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Mountains & Villages of Corsica

Resort:Mountains & Villages of Corsica
Operator: Exodus
Destination: Europe, France
Price From: £1249.00

Overview


Explore island landscapes in Corsica

Caught between France and Italy, yet with its own cuisine, culture and
language, Corsica is a land of dramatic beauty. With the sandy beaches of the
Mediterranean just 40km from the islands pink granite peaks, Corsica
offers a range of different terrain in a small and diverse island full of
surprises. Based in the village of Bocognano, the quaint mountain railway
gives easy access to some of the islands best walking routes, covering
mountain passes, rockpools and pine forests from the central highlands to the
sea.

Highlights

* Diverse landscapes and impressive mountain scenery
* Free day to explore the old capital Corte, or to relax on the beach at
Ajaccio
* Beautifully located family-run hotel

Itinerary

Day 1
Fly to Ajaccio; transfer to Bocognano.

Fly to Ajaccio and transfer to Hotel Beausjour in Bocognano. If there is
time after the group transfer arrival, we take an orientation walk of
Bocognano, exploring this picturesque village as well as some of the
surrounding forest.

Day 2
Train to Tavera; Woodland walk to ancient menhir (standing stone). Train back
to Bocognano; Circular walk to Cascade du Voile de la Mariee.

A gentle start to the week involves a 45 minute walk from Tavera station
through woods and fields to the ancient menhir (megalithic standing stone).
We will continue on to theruins of the medieval fort just above, with
stunning views of the Gravona valley. We then return to Tavera and take the
train back to Bocognano where we will have our picnic lunch. In the afternoon
we will walk along the quiet country lane that contours the wooded hillsides
to a point just below the Brides Veil waterfall – the highest in
Corsica. Its particularly dramatic in spring and early summer. From here
its a steep ascent on a narrow path through woods back to Bocognano.

Day 3

Train journey to Vivario; walk to Tattone and onto the Vecchio River where it
may be possible to swim. Ascend to Vizzavona and train to Bocognano.

After taking the train 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 valleyto the east. We then descend through a forest to Camping
Savaggio, and on to the village of Tattone. From there, a short steep descent
takes us to the Vecchio Riverwhere it may be possible to swim in one of the
many beautiful rockpools. Our walk then takes us along a rocky path up the
rivervalley to Abri Southwell site of one of the earliest
knownsettlements in Corsica. We cross the river and make theshort ascent
through the forest to Vizzavona, returning by train to Bocognano.

Day 4
Train to Corte; walk along the rugged Tavignano valley and back to the
historic town of Corte. Return by train to Bocognano

A long train ride (approx. 65 minutes) takes us through stunning mountain
scenery to Corte. From here, we will walk up the Tavignano Gorge along part
of the Mare a Mare (Sea to Sea) long distance path that traverses
the island from East to West. We stop for lunch beside some beautiful rock
pools where, weather permitting, we can swim. We return back along the valley
to Corte, allowing a little time to explore this small, but fascinating town.
Return by train to Bocognano.

Day 5 Free day for an optional trip by train to Ajaccio and its beaches, or to
relax in Bocognano.

There are various options for your free day; 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 collection of 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 and an excellent collection in the museum highlighting
Corsican culture. The town has a gorgeous ambience, filled with cobbled
streets, fountains and chapels and many enticing cafs and patisseries.
**

Day 6
Train to Vizzavona from where we enjoy a walk along the famous GR20 to Bocca
Palmente.

From Bocognano a short train journey brings us to Vizzavona where we begin
our walk along the famous GR20 to Bocca Palmente. This walk 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 rockpools.

Day 7
Walk directly from the hotel to the Gravona River; walk along the Gorge of
Richjusa and back to Bocognano.

A walk through Bocognano village takes us east & then north along quiet
country lanes to the Gravona River. On the other side, a small but
well-trodden path takes us alongside the Gorge of Richjusa, below 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. You may have the opportunity to stop for a swim in the river before
returning to Bocognano. Distance approx. 11km; ascent/descent approx. 600m.

Day 8 Transfer to Ajaccio; fly to London.

Transfer to Ajaccio; fly to London.
**