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 | Best of Corsica | from 1042 € | | Corsica - Guided walking - 8 days |  |
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The spectacular northern section of the GR20 - Corsica's highest summit, Monte Cinto - The Cirque of Solitude - Characterful accommodation and great food. 4 nights hotels, gites and refuges, 3 nights camping, 6 days DEMANDING trekking, max. altitude - 2706m. All meals included (except dinner on final night).
Our introduction to this exceptional week of hiking is the memorable drive from Calvi, which winds its way to Vizzavona, at the very heart of this most mountainous of islands.This small and historic hamlet is the starting point for a solid 6 days of hiking and scrambling. For most of the time, we will be following the famous GR20, which is well-known as one of Europe's finest long distance walks. Our unique itinerary takes in the best of the dramatic scenery of northern Corsica and includes the chance to climb the biggest and also some of the most interesting of Corsica's high summits which are conveniently clustered in the north-west of this singularly mountainous island. For 4 nights we will stay at atmospheric campsites and refuges, as we follow high ridge trails beneath the rocky Monte Rotondo (2622m./8602ft) and enjoy picnic lunches beside blue mountain lakes. After our ascent of the striking pyramidal peak of Paglia Orba (2525m./8284ft), we traverse the impressive Cirque of Solitude and drop down to a hotel in the seasonal ski station of Haut Asco. This is our base as we trek to the summit of the island's highest peak, Monte Cinto (2706m./8878ft). We are able to provide partial vehicle support during this superb short holiday which offers a taste of the real Corsica.
This is only a short trip, but we pack a lot in. For a period of 6 days, we will be walking and scrambling for an average of around 7 hours a day. This is a trip for fit and competent hill-walkers and scramblers. We have devised a tough mountain itinerary which is played out on rugged terrain. Some of the paths that we follow are way-marked routes, such as the GR20. Other parts of the route are on little-used tracks and trails, with a lot of ascent and descent and a considerable amount of scrambling. Because this route cannot be fully vehicle-supported, group members will carry their sleeping bags and essential overnight items on approximately half of the walking days.
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| Program | |
Day 1
Meet with group in Calvi. Take the scenic train journey through the mountains of northern Corsica to Vizzavona where we overnight in a gite.
Day 2
From nearby Canaglia, we begin our trek with a big climb to the Col de la Haute Route, where we have stunning views of the route ahead. Descend to Grotelle (4495ft.)
Day 3
Skirting Lac de Mello, we follow the GR20 across the rocky breche of Capitellu (7298ft.) to reach the shepherds' cabins at Vaccaja (5318ft.).
Day 4
An easy stroll today, passing Lac de Nino and then following a classic section of ridge-walking via Castel di Vergio to the refuge at Ciottulu di i Mori (6529ft.). Refuge.
Day 5
Detouring from the GR20, we make an early morning ascent of Paglia Orba (8284ft.) for fine views across the island, then continue northwards to the cabin of Vallone.
Day 6
An exciting mountain day, as we traverse the 'Cirque of Solitude' to the Col du Perdu and make the long descent to Haut Asco (4664ft.), where we stay in a hotel.
Day 7
Today we ascend Corsica\'s highest peak, Monte Cinto (8878ft.), for spectacular panoramic views. Having descended, we transfer to Calvi and our overnight hotel.
Day 8
Services end after breakfast. Depart Calvi. |
| Departures |
| from 22/06/08 to 29/06/08 - 1042€ - Available | | from 27/07/08 to 03/08/08 - 1042€ - Available | | from 17/08/08 to 24/08/08 - 1042€ - Available | | from 07/09/08 to 14/09/08 - 1042€ - Available |
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| Trip Summary | Start
Clients join in Calvi, Sunday, on day 1
End
Services end after breakfast, Sunday in Calvi
How to get there
Fly to Calvi
Accommodation
2 nights hotel, 3 nights camping, 1 refuge, 1 gite.
Number of people
of 5 to 12
Level of difficulty
This holiday is for walkers who are fit and in shape. We pack a lot in, including two high summits. The mountain walking involves constant steep uphill and downhill sections and the terrain is particularly rough under foot.
Guide
Experienced mountain leader
Carrying
Our aim is to give you access to your kitbags where possible. We can achieve this on 4 nights of the trek. Effectively, this means that you will be carrying your sleeping bag and overnight essentials on 4 walking days.
Price includes
Full board accommodation, all transfers, guide services
Price does not include
Travel to and from Corsica, unforeseen transfers, your drinks, additional activities, holiday insurance
Download fact sheet |
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 | | "It's wonderful that you've made the GR20 accessible to people like us who wouldn't necessarily attempt to do it carrying a monster pack." |
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 | | The GR20 Europe's toughest trek? |
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