The beautiful peninsula of Cap Corse is a ribbon of sheer coast along a fault line, suspended at an altitude of 3,280 feet. Between two seas. The prelude to the beauties of Cap Corse will be found along the road called the Cliff Road which, starting you will journey on  from Bastia and it will a matchless view over the Tuscan Archipelago.  A 30-minute ride will take you to the small and colorful fishing port of Erbalunga  where you will have time to spend before re-boarding your motor coach for the 30-minute to Luri for another short stop.  Then on for a 60-minute drive to the marine of Pino and the sheer cliff of Nonza with its Genovese tower and a boundless grey beach — offering astonishing landscapes.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring euros.  This tour is not recommended for people with vertigo as the road is extremely windy with several hairpin turns.

           

 

 

Bastia was founded by the Genoese in 1380, when they were looking for a naturally sheltered port to replace the ancient Roman city of Mariana and Biguglia (which had been destroyed by the Corsicans in 1372).  They needed a city and port which could assure the contact between their “Homeland” and their “colony”. Even if this small port was swept by terrible winds, it was protected by a rock,  easily defensible, and upon which a dungeon (or bastiglia) was built- and hence the name of the town Bastia. The numerous religious buildings dotted all over the island bear witness to the profound religious fervor of its inhabitants and their attachment to the Catholic faith. Despite this, the collective consciousness remains steeped in many pagan traditions,with relics of ancient beliefs. The mystical spirit of Corsica finds its true expression during the great Christian festivals, however the barrier between the natural and supernatural world is extremely permeable and Corsica is teeming with visionaries, faith healers, and mediums. This walking tour will take you to some purportedly haunted sites, and give you an overview of the superstitions and local legends which still hold sway.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring Euros. You will have about 30 minutes to shop on your own.

            

 

 

 

Your journey from Bastia will lead inland to Oletta – a small village terraced up the hillside, and from where there is a lovely view of Saint Florent and over  the countryside of olive groves, vineyards, and pastures – small squares of property delimited by dry stone walls. Then the road climbs up to the San Stefano Pass, through chestnut and olive groves, and from there is a spectacular panorama down to the east coast and the Biguglia “étang” (pool) and in the other direction, across the Agriates Desert and the sea at Saint Florent.  You will climb a sinuous, narrow road, up to the Teghime Pass, where at an altitude of 1,759 feet ( 536M), the views are completely different in each direction. To the West: over extensive vineyards right to the gulf of Saint Florent. To the South: across mountains and valleys towards the chestnut forests of the Castagniccia. The East: past Bastia and the sea leading to Italy. Finally North: the mountainous backbone of the Cap Corse. The road turns and twists its way down to Patrimonio, offering picturesque views background. Patrimonio village is dominated by its church and high steeple (built in 1749). Of course, it would be impossible to be in the finest wine producing region of the island, without having a wine-tasting session!

 

Please note: The order of sites visited might vary.

            

 

 

 

Bastia was founded by the Genoese in 1380, when they were looking for a naturally sheltered port to replace the ancient Roman city of Mariana and Biguglia (which had been destroyed by the Corsicans in 1372). The Genoese needed a city and port which could ensure contact between their “homeland” and their “colony.” Even if this small port was swept by terrible  winds, it was protected by a rock, easily defensible, and upon which a dungeon (or bastiglia) was built- and hence the name of the town Bastua. You will be met by your tour guide for a walking visit of the old City and the citadel . During your city tour by foot you will enjoy a stop for a Corsican spuntinu and tasting of Corsican specialties.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring euros.