Silversea Luxury Cruises A BONIFACIO (Corsica)

Embrace the stunning natural beauty of Bonifacio during this half-day sightseeing excursion to Bavella.

Sotta, Carbini and Zonza Villages

Depart the pier for the scenic, 1.5-hour drive to Bavella. En route, take in superb views of the deep blue sea, red granite rocks and Bonafacio's dramatic cliffs. Next, continue on towards the island's interior. Along the way, pass through the small villages of Sotta and Carbini before reaching Zonza. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to explore the town, browse the shops for souvenirs and/or relax with a coffee whilst taking in your surrounds.

Bavella, Ospedale and Gulf of Port Vecchio

Following your visit, re-board your coach and ascend still higher in the mountains of Corsica toward Bavella. Upon arrival, a photo stop is made for stunning panoramic views over the mountains, canyons, pine trees and beautiful sea. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier. En route, pass through the Ospedale Forest, which is renowned for its enormous granite boulders amidst the deep green landscape of wild Corsica, and take in wonderful views over the gulf of Porto Vecchio before returning to your ship.

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.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometres), at times on uneven and cobbled surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and many steps at the sites visited. Walking in the Upper Town of Bonifacio is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for 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. U.S. Dollars are not accepted in Bonifacio; please bring Euros for purchases. The tour sequence may vary.

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 Lion de Roccapina

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. Ascend the road leading up to the Lion de Roccapina, 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, re-board your coach and proceed 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

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 the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 0.93 miles (about 1.5 kilometres), at times on uneven and cobbled surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and steps at the sites visited. Walking in Sartène is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for 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. U.S. Dollars are not accepted in Bonifacio; please bring Euros for purchases. The tour sequence may vary.

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.