Ile Rousse & Corsica's Oldest Villages
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port
Ile-Rousse, Corsica, France
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
Information Not Currently Available
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$90
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 4 hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Your tour begins with a short walk through the city of Ile Rousse. Developed by Pascal Paoli in the 1760s, this is an unconventional Corsican town -- its palm trees, smart shops, flower-filled borders and striking pink seafront hotel create an atmosphere that has more in common with the elite of the French Riviera than the quaint shabby-chic of traditional Corsica. Pascal Paoli had great plans for this new town on the Haute-Balagne coast, which was designed and created to export the olive oil produced in the hinterland. Thanks to the busy trading of wine and oil, Rousse soon began to prosper and, two and a half centuries later, it still thrives as a successful port and charming vacation destination.
Next, you will leave Ile Rousse and head to the oldest villages of Corsica -- Pigna, San Antonino, and Lumio. Pigna is the seat of many activities, both on a local and national scale. Summer festivities include the July 13th Paese in Festa, which cleverly combines traditional poetry, improvised music, and theatrical presentations.
San Antonino offers a completely different atmosphere with its hazy silhouette visible from miles around. This is the oldest inhabited village in Corsica, and amounts to a delightful cluster of orange buildings clinging resolutely to a granite hilltop. Its circular layout of narrow cobblestone lanes, vaulted passageways and neat stone houses has changed little in 300 years. Unrivalled 360-degrees views of the Balagne are also on offer here. Finally, the lively center of
Lumio village beckons you to its pleasant tree-lined square overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Calvi. You'll visit the wonderful Baroque Saint Blaise Church, which boasts a superbly decorated interior.
Return to Ile Rousse and the ship, passing through some delightful old villages.
Please note: The coach will park below San Antonino due to restricted vehicle access. The steps leading to the village are steep and uneven and care should be taken. Not advisable for those with mobility limitations or who suffer from vertigo or motion sickness. Restroom facilities are limited and lines can be expected.