Day 1

Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, followed by a TGV journey to Toulon. In the evening, board the overnight ferry to Corsica.

Day 2

Arrive in Ajaccio in the morning. The railway station is within walking distance of the ferry terminal. Corsica's entire railway network has been modernised in recent years, and the island's new panoramic trains offer spectacular views. Travel through oak and chestnut forests, past traditional villages and over the island's highest railway pass at Vizzavona. Overnight stay in the historic citadel town of Corte, Corsica's former capital, with its charming old centre (for example Hotel Du Nord***).

Day 3

Free day in Corte. Visit the Museum of Corsica or set off on one of the many scenic walks that begin just outside the town. Highly recommended are a section of the Mare e Mare trail or a summer bus excursion into the beautiful Restonica Valley.

Day 4

Enjoy one of Corsica's most scenic railway journeys through rugged mountain landscapes and along the coast to Calvi. Overnight stay in a centrally located hotel overlooking the citadel, harbour, beaches and surrounding mountains, for example Hotel Mariana.

Day 5

Free day in Calvi. Explore the historic town or spend the day on one of the beautiful sandy beaches, many of which have their own railway halt.

Day 6

Travel by train via Ponte Leccia to Bastia, then continue by bus (approximately 30 minutes) to Erbalunga on Cap Corse. This picturesque, largely traffic-free fishing village was originally built as a fortified settlement by the sea. Stay at Hotel Castel Brando, a beautifully restored Corsican manor house with gardens and a swimming pool.

Please note: during July and August, Hotel Castel Brando requires a minimum stay of three nights. For shorter stays, accommodation will instead be provided in Bastia, for example at Hotel Les Voyageurs.

Day 7

Enjoy a relaxing day on the coast. Take a scenic coastal walk and/or visit the historic centre of Bastia. In the evening, board the overnight ferry from Bastia to Toulon.

Day 8

Arrive in Toulon in the morning. Continue by direct TGV to Paris and transfer to Eurostar for your return journey to London St Pancras.

10-day rail tour

Compared with the 8-day rail tour, this itinerary includes:

• 1 additional night in Toulon before the ferry crossing
• 1 additional night in Ajaccio

15-day rail tour

Compared with the 8-day rail tour, this itinerary includes:

• 1 additional night in Toulon before the ferry crossing
• 1 additional night in Ajaccio
• 1 additional night in Corte
• 1 additional night in Calvi
• 3 additional nights in Erbalunga