You all helped me in the past so I thought I could get some great advice for my latest travel questions. My parents, who are in their mid and late 70's, want to visit Sardinia for a day. They think that it will be a day there, a day on Sardinia and then a day to get back to the mainland. They will have a car. They are thinking of taking the fast ferry out of Civitavecchia to Olbia spending the day and then leaving on the ferry to Livorno as they want to go back to Vinci and Florence. Any thoughts on Hotels, restaurants, and things not to miss seeing would be greatly appreciated. They leave in one week for Italy! Thank you.

I have never heard of anyone going to Sardinia for ONE DAY! The idea makes no sense, and I would strongly discourage doing it. If they are hell-bent to do it, and are arriving at Olbia, they should spend the short time there driving around the Costa Smeralda area all the way north to Santa Teresa di Gallura.

GAC: Thank you for your frank comments. Sardinia is a side trip for my parents who have been to Italy numerous times and love to drive. At the beginning of their trip they are attending a Wedding in Spoleto. They have trouble walking long distances but do not like to sit around and relax. It sounds like Sardinia is a place to relax. Their schedule is flexible and I could suggest that they consider staying a day or two longer. But where would you suggest they stay? Thank you.

If you parents love to drive and can afford to spend at least three nights on Sardinia, there are a number of wonderful places to visit and stay overnight. Assuming that their port (or airport) of arrival is Olbia, they could head out north to the Costa Smeralda, then on to Santa Teresa di Gallura and westward to Castelsardo. The best hotels in the Costa Smeralda are outrageously expensive ($3,000 per day full board), but there are very reasonable properties further north and in Castelsardo itself.

Alternatively, they could head south along the eastern coast and then inland to Nuoro and Oliena, where there is a famous hotel-resort in the mountains with lots of great scenery.

Or they stay along the sea at Cala Gonone in the center-eastern coast, which has lovely scenery (and boat trips to see the wild and unspoiled coastline).

Or they could visit the beautiful Pisan-style medieval churches scattered throughout the countryside of the Logudoro and Gallura regions in the north.

As you see, there are numerous possibilities, but I could not recommend a stay of less than three nights.

GAC: Thank you for your great suggestions. I emailed them to my mom. They leave today. I know they will have a great time.

My pleasure. Encourage them to share their travel experiences once they return!