Rome to Corsica

Saturday 05 September

Depart on Emirates Airlines, change planes and depart for Rome.

Sunday 06 September

Arrive in Rome and transfer to your centrally-located hotel. 

Monday 07 September

After a morning at leisure, this afternoon  we experience the grandeur of ancient Rome with a guided tour of the iconic Colosseum, Imperial Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Pantheon. A Welcome Dinner tonight.

Tuesday 08 September

This morning we travel to Naples and enjoy an afternoon guided walking tour. Along with the historical sights we learn about the culinary traditions of the city, and the origins of pizza Margherita and its essential ingredients - mozzarella, basil and tomatoes. Dinner at a local restaurant tonight. 

Wednesday 09 September

Today, explore Pompeii the partially buried ancient Roman town-city which was destroyed and completely buried during a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year AD 79, and rediscovered in 1749. Following this, visit a boutique winery for a light lunch including local wines. We continue on to Sorrento.

Thursday 10 September

After breakfast, there is a full day coastal excursion along the spectacular Amalfi Coast, with leisure time in Amalfi to enjoy lunch and explore. 

Friday 11 September

After breakfast travel to a farm in Sant’ Agata dei Due Golfi for a cooking class. Pick seasonal, fresh herbs and vegetables from the fields and gardens to transform into unique Italian dishes. Afternoon at leisure before we return to Naples to board an overnight ferry to Palermo on the island of Sicily.

Saturday 12 September

On arrival at the port, travel to Monreale for a guided visit including the famous Cathedral of XII Century decorated with Byzantine mosaics. Travel on to Palermo, the capital of ancient Sicily where you’ll enter the walls of one of the city’s most important historic residences for a guided tour. Relive the life of Palermo’s aristocratic families who were guests at the palace between the 18th and 19th Century.

Sunday 13 September

This morning experience the Palermo markets where you will have the opportunity to taste ‘panelle’, ‘arancini’ and visit one of the most renowned pastry shops in town. We then travel by bus to Catania for a walking tour to discover the ancient port city with its historic city center, fine baroque architecture and bustling markets.

Monday 14 September

Today explore the 4th Century BC town of Taormina, which is located on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, with panoramic views of the bays and Mount Etna. Explore Taormina’s Greek Amphitheatre and historic centre. Then continue on to Siracusa.

Tuesday 15 September

A guided tour of Neapolis Archaeological Park, featuring the town’s most important attractions - the Teatro Greco (Greek Theatre), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great theatres of the classical period; the Altar of Hieron II; the Ear of Dionysius grotto, and the Roman Amphitheater. This evening, dine at leisure in one of Ortigia’s wonderful restaurants. 

One of the centres of ancient Western civilization, Ortigia, the ancient part of Siracusa (Syracuse) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, overlooking the Mediterranean. Of all the Greek cities of antiquity that flourished on the coast of Sicily, Siracusa was the most important, a formidable competitor of Athens. In its heyday, it dared take on Carthage and even Rome. Colonists from Corinth founded Siracusa on the Ionian Sea in about 735 BC.  

Wednesday 16 September

Another day excursion to discover the Baroque towns of Noto and Ragusa, before continuing on to Pozzallo and a late afternoon ferry to Valletta, Malta for a three-night stay.

Noto, set amid olive groves and almond trees on a plateau overlooking the Asinaro Valley, dates from the 9th century. 

Ragusa, often described as two towns in one: Ragusa Superiore, created after a devastating earthquake in 1693, and Ragusa Ibla, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best-preserved historic towns in Sicily.  

Thursday 17 September

La Valletta the capital city of Malta is often described as an ‘open-air museum’. Visit the 16th Century St John’s Cathedral and view Caravaggio’s most famous masterpiece ‘The Beheading of St John’. The tour includes Upper Barakka Gardens, with unparalleled views of the Grand Harbour, and Valletta’s prominent St George’s Square. Free afternoon to roam around, explore and take in the city’s heritage. 

Friday 18 September

Today, explore the wonders of Gozo, Malta’s sister island. A four-kilometer ferry ride divides Malta from Gozo. It appears more rural, less developed, and greener than Malta. The tour includes the Ġgantija Megalithic Temples, the northern region of the island, the ancient Roman salt pans of Qbajja and its stunning inland sea. Enjoy a walking tour of Victoria, the island’s main town, to explore its charming narrow streets, markets, and shops before the ferry back to Valletta. 

Saturday 19 September

A half day excursion by coach to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk to admire its traditional market and typical coloured boats. Along the way visit Hagar Qim and the three cities of Malta - Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. This afternoon fly to Cagliari.

Sunday 20 September

Today we travel to the archaeological site of Nora for a guided visit of the Roman ruins and a visit to beaches that are considered to be some of the best in the world. Time for a swim.

Monday 21 September

This morning we explore Cagliari and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nuraghe, which dates back 3,500 years. We continue on to Oristano for a two-night stay.

Tuesday 22 September

Today a free day to relax and follow your own interests. Why not enjoy a leisurely breakfast and an easy stroll around the waterfront.

Wednesday 23 September

Journey through the heart of Sardinia and on to the colourful village of Bosa, an ancient Phoenician settlement nestled among lush green valleys and later taken over by the Romans, and famous for its handicraft traditions and the quality of its oil and wines. Carry on to Alghero for a walking tour.

Thursday 24 September

From Alghero, travel north and explore the Stintino area which features more beautiful beaches of Sardinia then on to Santa Teresa di Gallura village where a late ferry will cross to Bonifacio, the French island of Corsica. 

Friday 25 September

From Bonifacio travel to Ajaccio the capital of Corsica and birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. A pristine shoreline with exquisite powder sand coves, calm turquoise waters and rugged islands, backed by imposing snow-capped mountains. 

Saturday 26 September

On the drive through the heart of the island, visit Venaco where you can admire the Pont du Vecchio rail bridge built by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel (Eiffel Tower fame). Then, a stop in Corte the ancient capital of Corsica, a historic fortress town located in central Corsica at the foot of the island’s highest mountains.

Sunday 27 September

Cape Corse Peninsula is located at the north-east, its road is Corsica’s signature scenic drive recognised worldwide for an incredibly diverse range of attractions. The gently sloping hilly east coast is washed by clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea with small fishing ports indented by idyllic coves. The west coast scenery becomes wilder with sheer cliffs plunging into crashing waves of the Mediterranean. Farewell Dinner tonight.

Monday 28 September

Depart Bastia airport on Air Corsica to Nice. Change planes for your flight to Dubai. 

Tuesday 29 September

Arrive Dubai for an overnight stay at the airport hotel. Depart in the morning for Auckland. 

Wednesday 30 September

A mid-morning arrival in Auckland

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