Sardinia & Corsica

Transfer and check into your hotel in the Palau area.

Check out of the hotel and take the hour long ferry from St. Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio at the southern tip of Corsica. A guided tour reveals the charms of this town perched on top of steep cliffs. Enjoy a ride on the sightseeing train to the medieval old town. Bonifacio is the oldest town in Corsica and is split into two parts; the main town, just inside the principle gateway and at the end of the peninsula are the military fortifictions and a cemetery. After the tour there is free time to relax at the harbour with the wonderful backdrop of cliffs and the citadel above. Continue to your hotel in Calvi area.

Bastia is a town full of art and history. Nestled at the foot of the Cap Corse, Bastia watches over its Baroque treasures. Along with a picturesque fishing port Bastia also has a very attractive old town to explore. Stroll down the lovely medieval alleys lined by ancient buildings to a lofty bell tower from where you can gaze upon the shimmering reflection of the citadel on the calm waters of the Old Port amidst the shouting of fishermen and the ringing of church bells. During the day we stop to enjoy a tasting of locally grown produce.

After checking out from the hotel we travel to  the Clanches of Piana on one of the most picturesque stretches of coastline on the island. The almost surreal world of weather-carved pink granite rocks that have been created, forming intriguing shaped figures, some up to 300 metres high, others plunging dramatically down towards the turquoise sea below. On to the elegant town of Ajaccio, with wood covered mountains behind, and the the port and citadel towards the sea. A guided tour through the lanes of the old town shows the main sights including the Napoleonic heritage. Free time to explore further and then check into the hotel in the Ajaccio area.

After checking out from the hotel we return to Bonifacio and board the ferry for the crossing back to Sardinia and to the hotel in the Palau area. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

A stunning excursion along the Emerald Coast, which is synonymous with turquoise seas, fabulous coves and opulance. Luxury hotel and villas, sparkling nightlife, exclusive boutiques, elegant aperitifs and fine dining; the Emerald Coast, founded by the Aga Khan in 1962, is Sardinia's most glamourous holiday destination. A stop in Porto Cervo, a holiday destination for the super rich and the main town of the Emerald Coast, before continuing on to Cala di Volpi, a natural port where some scenes from the James Bond film 'The Spy Who Loved Me' were filmed. Onto Porto Rotondo. Each of these resorts has around 1000 residents in winter, but in the summer attracts thirty thousand visitors each.

The dazzling emerald green waters of the Maddalena Archipelagom make a casual observer think they have landed in paradise. Leaving Palau by boat for the 15 minute ride to La Maddalena and circumnavigate the island on the breathtaking Strad Panoramica before crossing on to the neighbouring islet of Caprera via the 600 metre long narrow bridge, Ponte Moneta. Caprera became the home and last refuge of the legendary hero, Guiseppe Garibaldi. He spent 25 years here, looking after his land, orchards, vineyard and orange groves. Return by ferry to Palau.

Departure.