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Hiking cruise - Corsica reveals its hidden treasures
Preferred
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED
Hiking Highlights:
- The Pointe de la Parata
- The Calanques de Piana
- Cap de Pertusatu
- Col de Bavella
- Rutali
- Bonifatu Forest
Non-walkers' program:
- The island’s major areas: Ajaccio, Calvi, Bonifacio, and Porto-Vecchio
- The natural wonders : the Îles Sanguinaires, the Calanques de Piana and the Balagne Region
- Cap Corse and the nature reserve on the Archipelago of Lavezzi
Short Description
Kalliste. The most beautiful. The ancient Greeks used this name to talk about the allure of Corsica, a veritable heaven on earth that seems to have every wonder of the world on its shores or in its hills. Join us on a cruise to discover the kaleidoscope of blue in the sea waters and the fresh mountain air in the peaks.
Itinerary
Day 1 NICE
Passengers are welcome to board at 5:00 p.m. We'll set out on an optional tour of Nice(1) (not included in the packages). Throughout the centuries, Nice has attracted people from all over the world because of its lovely climate and unrivaled beauty. The city has a thousand surprises in store: monuments, churches, gardens and footpaths, museums, artists, local crafts, and internationally renowned cuisine with the unmistakable flavors of garlic, olive oil, and basil. The best way to get to know Nice is by strolling through it and experiencing sites such as the Cours Saleya or the elegant old quarter lined with boutiques and restaurants. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship. 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 1 NICE
Passengers are welcome to board at 5:00 p.m. We'll set out on an optional tour of Nice(1) (not included in the packages). The best way to get to know Nice is by strolling through the city and adsorbing its sights and sounds. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship. 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:HIKERS: Hike to the Pointe de la Parata. This hike takes place in Ajaccio between the Îles Sanguinaires and Capo di Feno. You'll follow the trail to splendid beaches on Capo di Feno with the islands in the distance. Leave all your worries behind as you enjoy the beautiful turquoise water and wild scenery. Take advantage of this time to discover how different Corsica can be from one end to the other. Breathe in the scents, indulge in the colors, and give yourself a true break.(Approximately 3 hours, 10 km/6.2 mi., 150 to 200 m elevation gain (492 to 656 ft.))NON-HIKERS: 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.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:- HIKERS: Hike to the Pointe de la Parata- NON-HIKERS: Ajaccio and the Îles SanguinairesAn evening of Corsican music and song on board.
Day 3 AJACCIO
HIKERS: Hike through the Calanques de Piana. No vacation in Corsica would be complete without a trip to the Calanques de Piana. During this hike, you'll discover this geological gem with shapes and forms to stimulate any imagination. The naturally dramatic landscape, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes red porphyry intensified by the blue water and green underbrush. We'll have lunch in a local restaurant before jumping on a boat to take us to Cap Rosso. We'll return to Ajaccio by coach.(Approximately 2.5 hours, 8 km/5 mi., 250 to 300m elevation gain (820 to 984 ft.))NON-HIKERS: 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.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
We offer two optional excursions:- HIKERS: the Calanques de Piana- NON-HIKERS: full-day excursion to the Calanques de Piana and the village of PortoAt 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,HIKERS: Hike to Cap de Pertusatu. Leaving from the harbor in Bonifacio, this hike takes you up the Montée Rostello to Saint-Roch Chapel. From there, you'll follow the seaside cliffs and explore the old mule-driver trails beaten by the winds and spray. The dramatic limestone cliffs dominate this walk through the nature reserve. Where the semaphore regulating sea traffic stands, you'll catch a glimpse of Sardinia before continuing on to the lighthouse marking the southernmost tip of the island.(Approximately 2.5 hours, 6 km/3.7 mi., 100 m/328 ft. elevation gain)NON-HIKERS: we’ll set out on an optional 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).In the afternoon,HIKERS / NON-HIKERS: the nature reserve on the Archipelago of Lavezzi. The islands are scattered with sculpted granite boulders and impressive cliffs.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
The morning,- HIKERS: Hike to Cap de Pertusatu- NON-HIKERS: we’ll set out on an optional guided tour of BonifacioThe afternoon,- HIKERS / NON-HIKERS: the nature reserve on the Archipelago of LavezziIn 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,HIKERS: Hike to the Col de Bavella. The incomparable beauty of the Col de Bavella makes it one of the most magical places in Corsica. Located 1,218 meters high (3,996 feet) in the heart of the Alta Rocca mountain range, it provides an absolutely exceptional panorama of the Aiguilles de Bavella. During this hike through the Ospedale Forest, we'll experience several breathtaking moments, including an authentic Corsican snack.(Approximately 3 hours, 8 km/5 mi., 500 m/1,640 ft. elevation gain)NON-HIKERS: Set out on an optional guided tour of Porto-Vecchio. The old town includes the ruins of a 16th-century citadel and gorgeous views of the marina.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,- HIKERS: Hike to the Col de Bavella- NON-HIKERS: Set out on an optional guided tour of Porto-Vecchio.In the late afternoon, we'll begin to cruise towards Bastia.
Day 6 BASTIA
HIKERS: Full-day hike to Rutali. Discover a landscape carved by history—shepherds, farmers, and the famous Moroccan Goumiers who liberated Corsica from the Germans in 1943. This relatively flat trail begins at the top of the village of Rutali and travels through the heath dotted with strawberry, oak, and a few sweet chestnut trees. You'll quickly find yourself at close to 2,000 feet above sea level with views to the east and west at the bottom of Cap Corse. Enjoy a spuntinu snack (Corsican sausage and a glass of wine) as the shepherds once did.NON-HIKERS: 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
We offer two excursions:- HIKERS: Full-day hike to Rutali- NON-HIKERS: Cap CorseAt the end of the day, we’ll continue to cruise towards l’Ile-Rousse.
Day 7 L'ILE ROUSSE
This morning,HIKERS: Hike to Bonifatu Forest. This hike takes you to the heart of Bonifatu Forest, where you'll learn about Corsican geography, history, and the various animals and plants you could come across.(Approximately 2 hours, 4 km/2.5 mi., 200 m/656 ft. elevation gain)NON-HIKERS: An optional 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.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,- HIKERS: Hike to Bonifatu Forest- NON-HIKERS: An optional tour of Calvi and its citadel OR the old villages in the Balagne RegionWe’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.
Availability
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128 CroisiEurope Travel Reviews & Ratings
Hiking cruise - Corsica reveals its hidden treasures
Company Reviews
Great tours and food! Exceptional customer service
I am non-EU national, and very much enjoyed the international clientele .
My flight arrived later than the prescribed boarding time, the crew had my cabin ready, and held dinner. Both land side New York office and the onboard crew were very welcoming, and most attention to detail. Special recognition to Charina, my reservation agent, and Daniel the ship's purser.
The vessel's decor is very discreet, comfortable, and relaxing -- no neon, casino, etc. The elegance one would expect from a French company.
The land tours were very comprehensive, in comfortable coaches, with sufficient rest stops. Lunches ashore were included, as appropriate. As advertised, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were included. In-town shopping was available, but not forced.
In all, a delightful experience. I look forward to another voyage with CroisiEurope. The company offers so many unique intineraries, it may be difficult to select.
A memorable four nights on the Seine - Le Havre to Paris
The Seine scenery was gorgeous and the boat was extremely comfortable—we loved that we could stay in our cabin, relax on various decks, or attend onboard activities, including a lively dance performance by a Normandy folk troupe. Even though we were the only English speakers on the cruise, the bilingual staff were always on hand to help us, and the other passengers (mostly French with a few Belgians/Swiss) were friendly and tolerant of our basic French. After our final night sleeping aboard the boat on Quai de Grenelle in Paris, we were rather sad to depart the beautiful Renoir.
The food, tours and service on the Miguel Torga exceeded our expectations, and we felt very safe with the Covid precautions being taken on board.
We had such a wonderful time on our cruise and absolutely intend to travel with CroisiEurope again. I was especially pleased with the attention to detail regarding food preferences and requests. I have a shellfish allergy, and our kids didn’t always like what was on the menu. The chef and staff always made every effort to accommodate and please us.
Our guide Deborah on the excursions was so informative and made great suggestions for sightseeing and shopping. I liked the way the excursions were managed by touring in the morning with lunch and sailing in the afternoon. We were the only Americans on board with mostly French speakers, but everyone was friendly, and we had no communication issues with the crew. Entertainment was simple but fun with games or local talent coming aboard for flamenco or folk singing and dancing. There were only 62 passengers and no young children. Our kids were 12 & 17, and they were happy with the pool on board, which was small, but ideal for cooling off after a morning in port. They surprised our 17-year-old with a special dessert on her birthday.
We’ve been on several other riverboat cruises (Viking, Peter Dielmann, Vodohod), and they did not match the value and service provided by CroisiEurope.
This barge hotel cruise on and along the Marne river was absolutely fantastic!
The crew were very attentive and hospitable. One of the biggest, if not THE biggest, highlight of the trip was the food. Breakfast was a typical French style buffet with all the trimmings. Lunch and dinner were menus, in the French style, prepared by our Chef and paired with a variety of wines and cheeses from around France. Each meal was unique and full of variety culminating at the end of the week with our Gala Dinner.
One of the excursion highlights, and a major reason why we chose this particular cruise, was the falconry demonstration at Chateau Thierry. It was very well done and quite a moving presentation, which included an American Bald Eagle and, even more surprisingly, Storks.
If you are looking for a more intimate way to cruise, Passenger to Crew ratio was 17 - 6, consider barge hotel cruises. We are most definitely looking forward to our next barge hotel cruise experience.
It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting.
As seasoned cruisers, knowing well all aspects of cruising on seas and rivers, we had no experience about traveling on a barge in a canal. It was also time to overcome this lack.
A number of companies offer this kind of cruising on barge with 8 to 16 passengers, however very often at exorbitant prices. Luckily, we discovered that the company CroisiEurope offers one week cruise on various canals in Europe, at very decent price, especially considering that all is inclusive (full board, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and all excursions) on modern barges with a maximum of 22 passengers.
We opted for the barge Ms Deborah, which cruises on the canal de la Loire, with the Briare to Nevers’ route. We were looking forward to this itinerary because the proposed excursions particularly suited us. Unfortunately, only a few days before departure, we were informed that due of a lack of water in the Loire canal the Ms Deborah was switched over to the Haute Seine and Yonne for a new itinerary from Paris to Sens. Despites the fact that this new itinerary didn’t really meet our desires, especially the excursions, we decided to accept the change.
Our group of 6 persons from Switzerland was very warmly greeted by all members of the crew when arriving on the quai de Grenelle in Paris where we see the MS DEBORAH for the first time, our floating home for the week. With its two dominating colours blue and white, it is difficult not to fall in love with this beautiful small ship.
We were invited immediately for the welcome cocktail during which we met officially the crew and the other six individual passengers originating from New Zealand, England and the USA. With less time than it needs to tell, the relation between us was created, so that everyone felt part of a bunch of friends knowing each other for long time.
There is no need to present here the MS Deborah itself, as this is already thoroughly done on the Cruise Critic page.
The crew of 6 persons is composed of a captain, a sailor, a cruise director, a chef, a waitress and a cabin hostess who put all their efforts to satisfy the passengers and offer them the best possible service. The captain as well as the sailor are always trying to make passengers at ease, answer questions or even bring a drink. The lady cruise director is omnipresent, taking care of the passengers better than a mother hen would do. The talented young French chef aims to produce dishes which please everybody. His outstanding sauces and excellent desserts should be particularly praised. However, referring to comments we made during a cruise on the Seine Princess two years ago, we cannot understand that why today it is not possible to offer the choice of a light buffet at lunch instead a three or even four course menu! The always smiling and friendly Hungarian waitress was very caring and attentive, without forgetting the cabin hostess doing a great job in the cabins, the public spaces and even the kitchen. It wouldn’t be fair to name a single person as all members of the crew, without any exception, do all they can to make the cruise unforgettable.
Our one-week cruise on the barge Ms Deborah enables us today to make the following comments:
~ a cruise on a barge cannot be compared to any other kind of cruise
~ despite all the comfort offered on modern barge, one must be very aware that life on board happens at a restraint space, requiring therefore much flexibility and understanding in all aspects from all passengers
~ in our case, being only 12 passengers, we had the opportunity to take our meals on the terrace. We also never had the feeling that the boat was overcrowded. This can be different when the ship is full, especially by bad weather
~ the state of mind between the passengers who are mostly of foreign nationalities, who don’t know each other and don’t speak French, must function well right from the beginning
~ if the interrelation works, it is difficult to find a more relaxing and enjoyable way of travelling
~ the success on a barge is mainly due on the quality of its crew. Ms Deborah’s crew members have quickly created a family spirit on board, showing also that they genuinely like what they do
~ excursions can play a major role in choosing an itinerary. Not speaking French or English can be a handicap
Do we recommend to do a cruise on a barge? Yes, definitively! It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting. In our case, this second try with CroisiEurope gives them a better note.
We are still waiting for a refund
Details
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal transport included (including local flights)
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Cancellation policy
INTERNET
SATELLITE CONNECTIONS
Our ship provides Internet connection via satellite while we cruise, which is different and slower than what we are used to through our regular home or office services. We cannot guarantee connection at all times. Please keep this in mind while you are enjoying your vacation with us.
TELEPHONE SERVICE
DURING CRUISE
When we are at sea, you can connect your device(s) to the onboard GSM/3G network. Your service provider will automatically send you the terms and conditions of use for this service. You will be able to make calls, send messages, or use the Internet through this network’s roaming services. The GSM network will be turned off once the ship enters a port.
WHILE IN PORT
When the ship is in a port, you will be able to receive and make calls via your international calling/service plan according to the country you are visiting.
WATCH OUT FOR SERVICE FEES
We strongly recommend that you contact your service provider before your departure; international calls and data usage can be very costly and are almost never included in basic operator packages.
PLEASE CHECK THE SETTINGS FOR YOUR DEVICE
Once you are on board, but before you connect to the Internet, please check the settings for your device(s). We request that you limit the downloading of videos and large-volume files. Automatic updates to your PC, tablet, and smartphones will affect the speed and cost of your connection. You probably have automatic updates for apps on your devices that you are not aware of. We recommend that you deactivate these updates while you are staying with us.
Additional Information
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
- All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
- Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
- Free Wi-Fi onboard
- Headsets are included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included
Rules & Other Requirements
Valid national identity card or passport required. Non-EU nationals are advised to consult their embassy or consulate.
Trip ID#:
croisieurope-NAO_RAIPP
What's excluded
drinks from our special lists or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers - transfers to/from departure/arrival points - cancellation and baggage insurance - personal expenses.
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