Diving 
Deluxe Stateroom
10% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
- Last staterooms
Wild and authentic Corsica
Nice - Nice
Dates:
20/06/2022
to
27/06/2022
Other available dates
days
nights on board
France is beautiful from the sea...
PONANT invites you to take to the sea, without a care in the world, to enjoy a break from reality in a privileged setting and cast a fresh eye over the infinite riches of the French coastline. As your journey unfolds and depending on the elements, you will enjoy magnificent moments as unique as they are unexpected.
Leaving from Nice, set sail aboard Le Bougainville for an authentic 7-night cruise and get to the very heart of Corsica, a fascinating island of a thousand fragrances and influences.
Below the Cap Corse mountains and the Agriates desert, the beauty of the landscapes gives Saint-Florent a picture-postcard appearance.
You will also visit Bonifacio, the jewel of the far south of Corsica. A veritable fortress sculpted by the wind and the spray, the “sentinel city” will reveal its historical centre and its long cobbled streets.
The magnificent idyllic beaches that have forged the reputation of the Isle of Beauty, such as the Gulf of Santa-Manza, are complemented by the breathtaking and unspoiled natural landscapes.
The most southerly point of Corsica, Cap Pertusato, meaning “pierced”, announces the presence of a rock that has been perforated through the middle. At this majestic site you will discover a succession of natural caves forged by the sea.
The sumptuous archipelago formed by the pointe de la Parata and the îles Sanguinaires announces the entrance to the Gulf of Ajaccio. The long line of crests seems to extend the coast like a backbone. Listed as a Grand Site de France and a Natura 2000 area, this coastal landscape at the foot of the mountains is home to exceptional biodiversity adapted to the harsh climate. Here, Nature is the star attraction.
The turquoise waters of the island will satisfy all desires for swimming and nautical activities. Far from the hordes, these unspoiled areas encourage the observation of nature and the practice of sporting activities.
During this trip, you may be lucky enough to see certain species of cetaceans, such as bottlenose dolphins, rorquals and pilot whales, common off the Mediterranean coastline.
This itinerary is given as an indication only. Based on tide times and weather conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader may need to change the order of certain ports of call to ensure guests have the best possible experience.
Encounters with wildlife are possible but cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : G200622
Your itinerary
Travel in France, and (re)discover the beauty of the Mediterranean coast. A quest for wide-open spaces and recharging of batteries in the comfort and calm of a PONANT ship. Enjoy the expertise of a team of...
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
04/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
09/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
This cruise includes activities such as Zodiac® outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Clothing tips:
- Cotton comfortable and light-weight shorts/bermuda shorts
- Light weight long trousers
- Long-sleeved breathable SPF50+ shirts
- Cotton short sleeved T-shirt
- Aquatic UV long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection during snorkeling or swimming
- Aquatic non-slip sandals
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Broad brimmed anti-UV hat with strap and veil to protect the neck
- Comfortable walking shoes
Accessories:
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Sunscreen and after-sun with high SPF index & insect repellent
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Do not hesitate to visit the online PONANT store which offers a selection of equipment and accessories adapted to our destinations, at the following address: https://boutique.ponant.com
Benefits of the PONANT store:
- Advice on equipment from our experts to help you prepare for your polar expedition
- A wide range of technical equipment approved by our experts
- Two delivery options: delivery to your home or directly to your cabin on board the ship
- Duty Free shopping for cabin delivered items
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
TECHNICAL OUTFITS:
- Shorts / bermudas
- Light weight long trousers
- Wind and waterproof light “breathable” outer layer
- Sweater/pullover for the evening
- Short and long sleeved cotton shirts
- Waterproof UV long sleeved T-shirt
- Long sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection during Zodiac excursions and excursions ashore
- Ankle canvas shoes (which dry quickly and protect ankles)
- Aquatic shoes for wet landings on shore
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses with high UV filter
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Camelbak (backpack with water pockets)
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Sun portective hat/cap with strap and veil to protect the neck
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Diving & initiation dive
Supervision of the dives
Your dives will be led by your PONANT instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly. On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.
Level required for scuba diving on this cruise
The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 1 star CMAS or the PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent). The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our main diving instructor.
Process of the dives (certified divers)
The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety. As we will dive in remote places, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 metres will be mandatory. The depth that can be reached will depend on the certification of the divers:
- For those with PADI Open Water Diver certificate (or equivalent), the maximum depth can be up to 20 metres.
- If two PADI Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) wish to dive together independently, they must have a briefing first. They must have dive computers and are allowed to go to a maximum depth of 20 metres.
Process of the initiation dives (novice divers)
Before your initiation dive, your instructor will show you the equipment and will explain to you how to communicate underwater using hand gestures and how to breathe through a regulator. Once in the water, equipped with your material, you will learn how to breathe through your regulator on the surface for a couple of minutes. When your instructor feels you are ready, he will immerse you in water for about 20 minutes to a depth of 6 metres maximum.
Duration of the dives
The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants. For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption.
Supplied equipment
- Diving wetsuit
- Stabilising jacket
- Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge
- Diving computer (for divers mastering their use)
- Fins
Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel .As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.
The passenger may participate in scuba diving activities, subject to compliance with certain conditions established in accordance with the health, scientific and medical measures applicable on the day of the dive.
* within the limit of available stock.
Fauna of the Mediterranean Sea
The fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is very varied. During the various dives, divers could observe various species of benthic fauna such as rainbow wrasse, dusky grouper, sea bass, and pelagic fauna as tuna, amberjack, as well as endemic wildlife such as red gorgonians, red coral.
Scuba diving activities on this cruise
|
PORTS OF CALL |
DIVES (for certified divers) |
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING (for beginners) |
|
France - Nice |
NO |
NO |
|
Corsica - Saint-Florent |
YES |
NO |
|
Corsica - Strait of Bonifacio |
YES |
NO |
|
Corsica - Sant’Amanza Gulf |
YES |
YES |
|
Corsica - Roccapina |
YES |
YES |
|
Corsica - Tralicetu |
YES |
NO |
|
Corsica - Sanguinaires Islands |
YES |
YES |
|
Corsica - Ajaccio |
NO |
NO |
|
Corsica - Calvi |
YES |
YES |
|
France - Nice |
NO |
NO |
These sites are indicative. The proposed diving excursions may be changed depending on weather and safety conditions and the number of divers.
This activity must be pre-booked before departure with your travel advisor. Any reservation made after this deadline will only be confirmed once on board and subject to availability.
Price per person
- Initiation dive:
- Introductory dive (1 dive): € 80
- Ponant Discovery Pack (2 dives): € 150
- Certified dive:
- Exploration (1 dive): € 80
- Excellence Package (3 dives): € 225
- Passion Package (6 dives): € 420
Our Mediterranean activities - Summer 2022
The sea is an experience of the moment. And for this, each PONANT cruise is unique. Just like with an expedition cruise, you will have the possibility of experiencing unique and spontaneous events, dictated by the elements as is often the case at sea.
You will have the possibility of discovering the treasures of the Mediterranean coasts and shores differently, from the sea, during outings and landings in zodiac inflatables, accompanied by our experienced naturalist guides, who will share their knowledge and passion with you.
On land or at sea, according to departures, possibilities and weather conditions, you will enjoy nautical and sporting activities.
The crystal clear waters may be ideal for swimming and other nautical activities such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking or paddle boarding.
Far from the hordes, in total peace and quiet, these unspoiled areas encourage the observation of nature and the practice of sporting activities such as hiking.
As culture is part of our travel philosophy, there will be conferences organised on board, offering moments of discussion and emotion.
Based on and weather conditions, the Captain and the Expedition Leader may need to change certain activities to ensure guests have the best possible experience.
Highlights
- Travel in France, and (re)discover the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
- A quest for wide-open spaces and recharging of batteries in the comfort and calm of a PONANT ship.
- Enjoy the expertise of a team of English-speaking naturalist guides aboard ship and during activities.
- Discover Corsica differently.
- Discover its culture and heritage, including the Genoese towers.
- Authenticity, terroir and regional traditions.
- Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables.
- Far from the crowds, including nautical and land-based activities.
- Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor on board.
Ports of Call & Excursions
20 June 2022 - Nice
Embarkation 20/06/2022 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 20/06/2022 at 18:00
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
21 June 2022 - Saint-Florent, Corsica
Arrival 21/06/2022
Departure 21/06/2022
In the hollow of one of the most beautiful gulfs of the Mediterranean to which it owes its name, Saint-Florent is an ancient Genoese city whose citadel dominates the bay with its circular architecture. A link between the mountains of Upper Corsica and the Agriates desert, the fishing village has become a renowned seaside resort. In front of this jewel nestled in the hollow of a wild and isolated region, sublime beaches of fine sand border a sea of infinite turquoise shades. At the western tip of the gulf, the Tower of Mortella, built in the 16th century under the Republic of Genoa to prevent from invaders, stands watch. Like most of the towers that dot the Corsican coast, it is an emblematic and familiar symbol of the island.
22 June 2022 - Bonifacio, Corsica
Arrival 22/06/2022
Departure 22/06/2022
The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.
23 June 2022 - Gulf of Santa-Manza, Corsica
Arrival 23/06/2022
Departure 23/06/2022
In the south-east of Corsica, between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, the gulf of Santa Manza, famous for its magnificent sandy beaches, is revealed. You will benefit from exceptional viewpoints over the landscapes of rare beauty formed by the limestone cliffs, covered with scrub, plunging into the turquoise waters and the granite rocks on the water's edge.
24 June 2022 - Roccapina, Corsica
Arrival 24/06/2022
Departure 24/06/2022
Located in the south-west of Corsica the wild rocky Roccapina headlands covered in pine forest are a conservation area. The headlands embrace two bays of turquoise blue water and powder-soft sandy beaches. You may not see many people but traces of the region’s Genovese past are visible, including a 17th century tower. However, the main attraction is provided by Nature in the form of dramatic rocky peaks sculpted by the wind into the shape of animals and humans. On the top of a rocky outcrop one of the most famous formations strongly resembles a lion lying down, its head up surveying the coast.
24 June 2022 - Tralicetu, Corsica
Arrival 24/06/2022
Departure 24/06/2022
The Isle of Beauty has never been as deserving of its name. In the Gulf of Murtoli hides the wild Tralicetu Beach. To make the most of this enchanting natural setting, enjoy a hike or some snorkelling, discover or re-discover the joys of kayaking, or simply relax under the Mediterranean sun. Garigue and maquis cover the dunes surrounding the beach, which gets few visitors as it is difficult to access by road. Southern Corsica will present to you its most beautiful landscapes!
25 June 2022 - Sanguinaires Islands
Arrival 25/06/2022
Departure 25/06/2022
Made up of the pointe de la Parata and the Sanguinaires Islands theSanguinaires archipelago was named Grand Site de France in 2017. At this exceptional site made up of four rocky volcanic islands, Mezu Mare is the largest. A semaphore built on the site of a former Genoese tower and the ruins of a 14th century lazaretto, a quarantine station at the time of the plague, is testimony to a rich heritage. The island is also home to many colonies of marine birds including the Yellow-legged gull or the European shag. In his Letters from my windmill, Alphonse Daudet, a regular here, described this site with feeling: “I had found a pleasant place there where I could muse in solitude.”
25 June 2022 - Ajaccio, Corsica
Arrival 25/06/2022
Departure 25/06/2022
26 June 2022 - Calvi, Corsica
Arrival 26/06/2022
Departure 26/06/2022
Nestled on a rocky spur in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi offers its whiteness between two sapphire-coloured bays. Capital of the Balagne region, the Genoese city benefits from an exceptional natural setting between the abrupt relief of the central chain, fertile hills and long sandy beaches. From the promontory of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra chapel, built in the 19th century on the ruins of a 15th century sanctuary, you will not miss the sublime panorama of the seaside, the mountains and the Calvi citadel. A little further west, you will have the opportunity to discover with the peninsula of Revelatta, a wilder and more preserved part of Corsica.
27 June 2022 - Nice
Arrival 27/06/2022 early morning
Disembarkation 27/06/2022 at 07:00
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
Hiking between vineyard and old stones
Start your semi-urban hike from the pier.
Your guide opens the way to the citadel of Saint-Florent and its Genoese walls of the 15th century. It strategically guarded the Gulf of Saint-Florent by protecting its port and Bastia.
Then continue on this charming path, winding around the vineyards above the city. From here, you take the direction of Nebbio Cathedral, also known as Santa Maria Assunta Church.
Finally, go back down to the city and enjoy a guided tour of this small Corsican Saint-Tropez, exploring the old streets leading to the port.
- This semi-urban hike includes approximatively 3.7 miles (6 km) walking on uneven paths, and cobblestones. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. All the visits are from outside.
Total : 30 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Lavezzi Islands & marine caves
From the pier, board your local boat for a cruise along the coast of Bonifacio to enjoy a panoramic view of the citadel and upper town. The buildings atop the sheer limestone cliffs look as though they are about to topple into the sea.
You will start your exploration with the marine caves which are home to numerous birds including falcons, puffins and swifts. Exiting the harbour via the inlet, you will discover the ramparts which encircle the old city.
After passing the limestone cliffs, you will reach the Sdragonatu marine cave (dragon’s cave). Its roof is pierced by a fissure in the shape of a map of Corsica.
Then, continue to the Lavezzi Islands, a marine wildlife and plants sanctuary which make up one of Corsica’s two marine reserves. These uninhabited barren islands of granite rock lie seven miles south-east of Bonifacio, seemingly adrift on a turquoise-emerald sea, whose colour varies with the sky.
You will enjoy one hour of free time to swim, to relax on the beach or to walk around. This island houses also numerous paths to discover different islets and coves. The island is home to several rare species of wild flowers, including the yellow horned poppy and white sea daffodil, and was declared a nature reserve in 1982.
On the way back, you will pass Cavallo Island and Pointe de Sperone, before cruising along the calanques and cliffs to the Bonifacio marina.
- This tour involves few walking times on uneven and dirty grounds with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. Please note there are no toilets, bars or shady areas on these islands. A minimum of 20 participants is required to operate this excursion.
Total : 75 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ajaccio, the imperial city
From the pier, meet your local guide and start together a walking tour of theold quarter of the "Imperial City".
First, discover the town hall, followed by Place des Palmiers, a square dominated by a magnificent statue of Napoleon dressed as a Roman consul and surrounded by four lions, the whole forming a stunning fountain. Next, stroll along Place de Gaulle, where stands a beautiful statue of Napoleon sitting proudly atop his horse and surrounded by four of his brothers.
You will then arrive at the cathedral, completed in 1593 and dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This is where Napoleon was baptised in 1771. On a pillar near the cathedral’s entrance, you will be able to admire a plaque bearing the initial “N” surrounded by laurel leaves. This is in memory of an exiled Napoleon’s dying wish to be brought back to the Ajaccio cathedral to be laid to rest near his ancestors if his body could not be interred in Paris.
Then, you will head to the Bonaparte Residence, in the centre of the city. During your visit, discover where Napoleon was born in 1769, and where he lived until the age of nine. The house belonged to the Bonarparte family from 1682 until the early 1920's, when the heir of the Bonaparte family, Prince Victor Napoleon, donated it to the French state. The house became a national museum in 1967.
Finally, enjoy the charming pedestrian zone lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, and stroll along Rue Fesch, where you will find the Fesch Museum and the Imperial Chapel where some of the Bonaparte family were laid to rest.
- This tour involves walking 1,2 mile (2 km) on uneven ground and cobblestone. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 36 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Old villages of Balagna
During this tour, you will admire the Corsica’s main appeal: its scenery, passing by the winding road from one picturesque village to another.
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your discovery of the hinterland of the Balagne region. You will travel along a scenic road to Lunghignano, with a stop for a visit of a donkey-driven olive oil mill complete with an olive oil tasting.
Onward enjoy the views from Col de Salvi and Cateri, with its flowered balconies, and overall from Sant Antoninu perched on the top of the hill, where you will have a stop.
Drive down through Lavatoggio and Lumio before returning to Calvi.
- Please note that the villages are popular in the summer months and that heavy traffic can be expected, which may cause delays. The coach will park next to the church, which is just below the village. If passengers want to stroll in Sant Antoninu, they must climb to the city from the carpark. The steps up to the village of Sant Antoninu are steep and uneven and care should be taken. This tour involves approximately 1 km (0.6 mile) of walking on uneven and cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. A minimum of 20 participants is required to guarantee the tour.
Total : 60 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Bougainville
Welcoming and spacious common areas, refined open-to-the-sea design, sleek exterior lines, a marina to make access to the ship's Zodiac® inflatables easier, hi-tech equipment, an outdoor pool, a multisensorial underwater lounge… Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Diving
During an introduction to scuba diving or a more advanced dive for holders of the necessary certifications (level 1 on yachting cruises and 2 on expedition cruises), explore the planet’s most beautiful underwater environments in the company of a PONANT diving instructor, as well as a local instructor when required by local legislation. They will ensure that your dives are conducted smoothly and safely: supervision of four certified divers at a time, evaluation of diving skills and experience, adherence to safety stops, zones and the maximum depth authorised.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Hiking between vineyard and old stones
Start your semi-urban hike from the pier.
Your guide opens the way to the citadel of Saint-Florent and its Genoese walls of the 15th century. It strategically guarded the Gulf of Saint-Florent by protecting its port and Bastia.
Then continue on this charming path, winding around the vineyards above the city. From here, you take the direction of Nebbio Cathedral, also known as Santa Maria Assunta Church.
Finally, go back down to the city and enjoy a guided tour of this small Corsican Saint-Tropez, exploring the old streets leading to the port.
- This semi-urban hike includes approximatively 3.7 miles (6 km) walking on uneven paths, and cobblestones. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. All the visits are from outside.
Total : 30 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Lavezzi Islands & marine caves
From the pier, board your local boat for a cruise along the coast of Bonifacio to enjoy a panoramic view of the citadel and upper town. The buildings atop the sheer limestone cliffs look as though they are about to topple into the sea.
You will start your exploration with the marine caves which are home to numerous birds including falcons, puffins and swifts. Exiting the harbour via the inlet, you will discover the ramparts which encircle the old city.
After passing the limestone cliffs, you will reach the Sdragonatu marine cave (dragon’s cave). Its roof is pierced by a fissure in the shape of a map of Corsica.
Then, continue to the Lavezzi Islands, a marine wildlife and plants sanctuary which make up one of Corsica’s two marine reserves. These uninhabited barren islands of granite rock lie seven miles south-east of Bonifacio, seemingly adrift on a turquoise-emerald sea, whose colour varies with the sky.
You will enjoy one hour of free time to swim, to relax on the beach or to walk around. This island houses also numerous paths to discover different islets and coves. The island is home to several rare species of wild flowers, including the yellow horned poppy and white sea daffodil, and was declared a nature reserve in 1982.
On the way back, you will pass Cavallo Island and Pointe de Sperone, before cruising along the calanques and cliffs to the Bonifacio marina.
- This tour involves few walking times on uneven and dirty grounds with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. Please note there are no toilets, bars or shady areas on these islands. A minimum of 20 participants is required to operate this excursion.
Total : 75 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ajaccio, the imperial city
From the pier, meet your local guide and start together a walking tour of theold quarter of the "Imperial City".
First, discover the town hall, followed by Place des Palmiers, a square dominated by a magnificent statue of Napoleon dressed as a Roman consul and surrounded by four lions, the whole forming a stunning fountain. Next, stroll along Place de Gaulle, where stands a beautiful statue of Napoleon sitting proudly atop his horse and surrounded by four of his brothers.
You will then arrive at the cathedral, completed in 1593 and dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This is where Napoleon was baptised in 1771. On a pillar near the cathedral’s entrance, you will be able to admire a plaque bearing the initial “N” surrounded by laurel leaves. This is in memory of an exiled Napoleon’s dying wish to be brought back to the Ajaccio cathedral to be laid to rest near his ancestors if his body could not be interred in Paris.
Then, you will head to the Bonaparte Residence, in the centre of the city. During your visit, discover where Napoleon was born in 1769, and where he lived until the age of nine. The house belonged to the Bonarparte family from 1682 until the early 1920's, when the heir of the Bonaparte family, Prince Victor Napoleon, donated it to the French state. The house became a national museum in 1967.
Finally, enjoy the charming pedestrian zone lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, and stroll along Rue Fesch, where you will find the Fesch Museum and the Imperial Chapel where some of the Bonaparte family were laid to rest.
- This tour involves walking 1,2 mile (2 km) on uneven ground and cobblestone. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Total : 36 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Old villages of Balagna
During this tour, you will admire the Corsica’s main appeal: its scenery, passing by the winding road from one picturesque village to another.
From the pier, you will board your coach and start your discovery of the hinterland of the Balagne region. You will travel along a scenic road to Lunghignano, with a stop for a visit of a donkey-driven olive oil mill complete with an olive oil tasting.
Onward enjoy the views from Col de Salvi and Cateri, with its flowered balconies, and overall from Sant Antoninu perched on the top of the hill, where you will have a stop.
Drive down through Lavatoggio and Lumio before returning to Calvi.
- Please note that the villages are popular in the summer months and that heavy traffic can be expected, which may cause delays. The coach will park next to the church, which is just below the village. If passengers want to stroll in Sant Antoninu, they must climb to the city from the carpark. The steps up to the village of Sant Antoninu are steep and uneven and care should be taken. This tour involves approximately 1 km (0.6 mile) of walking on uneven and cobblestone streets with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. A minimum of 20 participants is required to guarantee the tour.
Total : 60 €
According to availability, price per passenger.