Railways? On Corsica? Many are surprised that you'll find some of France's most scenic and prettiest railways on this island. The trains run through the mountains and long the beaches, stopping for the locals after their day in the sea. Our Corsica Rail Tour features these amazing scenic trains along with a comfortable overnight ferry to and from mainland France, train rides through France by high-speed TGV, and the most personal and welcoming hotels on Corsica. Our daily guides, tailor-made to your trip, are full of tips on what to do and see on what is rightly called the Isle of beauty.

Day 1 - to Paris

You start the journey South in Paris, either by train from the international airport or by high-speed train from the European station of your choice. Stay one night in France's capital in a comfortable, modern hotel close to Gare de Lyon.

Day 2 - to Toulon

Board the direct TGV high-speed train to the historic Mediterranean city of Toulon. Here you board the overnight ferry to Ajaccio, Corsica's capital. You sleep in a private sleeping cabin, with bedding and breakfast included. Several different restaurants are available onboard as you watch the sun set over the Mediterranean.

Day 3 - Ajaccio

You arrive in Ajaccio early in the morning. EIther take the first train onwards, or spend the morning and early afternoon in Ajaccio. Visit the national art museum, one of the many monuments to Napoleon (who was born here), or the thrice-weekly fresh produce market in the old harbour.

Trains on Corsica have full-length panoramic windows and take you through countless ancient villages, tunnels and bridges that the train passes through on the 3-hour trip. You are picked up at the train station by hotel staff. Accomodation is in either Hotel Du Nord or Hotel Duc de Padoue, owned and run by the same family in classical buildings featuring modern rooms. 

Day 4 - Corte

Day off in Corte, the old capital of Corsica. A small but vibrant student city with a beautifully preserved castle complex. Visit Corsica's national museum or take a hike over one of the many beautiful trails into the surrounding mountains, and enjoy the excelent (and cheap) local cuisine.

The hotel owners know everyone in Corte and will be more than happy to provide you with restaurant tips, hiking routes, a taxi to pick you up after hiking, or bicycle hire. 

Day 5 - Calvi

Today you take the train onwards to Calvi, continuing the beautiful train journey through the spectacular mountain. During the last part of the journey the railway closely follows the beach. You stay in a traditional hotel near the train station and city centre.

Day 6 - Calvi

Calvi is known for the 'Citadel', the old town, built on a steep hill right next to the sea. The climb to the pittoresque stone houses is well worth it. A highly recommended activity is a day or afternoon on the beach in Calvi, or a little further along by rail. A local train stops at every beach, and a ticket is included in this tour.

Day 7 - Erbalunga or Bastia

After breakfast, you take a train through the foothills of the mountains to Bastia. Here you take a bus or taxi to take you to the 'Cape' of Corsica, where you will be staying in the luxurious Castel Brando hotel in the small seaside village of Erbalunga.

The hotel complex was built by the descendants of French settlers in the USA, who returned to France after several generations, as their holiday home on the beach. The hotel has its own (Michelin-listed) restaurant, two swimming pools (one heated) and continuous room and poolside service. 

In the summer season from June to August, hotel Castel Brando has a minimum stay of 3 nights. If you do not extend the period of stay to at least 3 nights during this period, accomodations are in Bastia, in a traditional hotel close to the train station.

Day 8 - Erbalunga or Bastia

Day off in Erbalunga. Spend a day next to the pool or the beach, or visit Bastia's old town. The hotel receptionists will be happy to provide you with hiking routes around the hotel, and book a taxi for you to Bastia or elsewhere. At the end of the day you travel to Bastia for the return journey to Toulon, where the ferry leaves in the early evening.

Day 9 - To Paris

You arrive back in Toulon in the early morning. The direct high-speed train takes you back to Paris, where you stay one more night close to gare de Lyon.

Day 10 - Return trip

Transfer back to the airport, or by high-speed train to your station or airport of choice.