Excursion The archeological site of nora tour at Cagliari

Cagliari has its origins in Sardinian prehistory which includes the birth of civilizations capable of creating organized and free societies, characterized by intense trades and cultural exchanges among the Mediterranean people. Explore the ancient beauty and history of Cagliari during this scenic, half-day excursion through the city on the way to the archaeological site of Nora.

Depart the pier for the scenic drive through Cagliari on your way to the Bonaria Basilica, stop here to learn about this historic church with a photo stop. Afterward, continue your excursion and drive to Monte Urpinu. Upon arrival, take in picturesque vistas that include the Gulf of the Angels, or 'Golfo degli Angeli', and the Santa Gilla and Molentargius lagoons, home to flamingos, cormorants, ducks and herons.

Continue to the ancient Roman and pre-Roman town of Nora situated on a peninsula near Pula and Cagliari in Sardinia. Nora was an important trading town in its time, with two protected harbours, one on each side of the peninsula. According to legend, Nora was founded by a group of Iberians from Tartessus led by Norax, a mythological hero (the son of Eriteide and the god Hermes). It is believed to be the first town founded in Sardinia and to have been settled by the ancient Sherden or the Nuraghi people, and later colonized by Phoenicians.

The Nora Stone, a Phoenician inscription found at Nora in 1773, has been dated by palaeographic methods to between the late 9th century and early 8th century BC, and has been interpreted as referring to a Phoenician military victory and conquest of the area. After a period of domination by Carthage the town came under Roman control after the conquest of Sardinia in 238 BC. It went into decline from the 4th century AD and appears to have been abandoned during the 8th century.

Several different building styles can be seen in the excavated buildings. Visit a promontory in the foreground of a 16th-century tower. From here, view the remains of Carthaginians warehouses, Roman buildings from the time of the Republic, a Carthaginian-Roman temple, large baths with splendid mosaics, a nearly-intact theatre dating from the time of the Empire, and a unique the water supply and drainage system.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Cagliari, Bonaria Basilica, Monte Urpino, Gulf of the Angels, Santa Gilla and Molentargius Lagoons, Nora, Carthaginian-Roman Ruins

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometre) on uneven surfaces. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear walking shoes, lightweight, comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. Minimum age to participate is 6 years old.