Bonifacio

[MJ123]

What's in Bonifacio? any shore excursion worth going?

 

Thanks,

[StanandJim]

MJ123-

 

There is a four hour bus excursion to Napoleon's childhood home (which we would only recomend to the Emporer's hard core fans). Before Napoleon struck it rich, the Bonapartes were on the high end of Middle Class, so the house is exceedingly modest.

 

Bonafacio itself is a charming, very small, very French town, which is easily walkable if you plan it right.

 

There is a tram (free as we recall but it might have been a minimal charge) that goes from the dock to the center of town (which is at the top of the huge hill that Bonafacio sits on).

 

We would recommend taking the tram up, and walking downhill back towards the ship. The streets are cobbled, the buildings masive and Medieval looking. As you round corners, you will occasionally be able to see the ship. There is a very interesting Cemetary, loads of shops, several churches, and a few very tiny museum type storefronts. Being downhill it is an easy, pleasant walk (although not good for those in wheelchairs). If the outdoor market is open on the day that you are there, it is worth a look. Aside from any bargains that you may acquire, it simply reeks with gallic charm.

 

One thing that we loved about Bonafacio is that they dont import junk for the tourist trade. Real, high quality French linens were sold both in shops and at the outdoor market near the city walls.

 

There are also a number of very charming, very scenic wine bars and restaurants at the foot of the quay where the ship docks. It is a beautiful place to relaxe, with a view of the harbor and of the ship.

 

We sampled a local Sauterne with our foie gras and felt like we went to French Heaven!

 

Hope this helped!

 

Stan & Jim

[ddcruiser]

We took the Oceania tour of the island surrounding Bonifacio. Loved it. Sartene gorgeous, mountains full of history, beauty, and interest. Because of our Oceania tour, we will go back to Corsica. Ddcruiser

[NAS-KARR]

Thanks for your great description on touring the town (mainly the tram and down hill) as I will be traveling with oxygen for the first time in my life (COPD) and will love this style of sightseeing.

 

 

CIAO, ;)

[StanandJim]

I will be traveling with oxygen for the first time in my life (COPD)

Nas-Karr

 

Not sure how advanced your COPD is, however, we have some experience in this area, as we did "Barcelona to Istanbul" with Stans' Mom while she had a very advanced case.

 

Things that we wished we had known in advance:

• Most Airlines will check a wheelchair through with your luggage, but don't count it toward your luggage allowance. Use the airports' wheelchairs as you travel and check yours as baggage.
  
• Every airline we've ever used refused to let us board with Oxygen. You cannot carry on OR check an oxygen tank.
  
• Most airlines will not even allow Oxygen equipment to be checked as baggage. Make sure you get written consent before getting to the airport. We have been turned away more than once.
  
• If you need Oxygen on the plane you must use only the airlines piped in oxygen. This is available in very few seats. Those seats must be reserved well in advance.
  
• The walking distances involved at many of the ports of all (and virtually ALL the museums) will probably make a wheelchair necessary on a Med. itinerary.
  
• Don't expect every European location to have a wheelchair for your occasional use. The handicapped laws are different there, and there are A LOT of elderly and infirm people travelling, so even if the venue has wheelchairs, they may be in use.
  
• Oceania will provide a wheelchair only onboard and only on a temporary basis
  
• In several of the ports, there were Rick-shaw type vehicles available to transport passengers (for a small fee) from the gangway to the port gates. We avoided these at first (sensing a rip off) but they turned out to be a Godsend. Utilize them. There is nothing worse than starting a tour exhausted!
  
• Waiting for a half an hour after the "All Clear" was sounded at each port gave Mom a deserted gangway to walk down (at her own pace).
  
• Discuss your trip with your doctor at home, and have him proscribe any incidental medicines that you "might" need during the trip. The medical care onboard is comprehensive and efficient but it is also VERY EXPENSIVE!!! (and mostly not recoverable from insurance). An emergency is an emergency, but for most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. (as we all know, the exchange rate for the pound is particularly awful right now!:) ).
  
• Even if you don't use a wheelchair in the United States, it might be a good precaution to buy one. You can buy a chair online ( 1800Wheelchair.com) for less than the cost of a two week rental. A lightweight, collapsible chair should be just over a hundred dollars.
  
• Even in situations where you don't sit in the wheelchair, many people find it easier to walk longer distances by walking behind the chair (as it gives them balance).
  
• Sit back and relaxe. You're on vacation to enjoy yourself, don't stress out. If a staircase, or a cobblestone street is too much for you, say so. Don't overdue it, tomorrow is another day.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

Stan & Jim

 

[shemp2000]

We took the Oceania tour of the island surrounding Bonifacio. Loved it. Sartene gorgeous, mountains full of history, beauty, and interest. Because of our Oceania tour, we will go back to Corsica. Ddcruiser

 

 

Is the tour you are talking about:

 

"The Complete Corsic" 7 hours?

 

Here is what the Oceania web site says "

Offering a definitive overview Corsica, this driving tour leaves no stone unturned. It begins along the island's western coast, and then heads inland to Sartène, a highly traditional town that has changed little over the years. Built on a promontory, Sartène is full of history and traditions dating back to the Middle Ages. It has defended itself, not always successfully, against pirates, Genoese occupiers in the Middle Ages, and even vendettas from other towns. You will see some of these other places as you drive through quaint St. Lucie de Tallano, Levie, and Zonza. An entirely different landscape lies ahead, as you ascend into the mountainous interior of Corsica toward Bavella. The route then winds down through the picturesque Ospedale region, which is characterized by enormous granite boulders emerging from deep-green forests. Upon reaching Corsica's eastern coast, you will be afforded wonderful views of the gulf of Porto Vecchio."

 

What amount of time is spent on the bus vs walking in towns etc? Which towns do you get off of the bus and walk through?

We are not the type that like bus tours, however, we will be in Corsica on a Sunday, so options outside of the ship's tour appear to be limited.

 

Thanks