Corsican Cruise - Leaving from Nice (port-to-port package) Corsica reveals its hidden treasures

Day 1 NICE

Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. We’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner and an evening of activities on board. Our ship will cruise to Corsica overnight.

Day 2 AJACCIO

Our ship will begin to cruise to Corsica. We’ll take in the beauty of the Gulf of Porto, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire the red cliffs and maquis underbrush in the Scandola Nature Reserve, and glide by the Gulf of Girolata and the dazzling Calanques de Piana. Feel free to attend the lecture about the natural beauty found on and around this Mediterranean island: The Beauty of the Island Summed up in Five Ports of Call. Corsica is best experienced through its beauty, its culture, and its people. As LA BELLE DES OCEANS enters its first Corsican port, join us on the deck for a tasting of traditional myrtle liqueur and a pastry.In the afternoon, we offer two excursions:CLASSIC package: Ajaccio and the Îles Sanguinaires. Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, has a rich and historical past. We’ll visit the city’s main sites, including the high court building, the Cours Napoleon, the bronze Monument to Napoleon and His Brothers, and the Place d’Austerlitz—where legend has it Napoleon visited often as a child to see the statues of the glorious soldiers in battle. Our next stop will be the Pointe de la Parata and a stroll through this exceptional natural area. From here, you’ll get a glimpse of the Îles Sanguinaires, an archipelago of four lava-rock islands just off the coast. As a haven for many native species of plants and animals, the islands are an integral part of Corsica’s natural and cultural heritage. The ruins and sea-sculpted landscapes on the Pointe de la Parata bear testimony to Corsica’s hardy history.DISCOVERY package: The sights and scents of Corsica We’ll cross the maquis—the Corsican underbrush exploding with a potpourri of flowers and plants—for a visit to Corsica PAM in Ocana. Paul and Jean-Pierre Caux built their essential oil business from scratch in the village they grew up in. The lovely surroundings and the panoramic view from the terrace are a great place to discover the secrets of their famous oils. We’ll then visit the honey farm Jardin des Abeilles to learn more about beekeeping. An informative walk in the forest and along the Prunelli River brings you to the center of the maquis, where you’ll be able to breathe in the earthy scents emanating from the heather, arbutus, fig, box, holly, and alder trees. At the end of our tour, you’ll enjoy tasting a selection of honey from the farm.An evening of Corsican music and song on board. This evening is a great opportunity to get to know the island through its songs. Learn about some of the most famous Corsican musicians, past and present, including Tino Rossi, Jean Tavera, Charles Rocchi, Natale Rochiccioli, Antoine Ciosi, Michel Mallory, Regina and Bruno, Maryse Nicolai, the Vincenti brothers, and Canta u Populu Corsu, to name just a few.

Day 2 AJACCIO

Our ship will begin to cruise to Corsica.In the afternoon, we offer two excursions:CLASSIC package: Ajaccio and the Îles Sanguinaires. Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, has a rich and historical past. We’ll also stop at the Pointe de la Parata, get a good glimpse of the Îles Sanguinaires, and stroll through this exceptional natural area.DISCOVERY package: The sights and scents of Corsica.We’ll cross the maquis—the Corsican underbrush exploding with a potpourri of flowers and plants—for a visit to Corsica PAM in Ocana.An evening of Corsican music and song on board.

Day 3 AJACCIO

Today,JOIN US FOR A full-day excursion to the Calanques de Piana and the village of Porto (pre-booking only). Our coach will travel along the picturesque coastline dotted with rocky inlets until we reach Porto. Enjoy some time exploring the village before we jump on a local boat that will take us to Cap Rosso, where the sheer cliffs and rock sculptures of the Calanques de Piana seem to jet up from the water and radiate a red hue along the coastline. We’ll return to Ajaccio by coach.ORThis morning,DISCOVERY package: A visit to the Maison Bonaparte, a national museum. Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader and emperor, was born in this house on August 15, 1769. The museum retraces the history of the Bonaparte family in Corsica as well as the series of exiles they experienced. This is a great opportunity to learn about the former emperor's life. The visit will begin on the third floor, where you’ll learn about Corsican life at the end of the 18th century, Bonaparte’s parents, his childhood, and his last visit to Corsica on his return from Egypt in 1799. The rooms on the second floor exhibit the decor under Napoleon III. Other exhibits address Bonaparte’s death, the legends built around him to glorify his actions, and Napoleon III’s visits to Ajaccio during the Second French Empire.This afternoon, DISCOVERY package: An afternoon at Mare E Sol or Capo Di Feno. Chill at one of the white beaches and take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea! Small huts offer a variety of food and snacks during your pause.At the end of the day, we'll begin to cruise to Bonifacio. We'll enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 3 AJACCIO

Today,JOIN US FOR A full-day excursion to the Calanques de Piana and the village of Porto (pre-booking only). Our coach will travel along the picturesque coastline dotted with rocky inlets until we reach Porto. We’ll then jump on a local boat and head to the Calanques de Piana, where sheer cliffs and rock sculptures seem to jet up from the water and radiate a red hue along the coastline.ORThis morning,DISCOVERY package: A visit to the Maison Bonaparte, a national museum. The museum retraces the history of the Bonaparte family in Corsica as well as the series of exiles they experienced.This afternoon, DISCOVERY package: An afternoon at Mare E Sol or Capo Di Feno. At the end of the day, we'll begin to cruise to Bonifacio. We'll enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 4 BONIFACIO

This morning, excursion for both packages: guided tour of Bonifacio. Bonifacio is rich with a history told along its small streets and paths, the thousand-year-old fortress, and the sturdy stone homes perched high above the sea waves. The descent (and subsequent ascent) of the King of Aragon’s Stairway will provide some of the best views on the trip (187 steps).Optional afternoon excursions:CLASSIC: the Lavezzi Islands nature reserve. Discover this archipelago of isletsarchipelago of islets and granite reefs, as well as the sea caves and cliffs of Bonifacio. EXPERIENCE: tasting of traditional liqueurs. You'll reach the Orée du Maquis shop which hides a treasure trove in its cellar. Stills and strange machines used to make liqueurs, aperitif wines and creams. Chestnut or melon cream, hazelnut liqueur from Cervione, Myrtle wine or lemon liqueur, local flavours take pride of place.In the evening, we’ll have dinner at a traditional inn in the heart of the Corsican inland. Whether we sit by the fireplace or under the immense cork oak trees, we’ll be welcomed by the owners who will explain their history and their love for this island. Corsican music and songs will accompany dinner—a delicious, in-season composition made of local products.

Day 4 BONIFACIO

This morning, excursion for both packages: guided tour of Bonifacio. Bonifacio is rich with a history told along its small streets and paths, the thousand-year-old fortress, and the sturdy stone homes perched high above the sea waves.In the afternoon, optional excursions included: the Lavezzi Islands nature reserve or a tasting of traditional liqueurs.In the evening, we’ll have a delicious, in-season dinner at a traditional inn accompanied by Corsican music and songs.

Day 5 PORTO VECCHIO

This morning, we offer two excursions: CLASSIC package: Set out on a guided tour of Porto-Vecchio. The old town includes the ruins of a 16th-century citadel and gorgeous views of the marina. DISCOVERY package: A trip to Palombaggia Beach (with the possibility of a picnic lunch from the ship). Palombaggia Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Crystal-clear waters, islands dotting the horizon, white sand, and umbrella pines are waiting just for you. Water sports enthusiasts can rent jet skis or pedal boats. Restaurants and snack bars provide a good assortment of food and beverages. In the late afternoon, we'll begin to cruise towards Bastia. Take advantage of a quiet moment to catch some rays poolside or to enjoy a treatment in our wellness salon. More active passengers can keep in shape in the fitness center, and History buffs can attend the lecture in the lounge: Pascal Paoli - Island Patriot.

Day 5 PORTO VECCHIO

This morning, we offer two excursions: CLASSIC package: Set out on a guided tour of Porto-Vecchio. The old town includes the ruins of a 16th-century citadel and gorgeous views of the marina. DISCOVERY package: A trip to Palombaggia Beach (with the possibility of a picnic lunch from the ship). In the late afternoon, we'll begin to cruise towards Bastia.

Day 6 BASTIA

Today, we offer an excursion for both packages: Cap Corse. Located to the north of Bastia and Saint-Florent, Cap Corse is a 25-mile-long promontory with several attractive fishing villages, gorgeous coastline, and a couple of good beaches. We’ll cross through some of the most charming villages on the island, including the adorable fishing village of Erbalunga, lovely Santa Severa, the typical village of Luri, and beautiful grove-lined Pino. We’ll stop off in Patrimonio for a tasting of wine, cold cuts, and cheese at the Montemagni estate. Although Corsica has a mostly Mediterranean climate, it experiences great contrasts in weather because of its location and mountains. Its wine, though, truly benefits from the warm summers and exceptional sunshine.At the end of the day, we’ll continue to cruise towards l’Ile-Rousse. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: The Bonapartes: A Corsican Family.

Day 6 BASTIA

Today, we offer an excursion for both packages: Cap Corse. Located to the north of Bastia and Saint-Florent, Cap Corse is a 25-mile-long promontory with several attractive fishing villages, gorgeous coastline, and a couple of good beaches.At the end of the day, we’ll continue to cruise towards l’Ile-Rousse.

Day 7 L'ILE ROUSSE

This morning, we offer two excursions:CLASSIC package: A tour of Calvi and its citadel. You’ll discover its large marina and immense bay surrounded by unique landscapes and often snow-capped mountains. We’ll then head towards Notre Dame de la Serra to get a magnificent view of the gulf. Our tour will continue at the citadel. The symbol of the town of Calvi, it was built during the Genoese occupation.ORDiscover the old villages in the Balagne Region. These are the fertile hills of the island—commonly referred to as the Corsican gardens—where more than thirty villages are perched on cliffs or hidden in narrow valleys.DISCOVERY package: Kick back at Bodri or Ghjunchitu beach. These sublime beaches are both heaven on earth nestled between the azure sea and the wild maquis. Enjoy a moment of real fun and relaxation, either by catching some rays or exploring the tide pools in the coves.We’ll then spend the afternoon crossing the Mediterranean to Nice. Join us for a lecture in the lounge: How Corsica Became Part of France. As we bid goodbye to Corsica, join us on the Sun Deck for a cocktail and take in one last glimpse of the beauty of the island. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 7 L'ILE ROUSSE

This morning, we offer two excursions: CLASSIC package: A tour of Calvi and its citadel. You’ll discover its large marina and immense bay surrounded by unique landscapes and often snow-capped mountains. OR Discover the old villages in the Balagne Region. These are the fertile hills of the island—commonly referred to as the Corsican gardens—where more than thirty villages are perched on cliffs or hidden in narrow valleys. DISCOVERY package: Kick back at Bodri or Ghjunchitu beach. We’ll then spend the afternoon crossing the Mediterranean to Nice. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 8 NICE

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.