Corsica: The Grand Randonnee (GR)20 Trekking Holiday France

Europe's most challenging long distance trek made comfortable
Walk through the 'Cirque de la Solitude'
Luggage transportation and two tour leaders

The Grand Randonnee (GR) 20, also known as 'Fra li Monti' among the Corsicans, is arguably the finest and toughest waymarked trail in Europe.

Established in 1972 by the Regional Natural Reserve of Corsica to allow walking enthusiasts to discover the beautiful interior of Corsica, this path has grown in popularity every year. Nowadays the people passing on this grand trek are counted in their thousands.

This spectacular footpath traverses the Mediterranean island of Corsica diagonally from north to south, offering a great variety of landscapes and terrain, from the precipitous and dramatic cliff-top paths in the North to the lush green meadows in the South.

The diverse flowers, birds and animals (you might see a mouflon if you're lucky!), encounters with local shepherds or hikers from all over the world, or the sensation of walking across the roof of the world are some of the many magical moments which you will take home as souvenirs of an unforgettable adventure.

The GR20 is notoriously difficult due to the lack of water and poor accommodation in over-crowded mountain huts along the route. This new itinerary takes away the hassles as we stay in privately owned refuges, only carry daypacks and take a rest day in the beautiful citadel of Corte, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful walking.

We also have two tour leaders walking with the group on all departures for added flexibility in our routes. An incredible and legendary hike finally made more comfortable!

WHY BOOK WITH EXODUS?

• There is no need to carry a heavy rucksack. We transport your luggage so that you have access to your belongings on most days of the trek leaving you free to travel light.

• Unlike other companies we pre book all our accommodation ensuring you have a bed for each night and avoid jostling for a place in a mountain hut.

• We avoid staying in the official GR20 refugees, notoriously dirty and extremely overcrowded. We stay in privately-owned gites with smaller dormitories and hot showers

• We include a free day in the beautiful town of Corte and spend three nights in a hotel with private facilities to give you enough time to relax within this challenging itinerary.

• We have 2 tour leaders on all departures to ensure safety.

What makes this trip responsible?

Throughout this trek we stay in family-run mountain refuges helping to support the mountain community. While trekking our leaders and support staff work hard to ensure our groups leave minimal impact on the areas they walk, taking all litter and recycling where possible.

What media say about the GR20 ...

Lonely Planet lists: The GR20: The best trek in the world (Nov 2010)
National Geographic: The World's Best Hikes: Epic Trails (Sep 2012)

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: France

Day 1

Fly to Bastia. Transfer to Calvi.

Day 2

Transfer to Calenzana and walk to Bonifatu.

Day 3

A long but rewarding walk from Bonifatu to Haut Asco.

Day 4

Walk to Lac d'Argentu (2300m). Optional ascent of Monte Cinto (2706m) and return to Asco for the night.

Day 5

After traversing the Cirque de Solitude, we descend towards the sheep pastures of Vallone.

Day 6

Climb to the Refuge Ciotulu I Mori, then descend by the Golo River.

Day 7

We continue through the woods to Lac Nino.

Day 8

After a swim in a natural pool, we walk alongside the Tavignano River to Corte.

Day 9

Free day. Explore Corte's citadel, bustling with shops, cafes and restaurants; the perfect place for a day of relaxation off the trail.

Day 10

Transfer to Vizzavona. Pass of Vizzavona and on to Bocca Palmente; we spend the night in Capanelle.

Day 11

From Capanelle we walk to the Plateau of Gialgone; optional ascent of Mt Renoso (2352m) and to Col de Verde.

Day 12

Morning ridge walk, followed by a descent to the town of Cozzano.

Day 13

Long climb to Bocca di L'Usciolu; to Basseta.

Day 14

Over the Plateau Coscione to the Asinau Valley and on to Bavella.

Day 15

Transfer to Bastia. Fly to London.

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