Authentic Corsica on Le Ponant

Begin your trip in style with included VIP airport lounge access before flying from the UK to Nice, the stylish capital of the French Riviera. On arrival, transfer to the port to board Le Ponant. The only French luxury cruise line prides itself on its fine cuisine, attentive service and destination expertise, and after settling in to your sleek stateroom you'll experience it first-hand with the first of your included, gourmet dinners. Expect only the finest in French gastronomy complemented by sommelier-picked wines. 

Stay: Le Ponant

After a breakfast of freshly-made pastries, waffles, detox juices and more, you'll sail to your first stop in Corsica, Saint-Florent. This ancient Genoese city offers white-sand beaches framed by crystal-clear waters, as well as fascinating 16th century architecture, including the famous Tower of Mortella. Be sure to make time to explore on board, too, whether you want to attend an expert lecture, indulge in a massage at the luxe spa or relax by the pool.

Stay: Le Ponant

Birth town of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio occupies a privileged location on the Île de Beauté. Rich in history and culture, the old “imperial city” is imbibed with the memory of this son of the soil. His presence is tangible, from the citadel to the imperial chapel, without forgetting the statues of the emperor in several of the city’s squares. As you stroll through the shaded streets in the old town centre, you’ll come across the central market on place Foch, where you can taste one or two local specialities, for instance, brocciu, lonzu or the famous canistrelli.

Stay: Le Ponant

Sail to Sant'Amanza today in the south-east of Corsica, between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. With its sandy beaches and turquoise waters there will be time for swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding. Alternatively, enjoy the exceptional viewpoints over landscapes of rare beauty formed by the limestone cliffs covered with scrub, plunging into the turquoise waters.

Stay: Le Ponant

Anchor in to town of Bonifacio today, on the southernmost tip of Corsica. All cobblestone streets, ancient villages and medieval features – alongside numerous beaches – we'd highly recommend an excursion to the area's marine caves today, for panoramic views of the area's famous citadel before heading to the caves, dotted with falcons, puffins and swifts. Continue on to the marine wildlife and plant sanctuary of the Lavezzi Islands, which make up one of Corsica’s two marine reserves, with time at leisure to swim and relax on the beach.

Stay: Le Ponant

The wild coastline of the Gulf of Roccapina offers up some of the most iconic landscapes in Corsica, where pine forests line bays of turquoise water and powder-soft beaches, dotted with dramatic rocky peaks. Explore with a guided walking tour before heading back on board to relax with a cocktail on the sun deck and by the pool bar.

Stay: Le Ponant

Explore Calvi today, capital of the Balagne region. Highlights include the Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra chapel and miles of sandy beaches framed by mountain peaks. We'd highly recommend a tour of the old villages, where you'll pass winding roads to reach tiny, picturesque towns, pausing at a donkey-driven olive oil mill – complete with an olive oil tasting – as well as Col de Salvi and Cateri's cobblestone streets and flower-lined houses. Later, toast your last night on board with a cocktail in the lounge before your final gourmet, three-course dinner.

Stay: Le Ponant

After a final breakfast, disembark back at Nice. Then, transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK.