Corsica - Nice - Bastia - Porto - Gulf of Valinco - Sartene - Olmeto - Ajaccio

17 September - 1 October, 2010

I'm going to the island of Corsica in September 2010 and in association with Harvey World Travel in Dunsborough  I'm seeking  expressions of interest from 10 like-minded people with whom I can share the delights of this beautiful island.

Italian since the fourteenth century, French since they bought it secretly from the Republic of Genoa in 1764, Corsica appeals to my passion for French culture, Italian food and the wonderful Mediterranean light.

We have developed an easy-paced itinerary with lots of opportunities to paint and draw, instruction and help if required, and plenty of free time to enjoy just being on what the French call this  L'Île de Beauté.

Provisional Itinerary

17th September
Depart Perth Emirates Airlines via Dubai to arrive in Nice early morning 18th September. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the city hotel, Hotel Windsor.

18th - 21st September (3 nights) Nice - Rue Dalpozzo

21st September - Flight to Bastia in Corsica
On arrival we will be met and taken to our small hotel () north of the city in the small village of Erbalunga

21st - 24th September (three nights) - Hotel Demeure Castel Brando - Erbalunga
Transport is provided to enable group to visit interesting sites in the area with plenty of time for painting and also walking.

24th September
Depart the Bastia area today for the drive over the mountains to the city of Corte for lunch before continuing on to the West Coast town of Porto.

24th -  27th September (three nights) - Hotel Bon Accuell - Route de la Marine - Porto
Time will be spent looking for suitable area to paint and also to walk. Transport provided.

27th September
Departing Porto this morning we travel southeast to arrive later in the day at Propriano on the Gulf of Valinco.  

27th - 30th September (three nights) - Le Neptune Hotel - 39 Rue Du 9 Septembre - Propriano
During our stay in this area we will have time for painting as well as some touring to the nearby country areas around Sartene and Olmeto.

30th September
Today we drive over to Ajaccio in time to catch the train back to Bastia. This is an incredible journey with spectacular scenery. On arrival back into Bastia we will transfer to our overnight hotel in the city.

1st  October
Today we will depart early from Bastia by Corse ferries to arrive into Nice at 1.30pm. On arrival we will transfer to the airport in time for our flight to Perth or to other destinations as required. Tour ends.

Inclusions and Exclusions

• Breakfast included daily.
• All transport and additional meals along the way ie some lunches and dinners.
• The tour is 15 days in length and will cost $6,950.00 and is subject to 10 paying guests and is based on twin share rooms. If single rooms are needed then an additional charges will be made.
• Non-painters most welcome.

This is the ideal location outside of tourist prime time, to explore, sketch and paint the island's mountains, beaches, villages and rich archaeological and historic sites.  

There is an option of a further 5 days in the Aix en Provence region, before returning to Nice or continuing your travels in Europe. The cost of the Aix en Provence extension is not yet determined.

I will be escorting a maximum of 10 people. Previous trips of this sort have filled quickly. I hope you decide to join me!

Visit Bill Yeates' Website for more information.