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 ItineraryDay 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 3Train 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 BocognanoA 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. ** |