DAY BY DAY JOURNEY

Day 1: Arrive Bastia Airport

Upon arrival you will be met and privately transferred to the 4* Hôtel Des Gouverneurs. Situated on top of the Citadel in a pedestrian zone in front of the sea and the the old port, this boutique hotel offers an exceptional view over the sea, the port and the old town. All rooms are equipped with a king sized bed, free WiFi, individual safe, flat screen LCD TV and minibar. Breakfast is served in the room or as a buffet on the panoramic terrace. Enjoy the warm atmosphere at the bar, by the fireplace, in the library or in the cozy lounge area, or a moment of total well-being in the wellness area proposing gentle relaxing massages (at an extra cost).

Day 2: Bastia-Bonifacio 

Depart for Bonifacio, the picturesque port city situated at the southern tip of Corsica. Crossing Costa Verde we discover extra virgin olive producer “Terre dell Vignale.” An old property steeped in history stands proudly on the Plain of Venzolasca, half-way between the sea and the mountains. This Benedictine farm dates back to at least the eleventh century, and each generation of the Chiari family has sought to preserve it.The beautiful house is built above a long vaulted cellar with a chapel and outbuildings full of charm scattered amidst orchards and olive groves.

Today, Stephana Chiari looks after the fields and groves, producing first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil sourced exclusively from olives harvested in her groves. The fruits are milled cold just after harvesting and bottled at the property. The different varieties of olives (Ghjermana, Stefana) produce several vintages of oils, all of which have received a host of medals.The elegance of a refined product in beautiful bottles… perfect gifts that you’ll be reluctant to part with!

Next, visit Porto Vecchio before arriving at Bonifacio, nestled in the Calanque de Fazia, a fjord-like bay, one of the most impressive 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, the impressive citadel towering over the city, its earliest walls were raised in the 9th century.

Enjoy a stunningly panoramic view over the maritime natural reserve and the Strait of Bonifacio! After your guided visit of the medieval citadel you will be dropped off at your hotel in Bonifacio where you will check in for a 2 night stay.

A Cheda, Bonifacio Hotel…..a secret garden retreat … just a few minutes from the port and Bonifacio. An intimate hotel combining 4* comfort, professional service and the charm of a private house, with friendly staff on hand to serve and advise you. Visit the countryside and discover that a few steps away, in the heart of a lush garden, is a charming lodge in an intimate atmosphere of serenity, a haven of peace. The culinary arts offered here are rich and creative. Eating is a time of sharing, discovery, and subtlety. The terrace-restaurant overlooks a luxurious garden with pool and splashing fountain that brings an Epicurean touch to delight the senses at all times. The Spa offers a dedicated area with a Jacuzzi and heated swimming pool from April 1st to November 1st, completed by a sauna open year round. (B)

Day 3: Bonifacio 

Today, enjoy a full day on a private catamaran cruise. The Catamaran has a large, clean area in the front where you can rest in the sun while sailing or after swimming. The platform at the back is equipped with a removable sail cover that allows you to choose shade or sun to your desire at anchorages. An easy and pleasant bathing ladder will allow you to come and go in the clear waters of the nature reserve. Masks, snorkels and paddle boards equip the catamaran are provided. (B)

 Day 4: Ajaccio Discovery day of wine and traditional Corsican gastronomy 

Today we will visit wineries and taste the wines of the region. The owners will tell you about their passion, the many Corsican vines, the secrets of making a good wine and will be able to answer your questions. Traditionally in Corsica, families possessed some vines for domestic consumption. Thus begins the story of the Clos Canarelli…Yves Canarelli immediately understood the potential of this vineyard. His father bequeathed a small plot of 10 hectares to him in 1992. However he wanted to develop this into his principal business. “I was certain we could live from working this land and this motivation was contagious in the region!” “As for the Clos Canarelli,  it  gained  28  more  hectares  and  a  winery  that Yves established  in  2007,  after  14  years  as  part  of  a  cooperative.  “I  could not imagine  in  the  long  term  not  working  this  raw  material  myself.  It  would have been frustrating for me not to learn how to give character to my wine, not to be  in  full  possession  of  all  the  tools  for  the  job.  What  fun  would  have been wasted!”

At lunch time, savor a delicious meal in a traditional inn in the heart of the vineyards. in Sartène, enjoy the freshness and atmosphere of the old Genoese town and its many shops. Back by the heights of the Gulf of Ajaccio in the late afternoon.

Check into your hotel, 4* The Hotel Dolce Vita for an overnight stay. Famous for its prestigious evenings, this hotel, in a unique setting, is still a privileged holiday destination, appreciated for its elegant, sophisticated ambiance. The waterfront property is located on the renowned “Sanguinaires” islands’ road, between rocky coves and sandy beaches. The 32 bedrooms and suites and the three luxury apartments offer for most of them, magnificent views thanks to large bay windows which reveal the Mediterranean Sea. The huge deck of the restaurant overlooks the water where guest can appreciate the incredible view over the islands! (B)

Day 5: Ajaccio-Piana Day Trip with Personal Chauffeur to the Calanches de Piana, Porto and the Scandola Reserve 

This day will leave you without any doubt as to why Corsica is known as the “Isle of Beauty.” Your private tour takes you through a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get lost in nature and away from the typical tourist route, we follow the road to Cargèse for a guided tour of the village and its two Greek and Latin churches then to  Piana for an easy 30-minute walk for impressive panoramas of the Gulf of Porto.

Next, cross the famous Calanche de Piana to see it’s incredible rock formations. You may take the boat to the Scandola Nature Reserve and Girolata with lunch in Porto or choose to visit Porto. Its charming marina features a Genoese tower, aquarium, and artisanal shops. You may go for a swim in a gorgeous clear river. We’ve come to the heart of Corsica’s regional natural park, not far from the Gulf of Porto, in the tiny, picturesque and very private village of Ota. This is where Jean-Dominique Franchi speaks with us, sharing his passion for his chestnut and olive plantations. You can taste all of their produce at their restaurant, Chez Marie, in Ota – which is named after Jean-Dominique’s mother, where you will be greeted by his sister, Victorine. A bona fide family operation!

You are dropped off at the end of the tour at the 4* The Hotel Capo Rosso for an overnight stay in a Panorama room with balcony and a view on the Sacandola Gulf. 

The 4* Hotel Capo Rosso is located in Piana, just 8 km from the beach and 11 km from  Porto. It offers a heated  outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant with panoramic views of Scandola Gulf. The rooms feature a private balcony or terrace with sea views. There are over 60 products available for breakfast including Corsican specialties and homemade cakes. You can also choose to have a drink on the terrace before sampling regional  cuisine in the restaurant. Free Wi-Fi access is offered. (B)

Day 6: Ajaccio-Calvi Private Chauffeured Day Trip to Calvi 

A chauffeur/guide will pick you up at your hotel for this great excursion along the  west  coast.  Pass  through  the  Calanche  de  Piana,  the  Girolata,  and  the Scandola Nature Reserve through the interior maquis scrubland. After a panoramic coffee break, we cross the blooming Fango Valley to arrive in Calvi at lunchtime. Enjoy free time to visit the old town and its Genoese citadel. This area features many boutiques. In the afternoon visit Ile Rousse, a pretty town founded in the 18th century by the Corsican revolutionary and freedom fighter Pasquale Paoli.

 At Belgodére, meet the artist Jocelyne Boyer in her Atelier Vetrarte. Jocelyne works with a very specific kind of glass: Massa glass, which has bubbles and colors within  it. She doesn’t blow the glass, she uses techniques called fusing, thermoforming and sanding. “You have to become one with the material, provoke it, stretch it, find its limits… it’s almost some kind of carnal relationship!” says the artist.

At the end of the tour you are dropped off at your hotel the 4* Hotel L’Abbaye where you will overnight in a Superior Abbey Room.

The Hotel L’Abbaye is a converted 16th-century monastery located in the heart of Calvi. It features a courtyard with gardens and views of the sea and mountains. The property is located 150 m from the beach and marina. The rooms are contemporary in style and each has an LCD TV and minibar. The elegant restaurant serves a buffet breakfast every morning. On sunny days, guests can eat or relax with a drink from the bar on the terrace leading onto the shaded garden. (B)

Day 7: Calvi-Cap Corse-Oletta Day Trip with Private driver/guide to Cap Corse 

Cap Corse is situated on the northern tip of Corsica. Here you will find the whole spectrum of sceneries the Isle of Beauty has to offer concentrated in one small area. Abundant with jagged coastlines, mountains flowing into the sea, hidden coves, spectacular beaches, old chapels and churches, towers that still seem to stand guard, picturesque fishing towns, quaint villages literally carved into the mountain, mausoleum-like tombs and lush wineries, the small region’s beauty will take your breath away!

Departure from your hotel towards Cap Corse. Stop at Miomo, Lavasina, Erbalunga and the Osse Tower. Then drive to Luri followed by a tour to the west coast of Cap Corsica. Visit the villages of Pino & Nonza. Round up your trip with a drive along the wine route. In  the  centre  of  the  village  of  Patrimonio,  there  is  a  nineteenth  century building made of dark stone that embodies a long tradition, and then a large field surrounded by dry stone walls: the Clos de Bernardi a PDO Patrimonio wine. Forty years of experience, three generations of winemakers whose aim has always been to recognise the particularities of Patrimonio’s soils…. Today, Jean-Laurent  Bernardi,  President of the Patrimonio AOP, humbly but confidently delivers high quality wine produced with the fullest respect for traditional methods.

You are dropped off at the end of the tour at your hotel, the 4* Hotel La Dimora where you will overnight in a Prestige Room.

The Hotel La Dimora is a 4* luxury, 18th-century farmhouse located in the heart of the Patrimonio Wine Route showcases original and timeless design. Just a few minutes from the port of Saint-Florent and the idyllic beaches of the Agriate desert, this boutique hotel offers an experience unlike any other.   With authentic Mediterranean gardens, a heated swimming pool and spa, luxury and harmony join hands with nature. The hotel offers elegant and spacious rooms with all modern facilities including a 40-inch LCD TV, Wi-Fi and minibar. The buffet breakfast is laid out in the ancient vaulted cellars, visitors have the option to sit inside or outside on the terrace surrounded by jasmine and orange trees or simply can enjoy the breakfast in the comfort of their rooms. The bars and lounges of the hotel offer culinary delicacies and visitors can enjoy a relaxed setting surrounded by vine-covered stone pillars, olive and palm trees. The hotel also offers its visitors an exceptional Spa, which includes a Hammam with a vaulted ceiling decorated with ocher mosaics and lots of different activities in which one can indulge. (B)

Day 8: Departure 

After breakfast, you will be met and privately transferred to the airport in Bastia for your return flight. (B)

PROPERTIES

PRICES PER PERSON 

From $5,299 per person based on double occupancy