Our ship will begin to cruise to Corsica. We’ll take in the beauty of the Gulf of Porto, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire the red cliffs and maquis underbrush in the Scandola Nature Reserve, and glide by the Gulf of Girolata and the dazzling Calanques de Piana. Feel free to attend the lecture about the natural beauty found on and around this Mediterranean island: The Beauty of the Island Summed up in Five Ports of Call. Corsica is best experienced through its beauty, its culture, and its people. As LA BELLE DES OCEANS enters its first Corsican port, join us on the deck for a tasting of traditional myrtle liqueur and a pastry.In the afternoon, we offer two excursions:HIKERS: Hike to the Pointe de la Parata. This hike takes place in Ajaccio between the Îles Sanguinaires and Capo di Feno. You'll follow the trail to splendid beaches on Capo di Feno with the islands in the distance. Leave all your worries behind as you enjoy the beautiful turquoise water and wild scenery. Take advantage of this time to discover how different Corsica can be from one end to the other. Breathe in the scents, indulge in the colors, and give yourself a true break.(Approximately 3 hours, 10 km/6.2 mi., 150 to 200 m elevation gain (492 to 656 ft.))NON-HIKERS: Ajaccio and the Îles Sanguinaires. Ajaccio, the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, has a rich and historical past. We’ll visit the city’s main sites, including the high court building, the Cours Napoleon, the bronze Monument to Napoleon and His Brothers, and the Place d’Austerlitz—where legend has it Napoleon visited often as a child to see the statues of the glorious soldiers in battle. Our next stop will be the Pointe de la Parata and a stroll through this exceptional natural area. From here, you’ll get a glimpse of the Îles Sanguinaires, an archipelago of four lava-rock islands just off the coast. As a haven for many native species of plants and animals, the islands are an integral part of Corsica’s natural and cultural heritage. The ruins and sea-sculpted landscapes on the Pointe de la Parata bear testimony to Corsica’s hardy history.An evening of Corsican music and song on board. This evening is a great opportunity to get to know the island through its songs. Learn about some of the most famous Corsican musicians, past and present, including Tino Rossi, Jean Tavera, Charles Rocchi, Natale Rochiccioli, Antoine Ciosi, Michel Mallory, Regina and Bruno, Maryse Nicolai, the Vincenti brothers, and Canta u Populu Corsu, to name just a few.
