Excursion Highlights of ajaccio tour at Ajaccio

Enjoy an introduction to Ajaccio and surroundings during this half-day excursion. Leaving the pier, begin your drive along the Cours Napoleon and past the main square, Place de Gaulle, dominated by a huge bronze statue of Napoleon and his four brothers. Then proceed through the former English Quarter and past Austerlitz Square, highlighted by another monument to Napoleon - a replica of the statue at Les Invalides in Paris.

Sanguinaires Islands

Leaving Ajaccio, your coach travels along the delightful Route des Sanguinaires toward the northern tip of the gulf. En route you will pass a succession of tourist developments and sandy beaches. A stop will be made at a view point offering views of the Gulf of Ajaccio with the Isle sanguinaires in the background. The unusual shapes and color of this miniature archipelago have inspired numerous artists; today they stand as the symbol of Ajaccio. Following a photo stop and some free time you will head back to town.

Your next stop is the 16th-century church that was the site where Napoleon was baptized in 1771. During a brief visit you can view the baptismal font, a marble altar dating from 1811 and a painting by Eugene Delacroix. (Interior visit is not guaranteed and may be cancelled in the event of a funeral or special celebration)

Casa Bonaparte

Pass by Casa Bonaparte (for an exterior view only). Nowadays a museum, it was once the residence of the Bonaparte family and Napoleon's place of birth on August 15, 1769. Then continue with your walk toward Place Foch.

Place Foch

This delightful, shady square is known locally as "Place des Palmiers" for the double row of huge palms bordering the square. Its focal point is a fountain of four marble lions with yet another statue of Napoleon. From here it is a short walk or drive back to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Sanguinaires Islands, Cathedral, Casa Bonaparte, Place Foch

Note

Please note: This tour involves a guided walk in the town center for approximately 1½ hours walking over uneven pavement and grounds. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. In high season (July/August) Austerlizt Square may be closed to public without notice due to festival & concerts preparation / rehearsal. Interior visits are not included in this tour. There are no public restroom facilities in Corsica, therefore you may be required to purchase a beverage at a local bar or cafe to use the facility. In high season (July/August) Austerlizt Square may be closed to public without prior notice due to festival & concerts preparation / rehearsal.