Ajaccio

Heading away from the coastline, you’ll soon be transported deep into the Corsican countryside. Much of the island is covered by maquis, a dense undergrowth of aromatic shrubs, flowers and low trees. In spring, the maquis produce the rich aroma, which has earned Corsica the title of ‘The Scented Isle’.

You’ll pass the village of Cauro and head through the Pineta Forest before winding your way along the Prunelli’s river gorge. Red granite cliffs plunging to the river, high mountain peaks and distant ranges are a sight to behold. At the artificial lake and dam of Tolla, you’ll have the opportunity to stop for photographs. The return journey allows you to appreciate views of typical Corsican hill villages with their tall granite houses, heavy slate roofs and narrow windows.

A stop will be made at a local café for a refreshing drink. Here you’ll have an opportunity to buy postcards or some of the wonderful local produce.

Your panoramic drive takes you up the main street of the Imperial City, along the Cours Napoleon, past St Roch Church and the English quarter to Cours Grandval. A stop will be made at Austerlitz Square, where Corsica’s famous son, Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born in Ajaccio, used to play as a child. Here, you’ll see an impressive monument dedicated to Napoleon, standing on top of a huge pedestal.

You’ll take a drive along the sparkling coast to the Iles Sanguinaires. Situated at the gateway of the Gulf of Ajaccio, and known as the ‘Blood Islands’, these small islets take their name from their granite rock, which glows fiery red at sunset.

Explore on foot the charming Genoese Old Town, which consists of narrow, picturesque streets. Your guide will point out the Cathedral, Napoleon’s birthplace, the Town Hall and various monuments dedicated to Napoleon. See the wonderful Four Lions Fountain and take a stroll though the market place en route back to the ship.

This tour returns to the ship on foot. You’ll have the option of remaining in town at the end of the tour for independent exploration or shopping.

After a scenic drive, you’ll board the ‘little train’ at Cricheto Pass, located at an altitude of 2,870 feet. During an hour long train ride along the forest trail, your guide will point out the interesting plants and explain their uses.

Corsica is famous for its wild, natural and endemic vegetation, known as maquis. The scented plants, colourful flowers and maquis produce a wonderful fragrant honey with a rich aromatic taste. A visit to a Miellerie (honey bee farm) allows you to taste some delicious, local honey and hear about the farm’s other wonderful honey-based products.

The Scented Isle’s amazing abundance of plants and trees are also used in the production of essential oils, including cedarwood, citronella, juniper and lavender, to name but a few.

The return drive will pass the Prunelli Gorge and the Tolla Lake, set amidst the beautiful mountains.

Set off to discover, not only the wonderful Corsican landscape, but also the world of its talented craftsmen.

The sumptuous aroma of honey and almonds will greet you as you enter the Corsican Nougat Factory. Enjoy an explanation of how the wonderful sweet nougat is produced, and you’ll also have the opportunity to taste different flavoured nougats.

Your next stop will be at the fragrant Essential Oil Distillery. Plants, which grow naturally on Corsican maquis, are distilled here and their essential oils are used for both medicinal and fragrance purposes. This fascinating tour will enlighten you to the many uses of the local plants and their importance within the perfume industry.

Following the Oil Distillery visit, you’ll make a welcome stop at a local wine cellar. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to sample some wonderful local wines.

Finally, a picturesque route leads you back to Ajaccio.

Discover why the ancient Greeks referred to Corsica as ‘Kaliste’, which means island of beauty.

Take in the sights of the ‘Scented Isle’ from above as you enjoy the stunning Corsican scenery. Have your camera ready as you pass over the shimmering blue waters of the Gulf of Ajaccio, marvelling at the dramatic views of the ‘Sanguinaires’, the Blood Islands which glow with glorious red colours at sunset. See the lush green interior of the island with its steep forested hills and enjoy the marvellous panoramas as they unfold before you.

As well as the beautiful countryside, you’ll have a fantastic bird’s-eye-view of Ajaccio before you come back down to land.

Take a coach to see the ‘slowcoaches’ as you leave Ajaccio and enjoy a 40 minute drive through the Corsican countryside to a Tortoise Protection Centre, one of just 3 worldwide. Here you’ll have approximately 1 hour to see more than 130 different species of land and water based ‘cupulattas’ (Corsican for tortoises) and turtles.

You’ll then leave your new shell-covered friends behind and travel to the small seaside resort of Porticcio, nestling on the south side of the Gulf of Ajaccio. Upon arrival, you’ll have around 1 hour of free time to explore independently. You may choose to spend time on the beach, or purchase some refreshments and simply relax in one of the many cafés and restaurants that line the promenade.

Take a tour of the city and learn about Ajaccio’s most famous son, Napoleon. Drive along the Cours Napoleon to the Casone Gardens, where you’ll see the imposing bronze statue of Napoleon: this is a replica of the one erected near his tomb at the Invalides in Paris. Engraved between the steps leading up to the statue are Napoleon’s main victories and achievements. You’ll then drive along the coast towards the Sanguinaires Islands (Illes Sanguinaires), the gateway into the Ajaccio Gulf protected by a Genoese tower.

Once you’ve seen the sights, it’s time to soak up the sun at one of the local beaches. There’s plenty to do; enjoy a drink at one of the beach bars, splash around in the clear waters or simply relax on the sandy beach.

Depart from Ajaccio along the sandy promenade where the Prunelli River flows gently into the sea. You’ll then ascend inland taking a rapid climb up to the village of Cauro.

You will be able to admire the Gulf of Ajaccio, followed by beautiful views over the Prunelli Valley, before reaching the Zipitoli Forest, where the mountains are covered by the heavily scented ‘maquis’. This particular vegetation is able to exist with virtually no soil, and resists temperatures ranging from sub-zero during the winter, to beating hot long dry summers.

You’ll continue your scenic drive up the mountain to the village of Bastelica, situated 800 metres above the Prunelli Gorge and at the foot of the Mountain Renosu, whose peaks are topped with snow in the spring time.

Upon arrival at Bastelica, you’ll board the ‘little train’ for a tour of this charming and typical Corsican village, which is full of history and legends. The little train will take you through the quaint streets passing by the Chapelle Annunziata, the bread oven Fottaccioli, the birth place of the Corsican hero Sampiero Corso and the village fountain.