Silversea Luxury Cruises A AJACCIO (Corsica)

Embrace the stunning natural beauty of Corsica during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion to the Calanche de Piana.

Gulf of Ajaccio and Sagone

Depart the pier for the scenic, 75-minute drive to the ancient Greek village of Cargese. En route, take in exquisite views of the Gulf of Ajaccio from the San Bastiano Pass, and follow the coast and Gulf of Sagone through charming little summer resorts. Upon arrival in Cargese, learn about this 17th-century village during a guided walking tour through its tree- and flower-filled lanes, and visit a pair of churches along the way.

Calanche de Piana

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Calanche de Piana, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the vivid, orange and pink rock masses and pinnacles of granite that plunge into the crystal-clear waters. The road runs through a maze of fantastic rock formations, some towering 984 feet (300 metres) above the waves along the corniche. A photo stop is made at the Calanches for spectacular panoramic vistas of this spectacularly eroded terrain.

Interior Porto, Spelunca Gorges and Capo d'Ota

From here, the road winds gently through the pine forest into Porto's incredibly scenic interior, mountains and Spelunca Gorges. This formidable sight has bare, granite walls that plunge 3,280 feet (1,000 metres) into the green torrent created by the confluence of five rivers. In the background, pass Ota, an isolated village located 3.1 miles (five kilometres) from Porto, and dominated by Capo d'Ota, a colossal domed rock whose overhanging summit appears as if it's poised to fall onto the village.

Evisa, Col de Sevi and Vico

After a stop for lunch at a local restaurant, continue on to Evisa. Situated 2,723 feet (830 metres) above sea level, the village features bright-orange roofs amidst a lush background of chestnut forest, and a pair of long-distance hiking trails that converge here. Take in exquisite views across the mountains whilst passing the Col de Sevi 3,641-foot (1,110-metre) which links the Porto Valley and Liamone Basin. From here, your drive descends towards Vico, the old capital of the Sagone region, before returning to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times on uneven ground and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests who suffer from motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear weather-suitable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection, and bring a jacket or raingear as needed. Proper attire is required to enter the cathedral; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. On Sunday mornings, church holidays and during weddings, tour groups are not allowed inside churches during services; guests may have a chance to visit the church independently. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions; it may be only coastal in winter during periods of heavy mountain snow. Itinerary may be reversed, lunch may take place in either Porto at a seaside resort or Evisa in a mountain village.

Enjoy an introduction to Ajaccio and surroundings during this half-day excursion. Leaving the pier, begin your drive along the Cours Napoleon and past the main square, Place de Gaulle, dominated by a huge bronze statue of Napoleon and his four brothers. Then proceed through the former English Quarter and past Austerlitz Square, highlighted by another monument to Napoleon - a replica of the statue at Les Invalides in Paris.

Sanguinaires Islands

Leaving Ajaccio, your coach travels along the delightful Route des Sanguinaires toward the northern tip of the gulf. En route you will pass a succession of tourist developments and sandy beaches. A stop will be made at a view point offering views of the Gulf of Ajaccio with the Isle sanguinaires in the background. The unusual shapes and color of this miniature archipelago have inspired numerous artists; today they stand as the symbol of Ajaccio. Following a photo stop and some free time you will head back to town.

Your next stop is the 16th-century church that was the site where Napoleon was baptized in 1771. During a brief visit you can view the baptismal font, a marble altar dating from 1811 and a painting by Eugene Delacroix. (Interior visit is not guaranteed and may be cancelled in the event of a funeral or special celebration)

Casa Bonaparte

Pass by Casa Bonaparte (for an exterior view only). Nowadays a museum, it was once the residence of the Bonaparte family and Napoleon's place of birth on August 15, 1769. Then continue with your walk toward Place Foch.

Place Foch

This delightful, shady square is known locally as "Place des Palmiers" for the double row of huge palms bordering the square. Its focal point is a fountain of four marble lions with yet another statue of Napoleon. From here it is a short walk or drive back to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a guided walk in the town center for approximately 1½ hours walking over uneven pavement and grounds. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. In high season (July/August) Austerlizt Square may be closed to public without notice due to festival & concerts preparation / rehearsal. Interior visits are not included in this tour. There are no public restroom facilities in Corsica, therefore you may be required to purchase a beverage at a local bar or cafe to use the facility. In high season (July/August) Austerlizt Square may be closed to public without prior notice due to festival & concerts preparation / rehearsal.

Experience the spectacular beauty of the Corsican Mountains during this half-day excursion to the Prunelli Gorges, with refreshments at a local cafe.

Enjoy a half-day outing into Corsica's beautiful and rugged interior. Driving out of Ajaccio you will pass the busy yacht harbor and then continue along a stretch of beach. Your route takes you by the airport situated in the crook of the splendid Gulf of Ajaccio. Then head inland towards the mountains, an immensely varied drive.

Corsican Countryside

The island's natural beauty includes fragrant forests, deep gorges and jagged mountains covered by maquis, the typical vegetation of Corsica including myrtle and Green and Cork oaks among others. As the road climbs to the village of Cauro, enjoy remarkable views over the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires Islands. Climbing still higher, the landscape changes dramatically from gardens and orchards to the bare jagged granite of the gorges themselves.

Prunelli Gorges and Tolla Lake

Next, head along a narrow road and through the impressive Prunelli Gorges. A stop at the man-made Tolla Lake view point allows for a closer look at the different plants comprising the maquis while enjoying the stunning landscape surrounded by mountains more than 6,000 feet high. On the way a comfort stop will be made.

Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. There is an incline leading to the refreshment venue; however, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair may choose to remain in the coach during the refreshment stop. This tour involves some winding mountain roads, and is not suitable for guests with vertigo. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. There are no public restroom facilities in Corsica, therefore you may be required to purchase a beverage at a local bar or cafe to use the facility.

Explore Ajaccio at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Ajaccio at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Ajaccio at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Ajaccio at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this programme. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore the highlights of Ajaccio on-foot during this picturesque, half-day walking tour through the Old Town.

Ajaccio Old Town and Cathedral

Depart the pier and begin your approximately one-hour guided walking tour through the Old Town. Along the way, explore the cluster of ancient streets spreading north and south of Place Foch, which opens on the seafront. On the square, see a statue of Napoleon dressed as a Roman Consul and surrounded by four lions. Next, pass by the Cathedral, completed in 1593 and dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Cathedral is remarkable for its modest dimensions, imposing dome and fine ochre facade that lend a unique charm to the building. Napoleon was christened here in 1771.

Maison Bonaparte

Your tour continues with a stroll along Rue St. Charles en route to Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon's birthplace, located right in the town centre. This landmark is an example of how an insular leading figure's house looked like in the 18th century. Now a four-storey home, it has been enlarged and refurbished several times in its history. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the house, which is narrow but filled with Bonaparte's possessions.

Place du Diamant, Rue Fesch and Fesch Museum

On the Place du Diamant, also known as 'Place de Gaulle', see a statue of Napoleon on horseback surrounded by his four brothers and facing the town.

Your route then takes you through the delightful pedestrian Rue Fesch, which is lined with boutiques, cafés and restaurant. Afterward, some free time is made available for independent exploration. At the conclusion of your visit, commence the short walk back to the pier, or remain in town for further exploration and return to the ship on your own.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and standing, at times on cobbled streets, uneven pavement and inclines, with 40 steps up and down to access the museum's three floors, and 40 steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Proper attire is required to enter the cathedral; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Interior photography is not permitted inside the museums. On Sunday mornings, church holidays and during weddings, tour groups are not allowed inside churches during services; guests may have a chance to visit the church independently. The tour sequence may vary. There is no inside visit to the Fesch Museum.

Embrace the scenic splendour and legacy of Ajaccio on-foot during this picturesque, half-day walking tour through the Old Town.

Depart the pier for a guided stroll through the Old Town. Pass by a cluster of ancient streets, which opens up along the seafront, the square Foch with a statue of Napoleon dressed as a Roman Consul and the late-16th-century Cathedral.

Next, pass Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon's birthplace, which is located in the town centre. See a statue of Napoleon on horseback at the Place du Diamant, then proceed along Rue Fesch, which is lined with lovely boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Upon arrival at the Fesch Museum, explore the museum's collection, which includes a section dedicated to Napoleon and 14th-to-19th-century paintings by artists such as Titiano, Veronese and Boticelli.

Following your visit, commence the short walk back to the port. Upon arrival, you may opt to return directly to the pier or remain in town and return to ship on your own.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and standing for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres), at times on uneven pavement, inclines and cobblestone streets, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 40 steps up-and-down to access each of the three floors at the Fesch Museum. A lift is available at the Fesch. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. There are no public restroom facilities in Corsica, therefore you may be required to purchase a beverage at a local bar or cafe to use the facility (restrooms are available at the museum).