Between France and Italy, yet with its own cuisine, culture and language, Corsica is a unique island of dramatic beauty. Hike its most picturesque trails on this expertly led small-group adventure. Basing ourselves in Corte, we hike through gorges and pine forests, pass swimmable rock pools, and venture across the island on the quaint mountain railway. Our days end at the family-run Hotel de la Paix, enjoying Corsican hospitality.
Activity Areas
Centre-Based
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking Bestsellers
Region & Country & City
Europe: Corsica, France
Included in the Price
— All breakfasts, fives lunches, six dinners
— All accommodation
— All transport and listed activities
— Tour leader throughout
— Group arrival and departure transfers available
Not Included In The Price
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request)
— Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel de la Paix)
— Five days of walking; one free day
— Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure starts in Corte
We start at Hotel de la Paix in Corte. If you have time before the welcome meeting this evening, wander around the picturesque town, the one-time capital of the island.
Day 2 Walk up to Punta di u Corbu in the Restonica Gorges, back down through pine forests
Start the week with an exploration of the Restonica Gorges. From downtown Corte, we hike towards the Chapel of Saint-Antoine. The trail gradually climbs up to Punta di u Corbu, offering superb panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
At the top of a small pass, we can enjoy superb views, before descending through a pine forest towards the Restonica River. The descent continues along the road, bordered by the crystal-clear waters of the river, back to the hotel.
Route: The slope is a little steep and the terrain stony.
Day 3 Train to Vivario; walk to Tattone and the Vecchio River; ascend to Vizzavona; train to Corte
After a 35-minute train journey to Vivario, we begin our walk across a ridge to the ruins of a French fort with fine views of Monte d’Oro to the west and the Tavignano Valley to the east. We then descend through a forest to Camping Savaggio, and to the village of Tattone. From there, a short, steep descent takes us to the Vecchio River, where it may be possible to swim in one of the many beautiful rock pools. Our hike then takes us along a rocky path up the river valley to Abri Southwell – site of one of the earliest known settlements in Corsica. We cross the river and make the short ascent through the forest to Vizzavona, returning by train (50 minutes) to Corte.
Day 4 Walk along the Tavignano Gorge; return to Corte
From our hotel, we walk up the Tavignano Gorge along part of the Mare a Mare (Sea to Sea), a long-distance hiking trail traversing the island from east to west. We stop for lunch next to beautiful rock pools where, weather permitting, we can swim. Return along the valley to Corte, with a little time to explore. Options include visiting the citadel, a fortified château founded on a rocky peak in 1419. To go inside, you need to purchase a ticket to the Musée de la Corse, an anthropological museum in the barracks below. Alternatively, explore the historic centre, stopping at one of the many cafes, gelaterias and restaurants, or swim in the Tavignano River.
Route: There is a steep, stony section to access the river.
Day 5 Free day for an optional trip to Napoleon’s Ajaccio or to explore Bastia
There are various options for your free day. Relax around the hotel and Corte, travel across the island, or visit the coast. Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace, has beaches, shops and restaurants. Explore the Musée Fesch (home to an outstanding collection of Italian paintings) or take a bus ride along the coast. You can also visit the coastal town of Bastia to explore the citadel and emblematic old port.
Day 6 Train to Vizzavona from where we walk along the GR20 to Bocca Palmente
From Corte, a 50-minute train journey takes us to Vizzavona, where we begin our walk along the GR20 to Bocca Palmente. This route includes sections through pine and beech forest and spectacular views out to Monte d’Oro and the east coast. There may be the opportunity for an optional extension to the clear water of the Cascades des Anglais rock pools.
Route: This day takes you along the GR20 trail, which means the pace will be brisk.
Day 7 Short bus transfer; walk to the Cappellaccia Shepherd’s Huts and Plateau d’Alzu
After a short bus transfer to the start of the trail, we start our final hike of the trip, one still used by shepherds. The path climbs up through pine forest on regular switchbacks to reach the source of the Funtana Bianca at the bottom of the path. The path then leaves the forest and climbs to the Cappellaccia Shepherd’s Huts. After a 20-minute slightly downhill traverse, we reach the scenic Plateau d'Alzu and the Maison Forestière (Forester’s Lodge), where we might have a chance to try Corsican cheese. We then return to Corte by bus and walk back to our hotel.
Route: Steep slope, stony, sun-exposed terrain.
Day 8 Adventure ends in Corte
The adventure ends after breakfast. Speak to your sales representative if you’d like to extend your stay or begin your return journey home.
