Ajaccio (Corsica), France

The tour begins in the heart of the city and introduces us to the exploits and characteristics of its most well-known son, Napoleon. Before we taste some of the local delicacies and then venture into the historic alleys of the Genoese colony, we admire the splendid coastal landscapes along the Route des Sanguinaires.

• Cours Napoléon
• Casone
• Funerary Chapels
• Parata Point
• Tasting typical local products
• The old city

• The coach takes us along the city’s main artery Cours Napoléon, the wide, tree-lined avenue leading to the Casone, a monument erected in honour of Napoleon, on top of which towers a bronze statue of the emperor, an exact replica of the statue in Les Invalides in Paris.
• Engraved on the marble steps are Napoleon Bonaparte’s major victories and achievements, such as the reform of the legal system, the Banque de France and the University. The garden behind the statue conceals a grotto, where Napoleon is said to have hidden as a child to play and study before being sent to the Military School in France at the age of 9.
• Back on the coach, our journey follows the coastline, where the imposing Funerary Chapels of the families of Ajaccio stand in stark contrast to the villas, modern buildings, hotels and restaurants. We drive along the coastline with its red rocks, towards the Iles Sanguinaires; on the promontory of Parata Point stands the tower of the same name, built to protect the Gulf of Ajaccio from barbarian attacks.
• Before our return to the city centre, we take a refreshing break to taste some of the local delicacies. To conclude in style, we venture once more into the narrow, picturesque streets of the Genoese old city, driving past the most distinctive monuments: the Cathedral, Place de Gaulle, Napoleon’s birthplace, Place de Palmiers and the Town Hall.

Leave directly on foot from the port to go and discover the history of Corsica by strolling in the historic center of Ajaccio.

• Ajaccio Cathedral (external visit)
• Fesch Museum (external visit)

• We will leave the port for a guided tour of the historic center of Ajaccio, passing Napoleon's residence, Place Foch and Ajaccio Cathedral. passing in front of the Fesch Museum, a building wanted by the maternal Cardinal Fesch
  uncle of Napoleon I. This museum is one of the most important in France for its collection of Italian paintings,
  second only to the Louvre.

An excursion which proposes a wide spectrum of spectacular views of the Gulfs of Sagone and Porto, the peaks of Mount Cinto, the Spelunca Gorges and the extraordinary natural rock formations of the Calanche de Piana.

• San Bastiano Pass with a view over the Gulf of Sagone and Mount Cinto
• Cargèse and its two churches (outside visit)
• The Calanche de Piana
• Gulf and bay of Porto
• Evisa and the Spelunca Gorges

• Travelling north along Highway 193 we drive up to the San Bastiano Pass, which commands breathtaking views of the Gulf of Sagone and the imposing 2,713 metre-high peaks of Mount Cinto.
• We will then move on to visit the Greek village of Cargèse and its two distinctive churches, one Catholic, the other Orthodox, built facing each other.
• As we pass through the Calanche de Piana, we can admire the unusual shapes of the natural red rock formations: the Two Lovers, the Bishop, the Eagle, the Dog's Head and the Tortoise. All set against a backdrop of magnificent colours in stark contrast with the deep blue sea.
• We continue towards the Bay of Porto, with its crystal clear waters and panoramic views, which have earned it a nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage site together with other famous bays, such as those of Rio de Janeiro and Halong Bay in Vietnam.
• A short break for lunch and then we return along the path of the Calanche towards the Gulf of Porto; as we do so, we can admire the intense shades of red of the rocks that plunge down into the blue sea and the tiny port of Porto, overlooked by the imposing Genoese Tower.
• Along the mountain road that leads us towards the coastline and the port of Ajaccio, we also pass through the village of Evisa and the Spelunca Gorges.

An excursion that allows you to discover the Prunelli valley enriched by a tasting of typical local products.

• Prunelli Valley
• Tolla artificial lake
• Tasting

• Departure from Ajaccio along the sandy coast before crossing the Prunelli river just as it flows gently into the sea, and then branching out towards the interior of the island with a rapid climb up to the village of Cauro. Visitors will be able to admire the Gulf, followed by splendid panoramas along the Prunelli valley, before reaching the slopes of the Zipitoli mountains covered by a very fragrant "scrub", this particular vegetation often able to survive, practically without soil, enduring temperatures that ranging from freezing and snowy winters, to hot and long dry summers. A brief panoramic stop above the artificial lake of Tolla, with its dam at the end (the water is the lake, and surrounded by apple, walnut and chestnut trees). At the Mercujo Pass (715 M) admire the remarkable viewpoint along the whole valley to the sea descending, pass through the small village of Ocana and its hydroelectric plant, followed by Bastelicaccia- the garden of Ajaccio- thanks to its agriculture and vineyards which benefit of a microclimate. Here you will enjoy a typical "Spuntinu" tasting course of Corsican specialties and a glass of wine. Then along the single-track railway (the only means of getting to the other side of the island when snow blocks the passes in winter) before arriving back in Ajaccio and the port.

The tour will offers the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views and ends with a very pleasant moment to relax on the beach.

• Panoramic from the bus
• The white sand of Corsica

• Our panoramic coach tour takes us along the coast , the gateway to the Gulf of Ajaccio, protected by the 17th century Genoese Tower. There are wonderful views which are particularly beautiful at sunset when the sun illuminates the rocky coast with a distinctive purple glow.
• We also see the ruins of the ancient lepers' Lazaret. This dates back to the early 19th century, and is said to have given its name to the entire archipelago.
• Our coach trip then takes us to a splendid, white sandy beach, where we can take a refreshing dip or enjoy a thirst quenching drink before returning to the port.

We now immerse ourselves in Corsican nature with a visit to the well-known turtle sanctuary, before continuing towards the capital to admire some of its more famous sites.

• Turtle Sanctuary
• Ajaccio: Cours Napoléon, Place de Gaulle, Cours Grandval and Place d'Austerlitz
• Baroque Cathedral and old Genoese district

• Accompanied by our tour guide, we make our way by coach to the famous "A Cupulatta" Turtle Sanctuary (cupulatta is the Corsican name for this extraordinary reptile).
• During our drive through the splendid Corsican countryside, we admire the fragrant Mediterranean maquis and the many landscapes of this enchanting island, rightly known as “a mountain in the sea”.
• We visit the sanctuary, surrounded by green vegetation and home to at least 130 different species of turtles and tortoises, including Corsica's very own species, Testudo hermanni (Hermann's tortoise). We will be offered a very welcome refreshing drink.
• Our excursion continues towards the capital Ajaccio, famous as the birthplace of Napoleon. Once we reach the city centre, we take a pleasant walk along Cours Napoléon as far as the Place de Gaulle with its bronze statue dedicated to the Emperor and his four brothers.
• We continue along Cours Grandval towards Place d'Austerlitz, where we stop to admire an imposing replica of the statue of Napoleon, in Les Invalides in Paris, commemorating all his major victories and conquests.
• Lastly, we return to the centre where we visit the Baroque Cathedral and discover the secrets of the city's old Genoese colony. Our tour guide will walk with us back to our ship, moored approximately 300 metres from the city centre.

Please note: The visit to the historical part involves walking on uneven ground- we recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. The cathedral may be closed for religious services. This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties.<-p>

Please note: this tour is not suitable for people who suffer from vertigo. Due to the different climatic zones on the mountain, it is advisable to bring a warm jacket. The stop at Bocognano can be made on the outward or return journey.<-p>

Please note: the visit to the historic centre involves a walk of approximately 45 minutes on uneven ground- please wear comfortable shoes. It is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties.<-p>

Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Guests will stop at Calanques de Piana to admire the scenery from above. This tour includes long coach transfers along winding, coastal road and may result unsuitable for guests suffering from motion (road) sickness. No swimming opportunity included in this tour.<-p>

Please note: Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call.<-p>

Please note: This tour is not suitable for guests with vertigo, claustrophobia, or back problems. The tour may be cancelled in the event of bad weather on the day of departure. Each flight has a maximum capacity of 5 guests. This tour may have several departures during the time the ship is in port. You will be given full details of your specific departure the day before the excursion.<-p>