Known throughout France as the ‘Ile de Beauté', Corsica is like no other Mediterranean island. An enchanting mix of austere mountain villages, lush countryside and dramatic, towering mountains with deep spectacular gorges and crisp, clear rivers. Hillsides carpeted in olive groves and chestnut trees, rich verdant forests and mile after mile of fragrant maquis where rare species of flora and fauna flourish happily, just as they've done for centuries.
Over 1000 kms of colourful coastline and fine sandy beaches bathed in razor sharp Mediterranean light and fanned by gentle breezes. Corsica, ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean' will make a pleasing, gentle assault on all your senses as you turn every corner and discover more and more of its unspoilt charm and beauty.
It's a paradise for walkers and those who simply love Nature and by far the best way to get around is by using its intriguing railway system. Join us on this ‘great little train journey' and you'll enjoy a real ‘Corsican Adventure' in every sense of the words.
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Roving by rail
Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque railways in Europe, its simple trains run on single track as they ply their way up and down and across the mountains daily between Ajaccio, Bastia, Corte and Calvi, stopping at even the tiniest of villages along the way. From sea level, it climbs to its highest point at Vizzavona (906m) then drops back down to sea level again. It passes through 38 tunnels (Vizzavona is the most dramatic at 4km, steep and dead straight) and crosses 12 bridges and 34 viaducts, the most famous of which is the Pont du Vecchio (96m above the river), built by Gustave Eiffel in 1888.
‘The Corsican Adventure’ itinerary suggested below is one that we feel will enable you to get the most out of your trip, but we’ve made it as flexible as possible so that it can be adapted to suit your own requirements or those of the ferry companies.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Please note that the possession of a travelcard does not guarantee a seat. Trains can often be very busy and you may have to stand, but given the nature and beauty of the routes, this should be seen as part of the adventure. Ferry crossings: Nice/Bastia 6 1/2 hours., Ajaccio/Nice 7 hours., Nice/Calvi 4 hours.
Stage 1
Arrival and overnight in NICE. Once you have settled in, enjoy a relaxing evening in Nice. Discover its ‘Old Town’, rich in history and brimming with restaurants
Stage 2
Take the ferry from Nice to BASTIA. Overnight in Bastia and take time to explore the baroque beauty of the commercial heart of the island.
Stage 3
Take the train to CALVI via ILE ROUSSE, enjoying spectacular coastal vistas where gold red mountains plunge dramatically into the deep blue sea. Overnight in Calvi. In summer (April-October), trains depart at regular intervals from Calvi serving other resorts along the coast, including Ile Rousse. Enjoy the atmosphere of a Mediterranean resort with fine, sandy beaches and a charming old port.
Stage 4
Take the train from Calvi to CORTE, the historical heart and soul of the island. Here in the mountains, you are ideally placed to explore both this fascinating town and the unique splendour of the surrounding area (Gorges de Restonica, Gorge du Tavignano, Venacais, Forest of Vizzavona). This is superb walking country. 2 nights in Corte. Hotel has no lift.
Stage 5
Take the train from Corte to AJACCIO, an experience that will live on in your memory forever as your eyes feast on an amazing arrayof vistas en route to the smart town that gave birth to Napoleon Bonaparte. Overnight in Ajaccio.
Stage 6
Take the ferry from Ajaccio to Nice.
Stage 7
Overnight in Nice, then return home via TGV and Eurostar
Prices
per person sharing a twin or double bed:
Feb, Mar & Nov: £631
Apr,May & Oct: £700
June & Sep: £789
July & Aug: £898
Single room supplement: £223/£262/£339/£378 respectively.
August supplement: £10
Check 1st class and peak travel supplements here.
Prices are indicative only, as holiday price depends totally on when the ferries operate (they do not run on a daily basis to all ports and fairly inconvenient before the end of April) and whether the stay is to be extended or not.