Corsica - Coast to coast self-guided trip (France)
”Island of Beauty” – true to the name given to Corsica by the Greeks, the island combines dramatic coastline and sandy beaches with snow-capped mountains and forests of chestnut
Leading through forests and villages, this tour offers breath-taking views over the mountain tops and out to sea. As you discover stunning landscapes, you will walk through a series of villages that are a joy to discover. Starting from the gulf of Porto Vecchio on the East coast overgrown with fragrant Mediterranean vegetation, the trail rises up through the mountains of the Alta Rocca and the famous pink granite pinnacles of Bavella before arriving in Propriano on the West coast. En-route you will encounter ancient chapels and churches, archaeological sites, traditional shepherds cabins, old granite houses, olive mills, thermal springs and not the least the house of Napoleon.
Tour highlights:
♦ Carbini village - famous for its 11th century church decorated with pisan art;
♦ The archeological site from the Bronze Age - the fortified Torreen of Cucuruzzu and Capula prehistoric fort, used until medieval times, in the heart of massive Alta Rocca;
♦ The famous pink granite pinnacles of Bavella;
♦ Ajaccio is the capital of Southern Corsica, the ambience is very vibrant and Mediterranean;
Itinerary:
Day 1. Porto-Vecchio
Transfer to Porto Vecchio (bus at 4 pm, tickets not included). Arrival around 6.30 pm. Time to check into your hotel.
Day 2. Porto-Vecchio - Cartalavonu
Your first day's walk will lead you from sea level up into the mountains. You will pass through Alzu di Gallina and the Ospedale to the village of Cartalavonu situated at 1020m altitude. The views back across the gulf of Porto Vecchio are breathtaking. The last stretch of the trail leads through the forest and on to Cartalavonu. Distance : 14km, duration : 7h00; uphill/downhill walk: +1000m.
Day 3. Cartalavonu - Levie
The path leads swiftly up away from the hamlet of Cartalavonu to the high mountain pass of Foce Alta (1171m). A multitude of sleepy perched villages of Alta Rocca and the famous pink granite pinnacles of Bavella are stretched out before you. The trail winds its way through a chestnut forest, the village of Carbini (famous for its 11th century church decorated with pisan art) and the Fiumiccicoli river. Passing through olive groves and its old mill, you arrive at the outskirts of Levie. Distance : 11km, duration : 5h00, uphill/downhill walk: +510m; -920m.
Day 4. Levie - Serra di Scopamena
The path heads up to the St Laurent chapel. This area is well known for its archaeological sites, two of the most famous, Cucuruzzu and Capula, are nearby. You arrive at the Quenza deer enclosure and shortly afterwards, the village itself. Be sure to go and see the Pisan church that dates from the year 1000. You pass the hamlet of Ghjallicu an old chestnut mill and the shepherds cabins Lavu Donacu before arriving at the village of Serra di Scopamena. Distance : 17km, duration : 5h30, uphill/downhill walk: +760m; -520m.
Day 5. Serra di Scopamena - Ste Lucie de Tallano
You will pass the River Rizzanese, the Col de Tavara, the village of Altagène, then through the hamlet of Saint Andrea di Talla before arriving at today’s destination: Santa Lucia de Tallano. This village is really invinting and full of interests. Such as a 15th century convent, tall granite houses, a restored olive mill and the possibility to purchase a wide variety of oils. Distance : 10 km, duration : 5h00, uphill/downhill walk: +400m; -800m.
Day 6. Ste Lucie de Tallano - Propriano
Passing the 12th century Roman chapel St-Jean-Baptiste, the path crosses the River Rizzanese. You make your way towards the thermal spa of Baracci - the benefits of its waters have been known since antiquity. At the end of today’s walk a short transfer from Borgo to Propriano, a small coastal resort buzzing with atmosphere, street cafes and plenty of fish restaurants. Distance : 12km, duration : 6h00, uphill/downhill walk: +680m; -940m.
Day 7. Ajaccio
Transfer to Ajaccio, time to settle into your hotel before exploring. The old streets and houses are often dwarfed by the large ferries that arrive from Italy or mainland France. Visit the shops, museums, cathedral and Napoleon’s house or simply relax on the beach. Opportunity to visit the îles Sanguinaires by boat.
*Optional walk: Les Crêtes-Mountain ridge walk
You can choose to do this walk upon arrival or before you leave Ajaccio the following day. You are given the option of two walks along the mountain ridge 'les Crêtes' that dominates the city and Gulf of Ajaccio.
/Distance : from 6km to 11km, duration : from 2h00 to 4h00 , uphill/downhill walk: +140m t+340m, -140m -340m./
Day 8. End of holiday in Ajaccio after breakfast.*
*Option: If you wish you can spend day 7 in Propriano and catch the morning bus back to Ajaccio (10.15 am arrival 10.30 am).
Luggage transport: There is organized transport of the luggage for each of the days with changes in the overnight places. NOTE! One piece of luggage per person is included in the price!
Included in the price: ► Accommodation in 2**-3*** hotels with en-suite facilities on bed & breakfast basis (shared facilities on day 4 only)► Dinners on days 2, 3, 4 and 5► Luggage transfers► Map and detailed roadbook in English► 24 hrs phone assistance► NOTE! The price is per person sharing a double room accommodation. Single traveler who has ordered a bed in a shared double room must be prepared to pay for a single room if a room-mate cannot be arranged.
Not included: ► Transfers to Porto Vecchio and from Propriano► Unforeseen additional transfers► Dinners on days 1-6-7► Drinks► Picnics► Extra activities► Travel insurance►Tips;
Practical information: The daily walks range between 10 and 17km with uphill/downhill walks up to 1000m;
How to get there: Please, contact us if you would like us to help you find suitable flights at the best price. When helping you to find flights we always try to find the best price for you according to the departure and arrival times. Prices vary depending on the airline and current availability. However, remember that the cheap airfares are often difficult or impossible to reschedule or cancel. Payment of the ticket is with your own credit card directly to the airline or travel agent airline, which also sends out confirmation of booking. A service charge (non-refundable) will be added if you want us to help you find the appropriate plane ticket.
Vacation Extensions:
The Terra Di Siena Self-guided Tour (Tuscany, Italy)