CORSICAN MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES

Itinerary

Day 1

Start Bocognano. In the afternoon we take an orientation walk of Bocognano through this picturesque village and perhaps even up to the Cascade du Voile de la Mariée.

Day 2 - 4

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Day 5

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Day 6 - 7

Five guided daywalks are planned for the week to offer maximum flexibility over a wide range of differing areas. Whilst participants should be generally fit, some of the walks can be shortened for those wishing to finish the day slightly earlier. Below is an outline of a number of options available to us. A day walk in Bocognano takes us north along a gentle path then climbing beside the gully of the Ruisseau de Cardiccia, an impressive face of granite and high pasture land which affords excellent views across to Bocognano and gives us the taste of the wilder climbs of the island. In contrast, the daywalk to the south of Bocognano sees us ascending through chestnut woodland to open fields with expansive 360° views in the idyllic surrounding of babbling brooks and rolling hills, with alpine vegetation at the higher altitudes. Other walks make use of the mountain railway to take us further afield. The leader may select walks from Corte or in the areas surrounding Poggio di Venaco and Vizzavona or the GR20 to Bocca Palmente and beyond. Other options are west of Bocognano in the valley towards the coast where we visit the village of Tavera before returning by an ancient menhir (standing stone). The free day options are varied. You can relax around the hotel, travel further across the island or, if you wish, visit the coast. Ajaccio has beaches, shops and restaurants; you can visit the Musee Fesch (with its outstanding Italian paintings), follow in the footsteps of Napoleon around the city or take a bus ride along the coast. The mountain town of Corte, the nationalist centre of the island, offers the spectacular sight of the citadel, the excellent collection in the museum highlighting Corsican culture whilst the ambience of the cobbled streets, numerous fountains and chapels entices one back to the cafés and patisseries. Those wishing to discover Corsica by train can take a half-day journey to the old town of Bastia on the north east coast for lunch, returning to Bocognano in the afternoon.

Day 8

End Bocognano.