Calvi & L'île-Rousse Day 3

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN CALVI Arrive at the airport for your flight to France. Upon arrival we transfer by coach to the coastal town of Calvi, where we stay for seven nights, with breakfast, at the three-star superior Hotel Revellata or the three-star superior Hotel Méditerranée. DAY 2 - CALVI & L’ÎLE-ROUSSE Morning Join your tour manager this morning on an orientation walk for an introduction to Calvi, capital of the La Balagne region and the Mediterranean’s answer to Mont St. Michel. This lively port town enjoys a picturesque position in a crescent-shaped bay, with lovely views of the coast and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Calvi’s star feature is undoubtedly the massive, remarkably preserved citadel and its watchtower – your first encounter of many on Corsica – crowning the rocky promontory overlooking the town. It’s the perfect place to begin a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined promenade, which is filled with restaurants, cafés and bars. Watch the gleaming yachts over a cup of coffee, or head to the town centre to browse the many charming shops. If you’re feeling energetic, you may wish to climb the steep steps up to the citadel for a wander along its cobbled alleyways. Locals claim Calvi to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and the remains of his house can still be seen in the citadel, commemorated by a plaque. Afternoon This afternoon we take a scenic 40-minute train ride on the Tramway de La Balagne to L’Île- Rousse, an attractive coastal town named after the neighbouring islet of L’Île de la Pietra that blushes russet in the sunset. During the train ride, look out for views of the beautiful coast, pastel-coloured villas and the sparkling sea. You have free time to explore as you please. Founded in 1758 by Pasquale Paoli, the leader of the resistance against the Genoese, L’Île-Rousse was intended to be a port independent of the Genoese. Join the locals at one of the many cosy cafés by the main square, where a bust of Pasquale Paoli stands, or visit the Greek-style covered market brimming with fresh colourful produce, from fruit and jams to cheeses and cured meats. Take the little train to L’Île de la Pietra, which dominates the view of the coastline and is crowned by a 19th-century lighthouse and the remains of a Genoese tower – the views from here are breathtaking. DAY 3 - SCANDOLA NATURE RESERVE Corsica boasts many areas of outstanding natural beauty, such as the Scandola Nature Reserve, recognised by UNESCO for its exceptional ecological significance. It’s accessible only by boat, so today we take a boat ride to explore its dramatic coastline, which is dotted with hidden caves, secluded coves and fantastical rock formations. Leaving Calvi, we’ll see its citadel from a different and picturesque perspective. The crystal-clear turquoise waters here are home to a dazzling array of marine species, including bottlenose dolphins, while overhead it’s not unusual to see cormorants and ospreys soaring by. As we reach the nature reserve, you’ll be able to marvel at the towering russet rocks formed by volcanic eruptions – truly nature’s works of art. The magnificent red cliffs are rich in vegetation, such as green oak trees, heather and even rarer plants like the armeria. We call at the enchanting hamlet of Girolata, which is accessible only by boat or mule track, with time to admire the scenery and perhaps have lunch at your leisure. Take your time to explore this tiny Mediterranean paradise – there is a 16th-century Genoese watchtower, a tiny pebble beach and tiny alleyways surrounded by eucalyptus trees. After a wonderful day of discovery and impressive sights, we return to Calvi. DAY 4 - BASTIA, SAINT-FLORENT & WINE-TASTING Today we explore more of Corsica and head further north to Bastia, a thriving port city with an imposing citadel built for its Genoese masters. We take a mini train to the top of the citadel for a guided tour, during which we’ll see many reminders of Bastia’s Italian heritage. Among the many buildings commissioned by wealthy Genoese families is the sand-coloured Palais des Gouverneurs, now home to the Musée de Bastia, which retraces the city’s history to its days as a Roman trading port. Surrounding the old port is Terra Vecchia, a charming tangle of stone tenements and Baroque churches. Corsica offers some of the most distinctive grape varieties of any French territory. To explore the local viticulture, we make our way to the idyllic limestone slopes of Patrimonio, Corsica’s premier wine-growing region and the gateway to Cap Corse, the northern tip of the island. Here, we call at a local producer to enjoy a tasting of the area’s renowned wines. As we leave Patrimonio, the sheer cliffs and pristine beaches of Cap Corse soon come into view. Before long we arrive at Saint-Florent, the Saint-Tropez of Corsica. This small coastal town is set on an idyllic bay framed by clear turquoise waters and sheltered by the rugged mountains of Cap Corse. You have free time to explore, so what is it to be? Enjoy a stroll along the picture-postcard harbour, visit the Pisan cathedral or seek out a vibrant bar in the charming old town. There is a pleasant coastal walk to Saint-Florent’s 15th-century Genoese citadel, where there are superb views of the peninsula. Its ruined tower was captured by Vice-Admiral Nelson, who was so impressed by its design that he encouraged the construction of similar forts around the British coast. We return to Calvi through the Désert des Agriates, a protected wilderness of dense, fragrant scrubland on Corsica’s northern coast. Sit back and take in the beautiful landscape, which is largely– and refreshingly – free of human interference. For lovers of wildflowers, Corsica is a Mediterranean jewel peppered with colourful rockroses, tassel hyacinths and Illyrian sea lilies, giving way to forests of pine and chestnut on the rocky slopes. Our journey takes us past some of Corsica’s highest summits before we’re once again greeted by the glittering coast. DAY 5 - FREE DAY IN CALVI You have the entire day to do as you wish. Relax at your hotel or take the short walk to the old town of Calvi. The Baroque Sainte-Marie Majeure cathedral is worth a visit, and a stroll along the seafront promenade will take you to the white sands of Calvi beach, fringed by an emerald pine forest. The views across the bay to the bastions of Calvi’s medieval citadel are magnificent. Perhaps stop at a local café for a delicious fiadone cheesecake made with Corsican brocciu cheese and chestnut flour. Why not take the train to visit more lovely Corsican towns along the coast? DAY 6 - CORTE Today we drive to Ponte Leccia to take an incredibly scenic train ride to Corte, the island’s geographical centre, the heart of its short-lived independence and the symbol of Corsican identity. As the 35-minute journey takes us through tunnels and over ancient bridges, we’re reminded that the island’s terrain is chiefly mountainous and strikingly dramatic, swathed in olive groves and lush chestnut forests. Climbing ever higher, the scent of palm trees gives way to smells of pine forest and damp flora. Ringed by rugged granite peaks and perched atop a lofty outcrop, the awe-inspiring citadel of Corte was in 1755 the capital of Pasquale Paoli’s Corsican republic. Traces of past struggles can be seen in the bullet holes that mark some of the older parts of town. The newer town below, linked by steep stairways and cobbled alleys, is home to the island’s only university. Corte beautifully illustrates a very different side of Corsica: the lived-in streets are untouched by the excesses of tourism, shop windows beckon with traditional delicacies from bottles of honey to wedges of cheese, and even the climate is a refreshing contrast – the air is cooler and almost alpine in the winter. Perhaps visit A Casa Curtinese, the oldest shop in town and proudly owned by the same family for generations since 1800 – step beyond its bright yellow façade and you’ll find all sorts of delightful Corsican specialities. We have a guided tour to learn more about Corte’s riveting history and the fate of Pasquale Paoli. Our visit includes entrance to the excellent Museum of Corsica, which is housed in the former barracks and dedicated to local anthropology. Take the opportunity to see its interesting exhibits before we return to the hotel later in the afternoon. DAY 7 - VILLAGES OF LA BALAGNE & TRADITIONAL CORSICAN MEAL After a free morning to do as you wish, we head inland to explore some of the honey-hued hilltop villages of the fertile La Balagne region. Aptly called the ‘garden of Corsica’, La Balagne’s sea of green hills abound with olive groves, fruit orchards and palm trees. Many of the fortified villages here are nearly a thousand years old and little changed over the centuries. A photogenic collection of terracotta rooftops, blue-shuttered houses and flower-adorned streets, Pigna is the perfect introduction to traditional Corsican culture. An active community of musicians, potters, painters and jewellers have their artisan workshops sprinkled throughout the village. Many musical groups are proudly reviving the island’s Old World polyphonic singing style, featuring groups of people singing a cappella. The lovely hilltop villages of La Balagne afford stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside as far as the coast.

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