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PTG Tours · Escorted tour

Captivating Corsica and Tuscany

Tuscany and Corsica by rail, ferry, and coach from Pisa

Illustration of Captivating Corsica and Tuscany

Captivating Corsica and Tuscany is a 10-day escorted tour operated by PTG Tours that combines Italian cultural sightseeing with travel on Corsica's scenic narrow-gauge railways. The journey begins in Pisa with optional tours of Florence and Genoa before crossing by ferry to Corsica, where you travel both of the island's railway lines through mountains, forests and coastal scenery. A tour manager accompanies the group throughout, and accommodation is in good quality en-suite hotels in Pisa, Bastia and Ajaccio. Day 3 features skip-the-line access to Michelangelo's David in Florence and the Duomo; Day 4 returns to Pisa aboard a first-class Intercity train from Genoa. The Corsican section includes a guided tour of Calvi by train via the upper branch line, and a cross-island service train through dramatic mountain landscape. The package suits history-lovers drawn to Tuscany's cities and photographers interested in Mediterranean coastal scenery and narrow-gauge railways, as well as repeat rail travellers seeking a guided, all-inclusive experience. Departures run in late September and early October 2026, with prices from GBP 1,150 for the 6-day Corsica-only option.

What to know before you look closer

  • Lunch in Florence on Day 3 is not included in the package price
  • Day 9 offers multiple options (transfer to Sardinia, free day, or coach to Sartene) with varying overnight arrangements; confirm your choice when booking
  • The 10-day itinerary is the full package; shorter versions (6-day Corsica only, 5-day add-on, 9-day variants) have different pricing and routing

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Pisa

    UK - Pisa (optional pre-tour)

    Afternoon direct flights from Stansted, Gatwick, Heathrow, Bristol or Manchester to Pisa, or travel overland from London St Pancras by rail.

  2. Day 2overnight: Pisa (2 nights)

    Pisa

    Option 1: private guided tour of Pisa's main sites including the Leaning Tower and cathedral. Option 2: Tuscan vineyard and winery visit with wine tasting from 3pm.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Pisa

    Pisa - Florence - Pisa

    Train to Florence for a walking tour including skip-the-line access to Michelangelo's 'David' at the Accademia Gallery and the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio. Return train to Pisa.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Pisa

    Pisa - Genoa - Pisa

    Train north along the coast to Genoa; hop-on/hop-off bus tour of the city. Return to Pisa by loco-hauled Intercity train, first class seats.

  5. Day 5overnight: Bastia

    Pisa - Livorno - Bastia (Corsica)

    Mini-bus transfer to Livorno to board a Corsica Ferries ferry for the four-hour crossing to Bastia. Short transfer to hotel.

  6. Day 6overnight: Bastia

    Bastia

    Free day exploring Bastia, including the Citadelle/Terra-Nova, the Genoese Governor's Palace, the old port and market plaza.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Bastia (3 nights)

    Bastia - Calvi - Bastia

    Train to Calvi covering the upper branch of the Corsica railway via Ponte Leccia, with a guided tour of Calvi. Return train to Bastia.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Ajaccio

    Bastia - Ajaccio

    Service train from Bastia to Ajaccio, crossing the island through mountains, bridges and forest to the Gulf of Ajaccio. Free afternoon in Ajaccio.

  9. Day 9overnight: Ajaccio (1 or 2 nights)

    Ajaccio

    Three options: onward transfer/ferry to Sardinia to join the main Sardinia group; a free day in Ajaccio; or a coach excursion to the historic town of Sartene.

  10. Day 10

    Ajaccio - UK

    Fly back from Ajaccio to the UK via Genoa or Marseille, or stay on for two extra nights and fly direct Easyjet from Bastia to Gatwick.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: Train to Florence with skip-the-line access to Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio before returning by train to Pisa
  • Day 4Day 4: Coastal Intercity train north to Genoa in first class, followed by hop-on/hop-off bus tour of the city
  • Day 5Day 5: Four-hour Corsica Ferries ferry crossing from Livorno to Bastia
  • Day 7Day 7: Train journey on Corsica's upper branch line via Ponte Leccia to Calvi with guided tour, returning the same route
  • Day 8Day 8: Service train from Bastia to Ajaccio crossing the island through mountains, bridges and forest

Included

  • All travel and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
  • Good quality en-suite accommodation
  • Meals as shown in the itinerary; B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
  • Services of tour manager
  • Holiday is fully escorted

Not included

  • Lunch in Florence (Day 3, not included)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes rail journeys in Tuscany (Pisa-Florence and Pisa-Genoa) and both narrow-gauge railway lines in Corsica (Bastia to Calvi and Bastia to Ajaccio). Lunch in Florence is not included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes, fully escorted. PTG Tours provides a tour manager throughout the holiday.
What accommodation is included?
Good quality en-suite accommodation: NH Pisa (2 nights), Hotel Continental Bastia (3 nights), and Ibis Styles Napoleon Ajaccio (2 nights for the full 10-day package).
How do we get to Corsica?
By ferry. On Day 5 you take a minibus transfer to Livorno and board a Corsica Ferries ferry for a four-hour crossing to Bastia.
When does the tour run?
Two departures in 2026: September 29 to October 8 (full 10-day Tuscany and Corsica) and October 3 to 8 (6-day Corsica only). Prices from GBP 1,150 to GBP 1,550 depending on the package selected.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate. Days include walking tours in Pisa, Florence and Genoa, a guided tour of Calvi, and free exploration of Bastia and Ajaccio. No high-altitude or strenuous hiking.

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