Elba and Corsica - anyone been?

[margbem]

If so, what would you recommend we do? We have 12 hours in Elba and over 9 in Portoferraio, Corsica.

[ISABELLA]

Not much to see there, just Napoleon House.

[srosenz]

You must be on the same Windsurf cruise that we're on - Rome to Barcelona. I'm looking for a private taxi/car with an English speaking driver for all of the ports of call. Although we don't want to take the Windstar tours, if you look at the tour descriptions on their website you can get a good idea of what there is to see. There is a lot more on Elba than Napolean's summer residence. If you get any good responses, especially for private guide contacts, I'd appreciate it if you could pass them on to me at srosenz@comcast.net

[margbem]

We're on the Seabourn Legend cruise from Monte Carlo to Rome!

[edinburgher]

We were in Elba last month. Our full day was split 50/50 with touring in the morning and exploring Portoferraio ourselves in the afternoon.

 

Ships dock right at the point where walking left takes you into the new town, walking right takes you into the old town. It is likely that most of your time would be spent exploring the old town. There is quite a bit to see including Napoleons (town) house, various museums, churches etc. and there are fabulous views from the higher levels. It is though quite steep. Lots of stairs and hilly bits to climb.

 

If you look on the PORTS section of CC you should find all the info needed to start you off, and you could google to see what else turns up. Frommers eg is often very good. On the CC info (just mentioned) where it lists SHOREX, we did the equivalent of the first one in the morning.

 

It is both a pretty island and a small one. Best for us on the tour was the free time at Porto Azzurra. Absolutely charming little town, flowers everywhere, marina, promenade, tiny narrow (pedestrianised) streets perfect for strolling. It is very small so no great effort needed. We had approx an hour here to do our own thing. If you are not too fussy about an actual tour, it might be worthwhile finding out about buses or the cost of a taxi to this town. Again, you could google to see what turns up.

[margbem]

Thanks Edinburgher - will look into your suggestions.