Excursion Walking tour & bonaparte museum tour at Ajaccio
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Explore the highlights of Ajaccio on-foot during this picturesque, half-day walking tour through the Old Town.
Ajaccio Old Town and Cathedral
Depart the pier and begin your approximately one-hour guided walking tour through the Old Town. Along the way, explore the cluster of ancient streets spreading north and south of Place Foch, which opens on the seafront. On the square, see a statue of Napoleon dressed as a Roman Consul and surrounded by four lions. Next, pass by the Cathedral, completed in 1593 and dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Cathedral is remarkable for its modest dimensions, imposing dome and fine ochre facade that lend a unique charm to the building. Napoleon was christened here in 1771.
Maison Bonaparte
Your tour continues with a stroll along Rue St. Charles en route to Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon's birthplace, located right in the town centre. This landmark is an example of how an insular leading figure's house looked like in the 18th century. Now a four-storey home, it has been enlarged and refurbished several times in its history. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the house, which is narrow but filled with Bonaparte's possessions.
Place du Diamant, Rue Fesch and Fesch Museum
On the Place du Diamant, also known as 'Place de Gaulle', see a statue of Napoleon on horseback surrounded by his four brothers and facing the town.
Your route then takes you through the delightful pedestrian Rue Fesch, which is lined with boutiques, cafés and restaurant. Afterward, some free time is made available for independent exploration. At the conclusion of your visit, commence the short walk back to the pier, or remain in town for further exploration and return to the ship on your own.
Points of interests
Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Ajaccio, Old Town, Napoleon Statues, Cathedral, Rue St. Charles, Maison Bonaparte, Cathedral, Place du Diamant, Rue Fesch
Note
Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and standing, at times on cobbled streets, uneven pavement and inclines, with 40 steps up and down to access the museum's three floors, and 40 steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Proper attire is required to enter the cathedral; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Interior photography is not permitted inside the museums. On 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. There is no inside visit to the Fesch Museum.