Bare Necessities Tour and Travel Midsummers Eve Aboard the Royal Clipper
SHORE EXCURSIONS
NOTE: that excursions are booked onboard the Royal Clipper during the cruise and cannot be booked in advance.
Clothing optional shore excursions will be announced soon.
Giardini Naxos is Taormina’s smallest port. Taormina is the most important resort in Sicily and Southern Italy. It is located on Mount Tauro, between the jagged mountains and the calm Ionian Sea. The town’s origins date back to 398 AD. The Romans considered Taormina an ally, but as the city sided with Pompeus against Octavianus, it was reduced to the rank of mere colony. Thanks to its strategic position, it remained important to the various powers that held sway over the island. In 902, after a long siege, it fell to the Muslims. They destroyed it, but the caliph Al Muezz later rebuilt Taormina on a grander and much more beautiful scale. In 1079 it was conquered by the Normans, and was chosen as the seat of the Sicilian Parliament for the King's election in 1410. Its most important monument is the theater, built in the 3rd century BCE by the Greeks and restructured by the Romans. The site is really spectacular. The theater is situated between looming Mount Etna and the sparkling blue sea. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, a beautiful jewel set among the blue sky, aquamarine sea, green valley and white snow-capped peaks of Mount Etna.
Sicilian brunch, wine tasting and transfer to Taormina
By air-conditioned motor coach and on foot
Duration 7 hours
Min 25, max 40
Euros 89
You will board the motor coach at the pier and travel on to Giarre continuing on to Mount Etna on a scenic road which winds around the mountainside, past the town of Giarre and the village of Santa Venerina, through vineyards and woodland. As you drive through the village of Santa Venerina you will see the traces of the damage caused by the 2002 earthquake.
The first stop is the country estate of the aristocratic di Villagrande family, where you will be welcomed by the Baroness in person. This charming lady will take you on a tour of the cellar and the winery, and tell you all about the qualities of Mount Etna wine from the point of view of a real expert. The views over the fertile valley are magnificent and it is these vine covered fields that produce the local wine. A combination of local varieties of grape, an optimum climate and lava enriched soil combine to produce this unique wine. After the guided tour you will head back to the old stable where you will be served a Sicilian brunch prepared with local products and get to sample the different wines produced on the estate.
The excursion continues to Taormina. The town is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea and has a delightful medieval feel. There will be time for a stroll along the Corso Umberto. Just off this pedestrian street you will find many small boutiques selling local handicrafts and cafés where you can relax with a cup of real Italian coffee and enjoy some local sweets. You may decide to go and visit the Roman amphitheatre. You will then be driven back to the pier.
- 45 minute drive from the pier to the Barone di Villagrande Estate
- 45 drive to Taormina
- Wine and water included at lunch
(Depending on weather conditions and local authorizations)
By air-conditioned motor-coach and on foot
Min. 20 / max. unlimited
Duration 5 hours 30 minutes
Euros 94
Majestic Mount Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano, rising some 11.000 ft (3340 m). The slopes of the volcano soar up to over 3296 m and its flanks are dotted with cones and craters. From the peaks you can gaze out across the Gulf of Catania and see the woods, orchards and vineyards below. The main attraction is Etna’s crater and the awe-inspiring petrified remains of the lava flows. The tour starts with a drive through the small town of Naxos. The scenic route to Mount Etna is a winding mountain road, passing the town of Giarre and the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana. The ever changing scenery is quite delightful: lemon groves, orchards, vineyards, chestnut and pine woods blend with the hardened lava and endless volcanic cones. The Silvestri crater is located about 1950 m above sea level. Upon arrival you will transfer to 4x4 minibuses or cable car to climb to approximately 2500 m and then carry on upwards until you reach the base of the main crater 2950m above sea level. A professional mountain guide will accompany you on a 30-45 minute hike to see the most recent lava flow and walk around the crater (depending on volcanic activity).
- we recommend comfortable shoes and a jacket or sweater. It can be cold and windy on Mount Etna, even in summer time
- it is a 1 hour 15 minute drive each way to reach Mount Etna
- this tour is only available in summer, weather permitting. You will visit either the North or the South side of the volcano depending on current volcanic activity
- you will reach an altitude of approximately 2950 m above sea level – if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart disease please check with your doctor about the advisability of going on this excursion
Malta’s Capitals: Mdina & Valetta
By air-conditioned motor coach and on foot
Min 15, no max
Duration 4 hours
Euros 38
Take the scenic route to Malta’s old capital, Mdina - one of the world’s finest examples of a living medieval city. Stroll through the city’s streets and let your guide give you an introduction to the history and orientation. Enjoy the sweeping views from the bastions, over the valley and the surrounding areas. After your walking tour, you will be given free time during which you can either visit the cathedral or choose to relax at one of the cafes or do souvenir shopping. Ride by coach to Valletta - the present day capital. You’ll walk to St John’s Cathedral, complete with elaborate in-laid marble tombstones and monumental artwork. View the Grand Master’s Palace from the outside - it now houses the Parliament and the President’s Office. Your last stop will be at the Barracca Gardens on the highest point of the 16th-century bastion walls that the Knights of St John built to protect their city. Take in the splendid view of the Three Cities and Fort Ricasoli
By air-conditioned motor coach and on foot
Min 15, no max
Duration 3 hours
Euros 35
Enjoy a scenic drive around Malta to view what we consider the six “must see” sites. Your guide will give you a map of the island which includes tourist information. First you visit Marsaxlokk, one of Malta’s largest natural harbors, the enchanting little fishing village with its colorful fishing boats, known locally as ‘Luzzu’. Continue to Zurrieq where you can see the Blue Grotto and the tiny eerie rock island of Filfla previously used for target practice by the British, now an ecological sanctuary; home to migrating birds.
Then you drive toward the central part of Malta to view Mdina from a distance, then past the huge Mosta Church, which is the landmark of Mosta - a huge round church with the third largest unsupported dome in the world. Then we take a panoramic route which will bring you to a viewing point in front of St. Paul’s Islands (photo stop). This is where St. Paul was shipwrecked and a prominent statue of the saint, erected in 1845, stands on the island. The Maltese people believe that it was St. Paul who laid the foundations of Christianity on the island.
Return to your ship via the road that circles the Valletta fortifications passing by the Great Siege Bell, built to commemorate some 7000 serviceman, merchants and civilians who died in defence of the island in World War II and inaugurated by HM Queen Elizabeth in 1992. Being the capital of Malta, Valletta, is relatively modern, being built after the "Great Siege” of Malta by the Ottoman Turks in 1565. Valletta is a fortified town, and supposedly has the best and most powerful fortifications in the world. Great views of the harbors are obtainable from high vantage points in Valletta's fortifications.
Agrigente, the Valley of the Temples
By air-conditioned motor coach and on foot
Minimum 20, no maximum
Duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Euros 44
The vessel will dock at the small sea port of Empedocle where the motor coach will be waiting to take you on the five mile drive to Agrigento. Agrigento or Akragas, as it was known in ancient times, was founded in 581 BC on a plateau overlooking the sea. During the 5th century it became very powerful and helped to defeat the Carthaginians at the Battle of Imera in 480 BC. It was during this period of great prosperity that the majority of the temples were built. The visit of the Valley of the Temples is on foot and will start at the upper part of the valley so you can admire the splendid view of the temples scattered among the almond and olive trees and the sparkling Mediterranean sea. Step back 2500 years in time and marvel at the Temple of Zeus (Jupiter), built to give thanks for the defeat of the Carthaginians. Originally the temple was 113m long and 56m wide and was one of the most impressive in ancient times.
The temple of Castor and Pollux (Dioscuri) was built in the 5th century BC and dedicated to the twins born of the union between Leda and Zeus. This temple, with its two sacrificial altars, is the symbol of Agrigento. The temple of Heracles (Hercules) is the oldest of them all, and 8 tapered columns are still standing. To the south you will see the Tomb of Terone, an impressive pyramid shaped stone monument built to commemorate the soldiers who died in the Second Punic War. The Temple of Concorde is the only one which is still intact. It was built in 430 BC and in the 6th century it was converted for use as a church, which perhaps explains its excellent state of preservation. You can still see the arches included in the central cell walls, the massive tapered columns and a frieze decorated with triglyphs and metopes. The Temple of Hera Lacinia (Juno) was dedicated to the goddess of marriage and childbirth. It was built around the 5th century BC and was burnt down by the Carthaginians in 406 BC (traces of the fire can still be seen).The entrance colonnade still remains (partially restored in the 20th century). After visiting the temples you will board the coach for the drive back to the ship.
Palermo sightseeing and Monreale
By air-conditionned motor coach and by foot
Min 25, no max
Duration 4 hours
Euros 45
Leaving the pier on board your deluxe motor coach you will commence your tour with an orientation drive in the center of the city of Palermo. Viale della Libertà, Piazza Castelnuovo, Via Ruggero Settimo, Via Maqueda, Quattro Canti, Cathedral, Royal Palace, are the highlights of this sightseeing tour which will end at the Massimo Opera House square where you shall leave the bus and continue on foot to visit the food and clothes market ‘’ Capo ‘’. Your guide will lead you across this typical open air market full with dry goods, house wares and foodstuffs, crowded with colorful and excited shoppers. Exiting the market you will get aboard your bus and motor to Monreale. Leaving the bus at the parking lot you shall continue on foot to the cathedral square and visit the world famous Cathedral to admire the extraordinary mosaics on the ceiling. You will have some free time in Monreale, for shopping or enjoying an ice cream in one of the many cafés. Afterwards drive back to the ship.
the drive to Monreale is approximately 30 minutes
most of the tour being by foot, do not take any valuables with you
the market you will visit in Palermo is very famous, and might be crowded and noisy.
you will have approximately 1 hour of leisure time in Monreale
On the north-eastern coast of Sardinia, between the Golfo di Cugnaga and the Golfo di Arzachena, lies the enchanted land known as Costa Smeralda. Costa Smeralda is relatively new, having been developed by a consortium led by the Aga Khan as recently as the early 1960s. It is an area of extraordinary beauty, fragrant with maquis. The rocky granite coastline breaks away to stunning white sand beaches and coves. In addition to Costa Smeralda’s natural attributes, it has been attracting heads of state, billionaires, pop stars, and the elite, becoming one of the most exclusive, and expensive resorts in the world. It is also host to a number of international sporting and musical events. Chic boutiques, cafes, and discos abound, adding to the festive ambiance of the enchanted Emerald Coast.
Flavor of Costa Smeralda
By air-conditioned motorcoach,
min 25, no max, duration 4hrs, 64 Euro
The Emerald Coast, probably one of the most exclusive and beautiful areas of all of the Sardinian Islands, covers more than 80 kilometres of coastline, with a vast well watered hinterland of rolling granite hills covered with Mediterranean maquis and woods of wild olive trees. Discovered and developed by the Aga Khan in 1961, the Emerald Coast is a sanctuary where natural beauty and personal privacy are preserved, where service is still an art and where the sun shines for more than 3000 hours each year on its quiet and sandy beaches.
Your guide will meet you on the pier for a walk uphill from the harbour to the coaches waiting at the upper parking area (800meters).
Discover the secrets of the Gallura region, enjoying its beautiful countrryside, its history and its traditions. Leaving the harbor, the coach will reach the archeological area of Arzachena, where you will visit the Nuraghe La Prisgiona, a site which extension, has no equal in the North East of Sardinia. The nuraghe is the main type of ancient megalithic edifice found in Sardinia, likely developed during the Nuragic Age between 1900-730 BC. Today it has come to be the symbol of Sardinia and its distinctive Nuragic civilization.
You will then board again your coach toward the Surrau Vineyards, a young winery with the goal of producing wines capable of expressing strongly the surrounding Gallura area. The vineyards around the Cantina and the nature give very good wines you will have the chance to taste with some local food.
• Local shops are normally open from 09.00am to 1.00pm and from 4.30/5.00pm to 08.30 pm. (pm opening is at shop's discretion)
• The wine tasting includes several local products as :
• Bianco Branu , Vermentino di Gallura wines with spices olives
• Rosso Surrau , Isola dei Nuraghi I.G.T. wines with selection of salami of the Gallura Region
• Rosso Sincaru , Cannonau di Sardegna D.O.C. wines with selection of cheeses, bread carasau and bread guttiau
• There are 800 meters to walk uphill and downhill from the pier of Porto Cervo to the coaches and vice versa
• 45 minutes drive to the Nuraghe
Seen from the water, Calvi is spectacular. Its three immense bastions are topped by a crest of ochre buildings, sharply defined against a hazy backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Below the citadel, a finely drawn strip of red-roofed houses and spidery palm trees delineate the Basse Ville, with its yacht-crammed marina, from where the town beach sweeps in a semicircle around the bay. Legend has it that Calvi is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. The history of Calvi has always been closely tied to the former Republic of Genoa. The city placed itself under Genovese protection for the first time in 1268. Today, Calvi is an appealing yachting haven. Its pine forests, clear blue seawater, mountains, citadel and charming town make for a vibrant composition of natural colors and a first-class seaside resort.
Corsica’s oldest villages
By air conditioned motor coach and on foot
Min 20, max 44
Duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Euros 56
Corsica’s main appeal is its scenery, and this pleasant excursion will take you on winding roads from one picturesque village to another. You will discover the hinterland of the Balagne region. You will travel along a scenic road that will take you through Calenzana, a village which overlooks some of the most fertile land on the island. The lively core of the village, The Piazza Communa, is a pleasant, tree-lined square dominated by the heavily Baroque Eglise (Church) of St. Blaise founded in 1691. You will stop there for a short visit.
From there, the road snakes leisurely through villages and offers superb views. The hazy silhouette of the oldest inhabited village in Corsica, San Antonino, is visible from miles around with its cluster of orange buildings that cling to the granite hilltop like a birds nest. The Savelli, who ruled from the now-ruined castle, occupied San Antonino in the 9th Century. The town’s circular layout of narrow cobbled lanes, vaulted passageways and neat stone houses has changed little over the past 300 years. Sant’ Antonino has become a very attractive destination, due to its unrivalled 360 degrees views over the Balagne. After having visited the village, you will return to Calvi passing by the beautiful villages of Corbara and Aregno.
- Sant Antonino is popular in the summer months and at times heavy traffic can be expected which may cause delays. Therefore the itinerary and content of the tour might be modified.
- Due to local restrictions, the coach will park below San Antonino, the walk to Sant’ Antonino is uphill over uneven terrain and rough ground. Good shoes are required.
- The order of the visits may change in order to avoid crowded sites.
- Corsican roads are windy! This tour is not recommended to passengers suffering from vertigo and motion sickness
Le Castellet & wine tasting
By air conditioned motor coach and on foot
Min 25, max 44
Duration 4 hours
Euros 46
Begin with a drive through the charming countryside, stopping first in the feudal village of Le Castellet. Founded in 950 AD by emigrants fleeing from the Moorish pirates, Le Castellet is set between the Mediterranean skies and the famous vineyards. This quaint village invites visitors to walk its old and tiny streets where craftsmen and restaurateurs extend a friendly welcome. Two fortified gates provide access to Le Castellet, where a narrow street winds up to the impressive 11th-century "castle." Adjacent to the castle is the Saint Sauveur Church and its famous windows. Continue your walking tour to the "Trou de Madame," a unique peephole with a wonderful view of the valley and the Paul Ricard circuit. Take advantage of some free time to browse the local products including candles, soaps, leather, Provencal items, or to relax in a local cafe. A short scenic drive then brings you to the Domaine de Souviou (or similar) to explore the vineyards and taste the local product. In the 16th century, the "Domaine" was the property of the Bonasse, a well-known Provencal family. Over the years, stone terrace walls were built to organize the planting of additional vines and olive trees. Take part in the unique ritual of an olive oil tasting. Your wine tasting experience includes red, white and rose - highly reputed for its quality and originality - and is sure to be a highlight of your day
- 30 minutes drive to le Castellet
- Walking time : 1 hour 30 minutes
- Wine will be accompanied by olives and “fougasse” provencal breads
By air conditioned motor coach and on foot
Min 25, no max
Duration 4 hours 30 minutes
Euros 44
Travel by motor coach through the bucolic scenery of Provence to the charming old town of Aix en Provence, a 1-hour drive. Many villages, but few towns, are as well preserved as the traditional capital of Provence - elegant Aix en Provence.
This town boasts two of France's most creative geniuses among her sons, the impressionist Paul Cezanne, and novelist Emile Zola. Stroll through the narrow lanes paved with cobblestone in the Vieux Aix, or old town Aix sector as you make your way to the celebrated Cours Mirableau. Flanked with intertwining plane trees, the avenue is the town's nerve center and the point where the medieval streets to the north merge with the sophisticated, haughty 18th-century mansions to the south. The Cathedral Saint Sauveur is the next highlight with its remarkable carved pillars and slender colonnades. Free time is afforded to explore the lovely environs of cafés and boutiques before returning to the ship.
- 1 hour drive to Aix
- The guided walking tour will be followed by time at leisure
Lavender fields & Olive oil
By air conditioned motor coach
Min 25, max 90
Duration 4 hours 30 minutes
Euros 45
Leaving the port of Nice we will take a short drive to Villeneuve Loubet continuing to Gourdon, and then arriving at the Lavender Fields of Galimard Perfume Factory. There you will be welcomed by the Master Gardner who will explain you how flowers are grown and are used in the perfume industry.
From Gourdon, passing in the middle of century old olive trees, we will reach the village of Opio for a visit of the “Moulin de la Brague”. The country house (mill) has belonged to the same family of oil millers for 7 generations, becoming one of the top 3 oil millers of France today. You will have an olive oil tasting accompanied by a glass of Rosé wine (or soft drink) together with some local products as toast with “tapenade”. Another scenic road will take you back to the ship.
- 60 minutes drive to Gourdon
- 60 minutes drive back from Roquefort les Pins to Nice
Scenic Riviera and “ Vieux Nice”
By air conditioned motor coach
Min 25, no max
Duration 4 hours
Euros 36
The scenic drive along the lower Corniche begins as you leave Nice passing Beaulieu and Eze-Sur-Mer. The picturesque road is sheltered beneath the cliffs, and then cuts through Monaco along the Grand Prix circuit up to the Hotel Vista. Here we join the Grand Corniche - the highest of the coastal roads, for perfect panoramas en route to La Turbie, 480 metres above sea level and with simply spectacular views over Monaco. The Middle Corniche is equally unforgettable, you will pass the isolated village of Eze (427metres alt.). Nice is next. You will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Nice. You will see the Promenade des Anglais, a splendid palm lined boulevard, the legendary Negresco, an imposing hotel with a rococo façade, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its vividly colored ceramics beneath six onion domes which give an exotic touch to the Nice scene. Finally you will visit the old city where tall houses, bright with flowers or washing, exclude the glare of sun and keep the streets cool. You will enjoy a walk on Cours Saleya, the elegant promenade of Old Nice, where a flower market is held each morning from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Portofino’s origins date back to the age of the Roman Empire. The Benedictines had possession of the quiet fishing village until the Republic of Genoa acquired it in 1414. It suffered invasions by many nations until it was united with the kingdom of Sardinia in 1815. In recent times, Portofino has become a tourist resort of the highest international standards. She is the epitome of tranquil beauty. Set in the Italian Riviera surrounded by hills of lush green vegetation that extend to its yacht-lined bay, Portofino’s tall colorful houses and semi-circular harbor exist harmoniously with exclusive shops, cafés and Italian villas--staples of this picturesque hamlet. A name known the world over, Portofino is one of the premiere locations of the jet set.
Lerici is in Liguria, part of the Italian Riviera. It is the largest village on the Gulf of La Spezia and sits across the bay from Portovenere. The town is connected by ferry to the Cinque Terre and Portovenere. One of the main sights of Lerici is its notorious castle controlling the entrance of the Gulf of La Spezia. Today the castle contains a museum of palaeontology. The origins of the town date back to the Etruscan period. In the Middle Ages the town came under Genovese control. After it had been sold to Lucca, it became involved in a series of conflicts between Genua and Pisa, as it was on their common border. In 1479, the town came under Genovese sway for good.
By air conditioned motor coach and on foot
Min 20 , no max
Duration 11 hours,
Lunch is not included
Euros 64
The ideal option for those who would like to explore: an incredible combination of art, nature, architecture, history, fashion, exquisite cuisine, are just a few elements which intertwine and overlap to make “LA BELLA” one of the world’s most captivating and enthralling cities.
The best of Florence lies mostly on the north bank of the Arno river. The main historical sights cluster around the red-brick dome of the cathedral. Everything is within a 20 minutes walk. The fashion wear (shoes, leather goods, clothing) as well as the local handicrafts (ceramics, glassware wood and leather works ,jewellery, embroidery fabrics) are always elegant, well designed and offered at very attractive price !
An English-speaking escort will be on the coach to and from Florence, giving useful information about the city and the landscape. There you will meet with the local guide and start your guided walking tour in Piazza del Duomo ( cathedral square) where the Duomo , Giotto’s bell tower and the Baptistery form an admirable group of coloured marble monuments , demonstrating the traditions of Florentine art from the Middle ages to Renaissance. You will proceed to Piazza della Signoria which was, and still is, the political stage of Florence. From the outside you will admire the Palazzo Vecchio which is dominated by a lofty, gothic bell tower. Before it was taken over by Cosimo I as his private residence , the palace was the seat of the government and was known as Palazzo della Signoria .Passing by the Uffizi Gallery we reach Ponte Vecchio , the oldest bridge in Florence , which crosses the Arno river. It has a curious appearance with jewelers shops lining the roadway passing overhead.
The walking tour ends in Santa Croce Square where Santa croce church is located. This church of the Franciscans is the place where the great Masters of Renaissance, together with Michelangelo, are buried. After some time at leisure, you will walk to the bus stop, to return your ship.
- There is approx 2 hour 30 minute drive to Florence each way
- You will meet your guide in Florence but you will be accompanied on the coach by a local escort. Guided tour will last approx 3 hours. You will have about 1 hour 30 minutes at leisure after the guided tour.
- Casual wear and comfortable shoes are recommended.
- If you wish to enter the cathedral, note that the entrance requires specific attire guidelines: ladies must cover knees and shoulders, while gentlemen’s attire must include pants/slacks or jeans only (no shorts).
- Due to traffic regulations in Florence each bus needs to book an entrance permit well in advance as they are very limited, it is therefore very important that you reserve the tour in due time.
- Due to parking restrictions the bus parking area is located approximately 400 to 800 meters from the city center. (uneven ground or cobblestone surface)
- The guided walking tour involves approximately 3 kilometers of extensive walking on cobblestone streets. The tour does not include any inside visit.
- Shops open from Tuesday to Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM / 4 PM to 7:30 PM. Shops are closed on Sunday and on Monday morning.
By public local boat
Min. 20, max 40
Duration 7 hours
Lunch is not included
Euros 69
Explore three of the charming villages that make up the Cinque Terre. Perched on a rocky coast north of Portovenere, these villages were once isolated and accessible only by sea. Each unique, they retain the charm of another era and are surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery along the Italian coast. Board your boat at the port and sail to the village of Riomaggiore, it is the most eastern of the Cinque Terre. The name derives from "Rivus Major" which flows through it. There you will find the sanctuary of the "Madonna of Montenero" and a 14th century castle.
You will begin with "Via Dell'Amore", a magnificent 25-minute walk hugs the cliffs along the craggy coastline from Riomaggioreto the town of Manarola . Manarola is a small center with old characteristic houses on the sea rocks. Manarola has a church in Gothic-Ligurian style of 1338 and, at Volastra is the shrine of the "Madonna della Salute" (health), one of the most picturesque on the coast, which has been the site of worship since the 10th century.
A short distance away is Vernazza with its charming harbor filled with fishing boats and surrounded by sidewalk cafes. Every direction offers a photographic opportunity. A tiny church perched on the cliff beckons. Small shops offer treasured mementos. Vernazza was a community founded towards the year 1000 around the chapel. By the 12th century this community had extended it territory down to the harbor. At that time the Lords of the Vara valley built an armed and fortified base and, together with Genoa, they countered the ruthless Saracen oppression with their fast ships. All that remains of this old base is the Rock and some ruins of the towers. The town overrides a partly hidden river and opens out on a little square by the beach. It is dominated by a beautiful church in Gothic-Ligurian style of 1318, dedicated to "Saint Margaret of Antioch". Board the boat and sail back to Lerici
- Dress Code: Casual wear and comfortable shoes, sun hat
- The guided walking tour involves extensive walking on up and down streets, uneven surface and cobblestone.
- This tour is a High level activity tour
- Lunch is not included – you will have time for lunch in Vernazza. Credit cards are generally accepted for purchases starting from a minimum of Euro 15. In cafeterias you need local currency (euros)
- The transportation - subject to local infrastructure – will be as follows :
Lerice –Riomaggiore by local boat (60 minutes)
Riomaggiore – Via del amore to Manarola by foot (30 minute walk)
Manarola– Vernazza by boat (15 minutes)
Vernazza–Lerice (60 minutes)
- All timing subject to sea condition
- The tour may be cancelled at any moment due to the sea conditions
- The Via dell’amore is 1 km long and all on foot.
- We suggest passengers bring a bathing suit and beach towel as in Vernazza (no changing facilities!)
- Cinqueterre being a popular destination, it might be crowded in the villages and on the boat
- Itinerary will be adapted to the local boats‘ schedule
Bastia , the capital of the Haute-Corse region, is a bustling sea port town located on the north-eastern coast of the island. Its main activities are fishing and exporting wine. In the 14th century it was inhabited by the Genoese who built a fortress to protect it. The city was held by the British in 1745, during the War of Austrian Succession, but was soon recaptured by the Genoese, who sold the whole island to France in 1768. Until 1791, Bastia was the capital of the whole of Corsica. It was occupied by the British once again from 1794 to 1796 during the French Revolution, while the Germans held the city from 1942-3 during the Second World War. Bastia lies between the sea and the mountains, and its natural beauty is enhanced by a rich historical, architectural and religious heritage. The Citadel, the Genoese fortifications, the ethnographic museum, the XVIIIth Cathedral of St Mary with its historic organ, and the Holy Cross Oratory with its miraculous Black Christ, “Cristu Negru”, are just a few of the treasures in store. The discreet charm of the pastel colored houses, small squares and narrow lanes, makes a striking contrast with the imposing religious edifices. Take a stroll around town and explore the old port, the market, and St Nicholas square.
By air-conditioned motor coach and on foot
Duration: 3 hours
Min 25, max 88
Euros 59
The coach will take you through the town of Bastia before climbing a winding, narrow road to the Teghime Pass, 536 m above sea level. This unique observation post offers spectacular and contrasting views whichever way you look. To the West you will see extensive vineyards, all the way to the Gulf of St Florent. To the South you will gaze across mountains and valleys to the chestnut forests of the Castagniccia . To the East you will look down over the town of Bastia and the sea and finally to the North, you can admire the mountainous backbone of Cap Corse.
The road twists and turns through picturesque scenery as you drive down to Patrimonio village, dominated by its church and lofty steeple (built in 1749). Naturally, you cannot visit the finest wine producing region in the island without having a wine tasting session.
After leaving Patrimonio, you will drive through the Nebbio region before returning to Bastia.
The city was founded by the Genoese in 1380. They were looking for a sheltered port to replace the ancient Roman city of Mariana and Biguglia which was destroyed by the Corsicans in 1372. They wanted a city port which would provide easy access between the “colony” and their Homeland and, in spite of the notorious “Libeccio” winds, they chose Bastia, because it was protected by a rock and easily defendable. They built a dungeon (or bastiglia) on the rock which gave the town its name, “Bastia”. The visit of the old town and citadel will be on foot and then it’s back to the ship.
- The wine tasting will take place in a cellar in Patrimonio (Clos Montemagni or Domaine Orenga de Gaffori) – you will get the opportunity to sample 3 different wines accompanied by bread, cold cuts and Corsican cheese.