In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationCorsica / France
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions52.9 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover Corsica in a unique way aboard the legendary U Trinichellu , this century-old little train that connects the sea and the mountains . From the wild Gravona Valley to the peaks of Corte , follow ancient trails winding through dense forests and alongside crystal-clear rivers. Accompanied by an expert guide , you'll explore iconic sites such as the Cascade des Anglais (English Waterfall) on the GR20 hiking trail and the Restonica Valley. A gentle and authentic immersion into the heart of Corsica.
The highlights
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The must-sees of central Corsica
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Must-do hikes
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A responsible trip
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 594 m
- Average daily descent: 538 m
- Maximum altitude: 1850 m
Management
French
A guide who is either a native of the island or an "adopted mainland resident". He will help you discover the island's wild nature as well as its traditions, habitat and history.
Program
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Traditional villages
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 00h30 - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 560 m
- Negative elevation 280 m
- Maximum altitude 150 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide in Ajaccio early in the morning. You'll then take the train to Ucciani station. This is the starting point for the "Strada Antica Gravona" trail, which immerses you in a land of legends and mysteries, an essential route used throughout history by people and their animals traveling from Corte to Ajaccio. From the Neolithic period onward, these are places steeped in history, which we will discover as we walk through the maquis towards the iconic villages of Tavera and Bocognano.
Day 1 -
The foothills of Monte Oro
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 670 m
- Negative elevation 670 m
- Maximum altitude 200 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Nestled at the foot of the Monte Oro massif, the village of Bocognano, inhabited since prehistoric times, has always been a sought-after place of passage and summer pasture. Today, it's your turn to explore its ancient trails! Today's route leads you to the Mattonu sheepfolds, perched above the impressive Richjusa Gorge. There, the granite cliffs of Pointe Migliarello, rising to 2,554 meters, tower above you in all their majesty—a landscape once sculpted by one of Corsica's last glaciers. Between wild ridges, sweeping views of Bocognano, and glimpses of the sea, this hike offers a concentrated dose of island beauty. And to complete the adventure: natural pools of crystal-clear water await you for a refreshing swim in the heart of nature.
Day 2 -
The GR20 and the English Waterfall
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 01h - 36km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 690 m
- Negative elevation 690 m
- Maximum altitude 250 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This loop takes you to the heart of one of Corsica's most beautiful forests: Vizzavona, a true haven of coolness and history. The journey begins with a short train ride to the hamlet of the same name, where elegant 19th-century houses bear witness to the era when prominent citizens sought refuge from the summer heat. Next comes exploration, along the mysterious Sentier de la Femme Perdue (Path of the Lost Woman), which winds its way through beech and Corsican pine trees to the ruins of Fort Vaux, built in 1770 to guard the Vizzavona Pass, a strategic crossroads. The hike then leads you to the Torteto sheepfolds, and then to the famous Cascade des Anglais (English Waterfall), a jewel nestled on the legendary GR20 long-distance hiking trail. On the return journey, the Agnone River unfolds its crystal-clear pools, an irresistible invitation to swim before returning to the train station and continuing on to Corte.
Day 3 -
The Restonica Valley
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Maximum altitude 1850 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
It's difficult to find the right words to describe the splendor of this glacial valley, whose crystal-clear waters spring from Lakes Melo (1,710 m) and Capitello (1,930 m). After a short transfer, the bus will drop you off at the start of the hike. The trail gently follows the river upstream to the Grotelle sheepfolds, nestled in a magnificent setting, perfect for a lunch break with a mountain view. On the way back down, explore Corte: its cobbled streets, shaded fountains, bronze sculptures, local flavors, and artisans invite you to stroll at your leisure. A moment of cultural respite to gently conclude this beautiful day.
Day 4 -
The Tavignanu, a transhumance trail
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
From the majestic Citadel of Corte, the former capital of an independent Corsica, this hike takes you to the heart of a landscape sculpted by history, nature… and humankind. The trail opens onto the Tavignano Valley, following one of the ancient transhumance routes once traversed by shepherds with their flocks in search of high-altitude pastures.
Following this ancient path, the scents of myrtle and lavender accompany your steps, while the panoramas gradually unfold. As you progress, the trail overlooks the turquoise waters of the Tavignano River, offering unforgettable swimming breaks in its natural pools. A total immersion in a world where nature and culture are intimately linked, amidst serene stone, age-old traditions, and untamed beauty. Around 5 p.m., the group will depart from Corte train station.
Day 5
Note
The itineraries were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing, and the descriptions of each stage are provided for guidance only. Unforeseen circumstances are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter the schedule. Our guides may need to modify the itinerary depending on weather, environmental, or other factors. On-site, they remain the best judges to ensure the safety of the entire group. As our guides are not qualified to supervise swimming (in the sea, rivers, or mountain lakes), swimming is undertaken at your own risk. On certain dates, the proposed itinerary may be reversed due to accommodation availability.
Accommodation
Two nights in Bocognano and two nights in Corte; in a twin room with private bathroom. Single room available at an extra cost.
Access
From Corte train station, there are connecting trains to Ajaccio or Bastia.
Go to the starting point
Trains from Bastia.
Ferries from Marseille or Toulon.
Price details
The price includes
- Hotel** accommodation in a double room
- Lunches in the form of picnics
- Dinners except for Day 5
- Train or bus transport from day 1 to day 5
- Supervision by a tour guide
- Race provisions
The price does not include
- The cost of round-trip transportation to and from the meeting and dispersal location
- Dinner on Day 5
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and visits
- Drinks
- Tips (at your discretion)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Medium-sized plastic container with plastic cutlery for transporting salads
- Plastic bags to ensure your belongings, cameras and clothes are watertight
- Dirty laundry bag
- Earplugs
- Walking sticks
- Pair of binoculars
- Camera
- Fins, mask and snorkel
- Toiletry bag
- Bath towel
- Pair of sunglasses
- Sunscreen cream (face and lips)
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- A 1.5-liter (minimum) water bottle that is lightweight and insulated is essential. You can also carry a 2-liter hydration bladder. The latter has the advantage of allowing direct drinking thanks to its drinking tube. This means you don't have to take off your backpack to grab the bottle. This way, you drink more regularly and in smaller amounts, which is recommended for proper hydration.
- A multi-purpose pocket knife is preferable (to be packed in checked baggage if you are flying).
Clothing to bring
- Hiking boots. They are a hiker's best friend. They must possess three qualities: sturdiness, good foot and ankle support (high-tops), and waterproofing. Choose boots with non-slip and relatively rigid soles, such as Vibram.
- Light shoes (tennis shoes or sandals) to wear in the evening in towns and villages
- Swimming shoes
- Underwear. Fine technical fibers, such as Carline or Polartec, are very effective, warm, flexible, comfortable, and lightweight. They dry very quickly.
- Hiking pants
- Shorts
- Fleece jackets. These are durable, warm, lightweight and quick-drying.
- T-shirts (technical preferred)
- Rain poncho or Gore-tex type waterproof jacket
- Hat
- Pair of gloves and hat (depending on the season)
- Swimsuit and bath towel
They traveled with us
