DAY 1: TEMPIO DI PAUSANIA (KM 52)
DAY 2: CORSICA (KM 148)
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today depart for Corsica. Reach the port of Santa Teresa di Gallura, located at the northernmost tip of Sardinia. From there take the ferry to Bonifacio. It takes 1 hour to reach the other shore. Between the two islands, Corsica and Sardinia, there are 13 km of sea. Like most port cities, Bonifacio also has a rich history. The ancient commercial city, founded between 823 and 833 by the Marquis of Tuscany, is composed of a “Marina” district, the lower town, and the “upper town,” situated on a promontory that offers breathtaking views. On clear days you can see the Sardinian coast. The tourist train takes visitors to the upper part, where guests can take part in a guided walking tour of about one hour. By car to Ajaccio: take the route toward Sartène. Along the way do not miss the famous lion of Roccapina and its dreamlike bay. Once in Sartène, begin your city visit from Place de la Liberation, where the war memorial stands, dominated by the town hall and the imposing church of Sainte Marie. Continue through the Santa Anna district. Passing under the town hall vault you enter this neighborhood, which has preserved a medieval charm. Observe its labyrinth of small cobbled streets, connected by stairs, small passages and arches, lined with gray granite houses. Afterwards, you can visit the Corsican Prehistory Museum on rue Croce. Leave Sartène heading toward Propriano. Visit this lovely town and its small marina. The northern coast of the Gulf of Valinco does not lack noteworthy sites. Between Olmeto and Propriano, on national road 196, at the Marinca junction, take departmental road 157 toward Olmeto-Plage and follow the coast to the bridge over the Taravo. Take the D 757, which will lead you to the prehistoric site of Filitosa. Neolithic, megalithic period, Torréan and then Roman: this site is a true synthesis of the origins of history in Corsica. Continue on this road passing through Calvèse and Sollacaro, before joining the RN 196 toward the Ajaccio area. Overnight stay.
DAY 3: PIANA CALANQUES AND PORTO (KM 170)
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Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Sagone, where, perched on a promontory, lies the village of Cargèse, called “the Greek one,” located on the site of a 17th-century Greek colony. The special feature of this village is the presence of two churches facing each other: one Greek Orthodox and the other Catholic. In the village’s narrow streets you can taste Bastelle, vegetable tartines, or Ambruciate, tartines made with Brocciu cheese. From Cargèse continue toward Piana, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, overlooking the Gulf of Porto and facing the peninsulas of Senino and Scandola. Take again the winding road leading to Porto and let yourself be seduced by the rocky inlets, or Calanques, of Piana, with its jagged pink granite coastline contrasting with the blue sea and the intense green of the Mediterranean scrub. Stop at one of the rest areas along the Calanques to admire the superb rock formations. In Porto, you can board passenger boats that, until October, visit the Scandola reserve, which boasts grand landscapes formed by the eruption of an ancient volcano, and the bay of Girolata with its Genoese fort. This sanctuary is home to an incredible wealth of animals and plants: osprey, bearded vulture, dolphins... Those who prefer the mountains should head to Evisa, a picturesque village where the trails (Mare e Monti or Mare e Mare Nord) meet in one of the most beautiful Corsican larch pine forests. Return to Ajaccio via Vico, a true Corsican village, warm and lively, built around charming squares and set in a mountainous landscape, including La Sposata, famous for its legend... The Convent of Saint Francis, on the road to Arbori, is worth a visit for its 17th-century church, which houses the oldest wooden statue of Christ in Corsica (14th century). Return to the hotel and overnight in Ajaccio.
DAY 4: CORTE & THE CENTER OF CORSICA (KM 161)
- Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the heart of Corsica, equidistant from Bastia and Ajaccio. This territory, a crucible of Corsican tradition, rich in history and culture, with breathtaking landscapes offering numerous outdoor activities, will soon captivate you. Corte stands at a crossroads; it is the historical capital of Corsica, founded in 1755 by Pasquale Paoli, Father of the Corsican Nation, a man of the Enlightenment and founder of the University of Corte. The town, still bearing the mark of its glorious past, is dominated by the Citadel (the only building of its kind inland), whose belvedere, the Eagle’s Nest, offers breathtaking views over the Restonica and Tavignanu valleys. Stretching from the majestic Vizzanova forest to the sublime Verghellu valley, the Venacese (or Venaco area) is made up of nine villages set in the heart of larch pine and beech forests protected by an imposing mountain amphitheater between Monte d’Oru and Cardu. Cradle of ancestral traditions and land of shepherding and transhumance, this territory is a true initiatory journey for those who want to discover the richness of culinary and artisanal knowledge. The natural landscape that makes up this micro-region has a thousand faces. Steep peaks, plateaus, sumptuous valleys and numerous waterways (“natural pools” and waterfalls) are home to unique flora and fauna, inviting self-overcoming and contemplative meditation. However, the unique beauty and diversity of these landscapes are not accessible only to experienced athletes! Many trails are also accessible to less experienced hikers and families, allowing everyone to admire the wild charm of untouched nature. In summer, hiking, cycling or horseback excursions are available. Swimming in the rivers of the Restonica, Tavignanu or Verghellu valleys will offer you well-deserved refreshment after the journey. On their banks you will also find a pleasant picnic and relaxation area; note that many of these water spots are quite easy to reach. Athletes and amateurs can hope to experience strong thrills with canyoning or giant zip lines. With younger children, you can also try via ferrata or tree climbing. As for culture and history, you can visit the Corsican Anthropology Museum. Located in the Serrurier barracks, it consists of two permanent exhibitions (the Doazan gallery and the evolutionary museum) and a temporary exhibition space. It also provides access to the terraces of Corte Citadel, its belvedere and its Castle. Under the Padova barracks, the FRAC (Corsican Regional Contemporary Art Fund) changes its layout according to the program. The Fab Lab, located in the Palazzu Naziunale, the seat of the University in the time of Pasquale Paoli, will allow you to create with your own hands a souvenir of your stay using local materials. For a walk in Corte, the Heritage Trail retraces the history of the town, guiding you through its emblematic places. Another Heritage Trail awaits you in the Venacese: I trè paesi connects the villages of Casanova, Riventosa and Poghju di Venaco and transports you to another era with its small wonders of agro-pastoral architecture. Near Vivario, the Ponte Vechju, a work of art designed by Gustave Eiffel and built at the end of the 19th century, is also worth a detour. Finally, the Route des Sens will lead you through the region to meet small producers and artisans whose ancestral and authentic know-how will delight your palate and your eyes. Return to Ajaccio. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 5: AJACCIO (KM 130)
- Breakfast at the hotel, visit Ajaccio, the port city and the most fashionable city in Corsica. Elegant avenues such as the Cours Napoleon wind around the houses of the old town, which shine in delicate pastel tones. The city’s most famous son is Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, whose stone effigy can be found on every corner of the city. Discover the birthplace of the Emperor of the French: the Maison Bonaparte. Do not miss the Fesch Museum, which houses European paintings from the 14th to the 19th century - the second collection of early Italian painting at the Musée du Louvre - located right next to the Imperial Chapel, where the Bonaparte family is buried. In the afternoon, continue to Bonifacio, embark for Santa Teresa in Sardinia. Reach your hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Ajaccio.
DAY 6: ALGHERO, CAPO CACCIA & PORTO CONTE BAY (KM 250)
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today you are free to relax and explore the surroundings or go for a swim on the beach or visit Alghero, Capo Caccia and Porto Conte Bay.
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Suggested itinerary: Reach Alghero by car. Visit the historic center with its walls and Spanish towers, the Church of San Francesco, the Cathedral, and the Bousquet promenade. Possibility of taking a boat excursion to Neptune’s Grotto, departing from the port of Alghero. Drive up to the promontory of Capo Caccia and Porto Conte Bay for a panoramic excursion. On the way back, we recommend a stop at the Palmavera nuraghe for a visit. Return to the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in the Tempio di Pausania area.
DAY 7: COSTA SMERALDA, PORTO CERVO & PORTO ROTONDO (KM 110)
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today you are free to relax and explore the surroundings, have a swim or visit the Costa Smeralda.
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Suggested itinerary: Today’s visit begins with "Il Nurago la Prisgiona" in the municipality of Arzachena, one of the 7,000 circular towers dating back to the Bronze Age. This megalithic culture is unique throughout the Mediterranean area and is one of the most important archaeological monuments in Sardinia. Then you will take the road leading to the magical mountain village of San Pantaleo, with its fascinating granite formations, to the Costa Smeralda. In San Pantaleo you can make a short photo stop. Continue to Baia Sardinia, one of the most sought-after destinations on the Costa Smeralda, thanks to its beautiful beaches. Along the scenic road of the Costa Smeralda, you can discover the numerous emerald-colored sandy coves that inspired its founder, Karim Aga Khan, to extend this stretch of coast into the most famous and exclusive jet-set tourist paradise. Visit the fashionable capital Porto Cervo and discover the fashion boutiques, exclusive restaurants and the large marina. Overnight at a hotel in the Tempio di Pausania area.
DAY 8: THE TOUR ENDS AFTER BREAKFAST
- 1 overnight stay with breakfast in a 3-star hotel in the Tempio di Pausania area
- 3 overnight stays with breakfast in a 3-star hotel in Ajaccio
- 3 overnight stays with breakfast in a 3-star hotel in the Tempio di Pausania area
- Sardinia-Corsica-Sardinia ferry with car embarkation
- Insurance surcharge for driving outside Italy
- Car rental Category C and “PLATINUM” insurance included*
*Full coverage for damage and theft (no deductible)
*Personal accident insurance coverage
*Plus roadside assistance (taxi reimbursement up to €120)
- Tempio di Pausania area: Hotel Pausania Inn, Hotel Petit, Hotel Valicciola, Golden Gate, Le Mimose or similar (*)
- Ajaccio: Castel Vecchio or similar (*)
(*) In case of problems, the indicated hotels may be replaced with others of the same category located in the same cities or within a maximum distance of 30 km, where the program can be carried out. In the event that hotels are fully booked, we reserve the right to reverse the tour and/or confirm the booking in a mid-range hotel with a reduction of 5 euros per person per day. The name of the hotel will be sent to you 14 days before arrival.
- In the event of adverse weather conditions and if the ships to/from Corsica cannot depart, we will work on alternative solutions for the program.
- Norma Vacanze acts only as an intermediary between the customer and the rental company. In the event of disputes with the rental company or accidents, the rules established in the contract signed at the airport between the customer and the rental company will apply, without any involvement of Norma Vacanze.
- Each customer may independently choose whether to follow the suggested itinerary or create one based on their own needs. However, it is essential to follow the program relating to the cities where overnight stays are planned.
- The cars are subject to availability and your category may not always be available. If category C is not available at the time of booking, a higher category will be offered with an additional charge that will be communicated before confirming each booking.
- Parking at the hotel is not guaranteed, but it will be possible to find parking nearby.
- The rate includes the rental of a category C car for the duration of the stay with the "PLATINUM" insurance package.
- Drivers must have a credit card for check-in.
- Norma Vacanze reserves the right to modify the excursion itinerary if deemed appropriate or due to force majeure.
- Norma Vacanze is not responsible for accidents, delays, damage to or loss of luggage or personal belongings, nor for damage caused by third parties or by other events such as floods, storms, landslides, earthquakes, political unrest, epidemics, terrorist attacks, strikes, etc.
The rate does not include:
- Tourist tax to be paid locally
- Lunches and dinners unless mentioned
- Tips and personal extras
- Porter service
- Fuel
- Highway tolls
- Parking fees
- Air, sea, train, or bus tickets to reach the airport
- Entrance tickets to monuments and archaeological parks
- Anything not expressly indicated under "the rate includes".
- The car must be returned to the same airport; otherwise, an additional fee will be charged as agreed with the rental company.
- Each day of rental corresponds to a 24-hour period; the vehicle must be returned on time or within 59 minutes after.
- Pick-up and drop-off of the car at the airport will take place during Noleggiare's business hours (every day from 08:00 to 22:30); outside these hours the rental company will apply an additional charge. Please check before booking the flight.
THE RATE INCLUDES:
- Category C car, unlimited mileage;
- 22% VAT;
- Airport, railway, and car-related fees;
- Auto liability insurance - auto liability;
- Platinum insurance - removes all deductibles for theft and damage. It also covers glass and tire damage and attempted theft. Personal accident insurance. Roadside assistance as well.
- Additional driver
THE RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Fuel,
- Fines,
- Notification fees,
- One-way rental for drop-off at another airport,
- Child seat,
- GPS navigator,
- Fuel recovery service, a surcharge of €30.00 will be applied if the car is returned with more than 5 liters of fuel missing.
- A 59-minute grace period is provided, after which a full day will be charged.
- At the time of booking, the car category is guaranteed, not the model.
The Platinum insurance includes:
- With Platinum insurance, the deductible amount is not charged. The "Platinum" package removes deductibles for all damage, partial theft, attempted theft, and total theft, including glass, tires, roof damage, and damage to the underside of the vehicle. Internal damage and damage caused by vandalism, riots, etc. are excluded.
