12-Day Scenic Journey Through Sardinia and Corsica

Day 1: Costa Smeralda Luxury

Olbia, Sardinia on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Pasticceria Smeralda

Start your day with authentic Sardinian pastries and espresso at this classic cafe open from 7:00am to 1:00pm.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Porto Cervo and Cala di Volpe

Visit the upscale marina, boutique shops, and beautiful beaches that characterize the glamorous Costa Smeralda, perfect for scenic walks and photo ops.
Free, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Cabana

Enjoy fresh seafood with a view of the marina, savoring Sardinian specialties such as fregola pasta with clams, restaurant open 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Olbia

Discover Sardinia’s rich history from the Nuragic period to Roman times. The museum is open 9:00am-1:00pm and 3:00pm-7:00pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Agriturismo Le Carcare

Dine on farm-to-table dishes emphasizing local produce and meats in a rustic setting near Olbia.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Coastal Adventure

Cala Gonone, Sardinia on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast to fuel your day in this beautiful coastal town.
Included with stay, 0h45m

9:00am

Boat tour of the Cala Luna and Bue Marino Caves

Take a 4-hour guided boat trip exploring stunning sea caves, crystal-clear water ideal for swimming, and magnificent cliffs along the Gulf of Orosei.
EUR50, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Bue Marino

Eat fresh seafood and pasta dishes overlooking the seaside, hours from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Hike to Golgo Plateau and visit Nuragic village

Enjoy a moderate 3-km walk suitable for the afternoon, and experience ancient Sardinian cultures preserved in this archaeological site.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Bitta

Traditional Sardinian cuisine with a warm ambiance; specialties include roasted suckling pig. Open from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Mountain Culture

Orgosolo, Sardinia on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Ida

Enjoy typical Italian breakfast with cornetto and cappuccino before setting off toward the mountains.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Walking tour of Orgosolo Murals

Explore this unique village famed for its powerful political murals that narrate Sardinia’s history and culture, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Agriturismo Su Stangioni

Enjoy locally sourced dishes including homemade cheeses and cured meats in picturesque rural setting, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Tiscali Archaeological Site

Hike to this mysterious Nuragic village hidden inside a mountain cave; a cultural and natural highlight, best visited with a guide.
EUR15 for guide, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Su Gologone Restaurant

Upscale restaurant known for exquisite Sardinian ingredients in artistic presentation, open 7:00pm-10:00pm.
EUR50, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Ferry to Corsica

Santa Teresa Gallura, Sardinia / Bonifacio, Corsica on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast to prepare for ferry transfer to Corsica.
Included with stay, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Santa Teresa Gallura

Scenic 3-hour drive along Sardinia’s northern coast to ferry terminal.
Fuel cost approx EUR40, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local trattoria in Santa Teresa Gallura

Enjoy traditional Sardinian dishes before boarding the ferry. Open 11:30am-2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Ferry crossing to Bonifacio

Ferry crosses the Strait of Bonifacio in about 50 minutes, offering stunning views of cliffs and sea.
EUR50, 50m

3:00pm

Check-in and relax in Bonifacio

Settle into your accommodation in this charming Corsican town famous for its towering white limestone cliffs.
Varies, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening walk and dinner at U Fanale

Located right on the port, offering fresh seafood and Corsican specialties. Open from 7:00pm.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historic Bonifacio

Bonifacio, Corsica on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café du Commerce

Cozy town cafe with great croissants and coffee, open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Cliffside walk and visit Bastion de l'Étendard

Explore the dramatic limestone cliffs and historic bastion overlooking the sea, open for walks all day.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit the Citadel and Old Town

Walk narrow medieval streets with panoramic views of the harbor and Corsican landscape.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at L'Ambata

Enjoy fresh seafood and Corsican charcuterie on a terrace with harbor views, open 12:00pm to 2:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat tour of Bonifacio sea caves

Afternoon boat ride exploring the surreal limestone caves and grottos around Bonifacio cliffs, tours from 2:00pm-5:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Caravelle

Casual dining with refined Corsican dishes, open 7:00pm-10:00pm.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Corsica Coastal Drive

Ajaccio, Corsica on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a scenic drive while enjoying breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive from Bonifacio to Ajaccio

About 3 hours of scenic coastal driving north along Corsica’s western shore.
Fuel cost approx EUR40, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Napoleon

Located in Ajaccio old town, this cafe serves Corsican specialties and excellent sandwiches from 12:00pm to 2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Maison Bonaparte and Ajaccio Cathedral

Explore Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace museum and the beautiful cathedral nearby, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR7, 2h0m

6:00pm

Stroll along the Ajaccio waterfront

Leisure walk with sunset views over the Mediterranean Sea.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le 20123

Celebrate Corsican gastronomy with specialties such as wild boar stew in a warm ambiance, open 7:00pm-10:00pm.
EUR45, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Mountain Escape

Corte, Corsica on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a mountain day with a full breakfast.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Corte

About 1.5 hours inland drive to the historic mountain town of Corte surrounded by Corsica’s rugged interior.
Fuel cost approx EUR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit the Citadel and Museum of Corsica

Discover Corsica’s history in this mountain fortress overlooking dramatic valleys, open 9:30am to 5:30pm.
EUR6, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at U Museu

Try traditional Corsican dishes such as chestnut flour specialties in the town center, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Hike Restonica Valley

Take a moderate 4-hour hike to mountain lakes with breathtaking scenery and natural swimming spots.
Free, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at A Nunna

End the day with local home-style Corsican cuisine, focusing on hearty mountain flavors. Open 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
EUR35, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Northern Coastline

Calvi, Corsica on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Corte before heading toward the coast.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Calvi

About 2 hours’ scenic drive northwest to Calvi, a lively seaside town with rich history.
Fuel cost approx EUR25, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Calvi Citadel and marina

Explore the historic fortress with panoramic views, shops, and a bustling marina.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Le Nautic

Fresh seafood and Corsican wines right on the marina, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax on Calvi Beach

Spend your afternoon swimming and sunbathing on one of Corsica’s best sandy beaches.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Musicale

Popular spot blending Corsican and Mediterranean cuisine with live music on select nights, open 7:00pm-10:00pm.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: La Balagne Villages

Calvi region, Corsica on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel for the day with an included hotel breakfast.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Day trip visiting Sant’Antonino and Pigna

Discover two beautiful hilltop villages known for artisan crafts, galleries, and spectacular views.
Free, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at U Castellu in Sant’Antonino

Dine on authentic Corsican dishes in a charming village restaurant, open 12:00pm to 2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Calvi and light dinner

Enjoy light dishes or tapas at Bar des Amis, open until 10:00pm.
EUR20, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure Prep

Calvi, Corsica on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal before your return journey.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

Morning beach walk and souvenir shopping

Stroll along Calvi’s beach promenade and shop for local specialties.
Free except shopping, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant A Nepita

Farewell Corsican lunch with local wines and delicacies, open 12:00pm to 2:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Prepare for departure

Return rental car and transfer to airport or ferry terminal.
Varies, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Travel Day

Transit on May 15, 2025

All day

Travel Home

Use this day for travel back home or onward to your next destination.
Varies, Variable
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Rest and Reflect

Home on May 16, 2025

All day

Rest Day

Relax and reflect on your amazing Sardinia and Corsica adventure.
Free, All day
View Hotel Availability