The Wonders of Sardinia and Corsica

We meet at London St Pancras for the Eurostar journey to Paris. Changing trains in the French capital, we continue to the pretty coastal city of Nice. We spend the night here in a local hotel.

• Dinner
• Eurostar Meal

Today we board a ferry to the French island of Corsica, a relaxed island bursting with spectacular natural beauty. Arriving in Bastia, we transfer to Calvi on the northern coast, the lesser-visited part of the island where rugged landscapes meet quaint French towns and unspoilt beaches. Our hotel for three nights is the Hôtel L'Abbaye, a former 16th-century monastery in the heart of the town.

• Breakfast

We're introduced to Calvi on a guided walk, discovering a town made up of pastel buildings, cobbled streets and a picturesque azure harbour. In the afternoon, you're free to relax or explore this gorgeous French town further. One option is to find a local café and indulge in some traditional Corsican food. Cuisine here is delightfully rustic, and draws from both French and Italian influences, with soups and stews especially popular. Corsica produces some excellent wines, too, which are often relatively unknown outside of the island.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We take the train to Île-Rousse, a town with a central square lined with cafés and ice-cream parlours, and white beaches lifted straight from a postcard. You have time for lunch, the perfect chance to indulge in some al fresco dining. Next, we visit Monticello, a beautiful village perched on a rocky cliffside with sweeping ocean views. It's believed that Christopher Columbus's mother, Susanna Fontanarossa, was born here. Our final visit is Sant'Antonino. Officially known as one of the most beautiful villages in France, it dates back to the 9th century and is the oldest inhabited village in Corsica. You have time to explore before we visit a 'Maison du Citron' for a fresh citrus juice.

• Breakfast

We make our way to the south of Corsica by rail, travelling through a landscape of ancient mountains enveloped by verdant forests. We arrive in the port city of Ajaccio, then continue to the attractive harbour town of Propriano further south, staying there for two nights in a peaceful hotel, overlooking the beautiful bay.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today you have a full day at leisure, to explore the small town of Propriano or simply make the most of your tranquil surroundings and hotel facilities. The hotel has two swimming pools, one of which is heated, and a seasonal hot tub. Within 200 yards are some fine sand beaches and the tempting Mediterranean Sea. The town is small, so easy to explore - you may like to start by visiting the harbour where colourful houses overlook the marina of yachts and sailing boats. A flight of steps just behind the harbour leads to the Church of Notre Dame. To the south west of the harbour you can join a scenic coastal route if you feel like a longer walk with views across the Valinco Gulf. Beyond the harbour is the main street, lined with luxury shops and traditional houses, as well as a variety of tempting restaurants and bars to choose from this evening.

• Breakfast

Today we head further south to Bonifacio, a coastal town, set above dramatic white cliffs with an impressive citadel. After a guided tour of the historic old town you have some free time to look around. Maybe enjoy a drink or light lunch in the sophisticated marina with its palm trees and yachts, before we board the ferry to Sardinia. The Italian island is known for its turquoise waters, enticing beaches and laid-back way of life. On arrival we transfer to our hotel in the historic town of Alghero, where we spend four nights. This evening we have dinner together at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the city of Alghero and visit the fantastical Grotte di Nettuno - Neptune's Caves. Formed over centuries, these fascinating limestone caves are accessible by sea using the 'Linea Grotte' boat. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to enjoy the city at your own pace. This evening you may choose to enjoy a typical Sardinian meal - seafood dishes, including 'spaghetti with sea urchin' are a local speciality.

• Breakfast

Today you have a full day at leisure in Alghero, a honey-coloured medieval city with an unmistakeable Spanish atmosphere. Enjoy free time here; discover the city walls and historic buildings, or perhaps sample some Sardinian food or relax with a glass of local wine in an atmospheric piazza. You'll find many excellent restaurants and cafés in the lively historic centre.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we travel by coach to Castelsardo to discover a place that's often referred to as 'one of the loveliest towns in Italy'. Here you are free to explore and enjoy lunch. The picturesque town is known for its dramatic ancient castle, perched on a hill overlooking the fortified old town. This evening we dine together in a restaurant in Alghero.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a relaxed morning in Alghero with free time for lunch, we transfer to Porto Torres to board an overnight ferry in the evening and settle into our cabins for the overnight sailing to Toulon.

• Breakfast

Arriving in the French port city of Toulon, we leave the ferry and begin our journey home. We travel to Paris and join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras, where our holiday ends.