Corsica: Mountains & Sea

Corsica: Mountains & Sea

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8 Days From

$1398

Corsica: Mountains & Sea

8 Days Starting in Corte, France and ending in Ajaccio, France

Visiting: Corte, Calacuccia, Evisa, Porto, Ajaccio

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

JMS

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1398

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Corsica, the Mediterranean's most mountainous island, with our "Corsica: Mountains & Sea" tour. Experience the enchanting blend of rugged landscapes and historic charm as you walk through the Scented Isle, traverse the scenic Spelunca Gorge, and explore the ancient capital of Corte. Delight in the picturesque villages, lush forests, and breathtaking coastal views. Stay in comfortable 2 and 3-star hotels, with most nights in 3-star accommodations, and enjoy included breakfasts and select dinners. This self-guided adventure offers a perfect balance of challenging hikes and serene moments, making it an ideal escape for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Highlights

  • Walking in the Scented Isle

  • The Mediterranean’s Most Mountainous Island

  • Historic Corte and Ajaccio

  • Descend the Spelunca Gorge

  • Pass through the densely forested Tavignano Valley

  • Explore the picturesque village of Evisa

  • Swim and dine at the beach resort of Porto

  • Travel through the Calanches National Park

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Ajaccio, Transfer To Corte

Location: Corte

Accommodation Name: 3 star hotel in the centre of Corte

On arrival make your own way by taxi or airport bus to the railway station for a scenic journey through the mountains on the old track railway to Corte. If you arrive in Bastia you also need to take a taxi to the station and the train to Corte.
Accommodation: Two nights are spent in a comfortable 3 star hotel in the centre of Corte, all rooms are ensuite.

Day 2 : Sermano To Corte 16Km/9.9 Miles, 6 Hours

Location: Corte

Accommodation Name: 3 star hotel in the centre of Corte

Transfer by taxi to Sermano to start todays walk back to Corte. A good warm-up day as you traverse the hills and valleys from Sermano through maquis and chestnut, past a couple of sleepy villages with interesting churches and then descend from a high grassy pass, past cork oak and beeches to Corte, the ancient capital of the island.

Day 3 : Corte To Calacuccia 22.8Km/14.2 Miles, 9 - 10 Hours (Can Be Shortened)

Location: Calacuccia

Accommodation Name: 3 star modern hotel outside the village of Calacuccia

Pass through the densely forested Tavignano Valley and over the Col de la Croix before descending to the barraged Lac de Croix, and our hotel in the village of Calacuccia, 850m. This is a long day but we hope you will agree that the spectacular scenery provides adequate compensation. It is possible to opt for a shorter day by walking part of the Tavignano valley, then back to Corte (18km/11 miles, 5-6 hours) and then travel by taxi with your baggage to Calacuccia.
Accommodation: Stay two nights in a comfortable 3 star modern hotel outside the village. This is a small family run establishment of twelve rooms, each with its own bathroom. There are splendid views over to Monte Cinto and Paglia Orba from the terrace bar. The hotel has a bar but no restaurant.

Day 4 : Ciatarinu To Calacuccia 14Km /9 Miles 4-5 Hours

Location: Calacuccia

Accommodation Name: 3 star modern hotel outside the village of Calacuccia

After quite a tough day yesterday, you may be relieved to know that today's walk is mainly downhill. You will be transported (included in the tour price) to the Foreign Legion's forest base at Ciatarinu below Col de Vergio. From here descend into the Golo watershed, initially through forest, passing shepherds' huts and with views of the Cinque Frati, Paglia Orba and Monte Cinto a (2,706m/8,875ft) the highest peak in Corsica. There are a couple of old stone bridges on the way back to your hotel in Calacuccia.

Day 5 : Col Di Vergio To Evisa 11.2Km/7 Miles, 3 - 4 Hours

Location: Evisa

Accommodation Name: 2 star hotel in Evisa

Transfer Calacuccia to Col di Vergio to start of the walk. In the morning walk down through a forest of Lariccio pine, passing waterfalls and magnificent chestnut trees, to reach the attractive village of Evisa (850m/2,788ft) with its fine views of the valley. In the afternoon you can explore the village, which is famed historically for chestnut production.
Accommodation:This 2 star hotel is set in spectacular surroundings with a swimming pool. From the terrace restaurant there is an incredible view west across the Spelunca Gorge and forest, to the sea, and the peak of Capu D'Orto (1294m).

Day 6 : Evisa To Porto 13Km/8.1 Miles, 4 - 5 Hours

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: 3 star hotel in Porto

In the morning continue your descent of the Spelunca Gorge to Ota, another picturesque mountain village where you can break for lunch. Continuing on you arrive at the scenically located beach resort of Porto where there will be time for a swim, a walk up to the old Geonese fort, maybe a boat ride and always time for a great evening meal at one of the seaside restaurants, perhaps enjoying a great seafood dish.
Accommodation: In this typically Mediterranean small resort just on the edge of the village, you stay in a lovely 3 star hotel, with swimming pool.

Day 7 : Porto To Ajaccio

Location: Ajaccio

Accommodation Name: 3 star hotel in Ajaccio

Take a coach along the Corniche Road, which winds into and around the Calanches National Park (consisting of impressive coastal cliff formations) to Ajaccio. This is a direct service, which takes approx 2.5 hours. (Not included in tour price, and does not run on Sundays).
In Ajaccio, welcome back to a busy cosmopolitan Mediterranean town with an impressive harbour and old winding streets crammed with little restaurants and boutique shops.
If the coaches are not running for any reason, a taxi will need to be taken for approx. EURO 180.00
Accommodation: We choose a comfortable 3 star hotel in the old centre located near the bustling harbour of the town, the train and bus stations and a beach. The rooms are ensuite with air conditioning.

Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast

Location: Ajaccio

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure from Ajaccio after breakfast. Local bus or taxi to airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in 2 or 3 star hotels

  • 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners

    Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners included in your tour package.

  • 7 nights accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

    Stay for 7 nights in 2 or 3 star hotels with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis.

  • Transfer from Corte to Sermano, Col de Vergio to Calacuccia, and Calacuccia to Col de Vergio

    Transfers between Corte to Sermano, Col de Vergio to Calacuccia, and Calacuccia to Col de Vergio are included.

  • Luggage transfer from days 1 to 6 (not provided to Ajaccio)

    Luggage transfer is provided from days 1 to 6, excluding Ajaccio.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline is available throughout the tour.

  • GPX files of the routes will be emailed to you

    GPX files of the routes will be sent to you via email.

  • Travel between Ajaccio and Corte and Porto and Ajaccio

    Travel between Ajaccio and Corte, and Porto and Ajaccio is included.

  • Entrance fees

    All entrance fees are included in the tour package.

What's Not Included

  • 4 dinners, all lunch & beverages

    4 dinners, all lunches, and beverages are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls

    Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not covered.

  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

    Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.

  • Excess Luggage

    Charges for excess luggage are not included.

  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

    A supplement fee will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

    This is a self-guided holiday; no guide is included.

Accommodation

7 nights in 2 or 3 star hotels. 6 nights are spent in 3 * hotels and 1 night in a 2 * hotel all with private facilities as standard. Most frequented hotels are described below but alternatives are used on occasion, when room availability is limited.

Grading

The tour is graded Moderate (grade 3). Fitness: The trek is within the capabilities of any normally healthy and active individual who takes part in regular hill walking. The route itself is not difficult, although it is more than just a ramble - there are some fairly rough ascents, with maquis scrub to negotiate and sometimes on loose, stoney ground. Day stages: range in length from 9.5km to 26.5km. The long day of 26.5km can be shortened to 18 km. The other days are all considerably shorter.

Mode of Transport

Travel between Ajaccio and Corte and Porto and Ajaccio. Transfer from Corte to Sermano, Col de Vergio to Calacuccia, and Calacuccia to Col de Vergio. Luggage transfer from days 1 to 6 (not provided to Ajaccio).

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in 2 or 3 star hotels. Six nights are spent in 3-star hotels and one night in a 2-star hotel, all with private facilities as standard. If the usual hotels are not available, alternatives will be used, and you will be informed at the time of booking if these are of a different standard.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Additionally, 5 dinners, all lunch, and beverages are also included.

  • What kind of support is available in case of emergencies?

    An emergency hotline is available for support during the tour.

  • Is this a guided tour?

    No, this is a self-guided holiday.

  • What happens if I need to make unscheduled transfers during the trip?

    Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included in the tour package.

  • What is the difficulty level of the tour?

    The tour is graded as Moderate (grade 3). It is within the capabilities of any normally healthy and active individual who takes part in regular hill walking. The route itself is not difficult, although it includes some fairly rough ascents, maquis scrub to negotiate, and sometimes loose, stony ground.

  • What are the main highlights of the tour?

    The main highlights of the tour include walking in the Scented Isle, exploring the Mediterranean’s most mountainous island, visiting historic Corte and Ajaccio, and descending the Spelunca Gorge.

  • What are the starting and ending locations of the tour?

    The tour starts in Corte and ends in Ajaccio.

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes transfers from Corte to Sermano, Col de Vergio to Calacuccia, and Calacuccia to Col de Vergio. Travel between Ajaccio and Corte and Porto and Ajaccio is also included.

  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

    Yes, additional costs include 4 dinners, all lunch and beverages, travel insurance, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, excess luggage, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Self-guided holidays - inclusions

    We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

  • Trip Grading & Preparation

    Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.

  • Route notes

    While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.

  • How our self-guided holidays work

    Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

P. Codd(West Midlands, UK)  

Corsica: Mountains & Sea

17 Jul 2017

The trip is correctly graded for seasoned walkers. The route notes and maps were good though the colour of the route makers have changed. The scenery was awe inspiring.

Brian Taylor(United Kingdom)  

Corsica: Mountains & Sea

1 Jul 2024

Having used the company before I knew what to expect in regard to the efficiency of the organisation, and I was not disappointed. Everything from the pre-holiday information, the transfers and the standard of the accommodation was perfect.

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Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.