Great Solo Traveller Prices - Premium Ship: Single Supplement from $2,830
CroisiCruise: NAO_PP
8 Days
Nice | Ajaccio | Bonifacio | Porto Vecchio | Bastia | L’île Rousse | Nice
Corsica reveals its hidden treasures on board the MV LA BELLE DES OCEANS.
Kalliste. The most beautiful. The ancient Greeks used this name to talk about the allure of Corsica, a veritable heaven on earth that seems to have every wonder of the world on its shores or in its hills. Join us on a cruise to discover the kaleidoscope of blue in the sea waters and the fresh mountain air in the peaks.
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
- Gala dinner and evening : Welcome cocktail
- All meals included : Refined European cuisine, with table service for lunch & dinner
- Drinks included : With meals
- Open bar : Including Cocktails, Mocktails, Regional wines, Beer, Spirits & Soft drinks (excluding premium list)
- Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
- Headsets included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- A privileged itinerary to discover Corsica from north to south
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DISCOVER:
- The island’s major areas: Ajaccio, Calvi, Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio
- The red-hued scenery in the Calanques de Piana
- The picturesque perched villages lost in the hills of the Balagne Region
- The Cap Corse
- The natural wonders of the Iles Sanguinaires
- Itinerary
- Important Information
Day 1: Nice
Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. You will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail. Tonight, you will have dinner and an evening of activities on board. Your ship will cruise to Corsica overnight.
Day 2: Ajaccio
This morning continue cruising to Corsica. Take in the beauty of the Gulf of Porto, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire the red cliffs and maquis underbrush in the Scandola Nature Reserve, and glide by the Gulf of Girolata and the dazzling Calanques de Piana. Feel free to attend the lecture about the natural beauty found on and around this Mediterranean island: The Beauty of the Island Summed up in Five Ports of Call. Corsica is best experienced through its beauty, its culture, and its people. As LA BELLE DES OCEANS enters its first Corsican port, join us on the deck for a tasting of traditional myrtle liqueur and a pastry.
This afternoon join the excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Tour of Ajaccio and the Îles Sanguinaires. Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, has a rich and historical past. Visit the city’s main sites, including the high court building, the Cours Napoleon, the bronze Monument to Napoleon and His Brothers, and the Place d’Austerlitz—where legend has it Napoleon visited often as a child to see the statues of the glorious soldiers in battle. Your next stop will be the Pointe de la Parata and a stroll through this exceptional natural area. From here, you’ll get a glimpse of the Îles Sanguinaires, an archipelago of four lava-rock islands just off the coast. As a haven for many native species of plants and animals, the islands are an integral part of Corsica’s natural and cultural heritage. The ruins and sea-sculpted landscapes on the Pointe de la Parata bear testimony to Corsica’s hardy history.
DISCOVERY: The sights and scents of Corsica. Cross the maquis, the Corsican underbrush exploding with a potpourri of flowers and plants, for a visit to Corsica PAM in Ocana. Paul and Jean-Pierre Caux built their essential oil business from scratch in the village they grew up in. The lovely surroundings and the panoramic view from the terrace are a great place to discover the secrets of their famous oils. You will then visit the honey farm Jardin des Abeilles to learn more about beekeeping. An informative walk in the forest and along the Prunelli River brings you to the center of the maquis, where you’ll be able to breathe in the earthy scents emanating from the heather, arbutus, fig, box, holly, and alder trees. At the end of our tour, there will be an opportunity to taste a selection of honey from the farm.
An evening of Corsican music and song on board. This evening is a great opportunity to get to know the island through its songs. Learn about some of the most famous Corsican musicians, past and present, including Tino Rossi, Jean Tavera, Charles Rocchi, Natale Rochiccioli, Antoine Ciosi, Michel Mallory, Regina and Bruno, Maryse Nicolai, the Vincenti brothers, and Canta u Populu Corsu, to name just a few.
Day 3: Ajaccio - The Calanques De Piana
Today's proposed excursions are:
CLASSIC: Full day Calanques de Piana and the village of Porto. The coach will travel along the picturesque coastline dotted with rocky inlets until we reach Porto. Spend some time exploring the village before jumping on a local boat that will take you to Cap Rosso, where the sheer cliffs and rock sculptures of the Calanques de Piana seem to jet up from the water and radiate a red hue along the coastline. Return to Ajaccio by coach.
DISCOVERY: This morning visit the Maison Bonaparte, a national museum. Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader and emperor, was born in this house on August 15, 1769. The museum retraces the history of the Bonaparte family in Corsica as well as the series of exiles they experienced. This is a great opportunity to learn about the former emperor's life. The visit will begin on the third floor, where you’ll learn about Corsican life at the end of the 18th century, Bonaparte’s parents, his childhood, and his last visit to Corsica on his return from Egypt in 1799. The rooms on the second floor exhibit the decor under Napoleon III. Other exhibits address Bonaparte’s death, the legends built around him to glorify his actions, and Napoleon III’s visits to Ajaccio during the Second French Empire.
This afternoon at Mare E Sol or Capo Di Feno. Chill at one of the white beaches and take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea! Small huts offer a variety of food and snacks during your pause.
At the end of the day, begin to cruise to Bonifacio. Dinner and an evening of entertainment onboard.
Day 4: Bonifacio
Today's proposed excursions are:
CLASSIC: Set out on a guided tour of Bonifacio and tasking of Craft Liquors. Bonifacio is rich with a history told along its small streets and paths, the thousand-year-old fortress, and the sturdy stone homes perched high above the sea waves. The descent (and subsequent ascent) of the King of Aragon’s Stairway will provide some of the best views on your trip (187 steps). At the end of our tour, we'll head over to L'Assaghju wine bar in the heart of the city, where you'll taste several of their liquors and aperitif wines. We highly recommend authentic and local flavors such as chestnut, melon, hazelnut, myrtle, or lemon.
DISCOVERY: The Lavezzi Islands nature reserve. Discover this archipelago of islets and granite reefs, as well as the sea caves and cliffs of Bonifacio.
Return on board in Porto Vecchio with some free time in the afternoon. Why not stroll tranquilly down the picturesque streets and admire the island's exceptional cultural heritage? In the evening, you will have dinner at a traditional inn in the heart of the Corsican inland. Whether you sit by the fireplace or under the immense cork oak trees, you will be welcomed by the owners who will explain their history and their love for this island. Corsican music and songs will accompany dinner—a delicious, in-season composition made of local products.
Day 5: Porto Vecchio
In the morning, set out on the proposed excursions:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of Porto Vecchio. The old town includes the ruins of a 16th-century citadel and gorgeous views of the marina.
DISCOVERY: Trip to Palombaggia Beach (with the possibility of a picnic lunch from the ship). Palombaggia Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Crystal-clear waters, islands dotting the horizon, white sand, and umbrella pines are waiting just for you. Water sports enthusiasts can rent jet skis or pedal boats. Restaurants and snack bars provide a good assortment of food and beverages.
In the late afternoon, you will begin to cruise towards Bastia. Take advantage of a quiet moment to catch some rays poolside or to enjoy a treatment in the wellness salon. More active passengers can keep in shape in the fitness center, and History buffs can attend the lecture in the lounge: Pascal Paoli - Island Patriot.
Day 6: Bastia
Join the proposed excursion for both packages: Cap Corse. Located to the north of Bastia and Saint-Florent, Cap Corse is a 25-mile-long promontory with several attractive fishing villages, gorgeous coastline, and a couple of good beaches. We’ll cross through the adorable fishing village of Erbalunga and the typical village of Luri. We’ll stop off in Patrimonio for a tasting of wine, cold cuts, and cheese. Although Corsica has a mostly Mediterranean climate, it experiences great contrasts in weather because of its location and mountains. Its wine, though, truly benefits from the warm summers and exceptional sunshine.
At the end of the day, you will continue to cruise towards L’Ile-Rousse. Join a lecture in the lounge: The Bonapartes: A Corsican Family.
Day 7: L'ile Rousse
This morning proposed set out on the proposed excursions:
CLASSIC: A tour of Calvi and its citadel. You’ll discover its large marina and immense bay surrounded by unique landscapes and often snow-capped mountains. Then head towards Notre Dame de la Serra to get a magnificent view of the gulf. Your tour will continue at the citadel. The symbol of the town of Calvi, it was built during the Genoese occupation. OR Discover the old villages in the Balagne Region. These are the fertile hills of the island—commonly referred to as the Corsican gardens—where more than thirty villages are perched on cliffs or hidden in narrow valleys.
DISCOVERY: Kick back at Bodri or Ghjunchitu beach. These sublime beaches are both heaven on earth nestled between the azure sea and the wild maquis. Enjoy a moment of real fun and relaxation, either by catching some rays or exploring the tide pools in the coves.
Spend the afternoon crossing the Mediterranean to Nice. Join a lecture in the lounge: How Corsica Became Part of France. As you bid goodbye to Corsica, head to the Sun Deck for a cocktail and take in one last glimpse of the beauty of the island. Tonight is a festive gala evening.
Day 8: Nice
One last breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
INCLUSIONS:
- Your cruise in the cabin category of your choice
- All meals
- Drinks with your meals and at the bar (not including the special wine and drinks list)
- Emergency/repatriation insurance
- All port fees
- Classic Sightseeing Package
EXCLUSIONS:
- Drinks from the special lists or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
- Optional excursions (must be reserved and paid for on board or at travel agency)
- Transfers to/from departure/arrival points
- Cancellation and baggage insurance
- Personal expenses
Warning: Navigational obligations and weather conditions can disrupt the itinerary, and in certain cases, intermediate stops may be canceled. If this happens, CroisiEurope will do their best to find the best solution according to passenger expectations. For safety reasons, the company and/or the captain of the ship are the only authorities who can modify the cruise itinerary.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.