Please read before you go on holiday and if you have any queries please call us on 01202 484858

Ticket Wallet

This will be sent to you 2/3 weeks prior to your departure. Please ensure that you take your Just Sardinia Ticket Wallet with you on holiday as it contains your airline tickets (where applicable), accommodation, transfer and car hire vouchers. We will also send to you by email (or by post on request) lots of useful information about travelling to Sardinia, directions, your resort representatives, emergency contact mobile telephone number, your accommodation/resort and the local area. Please check all your documents in the wallet and your emails from us to ensure that your tickets, names, dates and times are all correct and if not telephone us immediately on 01202 703505.

Free Guide Book & Local Information

Given to you in your ticket wallet with our compliments, is a Just Sardinia Guide Book that covers places of interest all over the island, general information about its history, culture, festivals, activities and helpful Italian phrases, plus a pull out map. We also email you our own travel, accommodation and local information that we have compiled to help you find your way around the resort and local area with personal recommendations for restaurants, activities, excursions or worth while days out either on foot, by car or by boat. Please take the time to read this for your own benefit.

Brochure Description

Just Sardinia takes every reasonable precaution to ensure that all details in this brochure are accurate at the time of writing the brochure in 2007. However on occasion errors do occur but we will do our best to inform you by way of brochure insert ‘amendments’ or if a major change will inform you if it directly effects your booking (see Terms & Conditions). Alterations to the accommodation after the brochure going to press cannot be accountable by Just Sardinia but please check with our Reservations Team before finalising your booking.

Flight Baggage

Your baggage allowance and in some cases, baggage size, will vary with each airline carrier. Low cost carriers generally allow 15kg of luggage per person and some have introduced charging per item. Charter and schedule airlines generally allow 20 kg. Infants do not have any baggage allowance. Baggage in excess of the carrier’s allowances may not be carried or will be subject to an excess charge. Bulky items such as pushchairs, wheelchairs, golf clubs or surfboards etc may be carried, but you are advised to check with your airline direct prior to travelling.

Transfers

Where stated standard transfers to and from your accommodation are from the nearest airport only.  Please note that the transfer mini-bus/coach may drop off and pick up additional Just Sardinia guests at other hotels en route to or from your accommodation or airport. If you prefer to guarantee a private transfer a supplement of £39 per booking each way will apply.

Hotel Grading & Exclusive Hotels
All accommodation is graded under the local Sardinian system, which differs from that of the UK. Hotels can vary within the same star rating as they do in the UK (please ask our Reservation Team for more details). Where Just Sardinia has marked accommodation as ‘exclusive', this means that as far as we are aware, it is not available through any other UK tour operator at the time of the 2008 brochure going to print.

Vine Rating
To help you choose accommodation that suits your requirements for your holiday, we have introduced our own Just Sardinia rating system indicated by the small vines on each page. This may or may not vary from the official Italian star rating depending on our opinion of how many vines we think the accommodation should be awarded. Where the vine rating is lower, it may be a simple matter of the location of the hotel, standard of the rooms or lack of facilities. Please call our Reservations Team for more details.

Hotel Facilities

Some advertised hotel facilities might not be available or fully operational in the early or late part of the season, depending on the number of guests at the hotel or weather conditions (eg air conditioning may not be turned on in low season and additional restaurants may not be in use). Accommodation facilities are subject to change at the management’s discretion. We will endeavour to inform you as soon as possible of any changes that may affect your holiday, prior to your departure. If you have a specific request for your holiday, we will do our best to honour this. However, a request is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of arrival.

Just Sardinia Disability Checklist
We want everyone to enjoy completely successful travel arrangements. We strongly recommend that you complete the ABTA Disability Checklist before making a booking if you have a disability or a medical condition requiring special travel, accommodation or dietary arrangements. The form should also be used to give information regarding specific needs for equipment and/or medication you may have. It can be completed by you or your travel agent. The questions are not meant to be intrusive - the information you provide will be treated confidentially and will be used only to check that the accommodation, transport and facilities in the destination are right for you. It all helps to ensure you receive a quality service tailored to your particular needs. For more information and to complete a checklist please call our Reservations Team 01202 484858 or email holidays@justsardinia.co.uk

Self Catering Accommodation

A Just Sardinia Welcome Pack - provided at our villas accommodation which includes a few necessities for your arrival.
Supermarkets - are found in all towns and are open generally 9am-1pm and 4pm-8pm Monday to Saturday. Remember that they will be closed at siesta time, generally 1pm-4pm and all day Sunday. Bigger supermarkets with a greater range of products are found in larger towns, some open all day and on Sunday in the height of the summer season. Sardinia has a wide range of local produce but please remember it is Italy, not the UK! Large towns also have a weekly market offering locally grown and produced fruit, vegetables, cheese and meats - please ask your rep for days and times.
Villas & Apartments - have a minimum of a fridge, hob, sink, storage, crockery and utensils but some will not have kettles, toasters, microwaves or ovens (please ask our Reservations Team for details). We suggest that you take with you some basic items such as a tea towel, dishcloth, salt and pepper, washing-up liquid and possibly a travel kettle.

Cleaning & Linen – are generally changed weekly. If you require further cleaning or linen and towels, this can be arranged for an extra charge. Please discuss this and book with our Reservations Team before your holiday if required.

Cala di Falco Villas - please note that for a 1 week holiday the villas will have been cleaned and made up for your arrival, the towels will be replaced mid week (normally Wednesday) and a final clean will be done on your departure. For a 2 week holiday the villa will have been cleaned and made up for your arrival, towels replaced mid week, sheets and towels replaced and the villa cleaned on the Saturday or Sunday, towels replaced again mid 2nd week and a final clean done on your departure. This is included in the price of your holiday. An extra linen change and cleaning can be arranged at 60 euros per clean and must be booked in advanced but paid locally.

Money Exchange & Cashpoint (Bancomat)
The currency used in Sardinia is Euros. Banks are generally open 8.30am - 1.30pm and 2.30pm - 3.30pm Monday to Friday. There are Bancomat/cashpoint machines available outside some banks, which can be used with your UK cash point card and usual pin number with instructions available in English. Please note that the hotels are unlikely to change traveller’s cheques but do accept most major credit cards.

Representatives
Our resort staff have been chosen for their wealth of local knowledge, expertise and love of the island. A Just Sardinia Representative or the transfer driver will be at the airport to meet you and will assist with your transfer arrangements to your accommodation. If you have hired a car, please make your way to the Car Hire desk where the agent will assist you with the collection of your vehicle.
Just Sardinia Rep Service: You will be informed on your arrival of when our rep will be visiting your accommodation and given their mobile telephone number and an emergency contact telephone number. They can recommend places to visit, boat trips, activities, excursions and restaurants depending on your own requirements and interests. If for any reason you wish to see our rep at another time, or have any queries, please contact them on their mobile telephone. Our representatives are there to help and ensure that you have the best possible holiday but in the unlikely event that something is not to your satisfaction then please inform them as soon as possible and they will do their best to resolve the situation.
Just Sardinia Rep Service by Telephone: Please note that Just Sardinia representatives do not visit all of the accommodations in the brochure but are available on the phone for assistance. Guests will be given a Just Sardinia Rep mobile telephone number, in their ticket wallet and with local information given out on arrival in Sardinia, to contact for assistance and information.
Just Sardinia Rep Service by Appointment: This will be the Telephone Rep Service but guests can request to see a Just Sardinia Rep in person.
Please see price charts ‘Included the price’ on the individual accommodation pages for Rep Service arrangements or check with our Reservations Team on 01202 484858 for further information.

Complaints

In the unlikely event of dissatisfaction with an element of your holiday, we would stress to you to let the Just Sardinia rep or Reception know about it so that we can rectify the situation as soon as possible. It is much better to solve any issues during your holiday than to wait until you return home. (Please see Terms and Conditions on page 98 for Complaints procedure.)

Emergency Telephone Number

You will receive an emergency telephone number for your use in case of need. We also detail in our local information (either in your ticket wallet or emailed to you) emergency numbers for police, fire, ambulance and road assistance.

Health & Safety

Your well being whilst on holiday is of prime importance to us and we will do our best to ensure your holiday is safe and trouble free by working with our accommodation and service providers. It is, however, important to remember that standards abroad are not always the same as those we would expect at home and so we do ask you to take care while you are away. We strongly urge you to follow the safety guidelines detailed in our documentation plus any extra information afforded by individual service providers.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all the members of your travelling party are adequately insured with travel and medical cover as soon as you book your holiday. Policies may be organised through Just Sardinia in conjunction with Holiday Extras.For more information visit http://www.justsardinia.co.uk/holiday_extras.aspx or call our Reservations Team on 01202 484858.

We also recommend that you have a European Health Insurance Card for reduced cost medical treatment in Europe that can be obtained via the Post Office in the UK or at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers

Q. Is it expensive to eat out?
A. The cost of eating out is about the same as in the UK and prices vary depending on the type of restaurant. You can eat out in typical Italian Pizzerias cheaply, with a large pizza costing from 5-8 euros each and a carafe of wine for about 8-10 euros for 1 litre. At the other end of the scale, seafood restaurants can be pricey with fresh fish being charged per kilo. Most restaurants display their menus outside so you can check the price before sitting down. Like the rest of Italy, most restaurants make a cover charge per person.

Q. What is the difference between North and South?
A. The whole island is beautiful, however the main difference is in the scenery. In the North the beaches tend to be small sandy coves and bays with clear blue sea particularly turquoise in the north east with amazing rock formations and the Maddalena islands and National Marine Park to explore. Although there are mountains all over the island the South they extend nearer the coast especially along the east coast where cliffs plunge into the emerald sea with satellite white sand beaches interspersed, which can be long in places eg Costa Rei (SE) and at Chia (SW).

Q. How big is the island?
A. The island is about the size of Wales! It is the second biggest island in the Med (after Sicily) 24,090 sq km (9,300 sq miles).

Q. How long does it take to drive from North to South, East to West?
A. It takes about 4 hours to drive North to South, and 2 1/2 hours from West to East depending on where you cross as from Alghero (NW) to Olbia (NE) takes approximately 1 1/4 hours. There are no motorways as such but good A roads such as from Sassari to Cagliari and from Sassari to Olbia

Q. What are the roads like and driving in Sardinia?
A. Driving in Sardinia is quite easy, there is less traffic than in the UK (except in Cagliari, the capital!) There are plenty of road signs but we recommend you buy a map! The roads can be quite windy in some of the more mountainous areas. Don't forget they drive on the right and it is Italian law to drive with your lights on at all times!

Q. What is full board?
A. Full board includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Q. What is half board?
A. Half board includes breakfast and dinner.

Q. What is the sea temperature like?
A. The sea temperature is obviously warmest in July and August and generally stays warm in September and October. Although the outside temperatures can be high in May and June, the sea is usually cooler and generally takes until July to really warm up.

Q. Do you use coaches for airport transfers, and do you stop at other hotels on the way?
A. Most of our transfers are a mini bus or taxi, occasionally it may be necessary to use a coach transfer. Please note that the transfer may drop off and pick up guests at other Just Sardinia hotels en route to or from your accommodation or airport. If you would prefer to guarantee a private transfer a supplement of £39 per booking each way will apply.

Q. What is the time difference?
A. Sardinia time is one hour ahead of the UK (GMT).

Q. How much is the deposit and when do I pay the balance?
A. The deposit is £100 per person at time of booking, and then the balance must be paid 8 weeks before travel. We do not send a reminder so you will need to make a note to send us a cheque or give us a call.

Q. Do you charge for use of credit cards?
A. We do not charge for use of credit cards when paying the deposit, but we do charge 1.5% when you pay the balance (2% charge for American Express).

Q. Can you buy 'normal' baby food, baby milk and nappies in Sardinia?
A. Baby food can be bought in local supermarkets and pharmacies, however it is unusual to find the same brands as in the UK. Nappies can also be found in local supermarkets. Baby milk is only sold in pharmacies behind the counter on request and beware it is very expensive and you are unlikely to find the same brands as in the UK so do take your own.

Q. Do many people speak English?
A. Quite a few Italians will speak a little English in local restaurants (menus are often translated into English) and shops if you are in an area which attracts tourists. In the hotels there is almost always English speaking staff. Inland fewer people will speak English.

Q. How many English people are there compared to other nationalities in Sardinia on holiday?
A. There is a mix of nationalities visiting Sardinia but predominantly Italians holiday in Sardinia particularly in August. There is a growing number of English visiting Sardinia with a mix of French, Scandinavian and Germans but no majority of one nationality over another.

Q. Are there coach tours of Sardinia?
A. We do not offer coach tours of Sardinia, but we can arrange tailor made self drive tours for our customers (see tour Sardinia in the brochure or on our web site). Some of the hotels offer half day or full day excursions to see more of the island by minibus (depending on numbers).

Q. Are there lots of mosquitoes?
A. There are no more mosquitoes in Sardinia than any other Mediterranean island and some areas and or hotels are sprayed in the summer months to alleviate any problem. It is worthwhile taking precautions eg insect repellent particularly at dusk if you or your family tend to get bitten and use an electric repellent plug in your bedrooms.

Q. Is there a difference in temperature between North and South?
A. There is a slight difference in temperature, the South being 2 or 3 degrees centigrade warmer.

Q. How many airports are there?
A. There are three main airports, Alghero (North West), Olbia (North East) and Cagliari (South).

Q. Are the cars air-conditioned?
A. Yes, all our cars have air-conditioning.

Q. Will the hotels cater for food allergies?
A. Most hotels are very accommodating and are used to catering for a whole range of tastes. However, if you have a severe food allergy it is best to let us know so we can speak to the hotel before you go. You must also speak to the hotel when you arrive.

Q. Are there kettles?
A. It is unusual to find kettles in Sardinia, so if you like a cup of tea in the morning it is best to take your own travel kettle.

Q. What plug sockets do they use in Sardinia?
A. 2pin 220-240volts. You will need to take a standard European plug adapter on holiday with you.

Q. What is public transport like in Sardinia?
A. The pubic transport is not as well structured as in the UK. There are a few buses from town to town, but these are irregular and not very reliable. We would recommend hiring a car if you like to explore and not rely on public transport too much to get around!

Q. What is an Agriturismo?
A. Agriturismo's are usually found in the countryside and can be farms, guesthouses, bed & breakfast and most commonly restaurants. They usually offer a set menu dinner (about 30 euro per person) with local traditional cuisine using either home or locally grown/produced ingredients. In Sardinia expect anti-pasta with cured hams, sausage, salami, cheese, olives, bread etc, followed by traditional home made pasta with ricotta cheese and tomato and basil sauce followed by roasted suckling pig and rosemary potatoes and for sweet seadas which is a pancake usually served with local honey and home made biscuits. Locally produced wine is served by the jug.

Q. When is siesta and what will be open when?
A. This varies in different areas, but can be any time between 12 noon and 4 pm, when most shops will be closed but most shops open again between 4 or 5pm and 7 or 8pm.

Q. Can I go on holiday to Sardinia in the winter?
A. The island is seasonal and most hotels are open from April/May to September/October. However, we do offer some hotels, particularly in the larger airport towns, which are open all year round and some hotels, villas and apartments that open earlier to take advantage of the lovely spring weather. (See Roam Around Sardinia in the brochure or on our web site)

Q. How long do I need left on my passport to travel to Sardinia?
A. You should make sure the date you are travelling home is before the expiry date of your passport.