The French Riviera and Corsica: From Rome to Nice via Sardinia & Corsica - Star Flyer

Arrive in Nice where we stay for one night. Nice is the capital of the French Riviera and the rest of the day is free for you to explore this multicultural and cosmopolitan city independently. Enjoy a stroll along the beautiful seaside Promenade des Anglais; explore the Old Town with its narrow streets and colourful tenement houses or venture up to Castle Hill where you will find views of the whole city.



This evening is free for you to dine at a local restaurant of your choosing. Perhaps enjoy a chilled glass of Provençal rosé, the perfect accompaniment to a local favourite, salade niçoise. Or, try a slice of Pissaladiere, a flavoursome tart topped with onions, black olives and anchovies.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Cannes via a sightseeing drive of Nice and along the French Riviera. There will be free time for lunch in Cannes where you can dine on the fresh flavours of Provençal cuisine in one of the many brasseries and restaurants. This afternoon the adventure begins. Enjoy a warm welcome from the crew on board the beautiful Star Clipper, your first-class floating hotel and your home for the next 7 nights. You may wish to return ashore for a pre-dinner stroll along the waterfront, or if you’re feeling more energetic, head uphill to the Cannes Castle Museum in the old quarter and take in the lovely views of the port. This evening we sit down for the first of the delectable dinners in the stylish dining room.

This morning we anchor at one of St Tropez’s enticing sandy beaches where you can take a dip in the turquoise waters or just soak up the rays and relax on the golden sands. Then we sail on to the main town of St Tropez whilst enjoying a delicious lunch on board.



St Tropez was historically a sleepy fishing village and once a place of Christian Pilgrimage, honouring the martyrdom of a young Roman soldier named Tropes. Everything changed in the 1950’s when Brigitte Bardot arrived to star in ‘And God Created Woman’. Overnight this peaceful spot was transformed into a sizzling jet-set favourite. Nowadays, it is known as one of the most glamorous locations on the French Riviera with its tree lined squares, pastel-coloured houses and pristine beaches. This afternoon, join your guide for a walking tour through the town. You can also explore the charming port area and take a wander through the car-free narrow alleyways, absorbing the colours of the quaint cobblestone lanes. You'll then have free time to browse the boutiques or maybe sip pastis as you watch locals play pétanque beneath the shade of the plane trees.



We set sail this evening heading south to the beautiful island of Corsica.

As the wind fills the sails we enjoy a relaxing morning at sea. Perhaps take a dip in one of the pools on board or top up your tan on the sun deck. For the most outstanding view of all why not climb up to the ‘crow’s nest’ (with harness) or just settle into a comfy chair with a book from the library and a mid-morning coffee.



This afternoon we arrive in the Corsican city of Calvi which basks between the fiery orange bastions of its medieval Genoese citadel and a glittering moon-shaped bay that’s lined by a magnificent beach. Locals insist that Christopher Columbus was born here and this is where Admiral Nelson lost his right eye whilst besieging the capital. On our included tour you’ll discover the narrow walkways, myriad of tunnels and quaint old houses of the citadel before leaving the city for a visit to the ‘Old Villages’. We travel inland where winding roads take you through wild and rugged landscape, from one picturesque village to another, perched on rocky promontories. Have your camera at the ready as we’ll be stopping so you can soak up the amazing views from the villages of Aregno and Corbara. We’ll also pause at St Antonio, one of the highest and oldest inhabited villages on the island.

This morning we moor in Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. With its sweeping bays, pastel-toned cafés and trendy waterfront there’s more than just a feel of the Côte d’Azur in this historic city.



Corsica is a naturally beautiful island with air filled with the scent of rock rose, myrtle and mint, just some of the 78 species that grow in the Corsican scrubland known as maquis. You can join your guide for a tour this morning to discover more of the island.



Napoleon gave Ajaccio a starring role in world history and the city is littered with statues and street names which relate to him and his family. This afternoon you can follow in Napoleon’s footsteps on our optional tour. You’ll see the town hall where his most striking statue stands and visit the Baroque Cathedral where he was christened. Our exploration concludes at Maison Bonaparte, birthplace of Napoleon and today a museum dedicated to the Bonaparte family.



End the day enjoying a ‘sundowner’ on deck, as the sun sets and the stars twinkle above in a clear night sky.

This morning we sail into the picturesque harbour of Bonifacio which enjoys an isolated location at Corsica’s southernmost point. The narrow peninsula of dazzling white limestone cliffs creates a town setting unlike any other on the island. An expanse of maquis separates Bonifacio from the rest of the island and the atmosphere is distinctly more French than Italian. We begin our exploration with a ride on board the little train which will take us from the delightful harbour to the upper town. From here, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the wonderfully preserved old town where you can wander along the narrow, winding streets stopping to admire the 16th century Bastion de L’Etendard, a sole remnant of the original 15th century fortifications and the unique architecture of the 12th century church of Sainte-Marie-Majeure. The white crosses of the marine cemetery stand out sharply against the deep blue of the sea and with its location at the tip of the plateau, the views over the strait of Bonifacio are spectacular.



This afternoon you are free to make your own discoveries in Bonifacio. Alternatively, you may be tempted by an optional visit to Sartène, the oldest village in Corsica. A scenic drive will take you along the beautiful coast road and then inland to Sartène where the red roofed houses appear to magically rise out of the granite hillside on which they sit.

As you wake this morning you will be treated to the beauty of the north-eastern side of Corsica where we’ll drop anchor at one of the glorious golden beaches, here you can relax or take an invigorating swim. Whilst you enjoy another lunch on board, we sail to Bastia, capital of the Haute-Corse region. Vibrant Bastia is lively year round and the city offers a warm welcome and a genuine lived-in feel. The historic centre is divided into two distinct areas: Terra Vecchia, once a tiny fishing village, which surrounds the historic port area and Terra Nova with its high-walled citadel. Our included tour will introduce you to both and you’ll also see the vast St Nicholas Square which lies at the heart of Bastia. Our afternoon exploration concludes with a true taste of Corsica at the L.N. Mattei distillery where you’ll sample the famous Cap Corse Blanc and Rouge aperitifs which are made from sweet wine and a blend of the fragrant herbs which grow on the island. Early this evening we return to the Star Clipper and as the sun sets we set sail eastwards towards the Italian island of Elba.

This morning we arrive at Portoferraio on the island of Elba. Sitting just off the Tuscan coast, Italy’s third largest island is home to miles of rugged coastline, pretty villages, carpets of wildflowers and unspoilt sandy beaches. It is also famous as the island Napoleon was exiled to in 1814 and his influence can be seen across Elba today. Our included tour will take you on a panoramic drive across the island to the charming village of Porto Azzuro. Here you can enjoy some free time amongst the pastel-coloured houses that frame the harbour and the shops and cafes of the town’s narrow streets. On your return drive you’ll stop at ‘La Chiusa’ a wine-farm nestled in a vineyard overlooking the ocean. This charming estate hosted Napoleon on two occasions and in the idyllic surroundings of the gardens you’ll enjoy a sampling of local wines and snacks whilst taking in the delightful views of the sea.



Alternatively, you can choose to explore the west side of the island on an optional tour to Mount Capanne. A scenic drive will take you through the interior of the island and along the spectacular coastline to the enchanting little town of Marciana Marina. From here you can ride the cableway to the summit of Mount Capanne, which at 1,019m above sea level is the highest point on the island. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over to Corsica and all the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago from the panoramic terrace. With a full day in port, you can also enjoy some free time to explore he charming town of Portoferriao independently.



This evening the Star Clipper sets sail on the final leg of our odyssey. Make the most of your last opportunity to relax on deck with an aperitif before enjoying dinner on board this spectacular ship.

Savour your last breakfast on board this morning and say farewell to your ship as you disembark and head to Rome where there is still plenty to enjoy. We have included a tour of the city before you check into your hotel for your final night.



Rome is one of the world’s most compelling cities, with probably more to see here than in any other capital on earth. Boasting a recorded history of more than 2,500 years, there's a plethora of classical antiquities and medieval buildings to discover, from Renaissance palaces to intricate baroque piazzas. The mighty Colosseum, scene of some of the most cruel acts ever committed, the Appian Way where Spartacus was crucified, the magnificence of St. Peter’s, the grandeur of the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain and flamboyant Baroque buildings are all here – and so much more.



There are a host of other things to experience too. Take a coffee in the famous Caffè Greco, once the haunt of Keats, Byron and Wagner. Shop along the Via Condotti for some of the finest fashion you will find anywhere – straight from the catwalk. Or simply wander where your feet take you and explore this wonderful city at your leisure before dining in a local trattoria, perhaps in Trastevere – the district famed for traditional Roman food. Rome will never fail to captivate you.

Today, at the appropriate time you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight home. Whilst the holiday may be over, reminiscences of the sights you have seen, experiences you have had and people you have met on this unique special voyage of discovery will remain with you for a very long time to come.

Today, at the appropriate time you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight home. Whilst the holiday may be over, reminiscences of the sights you have seen, experiences you have had and people you have met on this unique special voyage of discovery will remain with you for a very long time to come.