide interesting insights and information about the sites you visit.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone with a curiosity for ancient civilizations. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, this experience will offer a unique and educational insight into Sardinia's past. The tour is suitable for all ages, so feel free to bring along your family and friends for an unforgettable journey through time.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Sardinia with the Cagliari Shore Excursion: Archaeological Nuraghe and Nora Tour. This tour offers a rare opportunity to explore ancient ruins and archaeological sites that date back thousands of years. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the Phoenician and Roman civilizations that once thrived on this island. The chance to walk through the streets of Nora, visit the majestic theater, and learn about the purpose of the Nuraghe Sa Domu 'e s'Orcu is a truly unique experience that will leave you in awe of Sardinia's rich heritage.

Good to know

During the tour, transportation will be provided from your Cagliari cruise port to the different sites. The duration of the tour is approximately 300 minutes, giving you ample time to explore and immerse yourself in the history of Sardinia. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved. Don't forget your camera, as you'll have plenty of opportunities to capture memorable moments. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty and historical significance of these incredible archaeological sites.

Reviews

Previous travelers have been enchanted by the Cagliari Shore Excursion: Archaeological Nuraghe and Nora Tour. They have praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides who provided fascinating insights into the history and significance of the sites. Visitors were particularly impressed by the well-preserved ruins of Nora and the breathtaking views from the theater. This tour has been described as a must-do for history lovers and an enriching experience that offers a deeper understanding of Sardinia's ancient civilizations. Overall, travelers have expressed high satisfaction with the tour and highly recommend it to others seeking a unique and educational adventure.

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