FANTASIA OF CORSICA 8 DAYS
8 Days : Porto Vecchio - Cliffs of Fazzio and Paraguan - Sartène - Ajaccio - Piana - Gulf of Porto - Corte - Calvi - La Balagna region (Pigna and Corbara) - Cap Corse (Erbalunga, Lavasina, Sisco, Luri, Nonza) - Bastia
Tour overview:
In the 8 Days you will embark on a city tour via a tourist train that grants access to the upper town. We willembark on a "Cliff Discovery" boat ride, featuring a guided tour of the sea caves, the cliffs of Fazzio and Paraguan, the old fortified town, the King of Aragon's staircase, and the famous grain of sand. Our journey will then take us to the village of Piana, renowned as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Piana is famous for its stunning Calanques, sculpted by erosion and displaying unique shapes that inspired Guy de Maupassant.
Day 1 - Arrive Porto Vecchio
Welcome to Corsica! Arrive at the port of Porto Vecchio or at Figari-Sud Corse Airport and meet our driver for the transfer to your hotel in Porto Vecchio. Check in at the Hotel.You'll have some free time to explore and unwind. Later in the evening, meet your Tour Leader at the hotel. Welcome briefing and dinner at the hotel. Overnight. (D)
Day 2 - Porto Vecchio - Bonifacio - the Extreme South
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast meeting with our guide for a visit to Bonifacio, a town perched on a cliff over 60 meters above the sea, boasting a fjord and an exceptional marine environment. No description can truly capture the astonishing citadel that meticulously preserves its medieval appearance. We'll embark on a city tour via a tourist train that grants access to the upper town. Afterward, we'll have free time to enjoy lunch (not included). Following that, we'll embark on a "Cliff Discovery" boat ride, featuring a guided tour of the sea caves, the cliffs of Fazzio and Paraguan, the old fortified town, the King of Aragon's staircase, and the famous grain of sand. Return to the hotel. Time at your disposal and enjoy dinner by your own and overnight. (B)
Day 3 - Porto Vecchio - the Gulf of Valinco Olmeto - Col Saint Georges - Sartène and Ajaccio- Imperial City
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Roccapina, Sartène, renowned as "the most Corsican of Corsican towns," with its beautiful stone houses. Along the way, you'll pass by the Gulf of Valinco, Olmeto, the village where Colomb, the heroine of Prosper Mérimée, lived, Col Saint Georges (747m), Cauro, and Ajaccio. Explore the imperial city, including the Genoese quarter and the Renaissance-style cathedral where Napoleon was baptized. Visit the Place du Diamant, the fishing port dedicated to Tino Rossi, Place du Maréchal Foch, Rue Fesch, and its shops. It’s lunch time and savor a delicious lunch (included). After lunch, continue to Cours Grandval, Place Austerlitz, and the Pointe de la Parata, which offers a view of the famous Sanguinaires Islands. Finally, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at your disposal. Overnight. (BL)
Day 4 - Ajaccio - The Calanques of Piana - Porto
After having breakfast at the hotel, we will set off towards the Gulf of Sagone and Cargèse, founded in 1770 as a colony for Greeks from the Peloponnese. Our journey will then take us to the village of Piana, renowned as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Piana is famous for its stunning Calanques, sculpted by erosion and displaying unique shapes that inspired Guy de Maupassant. We will also explore the Gulf of Porto, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free time for lunch. Following lunch, there will be a boat tour to the Calanques of Piana (subject to weather conditions). We'll return to the hotel for the evening and enjoy the rest of the day by your own. Overnight. (B)
Day 5 - Ajaccio - Corte - Historical Capita - Bastia
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Today's journey takes you to Corte, the former capital of Corsica and a thriving university town. Corte is known for its citadel, perched high like an eagle's nest, commanding breathtaking views of the Restonica Valley. Explore the city with a guided tour on a tourist train, soaking in its rich history. Afterward, enjoy a satisfying lunch. Continue your adventure to BASTIA, where you'll have some free time in the afternoon to explore the town at your leisure. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at the hotel and overnight in Bastia. (BLD)
Day 6 - Bastia - Calvi - La Balagne region
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Today, your journey takes you to Calvi, known as “civitas semper fidelis”, which remained steadfastly loyal to the Genoese for many centuries, earning it this motto. Calvi is also steeped in the legend of Christopher Columbus, who is said to have been born here. During your excursion, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting of AOC wines at "Chez Lucienne". Afterward, you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at your leasure. In the afternoon, explore the charming old villages of Balagne, including Lumio, Cateri, San-Antonino, which is perched on a rocky hill and classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Pigna, and Corbara. Return to Bastia and time at your disposal. Overnight. (B Wine tasting)
Day 7 - Bastia - Cap Corse Tour
Kick-start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Begin your exploration in Bastia, the captivating capital of Upper Corsica, boasting its historic old port, charming Place St. Nicolas, and enchanting cobblestone streets. Next, venture on a captivating journey to discover the beauty of Cap Corse. Wander through Erbalunga, a picturesque village that has inspired many artists, and Lavasina, a renowned pilgrimage site. Lunch is at your leisure, allowing you to savor a fulfilling meal and recharge for the day's adventures. Continue your excursion through Sisco, Luri, Col de Sainte-Lucie (381 m), Pino, and the renowned Nonza with its iconic square tower. Don't miss the chance to marvel at the Agriates Desert and St. Florent before concluding the guided tour services for the day. In the afternoon, return to Bastia, where you'll have free time at your disposal. Enjoy an overnight stay. (B)
Day 8 - Depart Bastia
Savor a delightful breakfast at the hotel. End of our services.(B)