Corsica from North to South: Mountains, Sea & Delectable Cuisine with Original Travel

Vol et hébergement

Corsica off the beaten track with Original Travel

 

An extensive itinerary to soak up authentic Corsica through our selection of charming accommodation, carefully chosen for their friendly welcome, impeccable interior design and way of life. The itinerary also includes adventures to the most beautiful towns and remote countryside, which you can explore freely and at your own pace, behind the wheel of your car.
First, head to the wild, dizzying Cap Corse, located at the northern tip of the island and exposed to the elements, where you'll find the pretty cliff-top village of Nonza, standing watch over the Gulf of Saint-Florent, the small fishing village of Sisco and the picturesque village of Erbalunga, before heading inland towards Corte. 

 

Route

 

DAY 1 FLIGHT TO BASTIA - CAP CORSE

Arrive at Bastia airport and pick up your hire car. Head for Cap Corse and its coastal roads. Three-night stay in Erbalunga in a small, charming hotel. Set in a leafy park, this former manor house dates back to the 19th century and provides guests with a stunning and relaxing setting a stone's throw from the sea. Through its architecture, this hotel beautifully recreates the feel of a traditional country estate. The rooms feature furniture and a decor that epitomise the understated and refined character of old Mediterranean manor houses.

 

DAY 2 ERBALUNGA - CAP CORSE

Erbalunga is a quaint, coastal village nestled in a cove. A cluster of honey-stone buildings cling to the rocky hillside, while a ruined Genoese watchtower stands guard at the end of the village. Spend some time wandering the narrow, flower-filled streets of the picturesque fishing village. Its location is also the perfect starting point for exploring the peninsula's surrounding maquis (fragrant scrubland) and pretty villages, or for enjoying the joys of the beach and diving.
Things to see in Cap Corse -The village of Nonza, the spectacular Agriates desert by boat from Saint-Florent.

 

DAY 3

Included in the itinerary - Boat trip to Saleccia beach and the Agriates desert. Saleccia beach, with its crystal clear waters and white sand, is one of the most beautiful places in Corsica. A little slice of paradise, hidden by a majestic pine forest and very close to the barren and beautiful wilderness of the Agriates desert. The boat taxi ride takes 20 minutes and has gorgeous views of Saint-Florent, along with its citadel and ramparts, as well as the wild coastline of the Agriates desert. Disembark directly onto the beach. 'La Piniccia' restaurant is a hidden gem and the perfect spot for lunch, where you can sit back and relax in the shade of the pine trees.

 

DAY 4 CAP CORSE - CORTE

Head to the centre of the island, towards Corte and Restonica Valley. Overnight stay in Corte in a pretty riverside hotel, in the middle of a green haven. This hotel offers an enchanting setting in the heart of nature; it's the perfect base to explore inland.
Things to do - Dinner at 'Auberge de la Restonica' on the banks of the river, a restaurant renowned for its authentic cuisine with local accents.

 

DAY 5 CORTE AND RESTONICA VALLEY

In the heart of Corsica, the imposing citadel of Corte enjoys a beautiful location, standing proudly between Monte Rotondo, and retains its role as a crossroads between the two parts of the island. Discover the island's troubled history at the town's history museum and stroll through the streets of the enchanting old town. It's impossible to stay in Corte without being immersed in the splendour of Corsican nature, from the crystal clear waters of the Restonica and Tavignano rivers to the majestic landscapes of the Melo and Capitello lakes.
Things to do - Hike to Lake Melo - Swim in the cool, refreshing streams and gorges of the Restonica Valley - Taste local produce.
Included in the itinerary - Visit a 'bergerie' (farm) to discover local Corsican produce. Head to 'Bergeries du Grotelle', to learn all about making Brocciu, a delicious Corsican cheese that can be found on the menus of restaurants around town. This informative visit is naturally followed by tastings.

 

DAY 6  CALANQUES DE PIANA AND SCANDOLA NATURE RESERVE

Soak up a superb scenic route of waterfalls and lakes towards the west coast via the enchanting village of Evisa. Arrival in Piana. Two-night stay in Piana, overlooking the glorious Gulf of Porto. Located in the heart of the famous Calanques de Piana, this hotel offers stunning views of the exceptionally beautiful granite rock formations and the Scandola Nature Reserve.
You'll love - The spectacular, magical view from the terrace at sunset.

 

DAY 7

Included in the itinerary - Boat trip to the Scandola Nature Reserve. France's first site dedicated to the preservation of both terrestrial and marine natural heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The reserve is located on a volcano that collapsed into the sea, forming the Scandola Peninsula and its dramatic landscapes. The reflections of the red rocks in the turquoise waters create a magnificent palette of colours. Along the route, discover one of the last truly wild enclaves of the Mediterranean and its incredibly rich flora and fauna. The reserve is home to numerous species of rare birds, including fish eagles and peregrine falcons. The cruise also includes a stop in the tiny hamlet of Girolata for a refreshing dip. This magical place can only be reached on foot or by boat and has about 15 permanent residents. It's not hard to see why Girolata is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site within the stunning Scandola Nature Reserve. The Gulf of Girolata is one of the most beautiful bays on Earth.

 

DAY 8 PIANA - AJACCIO

Take the coastal route south via the Greek Orthodox city of Cargese, with its white houses and matching sandy beaches, and the golf course in Sagone. End the day by watching the sun slowly set over the Sanguinaires Islands and have dinner in one of the town's charming squares or by the water's edge. Two-night stay in Ajaccio. This 19th-century manor house enjoys a prime beachfront location, on the famous coastal route to Sanguinaires Islands and just a short walk from the town centre. Despite its proximity to the island's capital city, the property is a calm oasis and the perfect place to relax in the shade of pine and palm trees, complete with private access to a small, sandy beach.
Things to do from the hotel - Wine cellar tour, tasting and traditional Corsican lunch

 

DAY 9 AJACCIO AND AROUND

For beach lovers, the Gulf of Ajaccio is home to beautiful, sandy beaches and offers plenty of water activities, including diving, waterskiing, sailing and endless adventures at sea. The island's inland is a delight to hikers and outdoor sports enthusiasts with countless canyoning, quad biking, hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The local festivals in the village of Bastelicacia are also worth visiting to taste delicious produce from winegrowers during the September harvests or to stock up on olive oil, chestnuts and apples directly from producers.
Included in the itinerary - Sunset cruise in Ajaccio Bay. Watch the sun slowly set behind the Sanguinaires Islands, while enjoying local Corsican culinary delights and a glass of wine to the intoxicating melody of live guitar music. This three-hour cruise includes a workshop with a sommelier for wine tasting and a mouthwatering buffet of Corsican charcuterie, cheeses and desserts.

 

DAY 10 AJACCIO - LEVIE

Head to Levie for a two-night stay in a secret location
in the heart of the Alta Rocca. This farmhouse features luxury rooms and a heated swimming pool. It's the perfect place for those in search of the great outdoors, a calm oasis and authentic charm. It's a unique way to soak up Corsica's way of life, with traditional dishes and simple home cooking inspired by recipes passed down from generation to generation.

 

DAY 11 THE ALTA ROCCA

This micro-region is famous for its breathtaking scenery and traditional oil mills, including U Fragnu, a converted oil mill, with wonderful views.
Things to see -The splendid villages of the Alta Rocca, renowned for their arts, crafts and olive oil - Aiguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needles), the rocky spikes of red granite are one of the most remarkable wonders in Corsica's mountains - Picturesque cliff-top village of Zonza, opposite the Aiguilles de Bavella.

 

DAY 12 LEVIE - BONIFACIO

Drive to Bonifacio for a three-night stay in a charming, little hotel with a relaxed guesthouse feel. Nestled in the heart of the maquis and a stone's throw from Bonifacio, this property has a prime location, panoramic sea views, impeccable service and eight luxurious rooms, all with private terraces. The heated outdoor infinity swimming pool and hearty, homemade breakfasts are a delightful bonus, making this stay truly unforgettable.

 

DAY 13 BONIFACIO

Bonifacio is not as well-known as Porto Vecchio, but is just as beautiful and majestic. From its cliff-top citadel, steeped in medieval history and winding streets, to its lower town, lively marina and terraces – the city on the edge of white, limestone cliffs is magical. In the middle of the summer season, intimate and peaceful accommodation is a welcome relief when the city's crowds get too much.
Things to do - Explore the deserted beaches of Cala Longa and Piantarella - Enjoy a game of golf in Sperone.

 

 

A la carte

 

RIDING THROUGH THE ALTA ROCCA

Located in the heart of Corsica's Regional Natural Park, the Alta Rocca is an impressive treasure trove of natural and heritage wonders. From the Bavella mountains, the Alta Rocca descends to an enchanting coastline, through woodland dotted with quaint, granite houses.
As you ride, you'll explore these fabulous landscapes, along with all the scents of Corsica's maquis, at your own pace.
Option - Depart from Levie

 

Itinerary Highlights

  • From the mountains to the sea, from Cap Corse to Bonifacio, embark on a great journey for an authentic and delicious experience of Corsica
  • You'll be staying in carefully chosen charming hotels, complete with fine restaurants
  • The itinerary includes Scandola Nature Reserve and the Lavezzi archipelago by boat, dinner with views of the Sanguinaires Islands (Blood Islands) and a visit to a 'bergerie' and tastings
  • Local Concierge service, places to visit and hire car: all reasons to travel with us

Further information

To £ 3,840 per person for 13 days, depending on season of travel, accommodation and activitiesThe estimated cost for this trip starts from £3,125 to £3,840per person. The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost will vary according to several factors, including the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be shown on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £3,305 per person.

Benefits

 The price includes

 

Outbound flight to Bastia - Return flight from FigariAirline taxes and fuel surchargeCar hire for two weeksThree-night stay in Erbalunga in a double room with breakfastTwo-night stay in Corte in a double room with breakfastTwo-night stay in Piana in a double room with half boardTwo-night stay in Ajaccio in a double room with breakfastTwo-night stay in Levie in a double room with half boardThree-night stay in Bonifacio in a double room with breakfastBoat taxi ride to Saleccia beachVisit to a 'bergerie' and tastings in Corte with a private guideBoat trip to Scandola Nature ReserveDinner cruise overlooking the Sanguinaires IslandsBoat trip from Bonifacio to freely explore the Lavezzi archipelagoOur local Concierge service

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