Hike Corsica's Mountains & Coast

Our adventure begins in Corte, a picturesque town and the one-time capital of the island. Around 6pm, say salute to your tour leader and fellow travellers, where we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead during a welcome briefing. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome over dinner together, a three-course meal at a great restaurant close to the hotel. Want extra time in Corsica? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Stay: Hotel du Nord (or similar) (D).

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 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. Today's route involves a steep slope and some stony terrain. Stay: Hotel du Nord (or similar) (B/L).

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 it's possible to swim in good weather. On this route there is a steep, stony section to access the river. Return along the valley to Corte, where we have some time to explore.

You may want to visit 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 cool off with a swim in the Tavignano River. Stay: Hotel du Nord (or similar) (B/L).

We check out of our hotel in Corte this morning and transfer by bus (40-minutes) to the start of the hike in Vizzavona. We begin our walk along the GR20 to Bocca Palmente at a brisk pace. This route 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 rock pools.

After today's hike, we transfer around two hours from Vizzavona to Saint-Florent to spend the next four nights by the coast. Our included dinner will be a three-course meal at the hotel. Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Hotel Le Bellevue (or similar) (B/L/D).

A transfer is included from Saint-Florent to Bastia (30-minutes). The day is free for you to discover the coastal town of Bastia, the emblematic city of Haute Corse, at your own pace. You may want to explore the citadel and emblematic old port or visit the Musée de Bastia, a place of remembrance and history. At the end of the day we return by private bus to Saint-Florent. Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Hotel Le Bellevue (or similar) (B).

Leaving directly from the hotel we walk in the direction of Olzo Beach, the starting point of the northern coastal trail of Saint-Florent. This untamed stretch of coastline offers views across the entire gulf, including landmarks such as the Genoese Mortella Tower, Punta Mortella, and Punta di Curza. Impressive limestone cliffs rise steeply and plunge into the turquoise sea. As the trail winds along secluded coves reveal themselves, the scent of the Mediterranean filling the air as we brush past the vegetation. The limestone rock formations stand in stark contrast to the rest of Corsica, which is predominantly granite or schist.

This afternoon is free to visit Saint-Florent and soak up its charming village atmosphere. There is a small, picturesque fishing port and the historic Nebbiu Cathedral to discover. Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Hotel Le Bellevue (or similar) (B/L).

From Saint-Florent, we take a 20-minute boat ride to Lotu beach which marks the start of the Customs Officers' Path. This coastal trail starts on the west side of the bay of Saint-Florent, a wild and rugged area featuring fragrant maquis vegetation and pristine sandy beaches.

Along the way we discover the rich agro-pastoral history of the Agriates Desert, shaped by centuries of farming and seasonal livestock migrations. Today's walk will include sweeping views and swimming stops in crystal-clear coves. Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details. Stay: Hotel Le Bellevue (or similar) (B/L).

The adventure ends after breakfast. Speak to your sales representative if you'd like to extend your stay with additional time in Corsica (B).