Corsica 2024

Not far from the airport in Bastia, you will be awaited in Lucciana by the peacefully located Hotel de la Lagune**** with a swimming pool and its own beach. We will enjoy our first joint dinner in the hotel restaurant at 8pm.

This morning, after adjusting our Pedelecs, we will cycle on completely flat terrain, past a lagoon and along the coast to Bastia. Situated between 1000 m high mountains and the ocean, the most important harbour on the island invites one to linger. One seems to find oneself in a Ligurian port town on the Place Saint-Nicolas, lined with palms and sycamore trees. Before we mount our bikes again, there will be enough time to visit the pretty old harbour and the citadel, or to stroll in the small alleys and squares. After travelling a short journey, we will find ourselves on a panorama road with views of the Cap Corse, and if the weather is fine, we might even be able to notice the Elba Island on the horizon. In San-Martino, we will be welcomed by the friendly Corsican Monsieur Anziani in the well-run Hotel de la Corniche*** (two overnight stays), a real impression with its dream-like location and its fantastic view. The excellent cuisine and the superb wines are known throughout the entire region.

Travelling on the Höhenstraße, we will journey through small mountain villages onto the Teghime-Pass, from where one can enjoy the view of the west and the east coast of Corsica. Travelling on small paths, we will cycle downhill to Oletta and will find ourselves in the midst of Patrimonio, one of the best wine growing regions in Corsica. Ideal conditions for fine wines prevail here, especially for Muscat, but also for red- and rosé wines from the Nielluccio grape. We will soon arrive in Saint-Florent. This tranquil place dates back to a Genoese settlement from the 15th century and contrary to other harbours at the north coast, has remained unaffected by tourism to a large extent. In the afternoon, we will travel by bus back to San-Martino. We will take a walk into the tiny town centre to enjoy our dinner in a very popular restaurant, which is also run by Mr. Anziani.

A bus will bring us in approx. one hour into the boisterous midst of Corsica. We will suddenly find ourselves in an entirely different landscape: snow-covered mountains, romantic torrents and dense chestnut forests. Travelling on a route far away from the flow of tourists, our stage leads through tiny villages out of stone houses and across small streets, where we will encounter more animals than people. After we have passed the almost 1000 m high Bocca di Sant’Antone, we will glide along a street with beautiful views of Corte, the former capital city of Corsica. At the entrance to the Restonica-gorge, we will then be awaited by the Dominique Colonna**** (two overnight stays). The former Corsican professional soccer player of the same name fulfilled his dream here and will welcome us to spend the next two nights in probably the best hotel in central Corsica.

The royal stage of our journey begins directly from the hotel. Travelling on a narrow road, we will cycle through the loveliest valley of the island, the Restonica-gorge. Interesting rock formations, clearings and the Corte-pines which only exist here, bestow the valley with a wild romantic atmosphere. Once we have arrived at the valley’s end, there is a rugged mountain panorama with peaks beyond 2500 m. Those who prefer to sleep in can re-join the group on the return journey to Corte. We will dedicate the rest of the day to the mysterious city. Fought over for centuries by the Genoese, French and Corsicans, it is still considered as a retreat for Corsican separatists. The city, which has preserved its originality, exudes a very special flair today, with its university founded in 1765 and the many small craft shops in the crooked alleys. We will then enjoy dinner in a restaurant serving local specialities.

This morning we will take part on an amazing journey. We will travel on the famous Corsican railway via viaducts, through gorges in untouched nature and through the longest narrow gauge railway tunnel in France, the Vizzavona-Scheitel tunnel. Before we reach the almost 1200 m high Scalella-Pass, where a breath-taking view awaits us, it is worthwhile to take a side-trip to the highest waterfall in Corsica, the Brautschleier (bridal veil) waterfall. We will cycle on countless serpentines into a small mountain village, where we can enjoy our lunch break in a local restaurant. We will then cycle on small streets and continue downhill. Between the mountains, the sea continues to glimmer and shine in the background. Passing the Tolla- reservoir, we will soon reach Porticcio. We will be spending the next two nights in the Suite Home Porticcio****, a family friendly hotel with a pool, garden and spacious rooms, not far from the beach (two overnight stays). As dinner is included in the travel price on the day of arrival, you will have this evening to your own disposal. Enjoy the evening sun during a walk on the beach or over a glass of wine.

After breakfast, a bus will bring us to the Tour de la Parata, one of the 67 Genoese towers in Corsica which are still preserved. From there, we will hike along the coast with lovely views to an almost deserted beach, where one can have a refreshing swim. After our lunch break, we will cycle to Ajaccio, the capital city of Corsica and the birth city of Napoleon, which you will explore with your travel guide. There will be enough time to discover the charm of this small lively city with the impressive Citadel and the narrow alleys, before we travel by boat back to Porticcio. We will enjoy our last evening together at a well- run restaurant.

After breakfast, we will travel together by train back to Bastia. During the approx. three hour train ride across the island, you will have the time to think back on your journey. Our journey will end in the early afternoon at the train station Casamozza (Bastia), from where you will be able to reach the airport in ten minutes by taxi.

We gladly assist you on booking additional nights. All prices are on request. Please note, that it can be cheaper, when you book additional nights by yourself.