Private guided tour in the authenticity of Corsica

Private guided tour in the authenticity of Corsica

• Duration: 8 days

For this discovery tour of the island of beauty, you will stay in quality hotels and will be accompanied by a private guide who will comment and ensure the guided tours according to the program. Your private guide will pick you up at your hotel with his vehicule and drive you through Cap Corse, Bonifacio, Corte, Porto, Balagne.

Region(s) to discover

Corsica

The small island has a real sense of its tradition and is proud of its cultural identity. Like a mountain in the waters, the island is plummeting into the Mediterranean Sea, and enchants its visitors with its continuously changing varied landscapes: evergreen shrubs merge into a rocky desert, dense undergrowth into terraced olive groves, lush hilly woodlands into the eternal snow of the high mountain peaks; in between, wonderful golden sand beaches and hidden creeks; harmonious river valleys, natural pools, wild gorges and meandering streams; steep abrupt rock formations lead to quaint sleepy villages and picturesque old port cities – and always the ocean, as far as the eye can see! The mild Mediterranean climate attracts visitors all year round for every type of holiday. The Corsican gastronomy is a true delight! 

The authentic products and ingredients owe their quality to the untouched nature and the usually traditional agricultural practices. In most of the restaurants you will be served fresh earth ground home-cooked dishes. 
Bastia is situated on the Tuscan coast. With its authentic Mediterranean charm it is one of the most remarkable Corsican cities. Worth seeing are the old port, the old town and the citadel. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets along the high elegant townhouses characterizing the cityscape. 

Itinerary map

•  Day 1 - Thursday Apr 6, 2017 : Bastia - Erbalunga
•  Day 2 - Friday Apr 7, 2017 : Erbalunga
•  Day 3 - Saturday Apr 8, 2017 : Bonifacio
•  Day 4 - Sunday Apr 9, 2017 : Bonifacio
•  Day 5 - Monday Apr 10, 2017 : Sartène - Corte
•  Day 6 - Tuesday Apr 11, 2017 : Porto - L'Île-Rousse
•  Day 7 - Wednesday Apr 12, 2017 : Calvi - L'Île-Rousse
•  Day 8 - Thursday Apr 13, 2017 : Bastia

Day 1: Thursday Apr 6 2017,  Bastia - Erbalunga

Pick up service from the Airport

At you arrival in Corsica, a private taxi or minibus will pick you up and take you to your accommodation. 

Overnight stay at the hotel Castel Brando in the Charming room

Included: driver / guide, van, bedroom and breakfast

Day 2: Friday Apr 7 2017,  Erbalunga

Guided visit to the Cap Corse

The peninsula Cap Corse, in the north of Corsica, is one of the most beautiful regions of the island and concentrates in a small area the whole spectrum of itsvaried sceneries and sights. Hilly landscape, forests, rugged rocks, lonely bays, long beaches, villages literally hanging on the mountain, old churches, high Genoese towers, superb “American houses” from the 19th century and mausoleum-like tombs offer an amazing variety of exceptional beauty. 

Itinerary: departure from your hotel in direction of Cap Corse. Stops in Miomo, Lavasino, Erbalunga, and the tower of Osse. Then you will continue towards the town of Luri on the Thyrrhenian Sea (there you may want to take a short sea trip. This activity is not included in the offer and will have to be paid on-site). You will then resume your trip to the east coast of Cap Corse and visit the picturesque village of Pino, literally hanging on the mountain, and Nonza, with its houses merged into therock (classified World Heritage). Your trip back will take you along the Wine Route, wine lovers may want to stop in Patrimono for the sampling of a Corsican AOC wine. Back to your hotel at the end of the day.

you will be picked up at your place of accommodation.

Duration : 8 hours – commentaries in english.

Overnight stay at the hotel Castel Brando in the Charming room

Included: visit, driver / guide, van, bedroom and breakfast

Day 3: Saturday Apr 8 2017,  Bonifacio

Guided visit to Bonifacio 

Take a trip to Bonifacio, the picturesque port city situated at the southern tip of Corsica. Nestling in the Calanque de Fazia, a fjord-like bay, it is one of the most impressing bays in the Mediterranean region. The narrow houses of the medieval old town are built on a limestone promontory made. Throughout history often the scene of armed conflict, it was built like a fortress of which remains the impressive citadel towering the city, its earliest walls were raised in the 9th century. You will enjoy a stunning panoramic view over the maritime natural reserve and the Strait of Bonifacio (sea gate between Corsica and Sardinia). Enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful sight!

Itinerary: Via the Plaine Orientale to Bonifacio. Guided visit of the medieval citadel. Then free time – what about a stroll through the port or the narrow alleys of the old town? You may want to take a boat trip? This activity is not included in the price and to be paid on-site. Return trip to your Hotelin the late afternoon. 
Venue and time: at 8.15 a.m. pick up service from your hotel. Venue and at the end of the day, drop off service at your hotel. 

Duration: 09 hrs – commentaries in English – not included : sea trip.

Included: visit, driver / guide, van

Day 4: Sunday Apr 9 2017,  Bonifacio

Suggestion: Visit of Bonifacio – the Picturesque Corsican Capital

Make the best of your free day! Take a stroll through the well-preserved old town and explore the beautiful preserved surrounding countryside. Not less than eight marked hiking trails lead along the coast, enjoy the view of the impressive cliffs and soak up the scent to the macchia (the typical Corsican evergreen scrubs) bordering the coast line.

If you are not a hiking fan, you may want to explore the varied scenery on horseback, by mountain bike or quad. Take a rest in the middle of the untouched nature and enjoy a tasty picnic composed of fresh and traditionally made local products.

The earth style Corsican gastronomy is characterized – just like the inhabitants of the island – by its own original personality. The Isle of Beauty is well-endowed with delicatessen stores supplying top quality regional products: wine, cheese, salami, cold cuts, jam, honey pastry and many more. Most of the shops offer tastings in a hospitable, convivial ambiance, treat your palate and discover new flavors!

Day 5: Monday Apr 10 2017,  Sartène - Corte

Guided visit to Sartène

Sartène, “the most Corsican of all Corsican cities“ offers a stunning panoramic view from the Gulf of Valinco to the massif of the Aiguilles de Bavella. 

The local shops offer appetizing traditionally made regional products. Art and history enthusiasts may want to visit the museum A Casa di Roccapina offering exhibitions, shows and interactive activities. You will dispose of audio guides in English and many other languages. After the visit of the museum, you will explore the mysterious rocky landscape of Rochers de Roccapina.

Departure from Bonifacio – visit of Sartène – via the Col de Vizzavone to Corte.

Duration: 8 hrs – commentaries in English.

Overnight Stay in a authentic Hotel along the Restonica

Included: taxi, visit, driver / guide, bedroom and breakfast

Day 6: Tuesday Apr 11 2017,  Porto - L'Île-Rousse

Guided visit of Porto 

Discover the Gulf of Porto, a unique natural wonder in the Mediterranean Area (UNESCO World Heritage site) and in fact, one of the most beautiful natural sites worldwide. In the Calanches de Piana (fjord-like bays) you will be amazed by the bizarre, original, amazing rocky landscape. 

A fascinating play of colors will unfold before your eyes: the intense blue of the sea, the bright light over the coast, the pink, red and orange shades of the granite, and the sculptures carved in the stone by the erosion merge into a natural artwork. 

Itinerary: departure from your hotel to the Gulf of Porto. The road to Porto leads via the impressing gorges and canyons of Scala di Regina and La Spelonca.

In your free time you may want to stroll through the marina. Then easy hike through the Calanches de Piana. Not included in the travel offer and to be paid on-site: a boat trip through the Gulf of Porto and the natural reserve of Scandola. 

Venue and departure time: at 7.45 a.m. pick up service from your hotel. return time end of the day drop off service from your hotel. 

Duration: 09 hrs – commentaries in English.

Overnight stay at the hotel Santa Maria in the classic room

Included: visit, driver / guide, van, bedroom and breakfast

Day 7: Wednesday Apr 12 2017,  Calvi - L'Île-Rousse

Guided visit to Calvi and La Balagna

La Balagna is renowned for its olive groves and uncountable churches, owing it the surname “la sainteBalagna”, the holy Balagna. Today it is mainly a popular sea resort. This route is a feast for the senses! The colorful blooming macchia spread a sweet fragrance in spring time, traditionally made cheeses and sausages await to be sampled; picturesque villages, idyllic beaches with Caribbean flair and crystal clear water, as well as lookouts withstunning views, will take your breath away and capture your attention!

Itinerary: departure from your hotel to la Balagna via the picturesque port town ofSaint-Florent and the spectacular desert of Agriates, which, although the name might suggest otherwise, is green and blooming in spring and will eventually dry up in the summer heat. Visit of Ile Rousse, a pretty town founded in the 18th century by the Corsican revolutionary and freedom fighter Pasquale Paoli. Then you will continue to Calvi for a visit of the Genoese citadel “Semper fidelis”. Your trip will be rounded up by a tour through the old villages of la Balagna where you will literally immerse yourself in the medieval times of Corsica. Back to your hotel at the end of the day.

you will be picked up at your place of accommodation.

Duration : 09 hours – commentaries in english.

Overnight stay at the hotel Santa Maria in the classic room

Included: visit, driver / guide, van, bedroom and breakfast

Day 8: Thursday Apr 13 2017,  Bastia

Transfer to the airport

A private taxi or minibus will pick you up at your accommodation and drive you safely to the airport.

Private transfer.

Included: taxi, driver / guide

Accomodation(s)

Hôtel Castel Brando

dates: 06/04 - 07/04 
Erbalunga

• Category: Hotel 4*

The Castel Brando is a charming boutique hotel located in the splendid Cap Corse area of Corsica. Before being transformed into a hotel, the property was a patrician mansion built in the 19th century. It is surrounded by a splendid Mediterranean garden with numerous century-old palm trees. You will stay in the Charming room.

The Charming rooms are situated in the ' Demeure', in the Villa Rose or the Villa Jaune. These rooms are equipped with a queen size bed, with good quality bedding, flat-screen TV, WIFI, air-conditionning, telephone, mini-refrigerator and a safe. Tha bathrooms have a bath and shower as well as a hair-dryer. Our charming rooms have an authentic Mediterranean feel to them, with warm, bright pastel colours. Airy and refreshing, the rooms reflect the simple elegance of the Castel Brando. 

With the Mediterranean Sea only 100 meters away, the Hotel nestles at the heart of the charming village of Erbalunga, an elegant retreat for many French and international celebrities. A preserved medieval harbour, Erbalunga is listed as an official historical landmark and is frequently described as one of Corsica's most beautiful spots by leading newspapers, magazines and reference travel guides.

The local tax is to be paid payable locally.

Hôtel Les Jardins de la Glacière

dates: 10/04 
Corte

• Category: Hotel 3*

At the hotel les Jardins de la Glacière, you will find the warmth and charm of a traditional Corsican inn. Near Corte, it is nestling in the heart of untouched nature at the shore of the river Restonica, well-known for its crystal clear refreshing waters. 

A pool, a heated open air whirlpool and deck chairs ensure an enjoyable and relaxing stay; bar and snack bar are situated in the terraced garden. The riverbank with its natural pool is directly accessible via the hotel park. 

A rich breakfast buffet is served in the large breakfast room between 7.30 and 10.30 a.m. It consists of fresh local products: cheeses from the surrounding farms, artisanal cold cuts, home-baked bread and Viennese pastry, mountain honey, jam from the town Calenzana, scrambled eggs, homemade bacon, fruit and many other delicacies. 

The hotel disposes of two parking areas (11 parking spaces below the hotel, 28 spaces alongside the building with a direct entry). All rooms are equipped with king size beds (180 x 200 cm), and bathrooms with tubs (the handicapped accessible bathroom disposes of an Italian shower). Furthermore, all of our guest rooms feature: free WIFI - air conditioning - TV with 19 international and French channels - phone/entry phone - safety deposit box - minibar - ceiling fan. 

The local tax is to be paid payable locally.

Hôtel Santa Maria

dates: 11/04 - 12/04 
L'Île-Rousse

• Category: Hotel 4*

The property is ideally located opposite the Iles Rousses, with direct access to the beach. You will enjoy all the comfort during your stay in Ile-Rousse and even more ...

Restaurant, bar, fully air-conditioned hotel, wireless internet access, swimming pool, whirlpool, solarium are also part of the services included during your stay in our establishment. The hotel pays special attention to ensuring that your day begins in the best conditions by offering you a quality breakfast buffet with many hot and cold, sweet and savory products.

The local tax is to be paid payable locally.