 | | "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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 | Calacuccia to Piana | from 610 € | | Corsica - Self-guided walking - 8 days |  |
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| This week’s walking offers a wonderful contrast of scenery. It starts in Ajaccio and heads inland to Corte, the island’s historical capital. The first trail is an ancient path used by shepherds who herded their flocks down from the high pastures at the end of summer. The trail leads into valley of the Niolu, it’s here that beats the very heart of the island. You will discover the scented pine tree forests, inviting rock pools, the vibrant village of Evisa, the deep Spelunca gorge and the exceptional Gulf of Porto with its unique jumble of rose granite pinnacles the famous Calanques of Piana. This itinerary is similar to Corsican Island Mystery, though the accommodations are simpler and more basic in nature. In Calacuccia, you spend one night in an old convent and in Col de Vergio an old ski hotel. You move on every night and walk right down to the sea side resort of Porto. |  |  |  |  |
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| Program | |
Day 1
Arrive in Ajaccio and check into your hotel. Time to explore the town, the ambience is Mediterranean and vibrant.
If you feel like it, there is a cliff walk that leads up behind the town and offers wonderful views of the coastline and the gulf.
from 6km to 11km, from 2h00 to 4h00 , from +140m to +340m, from -140m to -340m. |
Day 2
An early morning transfer from Ajaccio to Corte, either by train or minibus. The walk starts at the Scala di Santa Regina.
An ancient trail that was used by shepherds leading their herds in and out of the Niolu valley. It winds through a decor of granite cliffs to the highest villages in Corsica.
10km, 4h00, +700m, -340m. |
Day 3
Taking a path from the village outskirts, you will pass by an old chestnut mill and cross a genoise bridge following a trail that winds its way up through a wonderful forest. There are some stunning forest paths with inviting sun baked rock pools.
13km, 6h00, +750m, -200m. |
Day 4
A walk from Castel di Vergio up to Col di Vergio, the dividing high mountain pass that separates the two counties of Corsica. From the col the trail leads down hill to the village of Evisa.
12km, 5h30 , +200m, -650m. |
Day 5
Spectacular sights all day as you leave the village and descend into the famous Spelunca Gorge. The path zig-zags back and forth leading into the depths. As you approach the next village braying donkeys, locals working in their gardens, bright bougainvillaea, lemon and fig trees all add to the colour.
14km, 6h00, +320m, -1170m. |
Day 6
With just 4h30 walking today you may choose to spend your morning in Porto, you might want to spend some time at the beach and enjoy some sea activities. A small path pulls up from the beach and leads to the Calanche de Piana, astonishing rock formations and superb sea views over the entire bay.
12km, 5h00, +520m, -140m. |
Day 7
You can take a morning or afternoon public bus back to Ajaccio. Time to visit the picture postcard village of Piana and maybe walk down to the small cove of Ficaghiola for a swim.
The cove of Ficaghjola is a small sandy creek. With its white sand and high mountains it is very picturesque. It is a favourite nightstop for passing sailboats who like to drop anchor.
5km there and 5km back, about 1h30 one way, +450m, -450m. |
Day 8
End of holiday in Ajaccio. |
| Departures |
| Every Sunday from the start of April to the end of October, for departures on a different day consult us. Bookings from two people or more. |
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| Prices |
| Price (€) | from 01/04/2008 to 30/06/2008 | from 01/07/2008 to 31/08/2008 | from 01/09/2008 to 31/10/2008 | | Price per person in Double room | 610 | 641 | 610 | | Price per person in Single room | 696 | 744 | 696 | |
| Supplements/Reductions | | Private transfer Piana/Ajaccio | 80 €/pers | | No luggage assistance | 70 €/pers |
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| Trip Summary | Start
At your hotel in Ajaccio.
End
At the hotel after breakfast in Ajaccio.
How to get there
Ajaccio Airport or port.
Accommodation
Double, Twin or Single room in hotels or chambres d'hotes.
Number of people
From 2
Level of difficulty
The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday.
Guide
Self-guided walking.
Carrying
You need to carry a small day sack only with a water bottle, camera, picnic and wind jacket. The main luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different accommodations. It is important to point out that a few times during the holiday you will have to wheel or carry your luggage a short distance. Make sure your luggage is adapted for this.
Price includes
Half board accommodation, (no evening meal on day 1 and 7), internal transfers, baggage transfers between hotels, the dossier containing your maps, route notes and all necessary details needed for your holiday.
Price does not include
Unforeseen additional transfers, drinks, picnics, holiday insurance and travel, evening meal day 1 and 7.
Download fact sheet |
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