MEDD

Enjoy some of the best of Corsica with this journey through captivating villages perched high above the sea in the Balagne region. As you travel a scenic road from one burg to the next, you will witness the island’s history in medieval towns that have changed little over the centuries. Begin in Calenzana at the tree-lined Piazza Communa, dominated by the Église Saint-Blaise. Continue to the fountains, arcaded houses and ancient streets of Zilia and on to towns like Lunghignano that are beloved by filmmakers for their picturesque squares and granite houses.

This wonderful exploration makes you an active participant in the striking beauty of Corsica. Experience the jagged landscapes, waving grasses and crystalline waters of the island as you get your heart pumping on an electric bike. You'll embark primarily on tarred roads for approximately 2.5 miles before you reach a more rugged path stretching over the scenic, diverse and hilly terrain around Calvi.

Led by a nature guide with a background in botany, explore Corsica's craggy western coast of gulfs, beaches, cliffs, villages, vistas and more. Board a small boat for a panoramic tour of the natural wonders of this area, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Sail past dramatic calanques rising from the sea en route to Scandola Nature Reserve, known for its distinctive red cliffs that contrast beautifully with the deep blue waters.

The best way to experience the spectacular natural beauty of Corsica is on a 4x4 excursion that takes you well off the beaten path. Get a feel for the authentic essence of this beautiful island as you travel via tarmac, mountain roads and 4x4 tracks. Routes may vary based on road conditions, but you will traverse stunning lowlands and upper mountains, enjoying glorious coastal views as well as inland vistas of the countryside.

Experience the scenic wonders of the Balagne region in northwest Corsica with a tour and tasting in the vineyard of Domaine d'Alzipratu. You may discern the scent of olive and citrus in the air as you drive through the Balagne and its enchanting villages to reach the estate. The winery was created in the 1960s by Baron Henry Louis de La Grange and is composed of several south-facing parcels planted primarily with traditional Corsican varietals.

Discover the majesty of Corsica on a narrated hike that showcases the island’s snowcapped peaks, deep gorges, sweeping beaches, pine forests and dramatic coastline. Walking up the steps of Montée Rastello, you will reach the chapel of Saint Roch, where you will have magnificent views of the striated limestone cliffs along the coast and the isolated rock pillar called the Grain de Sable. Following your certified hiking instructor, you will head east toward the sea cliffs, where you will trace footpaths and mule tracks that have been trodden for centuries.

Ideal for first-time divers, this remarkable diving excursion allows you to explore an underwater world filled with colorful coral and a parade of vibrant marine life with an experienced dive instructor by your side at all times. After a step-by-step safety and equipment briefing, as well as basic and practical demonstrations, you will slowly descend into the water with an instructor. No certification course is necessary to enjoy this dive that allows you to gradually become accustomed to breathing with a regulator and being submerged.

Take an unforgettable boat ride along Bonifacio’s extraordinary coastline to see dramatic views of the citadel perched on the magnificent limestone cliffs. Cruise across cerulean seas to the Lavezzi Archipelago, a collection of small granite islands that sit in the strait between Corsica and Sardinia. Here you will disembark on the archipelago’s only inhabited island, Cavallo, for a luxurious day at Hôtel des Pêcheurs.

On a picturesque drive through the Corsican countryside, you will pass idyllic beaches, dense evergreen shrubland, huge granite boulders and charming villages. Amidst this spectacular scenery, learn about and sample the wines of Corsica, where winemakers have been cultivating the fine art of winemaking for thousands of years. Turning off onto a dirt road, you will wind your way to Domaine de Torraccia, a family-owned, organic winery that produces award-winning wines.

Board Bonifacio’s little train to travel comfortably from the pier up the steep cliffs to the medieval citadel. Pass through the historic Bosco Quarter, including an eerie marine cemetery filled with mausoleums in a jumble of architectural styles, as well as a rare example of Corsican Gothic architecture at Église Saint-Dominique de Bonifacio. As you arrive at the clifftop citadel, you will have marvelous views of the Strait of Bonifacio and as far as Sardinia on a clear day.