Mountains & Villages of Corsica

8 Days Starting and ending in Corte

Visiting: Corsica, France

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TEB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2625

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

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

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start 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.

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.

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 7 : Short Public Shuttle Transfer; Walk To The Cappellaccia Shepherd’S Huts And Plateau D’Alzu

After a short transfer by public shuttle 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 take the shuttle back to Corte and walk back to our hotel.

Day 8 : End Corte

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

Food

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



Evening meals are taken at a restaurant near the hotel, Café de France, 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.

Accommodation

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 Café de France, an authentic restaurant with good pizzas and Corsican dishes.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    No visa required for British passport holders.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    2-star

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 16 years age people can go on this tour.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Magical island

Beautiful forest and streams, charming towns and a landscape steeped in history. One of the best hikes I’ve done.

Corsica Mountains

This trip exceeded my expectations. We were fortunate to have a wonderful guide who had an eye on everyone and their capabilities so that we all had a fabulous time. Our group was excellent and the village we stayed in was great. The hotel was rustic but in a lovely position - you don't go on a walking holiday to sit in your room!

Corsican delight

A wonderful trip in stunning mountain scenery.

A wonderful adventure

The week was full of outstanding beauty, different terrains, rock pools to swim in, bird life and flowers

CORSICAN MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES

Excellent holiday - spectacular scenery, good company, friendly welcoming hotel with good food, skilled group leader.

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF CORSICA

Satisfies the desire to climb mountains on an island with a colourful history of bandits especially before the rule of its most famous son, Napoleon, without sacrificing the comforts of a family run hotel or the pleasures of the local village bar and bakery.  Energy expenditure well balanced with time for relaxation and enjoying the pace of village life plus time to explore Ajaccio on day off.

A great trip

First Exodus holiday and a great experience.

Mountains & Villages of Corsica - 6 September

The travel arrangements were excellent but the hotel was poor. Although very clean, the rooms were shabby, particularly the bathrooms. The food was uninspiring - it would have been good to have had some local dishes with fresh vegetables and fruit. However, we thoroughly enjoyed the trip and meeting our fellow travellers.

CORSICAN MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES

Apart from the heavy rain on the first day the weather was hot. The scenery has expected spectacular. The walking was more mentally demanding due to narrow trials and loose stones. Corsica is rather laid back so expect the trains to be late and full. Food is not as good as mainland France but plenty of it.  

Mountains and Villages of Corsica

Beautiful scenery and views in the mountains .Hotel: my room was a little ‘tired’. Evening meals were mostly tasty and creative. The chef was able to accommodate a gluten free choice. Choice of Packed lunches and fruit was available, and although it would have been good to have been offered cake as well😂The walks each day were very interesting and at times were challenging underfoot and the ascents, for me personally were challenging. Use of local train network was very advantageous.

Read all 51 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

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

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