Countless empires have moulded Sardinia, but this trip is all about getting to know the island that existed before man made his mark. Your transport for the morning tour will be a pontoon boat, which will take you along the Coghinas River. This unspoilt waterway scores its way through a verdant green valley until it meets a lagoon and, eventually, the sea. The river’s 6-kilometre course is lined by sand dunes, leafy woodland and olive groves. The countryside around the river is also a magnet for birds, both migratory and nesting. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot purple herons, with their distinctive mauve feathers, Sardinian warblers and egret. There will be a guide on board the boat with you, who will be able to point out the most interesting flora and fauna.