Wine Trails and Coastal Tales: Corsica via Bordeaux

Nothing sums up Bordeaux quite like its enchanting chateaus and vineyards, which you’ll get to admire on today’s tour. A private driver will take you to the region’s most renowned chateaus, where you can explore vineyards and cellars while learning about local wines. After lunch, continue to Sauternais, an area famous for its eponymous sweet, golden-coloured white wines. Finish your day with one more wine tasting at a Grand Cru Classe estate before returning to your Saint-Emilion hotel. With bellies full of wine and heads full of facts, settle down for dinner at a restaurant booked by your local Concierge, and end the day with a glass of your new favourite vin.

We’ve left today free for you to explore Saint-Emilion and discover the attractions that make this medieval region a UNESCO World Heritage site (wine, history and charming scenery, anyone?). Continue riding the wine wave and visit one of the town’s many wineries, where grapes have been planted and cultivated as far back as the second century. Despite its small size, the largest monolithic church sits in the middle of Saint-Emilion, and we recommend taking a guided tour to see the beauty of this 12th-century underground church and its intriguing catacombs. For dinner, we’d suggest relaxing at a table on the cobblestone streets and ordering local dishes like confit duck or beef entrecôte.

You guessed it – today is about tasting more of France’s finest wine. Head to Bourdeaux to tour La Cité du Vin, a cultural centre dedicated to wine's universal, living heritage. Journey worldwide, across continents and centuries, to learn about the history of wine and the vine, finishing with a tasting of local Bordeaux wine.

The day’s second activity is a tasting session in the city’s market, where you’ll try everything from fresh prawns to stinky cheeses and even sea snails. Conclude the tour with delicious tapas or a seafood lunch before returning to Saint Emilion with satisfied stomachs.

Bid fond farewells to mainland France because today you’re off to Corsica. After an hour-and-a-half flight to Figari, collect your hire car and begin the quick 20-minute drive to Bonifacio in south Corsica. Check into your cliffside hotel, and if you can pull your eyes away from the mesmerising view, head out for an afternoon of exploring this pretty coastal commune.

You’ve got two days to tackle Bonifacio, and we’ve left them free to spend how you please. Make sure to stroll around the Old Town, winding through its narrow alleys and visiting hotspots like the Citadel and Church of Saint-Dominique. Afterwards, consider going on a boat tour to discover the coastline and visit sea caves and islands like Lavezzi or Cavallo. There are also plenty of hikes to be enjoyed along the coastal path, so pack a picnic and soak in the panoramic vistas before relaxing on one of the breathtaking beaches. Don’t forget to indulge in Corsican cuisine at a local restaurant, savouring the freshly caught seafood or regional specialities like wild boar casserole.

Leave one beautiful village behind for another, as today you’re driving to Piana, a commune poised above the Gulf of Porto on the island's western side. You’ll arrive after around three hours of driving, giving you the rest of the day to relax in the hotel’s swimming pool before watching the stunning sunset from the terrace.

Prepare to take to the waves, as today you’re going on a RIB tour around the Scandola Nature Reserve. This world-famous natural wonder is made of rugged red cliffs sprouting from the sea, dotted with caves and sandy coves. It’s considered a hotspot for biodiversity, with marine species that have long since disappeared in the rest of the Mediterranean. Soak in the site’s natural beauty from the comfort of your boat and stop for a refreshing swimming break in the fishing port of Girolata. After returning to dry land, treat yourself to Corsican cocktails from one of the many bars or restaurants overlooking the ocean.

An hour-and-a-half drive awaits you today, so enjoy a fill-your-boots breakfast before setting your Sat Nav for Corte. Nestled in the heart of Corsica, this commune is circled by jagged mountain peaks and stunning valley views. Your home for the next two nights is a riverside hotel shrouded in greenery, so dump your bags, jump into the heated swimming pool and browse the restaurant's menu that proudly serves authentic local cuisine.

Discover Corsica away from its renowned beaches on today’s hike through a verdant valley. A private guide will lead you along an ancient mule road flanked by a river and natural rock pools that beckon for irresistibly refreshing dips. The trail is suitable for all abilities, and if the views aren’t enough on their own, your guide will be on hand to enrich your journey with insights into the area’s history.

You’re back on the road today for a scenic hour-long drive to Monticello, a laid-back seaside commune at the foot of the Balagne hills. Your hotel for the final three nights of your holiday is perched on a hillside above Monticello, boasting unbeatable views of the surrounding landscape. Settle in, freshen up and prepare to pamper yourself after yesterday’s hike

Leave the driving to the professionals on this 4x4 tour of the Desert des Agriates. Despite being the only ‘official’ desert in Europe, the white, scrub-covered coastal landscape is a far cry from what you might expect a sandy desert to be. Roll through the ridges, valleys and rocky peaks along the maquis covered Cap Corse peninsula and admire some of Corsica’s best views. After the day-long tour, return to your hotel and replenish your energy with a delightful meal at the hotel's restaurant.

It’s your final day in Corsica, so rise bright and early for a full day of exploring Monticello. There’s plenty to keep you entertained: stroll through the narrow streets, dipping into the local shops and cafes; drive up Monte Grosso, which overlooks Monticello, for stunning panoramic views; explore the Church of the Annunciation (Église de l'Annonciation), which dates back to the 15th century; enjoy sun, sea and relaxation on one of the golden beaches; or taste regional products like honey and olive oil at one of the local markets. As the busy day draws to a close, settle down for one final meal (favourite French wine in hand), and raise a glass to your adventure through both Bordeaux and Corsica