Ffestiniog Travel

Tuesday 1 October to Monday 14 October 2013

Unescorted options also available

The Splendour of Corsica is captivating. Its quiet efficiency combined with breath-taking beauty, exotic colour and welcoming ambience provides an excellent combination for a perfect holiday.

Day 1   London to Lyon

We take the lunchtime Eurostar from St Pancras International to Lille and continue by high speed train to Lyon for an overnight stay at the Novotel Lyon Part Dieu.

Day 2   Onwards to Nice

Morning at leisure before continuing our journey south by TGV via Marseille to Nice for an afternoon arrival, where we stay for 2 nights.

Day 3   At leisure in Nice

At leisure to explore Nice, located in the heart of the French Riviera and one of the world’s most popular tourist regions. Peruse the unique markets or take a trip inland to Digne on the exciting ‘Chemin de Fer de Provence’.

Day 4   Sailing to Corsica

Free morning in Nice before transferring to the Ferry Terminal for an afternoon departure to Bastia, on the north eastern tip of Corsica. Relax on board and enjoy the voyage. You will realise why Corsica is aptly named “a mountain in the sea” when you arrive in the port, as it boasts 50 peaks higher than 2,000 metres. Transfer to our hotel for a 3-night stay.

Day 5   At leisure in Bastia

The whole town of Bastia oozes culture and history. There’s no shortage of cuisine and you’ll be sure to discover some excellent food in the town’s many restaurants. Other options are to take the local bus service to St Florent, known as the Corsican Saint Tropez or take the train to the university town of Corte complete with citadel, museum and scenic walks. You will have the use of a 7-day Zoom Travel Card throughout your holiday, which will allow you unlimited rail travel within Corsica.

Day 6   Cap Corse Excursion

Enjoy a full day excursion by road to Cap Corse on the northernmost tip of Corsica, a 40km long and 10km wide promontory, with several fishing villages and one of the most beautiful parts of the island. A ridge of mountains run down the centre of Cap Corse, including Mont Stello in the centre of the peninsula, the highest peak at 1307 metres. The two sides, east and west, are quite different in character – to the west of Cap Corse the mountains reach right to the sea in a much more dramatic fashion than on the gentler east side.

Day 7   Train to Ajaccio

Morning departure for Ajaccio, travelling via Ponte Leccia and Corté. Sit back and relax as you pass through some of the most amazing scenery on the island. The line between Corté and Bocognano ranks as one of the most scenic railways in the world. The train follows the valley of Gravona, passing through several tunnels and beautiful gorges. Look out for the ‘bride’s veil,’ a splendid waterfall that overhangs the railway. Eventually the scenery changes from the lush green pasture of central Corsica to the tropical atmosphere of the Gulf of Ajaccio. Lunchtime arrival at Ajaccio with the remainder of the afternoon free to explore. We stay for 2 nights in Ajaccio.

Day 8   At leisure in Ajaccio

Free day to explore the bustling port town of Ajaccio, birthplace of Napolean Bonaparte. The most relaxing way to see Ajaccio is by the ‘Le Petit Train Ajaccio’, a small tourist road train which travels through the narrow alleys of the old Genoese city which is steeped in history.

Day 9   Ajaccio to Calvi

Early morning departure by rail to Calvi. Return to Ponte Leccia where a change of train is necessary and onwards to Calvi. From Ponte Leccia travel via lle Rousse where the train then hugs the western coastline giving spectacular views. Lunchtime arrival in Calvi and transfer to our hotel for a 3-night stay.

Days 10 and 11   At Leisure in Calvi

The coastal town of Calvi, in the Balagne region of north-west Corsica, boasts the intrigue of traditional Corsican culture. The streets are narrow, the restaurants beckoning and the boat excursions inviting. Visit the Citadel or take a boat trip to Scandola, Corsica’s World Heritage Site. Optional excursions by train include the towns Algajola or lle Rousse.

Day 12   Farewell to Corsica

A late morning departure by ferry to Nice, arriving mid-afternoon for a 1-night stay.

Day 13   Nice to Lille

Today we take the direct high speed TGV service for Lille, departing mid-morning and arriving Lille in time for dinner at Hotel Lille Europe.

Day 14   Return Home

We depart Lille this morning and return via Eurostar to London.