Ajaccio, Corsica - Mediterranean Cruises

Heading away from the coastline, you will 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’.

As you pass the village of Cauro you will 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 will 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 some welcome refreshment. Here you will have an opportunity to buy postcards or some of the wonderful local produce.


This excursion will operate by coach. This tour involves a limited amount of walking. There is the possibility of steps or a slight incline over uneven ground leading to the refreshment venue, which guests must be able to negotiate. The tour involves some winding roads and is therefore unsuitable for guests with vertigo. Euros are required for purchases.

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 will see an impressive monument dedicated to Napoleon, standing on top of a huge pedestal.

You will 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 will have the option of remaining in town at the end of the tour for independent exploration or shopping.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately one hour of walking which includes some steep inclines and cobblestoned surfaces in the old town. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. The tour may operate with a reverse itinerary to the described above.

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 three worldwide. Here you’ll have approximately one 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 one 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.


BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion operates by coach and on foot.The terrain at the Tortoise Centre is rough and uneven in parts. There may be independent suppliers on the beach that offer watersports. These are provided by parties unconnected to Cunard.

Depart from Ajaccio along the sandy promenade where the Prunelli River flows gently into the sea. You will 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 will 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 will 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.


This excursion operates by coach and on foot. There is approximately 30 minutes of total walking on this tour. Due to the mountainous terrain, this tour is not recommended for guests suffering from vertigo.

Set off to discover the wonderful Corsican landscape and 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 will 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, a stop will be made at a local wine cellar. Here, you will have an opportunity to sample some of the delightful local wines.

Finally, a picturesque route leads you back to Ajaccio.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised the visits to the factory, distillery and cellars will be done on foot and there are some steps to negotiate. There is a steep slope leading to and from the Essential Oils Distillery. The short walk to the wine cellar is on inclined and uneven surfaces. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended.

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.


This excursion operates by coach, little train and on foot. Guests are advised that this tour involves approximately 30 minutes of walking which includes uneven ground and rocky terrain. Comfortable, flat closed-toe shoes are recommended. The tour also involves some winding roads and is therefore unsuitable for passengers with vertigo.

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 will 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.

A drive along the coast will take you towards the Sanguinaires Islands, the gateway into the Ajaccio Gulf protected by the Genoese Tower. You will have an opportunity to soak up the sun at one of the local beaches where there is plenty to do; enjoy a drink at one of the beach bars, take a dip in the clear waters, or simply relax on the sandy beach.

This excursion will operate by coach. Please remember to take your swimwear, towel and sunscreen.