|
Ajaccio Excursions
|
Ajaccio - The Imperial Town
| Activity Type: |
Sightseeing Adventures and Family Adventures |
| Activity Level: |
Moderate
|
| Duration: |
3.5-4 hours |
| Adult Price: |
$79.00 (ages 10 and up) |
| Child Price: |
$59.00 (ages 3-9) |
| Ages: |
All Ages |
- Begin your tour by driving from the port to the main street of the Imperial City—The Cours Napoleon—past St. Roch Church and the English Quarter to Cours Grandval.
- Travel past some of monuments dedicated to Napoleon, and make a stop at the Austerlitz Square featuring one of these statues.
- Next, proceed by bus to the Iles Sanguinaires for uninterrupted views of the "Blood Islands," which take their name from the granite rock that glows red at sunset. Make a brief photo stop and admire the great views of these islands at the entrance of the Gulf of Ajaccio.
- Travel back to town and begin a guided tour (wear comfortable walking shoes). Walk along narrow, cobblestone streets and pass by the Cathedral where Napoleon was baptized, Napoleon's birthplace, the town hall, the Market Square and the Fesch Museum. Note: This tour includes 0.8 miles of walking at a leisurely pace, part of which will be on cobblestones and/or uphill.
- Stop for a typical Corsican ice cream.
- Walk approximately 5 minutes back to the pier and the ship. Guests wishing to remain in town may proceed back to the ship at their leisure.
Additional Information
- Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the motor coach on their own.
- Guests should note that in Corsica public toilets are very rare; typically, you must purchase at least a coffee to be able to use any café/restaurant's facilities.
- During the walking tour, interior visits are not included.
- The order of tour sites may vary depending on traffic and overcrowding of venues.
- On Sunday calls, most shops will be closed. On May 13th, shops will be closed due to a religious holiday.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards or currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs.
- Due to extremely limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
- You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a few extra Euros in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis, and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.
Beach Break
| Activity Type: |
Family Adventures and Splashtacular |
| Activity Level: |
Mild
|
| Duration: |
3.5-4 hours |
| Adult Price: |
$95.00 (ages 10 and up) |
| Child Price: |
$85.00 (ages 3-9) |
| Ages: |
All Ages |
- Enjoy a scenic 30-minute (approximate) drive from the port of Ajaccio to a local beach. Note: Guests are encouraged to wear swimming attire underneath their clothing, as beaches are public and there are no changing rooms.
- Relax for approximately 3 hours under the sun on your reserved beach chair with a shared umbrella and swim in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Note: Water sport rentals are available at the beach for an additional charge.
- Receive a typical Corsican ice-cream stick.
- Take the approximate 30-minute drive back to Ajaccio.
Additional Information
- Nudity or topless bathing may be observed.
- Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the motor coach on their own.
- On Sunday calls, most shops will be closed. On May 13th, shops will be closed due to a religious holiday.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards or currency to purchase optional extras. Note that some vendors may have a 10€ minimum credit card limit.
- Due to the extremely limited availability of this excursion, Guests are encouraged to book early.
- This tour is subject to cancellation should the weather forecast indicate unfavorable conditions 48 hours prior to your tour.
- You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a few extra Euros in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis, and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.
Cargèse by Land and Sea
| Activity Type: |
Sightseeing Adventures and Family Adventures |
| Activity Level: |
Moderate
|
| Duration: |
4-4.5 hours |
| Adult Price: |
$259.00 (ages 10 and up) |
| Child Price: |
$229.00 (ages 0-9) |
| Ages: |
All Ages (under 3 charged child rate) |
- Enjoy an approximate 90-minute scenic boat ride along the coast of Ajaccio and Gulf of Sagone, including hidden bays and seaside villages, before reaching the old Greek town of Cargèse. Note: This tour may run in reverse with the bus ride first and the boat ride last.
- Learn from your guide about Corsica's history, geography, economy and traditions, while taking in the spectacular scenery.
- Upon arrival in Cargèse, visit the 2 churches, one Catholic and one Orthodox, a reminder of the old antagonism between the cultures. The religious rivalries have long since vanished and now the priest and the curate often take a stroll through the town together. Note: This tour includes 0.8 miles of walking at a leisurely pace, part of which will be on cobblestones and uphill. Inside visits cannot be guaranteed due to religious services.
- Enjoy an ice cream while wandering the little alleys of the village during approximately 30 minutes of free time.
- Take the approximate 60-minute drive back to Ajaccio, driving through the small villages of Sagone, Tiuccia and Col San Bastiano, with its wonderful view of the blue sea and the imposing Cinto mountains.
Additional Information
- This tour is available to All Ages; since it involves a boat/vessel, infants under 3 years of age must have a child's ticket.
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
- Guests should note that in Corsica public toilets are very rare; typically, you must purchase at least a coffee to be able to use any café/restaurant's facilities. There are restrooms available on the boat and at the ice-cream stop.
- Roads in Corsica are generally winding. Passengers suffering from vertigo or travel sickness should take this into consideration.
- On Sunday calls, most shops will be closed. On May 13th, shops will be closed due to a religious holiday.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards or currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs.
- Due to extremely limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
- You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a few extra Euros in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis, and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.
Country Train and Snack
| Activity Type: |
Sightseeing Adventures and Family Adventures |
| Activity Level: |
Moderate
|
| Duration: |
4-4.5 hours |
| Adult Price: |
$95.00 (ages 10 and up) |
| Child Price: |
$79.00 (ages 3-9) |
| Ages: |
All Ages |
- Be transported into the Corsican countryside during an approximate 45-minute drive to Cricheto Pass (3,000-feet altitude). Along the way, learn about the history and traditions of Corsica from your guide, and discover why this mountainous island has been coined "The Scented Isle."
- Transfer from your coach to a little wheel train for a 45-minute journey through the heart of the countryside as you enter a chestnut forest to learn about the many indigenous plants and animals. Enjoy spectacular views over Prunelli's gorges, Tolla Lake and the surrounding mountains with peaks over 6,500 feet.
- Arrive at a tasting venue set in the middle of a chestnut forest to sample some local favorites (canestrelli and cake) along with wine (Guests 21+) and soft drinks.
- On the return journey to Ajaccio, drive through typical Corsican hillside villages with their granite houses, slate roofs and narrow windows.
Additional Information
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
- Guests are advised that the scenic portion of the itinerary involves some narrow winding roads, unsuitable to Guests who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo.
- On Sunday calls, most shops will be closed. On May 13th, shops will be closed due to a religious holiday.
- Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and carry a jacket or sweater, as it can be cooler in the mountains.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- Due to extremely limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
- You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a few extra Euros in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis, and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.
Corte - The Former Capital of Corsica
| Activity Type: |
Sightseeing Adventures |
| Activity Level: |
Moderate
|
| Duration: |
6.5-7 hours |
| Adult Price: |
$179.00 (ages 10 and up) |
| Child Price: |
$159.00 (ages 8-9) |
| Ages: |
8 And Up |
- Drive approximately 90 minutes up the Gravona River Valley, passing the charming villages of Bocognano and Vivario before arriving at the town of Corte, stacked up the side of a wedge-shaped crag, against a spectacular backdrop of brooding granite mountains.
- Proceed by a wheel train on a 45-minute ride up to the citadel as you arrive in Old Town where most of Corte's main attractions are concentrated. Note: This tour includes up to 0.5 miles of walking at a steady pace, part of which will be on cobblestones and uphill, with approximately 30 steps.
- Enjoy a 60-minute visit of the Museum of Corsican History, inaugurated in 1997. The Dozan Gallery will offer you an array of exhibits relating to the island's traditions. In the next gallery, "musée en train de se faire" (museum in the making), explore aspects of contemporary Corsican society, including industry, tourism and religion.
- Afterwards, enjoy 30 minutes of free time for souvenir shopping or independent sightseeing.
- Re-board the little train for a short ride to a local Auberge to enjoy a delicious 3-course Corsican lunch (included in the price of the tour).
- Return to your motor coach for the approximate 90-minute drive back to the ship.
Additional Information
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
- Guests should note that in Corsica public toilets are very rare; typically, you must purchase at least a coffee to be able to use any café/restaurant's facilities.
- Roads in Corsica are generally winding. Passengers suffering from vertigo or travel sickness should take this into consideration.
- On Sunday calls, most shops will be closed. On May 13th, shops will be closed due to a religious holiday.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards or currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs.
- Due to extremely limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
- You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a few extra Euros in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis, and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.
Kayak on Lake Tolla (Not Available on Sail Dates of 4/24/10 and 5/5/10)
| Activity Type: |
Nature Adventures and Action Adventures |
| Activity Level: |
Active
|
| Duration: |
4-4.5 hours |
| Adult Price: |
$199.00 (ages 10 and up) |
| Ages: |
10 And Up |
- Take an approximate 45-minute drive from Ajaccio to Lake Tolla, an artificial lake built to give Ajaccio water for electricity. The lake affords great views of the red granite cliffs plunging into the river, the high mountain peaks and the hilltop villages.
- Upon arrival, receive a safety briefing and tips about kayaking before setting out on the lake. Note: Guests should be in good physical condition; this tour is not suitable for Guests with back or neck injuries, or expectant mothers.
- Follow your guide for approximately 90 minutes and learn about the rich biodiversity of the region. Note: Guests are encouraged to bring a wind-breaker and a change of clothes.
- While driving back to the port, learn about Corsica, its history, its culture and its traditions.
Additional Information
- This tour is unavailable on the sail dates of 4/24/10 and 5/5/10.
- This tour is subject to cancellation should the weather forecast indicate unfavorable conditions 48 hours prior to your tour.
- Guests are able to swim in the lake; however, no changing facilities are available. Guests should wear swimming attire underneath their clothes and bring a towel if wishing to swim.
- Roads in Corsica are generally winding. Passengers suffering from vertigo or travel sickness should take this into consideration.
- On Sunday calls, most shops will be closed. On May 13th, shops will be closed due to a religious holiday.
- Due to the extremely limited availability of this excursion, Guests are encouraged to book early.
- You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a few extra Euros in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis, and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.
Les Calanches
| Activity Type: |
Sightseeing Adventures and Family Adventures and Nature Adventures |
| Activity Level: |
Active
|
| Duration: |
8-8.5 hours |
| Adult Price: |
$149.00 (ages 10 and up) |
| Child Price: |
$129.00 (ages 3-9) |
| Ages: |
All Ages (recommended 8 and older) |
- Take an approximate 2-hour panoramic drive from Ajaccio to the San Bastiano Pass, offering superb views of the Gulf of Ajaccio.
- Follow the coastal route and the gulf of Sagone through little summer resorts before arriving at the ancient Greek Village of Cargèse, where you will stop to visit the 2 churches—Christian catholic and orthodox, a reminder of the old antagonism between the 2 cultures. The religious rivalries have long since vanished and now the priest and the curate often take a stroll through the town together.
- Proceed to Piana and its Calanches, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site in 1883. This nature reserve, part of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica, includes the Scandola peninsula, an impressive, porphyritic rock mass with rose-colored granite cliffs plunging into the crystal-clear waters.
- Enjoy 30 minutes of free time to browse around Piana village with its quaint stone houses standing precariously atop a sheer drop with stunning views across the bay.
- Arrive in Porto, a tiny village which owes its beauty to the surrounding red cliffs. Here you will have 30 minutes of free time to explore on your own. Note: This tour includes up to 0.8 miles of walking at a steady pace, part of which will be on cobblestones and steep uphill ground, with steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Enjoy a delicious Corsican lunch (included in the price of this tour).
- Drive through the amazing Spelunca Gorges as you relax on the approximate 90-minute drive back to the ship.
Additional Information
- Although this tour is available to Guests of All Ages, the tour operator recommends participation for Guests 8 and older.
- This tour may run in reverse.
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Tour operators will deny participation to Guests arriving in wheelchairs or electric scooters.
- Guests should note that in Corsica public toilets are very rare; typically, you must purchase at least a coffee to be able to use any café/restaurant's facilities.
- Roads in Corsica are generally winding. Passengers suffering from vertigo or travel sickness should take this into consideration.
- On Sunday calls, most shops will be closed. On May 13th, shops will be closed due to a religious holiday.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards or currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs.
- Due to extremely limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
- You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a few extra Euros in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis, and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.
Prunelli and Corsican Treats
| Activity Type: |
Sightseeing Adventures and Family Adventures and Nature Adventures |
| Activity Level: |
Moderate
|
| Duration: |
3.5-4 hours |
| Adult Price: |
$74.00 (ages 10 and up) |
| Child Price: |
$64.00 (ages 3-9) |
| Ages: |
All Ages |
- Drive approximately 60 minutes into the hinterland before arriving at the entrance to Prunelli's gorges. En route, your guide will give you an introduction to Corsica including its history, traditions, economy, flora and fauna.
- Make a photo stop at the entrance to the Prunelli gorges before winding your way through the river gorges.
- Continue along the gorges to a scenic lookout over Tolla Lake and view red granite cliffs plunging into the river, amidst high mountain peaks and hilltop villages.
- Enjoy a refreshment stop including tasting some typical local produce (canestrelli and Corsican cakes) along with beverages. Note: There is minimal walking on this tour; however, the entrance to the snack venue is slightly uphill.
- Take the approximate 60-minute return journey to Ajaccio.
Additional Information
- Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the motor coach on their own.
- Roads in Corsica are generally winding. Passengers suffering from vertigo or travel sickness should take this into consideration.
- On Sunday calls, most shops will be closed. On May 13th, shops will be closed due to a religious holiday.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards or currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs.
- Due to extremely limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
- You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a few extra Euros in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis, and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.
Sweet Corsica
| Activity Type: |
Family Adventures and Sightseeing Adventures |
| Activity Level: |
Moderate
|
| Duration: |
4-4.5 hours |
| Adult Price: |
$89.00 (ages 10 and up) |
| Child Price: |
$79.00 (ages 3-9) |
| Ages: |
All Ages (recommended 8 and older) |
- Discover some of Corsican 'best of' productions such as wine, honey or nougat. Learn about the 'artisans savoir faire' and local traditions.
- Be taken to the outskirts of Ajaccio to give you the opportunity to enjoy the delightful flavours and aromas of some local products.
- Stop at the honey farm for a visit and a taste, learn about the benefits of all the beehive products. Corsican honey is unique, sweet, strong, or fruited; the local production comes from a tremendously rich biodiversity with more than 2,800 different vegetal species, 127 of which are endemic to the island. The Mediterranean climate allows bees to gather honey from flower all year round and for this reason Corsican people have been making honey for ages.
- Taste local nougat, a specialty candy bar proposed in different flavors.
- Set off to a local vineyard where the wine production process will be explained. After the visit enjoy a tasting of the mouth-watering wines produced in this cellar accompanied by some tasty treats.
Additional Information
- Each visit is around 45 minutes standing.
- The drive between each venue might take up to 30 minutes.
- Although this tour is available for all ages, it is recommended for guests 8 and older.
- Wine Tasting is available for guests 21 and older. Grape juice will be available for all other guests.
- Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
- During high season it is recommended to wear sunglasses and hat.
- Credit cards are not accepted at the local factories. Guests are encouraged to carry local currency (Euro) for souvenirs and product purchases.
- Passengers must be aware of the fact that Corsican roads are straight and twisty. Persons suffering from vertigo or travel sickness shall not take part of this tour.
- On Sunday calls, most shops will be closed. On May 13th, shops will be closed due to a religious holiday.
- This tour is not accessible to wheelchairs nor passengers with walking difficulties due to the steep incline at the oils venue and the fact that there is only a ground track at the honey farm.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended. Guests shall note the access between venues is steep and on earth track.
- In order to avoid congestions at each venue the order of the visits can be changed.
- Due to extremely limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
- You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a few extra Euros in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis, and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.
Tortoise Protection Center
| Activity Type: |
Sightseeing Adventures and Family Adventures and Nature Adventures |
| Activity Level: |
Moderate
|
| Duration: |
3.5-4 hours |
| Adult Price: |
$79.00 (ages 10 and up) |
| Child Price: |
$59.00 (ages 3-9) |
| Ages: |
All Ages |
- Travel approximately 45 minutes from Ajaccio to the Corsican countryside and the town of "A Cupulatta," home to the only European Tortoise Protection Center. In this specialized reserve, there are around 180 different species and a total of approximately 3,000 animals—from water turtles to land tortoise—from all around the world and with some species native to Corsica.
- Enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the centre. Note: This tour includes approximately 0.7 miles of walking at a leisurely pace on flat ground. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Discover how select enclosures have been designed and built to accommodate tortoises that require certain climate conditions, and visit a glazed hatchery installed to house egg incubation.
- View the eggs and the small baby tortoises, making this tour ideal for families and nature lovers.
- Relax under the trees while enjoying refreshment (ice cream or a soft drink) during 30 minutes of free time.
- Drive approximately 45 minutes back to the pier.
Additional Information
- During cold weather or days of heavy rain, many of the tortoises hibernate. On these days, Guests may not be able to see all the tortoises.
- Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs/scooters permitted. Guests must be able to board and disembark the motor coach on their own. In addition, Guests should note that some sections of the center are not wheelchair accessible.
- Guests should note that in Corsica public toilets are very rare; typically, you must purchase at least a coffee to be able to use any café/restaurant's facilities.
- On Sunday calls, most shops will be closed. On May 13th, shops will be closed due to a religious holiday.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards or currency to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs.
- Due to extremely limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
- You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a few extra Euros in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis, and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.
|
|
