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The Great Corsican Loop – France, Italy & Corsica Luxury Cruise

The Great Corsican Loop – France, Italy & Corsica Luxury Cruise

From AUD $20,680

Description

Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht. The finest travel address on the waters of the world.
 “Eternity. It is the sea mingled with the sun”, according to a poem by Rimbaud. Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail, bathed by the wind and sea spray, surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, a majestic three-mast yacht with elegant lines and an interior design created by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a very distinctive personality. As if you were on your very own yacht, match your inner tempo to the boat’s subtle oscillations and savour the freedom of living in the moment, being fully present for your trip.
Aboard its flagship yacht, PONANT is redefining cruising and inviting you on an unforgettable 10-day trip around the Isle of Beauty. Departing from Nice, between wild paradises and heavenly beaches, stops at iconic places and private moments, the very essence of Corsica will reveal itself.
In Saint Florent and in Calvi, the craggy terrain of the Cap Corse and the Balagne region stretch out towards the sea. There, under the watchful eye of emblematic summits and of shores eroded by sea spray, the historic citadels and the villages clinging to the heady maquis invite you to immerse yourself in this still-unspoiled natural environment.
Slowly, the south of the island and its idyllic beaches will beckon you. Drawn by the spellbinding song of these sandy sirens, you will heed the call at full sail. On the way, the stunning spectacle of the archipelago formed by Pointe de la Parata and the Sanguinaires Islands indicates the entrance to the Gulf of Ajaccio. This long line of crests seems to extend the coast like a backbone and, for a moment, your vessel, and perhaps even time, seem brought to a standstill.
In the Gulf of Roccapina, on the beach of Erbaghju, the iconic Domaine de Murtoli emerges. Nestled between fragrant scrubland and turquoise sea, shielded from prying eyes, this unique hotel destination invites you to celebrate the Corsican way of life at its most vibrant and generous.
You will then set a course towards the southern tip of the Isle of Beauty, to uncover its dreamy scenery. With your senses awakened, you will then sail towards the incredible landscape offered by Bonifacio and the fortress with winding streets suspended on its ivory cliffs.
In the Gulf of Sant’Amanza, the azure Mediterranean and its fish-rich waters merge with the different varieties of plants and shrubs warmed by the sun, inviting you to refocus on what is truly important.
You will then leave Corsica’s shores for an enchanting stop in Portoferraio, a small corner of paradise on the island of Elba, where Napoleon spent many days in exile. 
Carried by the wind, you will sail towards Portofino, your last port of call. Built in a natural harbour protected by a pine forest, it is a picturesque and lively port that has successfully retained its authenticity and traditions.
The activities, designed for you and with you, create possibilities for returning to what is essential, in a setting conducive to contemplation.
At your own pace, immerse yourself in wild and stunning panoramas, away from the crowds, and enjoy moments spent in harmony with nature.

Trip Name
The Great Corsican Loop - France, Italy & Corsica Luxury Cruise
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Three-Master Sailing Ship Length: 288 feet Passenger Capacity: 32 Built/refurbished: 1991/2021 This sleek, expertly designed 88-metre-long and 56-metre-high three-master is one of the most majestic yachts in the world. In an age when everything is becoming computer controlled, it shines the spotlight back on the more manual, skilful art of sailing, combined with comfort, elegance, exclusivity and sustainability. The striking lines, the quality of the materials, the sophistication of the way they’re combined: the common areas, designed by French design studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, exude a sense of timelessness and offer a genuine connection with the exterior scenery and landscapes. Their design offers a blend of purity, excellence and a sense of easy living through the prominent use of stylish plain tones: off-white, taupe and caviar grey. No flourishes or embellishments here, but instead a unity between the common areas and the staterooms. Exterior bar - Sun Deck Sun Lounge area - Exterior bar The Le Diamant panoramic restaurant - Zéphyr Deck Seats 34 guests - 61 m² - Buffet breakfast and dinner - Fine gastronomic cuisine made using exceptionally high quality organic and local products - Veuve Clicquot champagne - Wines from French artisan wine producers and the regions visited. The Marina - Alizés Deck Two standard kayaks and two glass-bottomed kayaks - Four stand up paddleboards - Snorkelling equipment - Fishing equipment - Scuba diving equipment (for a group of four people) - Saltwater swimming pool - Small equipment for children (noodles, rings, armbands and safety equipment) - Bicycles The lounge and Bar Emeraude - Alizés Deck Interior surface : 92 m² - Seats 35 guests - Exterior surface : 85 m² - Seats 24 guests The wellness space - Alizés Deck Spa / massages (18.5 m²): one cabin offering massages and Biologique Recherche treatments - Gym (16 m²) with dedicated fitness instructor - Yoga sessions on the Sun Deck

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Nice
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
Day 2 - Day 2 Saint-Florent, Corsica
In the hollow of one of the most beautiful gulfs of the Mediterranean to which it owes its name, Saint-Florent is an ancient Genoese city whose citadel dominates the bay with its circular architecture. A link between the mountains of Upper Corsica and the Agriates desert, the fishing village has become a renowned seaside resort. In front of this jewel nestled in the hollow of a wild and isolated region, sublime beaches of fine sand border a sea of infinite turquoise shades. At the western tip of the gulf, the Tower of Mortella, built in the 16th century under the Republic of Genoa to prevent from invaders, stands watch. Like most of the towers that dot the Corsican coast, it is an emblematic and familiar symbol of the island.
Day 3 - Day 3 Calvi, Corsica
Nestled on a rocky spur in the north-west of Corsica, the port of Calvi offers its whiteness between two sapphire-coloured bays. Capital of the Balagne region, the Genoese city benefits from an exceptional natural setting between the abrupt relief of the central chain, fertile hills and long sandy beaches. From the promontory of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra chapel, built in the 19th century on the ruins of a 15th century sanctuary, you will not miss the sublime panorama of the seaside, the mountains and the Calvi citadel. A little further west, you will have the opportunity to discover with the peninsula of Revelatta, a wilder and more preserved part of Corsica.
Day 4 - Day 4 Ajaccio, Corsica
Birth town of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio occupies a privileged location on the Île de Beauté. Rich in history and culture, the old “imperial city” is imbibed with the memory of this son of the soil. His presence is tangible, from the citadel to the imperial chapel, without forgetting the statues of the emperor in several of the city’s squares. As you stroll through the shaded streets in the old town centre, you’ll come across the central market on place Foch, where you can taste one or two local specialities, for instance, brocciu, lonzu or the famous canistrelli.
Day 5 - Day 5 Gulf of Roccapina
Nestled between Bonifacio and Sartène, the Gulf of Roccapina offers some of the most iconic landscapes in Corsica. Along the shore, rocky cliffs sculpted by erosion stand as guardians of idyllic beaches, basking in the delightful scent of myrtle. The nearby maquis hides a true treasure: the iconic estate of Murtoli. Stretching to the paradisiacal beach of Erbaghju, this hotel destination celebrates the Corsican way of life and its island traditions like nowhere else.
Day 6 - Day 6 Bonifacio, Corsica
The spectacular town of Bonifacio located on the very tip of southern Corsica, clings to a narrow promontory of white rock overhanging the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You can admire its limestone cliffs hewn out by the wind, before setting off on a cultural tour of its cultural treasures. From the little paved streets in the ancient Haute Ville, to the promenade on the open-air medieval chemin de ronde, this stunning town will take you on a journey back in time. Frequented or secluded, there are numerous beaches to choose from, all in keeping with the high standards of the “Île de Beauté”.
Day 7 - Day 7 Gulf of Sant'Amanza, Corsica
In the south-east of Corsica, between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, the gulf of Sant'Amanza, famous for its magnificent sandy beaches, is revealed. You will benefit from exceptional viewpoints over the landscapes of rare beauty formed by the limestone cliffs, covered with scrub, plunging into the turquoise waters and the granite rocks on the water's edge.
Day 8 - Day 8 Portoferraio, Elba
In the elbow of a creek on the northern coastline of Elba Island, a small corner of paradise awaits in the form of Portoferraio. As you approach its coastlines, you will make out the powerful and majestic contours of its Medici fortresses. Napoleon Bonaparte spent many of his 300 days in exile here. The Palazzina dei Mulini, his first imperial residence, whose gardens offer outstanding views of the sea, is a must-see. Historical treasures are followed by another kind of treasure, namely white sand beaches, and equally tempting local specialities including gurguglione and rice with cuttlefish ink.
Day 9 - Day 9 Portofino
Close to the Cinque Terre, Portofino is the jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This "small village that stretches like a half moon around a silent basin", described by Guy de Maupassant, is today a pretty, lively little port that has managed to preserve the authenticity of its maritime traditions, which have been recognised since Ancient times. Built in the hollow of a small natural cove sheltered by the pine forest, the village is at the heart of a protected maritime reserve. The shimmering colours of its house fronts and the exceptional location of this village have inspired many authors and artists. You will also see the Portofino lighthouse, immaculate in its green setting. Perched on the Punta del Capo, it watches over the peninsula and its postcard setting.
Day 10 - Day 10 Nice
Capital of the Cote d’Azur, Nice is surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills and mountains that protects it from the wind. You will probably want to explore the Promenade des Anglais, where you can sit on one of the famous blue chairs laid out opposite the baie des Anges. The Château hill is also a very pleasent place to walk. This is the entrance to the old city, with its bustling markets and regional products along the main street, the Cours Saleya.
Day 11 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-05-202517-05-2025AUD $22,410Mistral Stateroom
08-05-202517-05-2025AUD $23,530Mistral Prestige Stateroom
08-05-202517-05-2025AUD $30,230Mistral Junior Suite
08-05-202517-05-2025AUD $32,460Mistral Prestige Suite
08-05-202517-05-2025AUD $34,700Alizés Stateroom
08-05-202517-05-2025AUD $35,140Alizés Prestige Stateroom
08-05-202517-05-2025AUD $41,390Alizés Privilege Suite
08-05-202517-05-2025AUD $48,540ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
08-05-202517-05-2025AUD $59,840Owner Suite
14-05-202623-05-2026AUD $21,710MISTRAL PRESTIGE STATEROOM
14-05-202623-05-2026AUD $27,860MISTRAL JUNIOR SUITE
14-05-202623-05-2026AUD $29,910MISTRAL PRESTIGE SUITE
14-05-202623-05-2026AUD $31,970ALIZÉS STATEROOM
14-05-202623-05-2026AUD $32,370ALIZÉS PRESTIGE STATEROOM
14-05-202623-05-2026AUD $38,120ALIZÉS PRIVILEGE SUITE
14-05-202623-05-2026AUD $44,680ALIZÉS GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE
14-05-202623-05-2026AUD $20,680MISTRAL STATEROOM

Inclusions

    • Enjoy the extraordinary experience of sailing aboard Le Ponant as though you were on your own private yacht.
    • A limited-capacity yacht: a maximum of 32 passengers and as many crew members; a dedicated chef.
    • Sail on a ship propelled by the wind and enjoy the wonderful opportunities nature offers us to adapt the programme and navigate under sail whenever possible.
    • As the wind carries you, rediscover your taste for shared happiness and the essential.
    • A brand-new stop at Domaine de Murtoli, exclusively through PONANT.
    • (Re)discover the deep and secret soul of Corsica and enjoy ports of call off the beaten path, revisited to offer you exclusive experiences.
    • Discover Portofino, a former fishing village and the pearl of the Ligurian Riviera.
    • On board as on shore, soak up the local riches and traditions of Corsica, and savour authentic moments through cultural encounters and gastronomy.
    • Enjoy a stop on the island of Elba to discover its rich history and enchanting scenery.
    • Between the sea and the mountains, tailor-made activities to reconnect with nature.
    • A varied programme of included excursions.

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