Excursion Calanche de piana tour at Ajaccio

Embrace the stunning natural beauty of Corsica during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion to the Calanche de Piana.

Gulf of Ajaccio and Sagone

Depart the pier for the scenic, 75-minute drive to the ancient Greek village of Cargese. En route, take in exquisite views of the Gulf of Ajaccio from the San Bastiano Pass, and follow the coast and Gulf of Sagone through charming little summer resorts. Upon arrival in Cargese, learn about this 17th-century village during a guided walking tour through its tree- and flower-filled lanes, and visit a pair of churches along the way.

Calanche de Piana

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Calanche de Piana, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the vivid, orange and pink rock masses and pinnacles of granite that plunge into the crystal-clear waters. The road runs through a maze of fantastic rock formations, some towering 984 feet (300 metres) above the waves along the corniche. A photo stop is made at the Calanches for spectacular panoramic vistas of this spectacularly eroded terrain.

Interior Porto, Spelunca Gorges and Capo d'Ota

From here, the road winds gently through the pine forest into Porto's incredibly scenic interior, mountains and Spelunca Gorges. This formidable sight has bare, granite walls that plunge 3,280 feet (1,000 metres) into the green torrent created by the confluence of five rivers. In the background, pass Ota, an isolated village located 3.1 miles (five kilometres) from Porto, and dominated by Capo d'Ota, a colossal domed rock whose overhanging summit appears as if it's poised to fall onto the village.

Evisa, Col de Sevi and Vico

Continue on to Evisa. Situated 2,723 feet (830 metres) above sea level, the village features bright-orange roofs amidst a lush background of chestnut forest, and a pair of long-distance hiking trails that converge here. Take in exquisite views across the mountains whilst passing the Col de Sevi 3,641-foot (1,110-metre) which links the Porto Valley and Liamone Basin. From here, your drive descends towards Vico, the old capital of the Sagone region, before returning to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Gulfs of Ajaccio and Sagone, Calanche de Piana, interior Porto, Spelunca Gorges, Ota Village, Capo d'Ota, Evisa Village, Col de Sevi, Vico

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times on uneven ground and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests who suffer from motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear weather-suitable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection, and bring a jacket or raingear as needed. Proper attire is required to enter the cathedral; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, church holidays and during weddings, tour groups are not allowed inside churches during services; guests may have a chance to visit the church independently. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions; it may be only coastal in winter during periods of heavy mountain snow. Itinerary may be reversed, lunch may take place in either Porto at a seaside resort or Evisa in a mountain village.