France
Bonjour Corsica! A Voyage on the MV La Belle des Océans
Program No. 24632RJ
Discover the beautiful island of Corsica on a journey that begins in Nice and sails along the iconic coast of the island during this Floating Campus on board the MV La Belle des Océans!
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
12 days
11 nights
26 meals
10B 7L 9D
At a Glance
The ancient Greeks referred to Corsica as “Kalliste,” or the “most beautiful” — but there’s so much more to Corsica than its breathtaking landscapes! Discover the art, culture, cuisine and history of this idyllic French island during a voyage on board the MV La Belle des Océans, part of Road Scholar’s Floating Campus. We’ll have the ship to ourselves on this learning adventure that begins and ends in Nice, France, and allows you to explore Corsica from north to south. Delight in the historic landmarks and cultural gems of cities like Ajaccio, Bonaficio and Porto-Vecchio as your onboard instructors offer their insight into the region through lectures, Q&A sessions and casual discussions. In true campus style, take part in onboard activities like a book club or photography instruction, and get to know other Road Scholars who share your love for learning and exploration.
Activity Level
Choose Your Pace
Choose from two or more options of activity levels to find your perfect pace.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Spend time in the beautiful city of Nice before your voyage begins to explore the old town, Russian church, flower market and much more.
- Sail along the Gulf of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic red cliffs and natural beauty.
- Explore the city of Ajaccio — once home to Napoleon Bonaparte — the historic streets and fortress of Bonaficio and the impressive waterfront of Porto-Vecchio.
- Enjoy the camaraderie of other Road Scholars as you take part in private lectures, unique field trips and educational activities on board this exclusive Floating Campus voyage.
General Notes
This learning adventure is part of Road Scholar’s Floating Campus. You’ll enjoy a true campus feel as we have the entire ship to ourselves and welcome a maximum of 100 Road Scholars, and enjoy field trips onshore in smaller groups of 35. Onboard experts will be on hand throughout the voyage and will offer instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions. Enjoy a book club, onboard activities, a live performance and the camaraderie that can only be found with an entire ship full of fellow Road Scholars! Please note that we need a minimum number of participants to enroll in this program to have exclusive use of the ship. In the unlikely event we do not meet the minimum number, then the cruise line may have its own passengers on the ship, though they will not be part of any Road Scholar activities.
Suggested Reading List
(11 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Bonjour Corsica! A Voyage on the MV La Belle des Océans
Program Number: 24632
The French Riviera, A Cultural History
From Roman outpost to Napoleonic battleground and playground for the rich and famous, this marvelously informed cultural guide covers the place of the Riviera in history, literature, art, architecture and the imagination.
Granite Island: Portrait of Corsica
"Granite Island", much more than a travel book, grew out of years spent in Corsica and is an incomparably vivid and delightful portrait.
Eyewitness Top 10 Corsica (Pocket Travel Guide)
Planning is a breeze with the book's simple lists of ten, covering the very best that Corsica has to offer, this pocket-friendly format is light and easily portable.
A Traveler's History of Cote D'Azur
This book begins with Cote d'Azur's early days and moves through to the present in a comprehensive, but concise, easily readable form. It should help travelers relate what they are seeing today to what it was before.
The House at Zaronza
In a remote Corsican village, a bundle of hidden letters from the 1900s comes to light more than a hundred years later.
The Corsican Caper
When billionaire Francis Reboul finds himself on the wrong side of a Russian tycoon, he’s fortunate to have vacationing friends Sam Levitt and Elena Morales on hand to help him out. This book is rich with clever twists and sparkling scenery as only Peter Mayle can write them.
J'accuse
Nice has long been seen by some as a place with a different side to the sunny holiday vibe, a place full of organized crime and official corruption. This short book from 1982 denounces Nice’s corruption – it’s other title is Nice Côté Ombre (The Dark Side of Nice).
Napoleon: A Life
Andrew Roberts’s Napoleon is the first one-volume biography to take advantage of the recent publication of Napoleon’s thirty-three thousand letters, which radically transform our understanding of his character and motivation.
Pardon My French, Unleash Your Inner Gaul
A transplanted Englishman, Tomney reveals how to get by in French (and in France) through this wickedly funny A-to-Z of words and phrases.
F is for France: A Curious Cabinet of French Wonders
An alphabetized catalogue of quirky French culture and history tidbits.
Insight Guides; Explore Nice & the French Riviera
Explore Nice and the French Riviera is part of a new series and is the ideal pocket companion when discovering this colorful and glamorous part of southern France.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
12 days
11 nights
What's Included
26 meals (
10B, 7L, 9D
)
5 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
10 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Nice, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Nice
Meals:
D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Hotel Brice Garden Nice
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. The group will be split between 3 hotels, please note that we have to take Color Groups & bed configuration into consideration when assigning hotels, once your hotel is assigned, it cannot be changed.
Afternoon:
Orientation. Your Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date programs schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. NOTE: Groups will be split between several hotels in Nice, you will be assigned to a hotel which will be noted in an e-mail from the Adventures Afloat team that you should have received already. We have to take Color Groups & bed configuration into consideration when assigning hotels, once your hotel is assigned, it cannot be changed.
Dinner:
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Get to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Nice Discovery
Location:
Nice
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Best Western Plus Hotel Brice Garden Nice
Activity Note
Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day. Standing for up to 2 hours. The group will be split between 3 hotels, please note that we have to take Color Groups & bed configuration into consideration when assigning hotels, once your hotel is assigned, it cannot be changed.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Both activity levels will depart the hotel via motorcoach for an overview of the sites of Nice. We will see the Russian Orthodox church, stop on the hill for a panoramic view of the city, and drive along the Promenade des Anglais.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Continue our discovery of Nice as we explore the famous local food and flower market and stop at artisan shops where local specialties are made. We will also visit the Chagall Museum, dedicated to the work of painter Marc Chagall. The museum is the biggest public collection of works by Marc Chagall in the World. It's organized around the set of paintings produced on the Old Testament themes. We will return to the hotel by motorcoach.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Nice, Check Out, St. Paul de Vence, Embark Ship
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
MV La Belle des Oceans
Activity Note
Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles on cobblestones, uneven terrain, narrow/steep paths. There is a 15 minute walk from the bus parking lot to St. Paul de Vence. Standing for up to 2 hours. NOTE: The On Your Feet groups will not visit St. Paul de Vence and instead visit Antibes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
The Keep the Pace groups will set out by motorcoach and ride to the hill town of St. Paul de Vence. NOTE: there is a 15 minute walk from the bus parking lot to St. Paul de Vence. One of the oldest medieval towns on the French Riviera, it is notable for its picturesque winding streets, modern and contemporary art museums, and galleries. NOTE: The On Your Feet groups will NOT visit St. Paul de Vence and instead ride to Antibes. A resort town between Cannes and nice on the French Riviera, Antibes is known for its old town enclosed by 16th century ramparts.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Enjoy some free time in Nice before transferring to the ship. Transfer to the port and board the ship. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax and start becoming familiar with the ship. There will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill. Please note that your departure is part of our Floating Campus programs. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice. NOTE: Due to the unforseen closure of the Matisse Museum today, we will be visiting the Chagall Museum instead during our Nice Discovery Field Trip on Oct. 3.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. All meals aboard ship are included, non alcoholic beverages and select drinks at dinner are included; other beverages are available for purchase upon request.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Day
5
Ajaccio Walking Discovery, Bonaparte House
Location:
Ajaccio
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MV La Belle des Oceans
Activity Note
Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles, 10 - 15 steps, walking on uneven terrain. NOTE: The On Your Feet groups will have a panoramic drive of Ajacciao by motorcoach, this WILL NOT include Maison Bonaparte.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
The Keep the Pace groups will set out for a walking excursion through the Old Town of Ajaccio. Explore this imperial city and cultural capital of the French island. Continue our stroll along Rue St. Charles with a stop at Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon's birthplace, located in the center of town. We will have an expert led visit of the house. We will walk back to the ship via Rue Fesch, lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. NOTE: The On Your Feet groups will have a panoramic drive of Ajaccio by motorcoach, this WILL NOT include Maison Bonaparte as it's located in the Old Town which requires walking to get there. Later this afternoon enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to the program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars. The ship is scheduled to stay in Ajaccio overnight.
Day
6
Ajaccio,Calanche de Piana,Village of Porto
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MV La Belle des Oceans
Activity Note
Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Extensive travel by motorcoach on curvy mountain roads. Not recommended for participants prone to motion sickness or with mobility issues. Wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, & flat comfortable shoes. Village of Porto-uneven ground, steps, steep hills.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Both activity levels will head out via motorcoach along the curvy roads of Corsica, heading toward the mountains to the San Bastiano Pass, we'll see beautiful views of the Gulf of Ajaccio. Stop to take in the breathtaking views of the Calanche de Piana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Extending over several kilometers, the calanches are a series of red rocks and cliffs that plunge up to 300 meters into the Mediterranean below.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time in the village of Porto. Board our motorcoach and head back to Ajaccio to board the ship. Later in the afternoon enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to the program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Day
7
Bonifacio Walking Discovery
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MV La Belle des Oceans
Activity Note
Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles on uneven ground, cobblestones. NOTE: The On Your Feet groups will have a coastal boat discovery of Bonifacio.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The Keep the Pace groups will set out by mini train, passing the Bosco quarter with the St. Francis convent, we will pass by the church of St. Dominique, a rare example of Corsican gothic architecture, built in 1270. Get off the mini train and enjoy a walking discovery through the narrow streets of Bonifacio. Walk through the heart of the historical part of town to the Two Emperors Street where Napolean Bonaparte and Charles V spent a few days. We'll continue our walking discovery to the old market, take in the picturesque views of the cliffs. NOTE: The On Your Feet groups WILL NOT take the mini train or go on the walking discovery, instead we will enjoy a coastal boat discovery of Bonifacio.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time in Bonifacio. Later in the afternoon enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Day
8
Porto Vecchio Walking Discovery
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MV La Belle des Oceans
Activity Note
Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 3 miles on uneven ground, cobblestones. 2 1/2 hours of standing. NOTE: The On Your Feet groups will do the same Field Trip at a slower pace and with a motorcoach ride to the town.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The Keep the Pace groups will walk from the ship to Porto Vecchio where we will have a walking discovery of the town. NOTE: The On Your Feet groups will have a motorcoach from the ship to Porto Vecchio to limit walking. The excellent position of the natural harbor that is Porto Vecchio attracted the Genoese who founded the town in 1539 as one of their defensive ports around the island. Porto Vecchio is now a major economic and tourist hub in Corsica. We will see the marina and walk in the old town consisting of a grid of cobble streets and the main square, "Place de la Republique". Take the time to walk among the ancient city walls and pass the Porte Genoese Gate which frames a wonderful panoramic view of the harbor, the sea and the surroundings mountains.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Day
9
Bastia, Cap Corse
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MV La Belle des Oceans
Activity Note
Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles on uneven ground, cobblestones. NOTE: The On Your Feet groups will do the same Field Trip at a slower pace.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Both activity levels will board our motorcoach and set out to Cap Corse, a 40 kilometer long and 10-kilometer-wide promontory to the North of Bastia pointing like a finger towards the open sea. Here nature reigns supreme, we will enjoy rugged coastline and awe-inspiring scenery composed of mountains, blue sea and scrubland with perfect little villages nestled in the valleys or perched atop rocky crags. On the west coast, discover Pino Marina and the medieval village of Nonza perched like an eagle’s nest on a cliff top 100 m above sea level.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Continue to Saint Florent, originally a fishing port, pleasure boats have now taken the place of fishing vessels. We will have some free time to discover this village. Board our motorcoach and drive back to the pier in Bastia.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Day
10
Ile Rousse, Calvi Walking Discovery
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
MV La Belle des Oceans
Activity Note
Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 3 miles on mostly flat & paved ground, some steps and walking up/downhill. 2 1/2 hours of standing.NOTE: The On Your Feet groups will have a coach discovery of the old villages of the Balagne region.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
The Keep the Pace groups will board our motorcoach and drive to Calvi where we will enjoy a walking discovery. Stop at the Citadel, an impressive fortress sitting on top of the hill (OUTSIDE VISIT ONLY) where we will enjoy the glorious view of the azure sea. Next we will walk to the Cathedrale St-Jean Baptiste and the Place D’Armes. Stop at one of Calvi's most precious jewels: The Oratoire Saint Antoine and its 15th century frescoes. NOTE: The On Your Feet groups will enjoy a coach discovery of the most beautiful old villages of the Balagne region. We will discover the secret villages clinging to the hillsides in the heart of untouched nature.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Day
11
Nice, Disembark Ship, Monaco, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Location:
Nice
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Hotel Brice Garden Nice
Activity Note
Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Walking up to 2 miles in Monaco on uneven ground, flat surfaces, and inclined terrain; walking approximately 1 mile at Villla Ephrussi with some unavoidable steps in gardens. Standing for 1.5 hours at a time during activities. The group will be split between 3 hotels, please note that we have to take Color Groups & bed configuration into consideration when assigning hotels, once your hotel is assigned, it cannot be changed.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Complete disembarkation procedures in Nice, then we will set out for a scenic drive via motorcoach along the Middle Corniche road, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast, making our way towards the Principality of Monaco. Upon our arrival to Monaco, we will discover the second smallest sovereign state in the world, after Vatican City.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Both activity levels will head out via motorcoach to the Villa Ephrussi to learn about the story of Béatrice de Rothschild. Uncover the many tales of her life and passions. Explore the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild; her rose-colored villa, then filled the mansion with antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures, objets d'art, and an extensive collection of rare porcelain. The gardens are one of the most beautiful in all of France. We will ride to the hotel and check in.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner at the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and prepare for departure in the morning.
Day
12
Nice, Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check out is 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
MEALS
26 Meals
10 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
9 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024
Participant Reviews
Based on 3 Reviews
Sort By:
I highly recommend the Bonjour Corsica trip--an unexpected pearl of a trip that gave great overview of the area!
— Review left October 31, 2024
Corsica is incredibly beautiful, complex within its population and unique culture.It is geographically and topographically well positioned. It provides gorgeous mountain views, great rock formations and beautiful nautical vistas.The diversity of the the mountains and low land is amazing.
— Review left October 13, 2024
I want to recommend Ben, for the outstanding help he gave us regarding our arrival and departure.
— Review left October 13, 2024
