Mountains & Villages of Corsica

Name: Mountains & Villages of Corsica
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (55 reviews)

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 1799

4.5/5 from

Walking & Trekking

Activity Level

Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TEB

Carbon Footprint :

25kg CO2e per person per day

Hike scenic trails on the ‘Island of Beauty’ and immerse yourself in one of the most intriguing cultures in Europe

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.

Highlights

Discover the impressive mountain scenery and diverse landscapes of Corsica on foot
Get a taste of the celebrated GR20, a long-distance hiking trail that crosses the whole island
Spend a free day at the beach in Napoleon’s hometown of Ajaccio or in Bastia
Enjoy a warm Corsican welcome at Hotel de la Paix in Corte

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel de la Paix)
Five days of walking; one free day
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader
Well-marked trails, often rocky and uneven

Countries visited: France

What's Included

All breakfasts, fives lunches, six dinners
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Moderate: 3mph-4mph (5kph-6kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Day 2

9 km / 5.6 miles

Day 3

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 4

15 km / 9.3 miles

Day 6

18 km / 11.2 miles

Day 7

12 km / 7.5 miles

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

TEB - Mountains & Villages of Corsica

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Corte 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.

Meals included: Dinner

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.

Distance covered: 6mi (9km)

Ascent: 1,640ft (500m); Descent: 1,640ft (500m); Activity hours: 3hr 45min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Ascent: 2,133ft (650m); Descent: 1,017ft (310m); Activity hours: 4hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Distance covered: 9mi (15km)

Ascent: 1,716ft (523m); Descent: 1,716ft (523m); Activity hours: 4hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

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.

Distance covered: 11mi (18km)

Ascent: 2,625ft (800m); Descent: 2,625ft (800m); Activity hours: 3hr 45min

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Ascent: 2,989ft (911m); Descent: 2,989ft (911m); Activity hours: 6

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The adventure ends after breakfast. Speak to your sales representative if you’d like to extend your stay or begin your return journey home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Hikes: This is a mountainous area, so all trails have plenty of ascents and descents. There are very few level paths and the maximum height gain and loss is 2,990ft (911m). We usually walk between 3hr 45min and six hours per day.

Terrain: Corsica has a network of long-established trails and walking paths, most well maintained and way marked. Even so, paths are rocky and walking boots with good ankle support and tread are essential.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel de la Paix, 15 Av. de Gaulle, 20250 Corte
Phone: +33 4 95 46 06 72
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There is a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bastia Airport (BIA)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport.

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Corte
Location end: Corte

Vaccinations and Health

France

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

France

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html

Food & Drink

The trip includes all breakfasts, five picnic lunches and six evening meals.

Evening meals are taken at a restaurant near the hotel, U Passa Tempu, and are arranged as a menu for the whole group. The evening meal on your free day is not included, allowing you to try the local restaurants.

Typical meals are:

Breakfast: Orange juice, croissant, fresh French bread, coffee/tea, cereals, eggs, cheese and cold cuts.
Lunch: Picnics made of a mixed salad (eg pasta and tuna, potato and meat, lentils and sausage), bread and cheese, and fruit. We encourage you to bring your own recyclable container.
Evening meals: A first course of soup or a starter (often salad or charcuterie); a main course usually with meat, sometimes fish; and a dessert.

Corsica is famous for charcuteries and brocciu cheese, fresh local herbs, gamey meats and fish, which can feature in the evening meals. The evening meal does not include drinks. Vegetarians can be catered for, but the options are more limited, with the evening meal normally pasta or omelette-based.

Weather

The best weather for walking in Corsica comes in late spring/early summer, late summer and early autumn. Average daily temperatures in May and June range from 21C to 28C (70F to 82F) and in September from 20C to 26C (68F to 79F). The days are usually clear and fresh, avoiding the sultry humidity of midsummer. The average summer temperature at sea level is 26C (79F) and slightly lower in Corte and in the interior mountains. Sunshine can substantially change the heat perception.

As with all mountainous regions, there is always the possibility of rain, and it can be very heavy when it comes. Therefore, it is necessary to have a fleece and good quality waterproofs at the ready.

Please note, mountains can always make their own weather and, as a result, we may occasionally be forced to amend sections of the itinerary. For this reason, you need everything from swimwear and sunscreen to a warm layer and good quality waterproofs.

TRIP

TEB - Mountains & Villages of Corsica

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotel de la Paix in Corte

Stay at Hotel de la Paix, a family-run hotel with 62 rooms, a bar and TV lounge. It occupies a large stone building constructed by the Casanova family in 1932, though it’s now the Lanoir family who provide the warm welcome. We eat dinner at the nearby restaurant, U Passa Tempu, which serves traditional local dishes, such as Corsican charcuterie, cannelloni with brocciu (Corsican cheese) and sautéed veal with olives.

Worth knowing

It is possible to upgrade to a superior room. The additional amenities are a balcony, air conditioning, a hairdryer and bathtub (instead of shower only). Speak to your sales representative for prices.

TRIP

TEB - Mountains & Villages of Corsica

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Karen McGowan

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

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Mountains & Villages of Corsica

4.5/5 from

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 1799

Mountains & Villages of Corsica

Hike scenic trails on the ‘Island of Beauty’ and immerse yourself in one of the most intriguing cultures in Europe

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Corte Corte

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

France

Visa

France

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Hotel de la Paix in Corte

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Garance Chuzel

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Stunning scenery

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

a beautiful holiday for a sunchaser

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Igor

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A Very enjoyable week.

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Magical island

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Mountains & Villages of Corsica

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A excellent fun filled week.The group interacted well and bonded

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Mountains and Villages of Corsica

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Advice for Potential Travellers

Excellent walking holiday

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A wonderful trip in beautiful landscapes

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Advice for Potential Travellers

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Your Group, Your Adventure

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Mountains & Villages of Corsica