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Ffestiniog Travel · Escorted tour

The Splendour of Corsica

Escorted train and ferry circle through Corsica from Lyon to Lille

Illustration of The Splendour of Corsica

Ffestiniog Travel operates this 14-day escorted tour combining mainland France and Corsica, departing London in September 2027. You travel by Eurostar, train, ferry, and coach, staying in good-quality central hotels in Lyon, Nice, Bastia, Calvi, Ajaccio, Toulon, and Lille. A tour leader from London manages logistics throughout. The itinerary emphasizes Corsican rail travel: you board the narrow gauge railway from Bastia to Calvi via Ile Rousse and the western coast on Day 7, then travel to Ajaccio via Corté on Day 10, each journey described as highly scenic. A 7-day travel card grants unlimited rail exploration during your leisure days. Coastal rail journeys on the French Riviera lead to Nice, and a guided full-day excursion explores Cap Corse's 40km promontory. The pace is relaxed, with multi-night stays in Corsica's main towns and time to explore independently. Bed and breakfast accommodation and a guided cap-corse excursion are included, though only one lunch and one evening meal; you choose most meals. This tour suits repeat rail travellers seeking scenic narrow gauge railways, first-time rail travellers wanting guided comfort, and independent explorers with access to a travel card for optional rail adventures.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure listed: September 2027.
  • Most meals are not included; only one lunch and one evening meal are provided; bed and breakfast accommodation is standard.
  • High single supplement is not published; confirm with the operator.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lyon

    London to Lyon

    We take the lunchtime Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille and then continue by high speed train. Late evening arrival into Lyon for a 1-night stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Nice

    Onwards to Nice

    Departing Lyon late morning, we travel by train to Marseille and onwards along the French Riviera coastal line to Nice for a 2-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Nice

    At Leisure

    Time to explore Nice, or take a trip inland to Digne-les-Bains on the Chemin de Fer de Provence.

  4. Day 4overnight: Bastia

    Sail to Corsica

    Free morning in Nice before transferring to the ferry terminal for an afternoon departure to Bastia, on the north-eastern tip of Corsica. We stay here for 3 nights.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Bastia

    Bastia at Leisure

    Sightseeing options include the local bus to St. Floren, known as the Corsican St. Tropez, or rail to the university town of Corté. Your 7-day travel card allows unlimited rail travel on the island.

  6. Day 6overnight: Bastia

    Cap Corse Excursion

    A full day excursion by road with an English speaking local guide around Cap Corse, a 40km long promontory with a mountain ridge including Mont Stello (1307m). Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Calvi

    Rail to Calvi

    Morning departure by rail direct to Calvi via Ponte Leccia and Ile Rousse, hugging the western coastline. Lunchtime arrival in Calvi for a 3-night stay.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Calvi

    At Leisure

    Visit the Citadel or take a boat trip to Scandola, Corsica’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Optional excursions by train include Algajola or Ile Rousse.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Calvi

    At Leisure

    Visit the Citadel or take a boat trip to Scandola, Corsica’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Optional excursions by train include Algajola or Ile Rousse.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Ajaccio

    Rail to Ajaccio

    Morning departure by bus back to Bastia for a direct train to Ajaccio via Ponte Leccia and Corté, on one of the most scenic railways in the world. Mid-afternoon arrival for a 2-night stay.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Ajaccio

    At Leisure

    Free day to explore Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, perhaps by ‘Le Petit Train Ajaccio’ tourist road train.

  12. Day 12overnight: Toulon

    Farewell to Corsica

    Morning ferry back to the mainland. Arrive in Toulon for a 1-night stay and an evening meal (included).

  13. Day 13railovernight: Lille

    Toulon to Lille

    Morning transfer to the railway station for travel to Lille via Marseille. Arrive early evening for a 1-night stay.

  14. Day 14rail

    Return Home

    We depart Lille after a morning at leisure and return via Eurostar to London, arriving early afternoon.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Travel by train along the French Riviera coastal line from Marseille to Nice.
  • Day 6Full-day guided excursion around Cap Corse, a 40km promontory with Mont Stello reaching 1307m.
  • Day 7Rail journey from Bastia to Calvi via Ponte Leccia and Ile Rousse, hugging the western coastline.
  • Day 10Scenic rail journey from Bastia to Ajaccio via Ponte Leccia and Corté, described as one of the most scenic railways in the world.

Included

  • All rail travel as stated in Standard Class
  • A 7-day Travel Card for unlimited travel on the island’s railways
  • Accommodation in good quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
  • 1 lunch and 1 evening meal
  • All ferry and coach travel as stated
  • Full day excursion to Cap Corse with English speaking guide
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All rail travel in Standard Class is included, plus a 7-day travel card for unlimited travel on Corsica's narrow gauge railways. First Class upgrade is available on request.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Escorted. A tour leader from Ffestiniog Travel accompanies from London throughout the journey.
Which trains are featured?
The Corsican narrow gauge railway (Bastia-Calvi and Bastia-Ajaccio), the Chemin de Fer de Provence (Nice to Digne-les-Bains, optional), and mainline trains from London via Eurostar, Lille, and Marseille.
What is included in the price?
All rail and ferry travel, coach transfers, accommodation on bed and breakfast basis, one lunch and one evening meal, a guided Cap Corse excursion, local taxes, and tour leader services.
How much free time is there?
You have leisure time in Nice (Day 3), Bastia (Days 5), Calvi (Days 8-9), Ajaccio (Day 11), and Lille (Day 14). Your 7-day travel card allows you to explore Corsica's rail network independently during your stays.
When does the tour depart?
September 2027. The price starts at £3,780 (USD 5,048).

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