
Ajaccio: Napoleon Bonaparte native townCorsica is a wildly beautiful and rugged island off the south-east coast of France, 390km from Marseille.
|
|
Port average temperatureThe temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AJA01 - CITY TOUR (approx. 3 hours) - 2013
Explore the most attractive areas of this lovely old town, which was founded by the Genoese in 1492. Ajaccio is best known for being the home of Napoleon Bonaparte who was born here in 1769; there is no street or building in town that does not pay testament to his life. Visit the lush Casone Gardens, one of the town’s many green areas and stop at Parata to admire the view over the “Bloody Islands”, a small group of islets dotted with guard towers. Our trip also includes a tour of Ajaccio’s historic district. Please note: the visit of the historical part includes a walk on uneven ground; we advise to wear comfortable shoes. In case of religious events the Cathedral could be closed.
Price per person $58.00 Adults $41.00 Children
AJA04 - TORTOISES PROTECTION CENTRE (approx. 3.5 hours) - 2013
The A Cupulatta Tortoise Protection Centre, the only one of its kind in the whole of Europe, is an ideal destination for families and nature lovers alike. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to see around 3,000 tortoises and turtles that live in these spacious, 2.5 hectare parklands. The number is set to rise even further in the future if the park’s breeding programme continues to bear fruit. Having been opened to the public in 1998, the park has proved to be a popular tourist attraction. The 170 different species of tortoise and turtle that call the park their home are sure to delight and fascinate in equal measure. Watch out for the cutest of the park’s inhabitants: baby tortoises and turtles measuring only a few centimetres in length. Mementos can be purchased in the park’s souvenir shop. Your tortoise tour comes to an end with your return to the port and your ship. Please note: as the tour involves about 1.5-2 hours of walking on uneven and rough ground, including some steps, it is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair. You are recommended to wear comfortable shoes and a hat.
Price per person $73.00 Adults $51.00 Children
AJA05 - SIGHTSEEING TOUR AROUND VIZZAVONA FOREST (approx. 3.5 hours) - 2013
Corsica is renowned for its natural beauty, so why not join this excursion and experience this wild and rugged island at its best. We will head inland, through the unspoilt splendour of the forests and the mountains. As we leave the coast the fresh sea air is replaced with the scent of the “maquis”, the typical Corsican shrubland composed of a variety of sweet-smelling plants such as lavender, myrtle, cyclamen and wild mint. You will travel through Bocognano, set on a plateau amidst a chestnut forest. The sturdy grey houses of this town provide a welcome respite from the summer heat and make this a popular summer destination for Ajaccians. The road then winds northwards for 6 km to the Col de Vizzavona, a forest of beech and laricio pines and one of the best hiking spots in Corsica. Invisible from the road, trees shield the little village of Vizzavona composed of a cluster of forested huts and a small train station. We will enjoy a little free time in this tranquil shady spot before driving back by the same road to Ajaccio. Please note: this tour is not suitable for guests suffering from vertigo. Due to different climatic zone on the mountain, we suggest to bring a warm jacket.
Price per person $58.00 Adults $41.00 Children
AJA06 - A WALK THROUGH HISTORY & NAPOLEON'S HERITAGE (approx. 2.5 hours) - 2013
We will leave the port for a guided tour around Ajaccio’s old town, walking past Napoleon's residence, Place Foch and Ajaccio Cathedral. We will visit the Fesch Museum, a building commissioned by cardinal Fesch, maternal uncle of Napoleon I. This museum is considered one of the most important in France for its collection of Italian paintings, second only to the Louvre. Art lovers will delight in the impressive collections by Tiziano, Truenese and Botticelli, whilst history buffs can admire the extensive Napoleonic collection. Please note: the visit to the historical centre includes a walk on uneven ground; please wear comfortable shoes. Shooting videos or taking pictures inside the Museum is prohibited.
Price per person $42.00 Adults $29.00 Children
The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.