Silversea Luxury Cruises A BONIFACIO (Corsica)

Discover the Old World charm of Bonifacio during this scenic excursion via mini-train and on-foot.

Old City Wheel-Train Tour

Depart the pier for an incredibly scenic wheel-train-ride up to the oldest part of Bonifacio. Pass by the Bosco Quarter with the St. François Convent and strange, but fascinating cemetery dedicated to the mariners, which features wonderful mausoleums displaying a jumble of architectural styles. On a clear day, take in splendid panoramic vistas overlooking the coast and out to Corsica's closest neighbour, the island of Sardinia. Among the many sites to be seen on your wheel-train-ride include the 13th-century Church of St. Dominique, a rare example of Corsican-Gothic architecture, likely built by the Templars.

Upper Town Walking Tour

Following your orientation tour by mini-tram, continue your visit of Bonifacio on-foot through the tiny, narrow streets bordered with tall houses. Pass the 14th-century Church of St. Marie Majeure, with its mixture of Romanesque and Baroque styles, then through the heart of the Upper Town. Walk along Two Emperors Street, where Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles V spent a few days, then pass by the Place des Armes and Jardins des Vestiges en route to the Old Market. Here, take in the breath-taking view over the approximately 230-foot (about 70 metre) cliffs on which Bonifacio was built.

Porte de Gênes and Chapel St. Roch

Next, stroll through the Porte de Gênes, formerly the only entrance of the Citadel, then head to the Chapel St. Roch, built on the spot where the last plague victim died in 1528. After your walking tour of the Upper Town, you may opt to either walk down the steps to the marina and approximately 547 yards (about 500 metres) back to the pier, or take the wheel-train to the car park, then walk approximately 875 yards (about 800 metres) flat to the ship landing stage.

Experience the medieval clifftop town of Bonifacio by land and sea during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Bonifacio, Citadel, St. Francois Convent, Mariners' Cemetery, St. Dominique Church

At the pier, board a mini-train and ascend the winding road to the upper-town. En route, a spectacular panorama of the fjord and limestone cliffs unfolds. Pass the massive walls of the Citadel as you continue towards the lookout point. See the St. Francois Convent and Mariners' Cemetery, which features flamboyant mausoleums with stuccoed facades, Gothic arches and classical columns. In addition, view the exterior of the St. Dominique Church. This rare example of Corsican Gothic architecture was built in 1270, likely by the Templars.

Old Citadel, Two Emperors Street, Place des Armes, Jardin des Vestiges, Mediterranean Sea

Upon arrival at the entrance to the town, de-board the train and take a guided walking tour of the Old Citadel. Stroll through tiny, narrow streets bordered by high, granite houses. Continue on to Two Emperors Street, where Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles V spent a few days, then see the Place des Armes and Jardin des Vestiges, the only ruins from Old Bonifacio. From the marketplace, enjoy a breath-taking view of the Mediterranean Sea below the cliffs on which the town is built.

Porte des Genes, Little Train-Ride or Rastello Steps, Boat-Ride, Limestone Cliffs and Caves

Next, proceed for a brief visit to the Porte des Genes. This imposing gate, with its drawbridge, was once the only entrance to the town. Don't miss this unique opportunity to photograph the gate and fjord below, which is dotted with yachts and boats. Leaving the Porte des Genes, you may opt to re-board the little train for the ride back to the marina, or walk back via the Rastello Steps along the marina. Upon arrival at the marina, embark a local tender boat for a ride under the astonishing limestone cliffs on which the houses of the citadel are perched precariously above the sea. Weather permitting, your captain manoeuvres the boat into the caves carved into the limestone.

Following your boat-ride on these crystal-clear waters, your journey will end at the Marina.

Indulge your senses with the exquisite beauty and marine life of the crystal-clear waters off Bonifacio during this bespoke, full-day catamaran excursion.

Bonifacio, Citadel, Upper-Town, Cliffs, Catamaran-Sailing, Turquoise Waters

From the pier proceed to your awaiting catamaran. After receiving your safety, snorkelling, and tour instructions and gear, embark the vessel for a day of fun and relaxation during a scenic, approximately 8-hour sail around Bonifacio.

Bouches de Bonifacio, Corsica, Sardinia, Swimming, Snorkelling, Manoeuvring the Catamaran

Your group decides your stops for the day as you sail in the heart of Bouches de Bonifacio, the lovely strait waters that separate Corsica from Sardinia. Along the way, there is plenty of time for swimming or snorkelling the turquoise waters of this stunningly beautiful area. In addition, you are invited to try your hand at manoeuvring the catamaran, which offers hydrodynamic efficiency and stability, or just sit back, relax and soak up the view, sun and sea.

Lunch, Corsican Specialities, Additional Exploring, Swimming, Snorkelling and Relaxation

A lunch consisting of freshly-prepared salads, Corsican cheese and cold cuts with wine and soft drinks is served on board by your hostess, whilst taking in the stunning view of the clear, crystalline waters before you. After lunch, there is ample remaining to explore, swim, snorkel and/or just relax. Boat is equipped with bathroom, and a shaded area.

Your tour ends back at the catamaran pier in Bonifacio. Upon arrival, disembark the boat and walk back to the pier.

Indulge your senses with the coastal beauty and charm of Corsica during this delightful, half-day excursion to Porto Vecchio.

Scenic Drive to Porto Vecchio

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive north to Porto Vecchio. En route, learn about Corsica and the history of Porto Vecchio before reaching the town. The excellent position of its natural harbour attracted the Genoese, who founded the town in 1539 as one of their defensive ports around the island.

Porto Vecchio

Today, Porto Vecchio is a major economic and tourist hub in Corsica. Its appeal lies in both a modern marina, which attracts numerous impressive yachts, pleasure crafts and fishing boats in high season, and its small town, filled with chic bars, restaurants and boutiques set amongst charming old buildings. Its quaint Old Town consists of tiny grid of small cobbled streets and a main square, 'Place de la Republique', which is lined with restaurants and dominated by the Roman-style, 19th-century Church of St. Jean Baptiste.

Guided Walking Tour and Shopping

During a guided walking tour of the Old Town, stroll along the ancient city walls and pass the Porte Gènoise Gate, which frames a wonderful panoramic view of the harbour, sea and surrounding mountains. Following your walking tour, some free time is made available to browse the trendy shops and boutiques of Porto Vecchio at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the history and flavours of Sartène during this memorable, half-day sightseeing and tasting tour.

Bonifacio and Scenic Drive

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to Sartène. En route, take in superb views of the deep blue sea, majestic mountains, red granite rocks and Bonafacio's dramatic cliffs. Next, continue on towards the island's interior. past small countryside villages highlighted by tall, austere granite houses and vast expanses of vividly-coloured macchia bushes.

Sartène and Church of St. Maria

Your tour continues with a visit to the town of Sartène, which is built on a promontory with some of its houses built into the rocks. Sartène has been the scene of vendettas, pirate attacks and battles against Genoese occupiers during the Middle Ages, and therefore is known as the 'most Corsican of Corsican towns'. Upon arrival, visit the Church of St. Maria, which houses the hood, chain and cross used in the Good Friday Procession by one of the local sinners. Afterward, take a guided stroll through the narrow, paved streets with numerous balconies, steep steps, arcades and private passageways.

Tasting of Corsican Wine and Specialities and Lion de Roccapina viewpoint

Next, proceed to a local restaurant for a tasting of Corsican wine and specialities, followed by some free time to explore the town and browse the shops at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to Bonifacio.

On route stop at Lion de Roccapina viewpoint, a naturally-carved rock with ruins on top that looks like a lion wearing a crown whilst laying down. After a picturesque photo stop here, proceed the drive to the pier.

Explore Bonifacio at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize 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. 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 program. Please see the Tour Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Bonifacio at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize 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. 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 program. Please see the Tour Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Bonifacio 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. 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 program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Bonifacio 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. 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 program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.