Itinerary Expand all Fly to Ajaccio; transfer to Bocognano.Fly to Ajaccio and transfer to Hotel Beauséjour in Bocognano. If there is time after the group transfer arrival, we take an orientation walk of Bocognano, exploring this picturesque village as well as some of the surrounding forest. Meals included: Dinner Day 1 Start Bocognano.Start at Hotel Beauséjour in Bocognano. If there is time (after the arrival of the airport transfer), we take an orientation walk of Bocognano, exploring this picturesque village as well as some of the surrounding forest. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Train to Tavera; Woodland walk to ancient menhir (standing stone). Train back to Bocognano; Circular walk to Cascade du Voile de la Mariee. A gentle start to the week involves a 45 minute walk from Tavera station through woods and fields to the ancient menhir (megalithic standing stone). We will continue on to the ruins of the medieval fort just above, with stunning views of the Gravona valley. We then return to Tavera and take the train back to Bocognano where we will have our picnic lunch. In the afternoon we will walk along the quiet country lane that contours the wooded hillsides to a point just below the ‘Bride’s Veil’ waterfall - the highest in Corsica. It’s particularly dramatic in spring and early summer. From here it’s a steep ascent on a narrow path through woods back to Bocognano. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Train journey to Vivario; walk to Tattone and onto the Vecchio River where it may be possible to swim. Ascend to Vizzavona and train to Bocognano.After taking the train to Vivario, we begin our walk across a ridge to the ruins of a French fort with fine views of Monte d'Oro to the west and the Tavignano valley to the east. We then descend through a forest to Camping Savaggio, and on to the village of Tattone. From there, a short steep descent takes us to the Vecchio River where it may be possible to swim in one of the many beautiful rock pools. Our walk then takes us along a rocky path up the river valley to Abri Southwell – site of one of the earliest known settlements in Corsica. We cross the river and make the short ascent through the forest to Vizzavona, returning by train to Bocognano. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Train to Corte; walk along the rugged Tavignano valley and back to the historic town of Corte. Return by train to BocognanoA long train ride (approx. 65 minutes) takes us through stunning mountain scenery to Corte. From here, we will walk up the Tavignano Gorge along part of the ‘Mare a Mare’ (‘Sea to Sea’) long distance path that traverses the island from East to West. We stop for lunch beside some beautiful rock pools where, weather permitting, we can swim. We return back along the valley to Corte, allowing a little time to explore this small, but fascinating town. Return by train to Bocognano. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Free day for an optional trip by train to Ajaccio and its beaches, or to relax in Bocognano.There are various options for your free day; you can relax around the hotel, travel further across the island or, if you wish, visit the coast. Ajaccio has beaches, shops and restaurants; you can visit the Musee Fesch (with its outstanding collection of Italian paintings), follow in the footsteps of Napoleon around the city or take a bus ride along the coast. The mountain town of Corte, the nationalist centre of the island, offers the spectacular sight of the citadel and an excellent collection in the museum highlighting Corsican culture. The town has a gorgeous ambience, filled with cobbled streets, fountains and chapels and many enticing cafés and patisseries. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Train to Vizzavona from where we enjoy a walk along the famous GR20 to Bocca Palmente.From Bocognano a short train journey brings us to Vizzavona where we begin our walk along the famous GR20 to Bocca Palmente. This walk 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 rockpools. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Walk directly from the hotel to the Gravona River; walk along the Gorge of Richjusa and back to Bocognano.A walk through Bocognano village takes us east & then north along quiet country lanes to the Gravona River. On the other side, a small but well-trodden path takes us alongside the Gorge of Richjusa, below an impressive face of granite and high pasture land which affords excellent views across to Bocognano and gives us the taste of the wilder climbs of the island. You may have the opportunity to stop for a swim in the river before returning to Bocognano. Distance approx. 11km; ascent/descent approx. 600m. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Transfer to Ajaccio; fly to London.Transfer to Ajaccio; fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Bocognano.End Hotel Beauséjour in Bocognano. Meals included: Breakfast
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Hotel Beauséjour - 2 Star Our centre is the family-run 2-star Hotel Beauséjour in the heart of Bocognano; the Ferri-Pisani family have owned and run the hotel for three generations. It overlooks the valley of the Gravona River and across to the spectacular granite face of the Monte d'Oro range. The shady grounds give you time and space to relax, and are only a few minutes walk from the small town bakeries, post office, restaurants, bar, general store, tourist office and local train station. Meals are taken in the spacious dining room in authentic 1920's décor. There is a communal room for general use. The single and twin rooms are in traditional provincial style and are all en suite.
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Reviewed September 2019 Jennie PickstoneA wonderful adventure The week was full of outstanding beauty, different terrains, rock pools to swim in, bird life and flowersWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? No particular moment...it was all inspirationalWhat did you think of your group leader? Excellent! I’ve been on many Exodus trips...he was the best yet!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Walking poles are very useful. Some of the walking is on very rocky terrain and descending can be hard...useful to have poles to steady oneself. Take your swimwear! The rock pools are lovely.Is there anything else you would like to add? I particularly liked this holiday as we stayed in the same hotel all week. The village it was situated in was very welcoming. There was a small museum which is really worth visiting! A small bar, where the locals meet, play chess eat ice cream and drink! I loved the hotel! Basic facilities but what more do you need!
Reviewed September 2019 Diane RatcliffeAmazing Holiday This was my first walking holiday. Martin Goddard is an exceptional guide. The whole holiday was very well organised from start to finish. The walks were as described and the scenery was amazing. The group were fantastic, very supportive and great fun. Highly recommended.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The amazing views and swimming in Rock Pools. Seeing a golden eagle was pretty special too!!What did you think of your group leader? AmazingDo you have any advice for potential travellers? Go for it. There's lots of support. The advice given by exodus is very accurate.
Reviewed September 2019 Mike PerryWhat a Fantastic Island, what Fantastic People Corsica has all that you could want for adventurers on a Mediterranean island. Mountains, forests, wildlife, plants and a way of life adapted to the environment.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Scrambling up the side of a mountain on a rugged path with like-minded people who quickly became friends. All this followed by a cooling dip in crystal clear pools in a mountain stream under a hot sun.What did you think of your group leader? Sebastien, our group leader made it all possible with his understanding of the logistics but even more so with his passion for and knowledge of this incredible island. Sebastien was able to keep us informed and amused in an environment that created trust and ensured, above all else, safety. From history to language to culture to flora and fauna we had all the information we needed to make this an exceptional week but it was down to Sebastien to make sure that all of the elements worked together.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Corsica is great and as an Italian speaker I was able to speak to local people, me in Italian and they in Corsican. Of course they also speak French and many English but they do like people to also speak their own, vibrant language. If you like butterflies, you won't be disappointed - the two tailed pasha was a highlight. The walking is not too hard although some parts are tougher than others; a section of the GR20 allows you to see the potential of this famous route.Is there anything else you would like to add? Sardinia and Corsica share many similarities but Corsica is more mountainous. Like other holiday destinations July and August are busier and hotter so June and September seem ideal times to visit.
Reviewed September 2019 Angela EvansA great trip First Exodus holiday and a great experience.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Last two more challenging walksWhat did you think of your group leader? Really excellent. Great local knowledge of flora and fauna, landscape and history. Relaxed and humorous approach whilst taking very good care of us.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? First couple of walks are not very long or challenging, might not suit everyone.
Reviewed September 2019 Bryancors JamesSebastian teb010319 ExcellentWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? SceneryWhat did you think of your group leader? ExcellentDo you have any advice for potential travellers? NoIs there anything else you would like to add? No
Reviewed June 2019 John DaviesMountains and Villages of Corsica An excellent walking holiday. Recommended. Very good hotel. Interesting and unspoiled countryside. Travel by train to walks a very good part of the holiday.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Difficult to say as the trip was inspiring in so many ways.What did you think of your group leader? Did a very good job. To be specific: Had well thought out "drop off' points on each walk to allow those tired etc to still have a fulfilling day. Well thought out material support such as spare walking poles, guidance on use, advice and material to help with any blisters. Very good local knowledge, well presented.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Check the trip notes, think about the level, accept and enjoy the differences of a foreign country.
Reviewed September 2018 Geoff CulverA weeks walking in Corsica A pleasant weeks walking on a mixture of forest and more open trails. Hotel is pleasant. The evening meals were better than the very bread heavy breakfasts and pack lunches.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The walk up to the Bocca Palmente coll and the Anglais Falls on day 6.What did you think of your group leader? Knows his stuff. Set the right balance between knowing were everyone was and letting people go at their own pace.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Hotel does not have any air conditioning or insect screens, so bring a plug-in mosquito coil. Be prepared for some fairly steep and loose rocky trails on some days as per the trip notes. I was very glad I had my walking poles with me for the descents.Is there anything else you would like to add? It would have been nice to spend more time above the tree line, but that would have significantly increased the amount of ascent and thus the trip grading.
Reviewed September 2018 peter winterA great weeks walking The guide , the party and the walking was excellent. Very well pitched as a level 3. The hotel structure was fine but the food was the low point of the holiday. There was not even a bar in the hotel. Breakfast for all 7 days was a hard boiled egg, a slice of formed ham, a croissant and a decent supply of baguette...every dayWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? the higher walksWhat did you think of your group leader? excellent
Reviewed September 2018 Jan EmmsGreat walking in spectacular Corsica Corsica was beautiful in the late summer sunshine. The hiking was as described in the trip notes and I felt appropriately prepared for the level of walking. Good central base and excellent use of the trains to allow a varied set of walks. The last two walks were outstanding, though there wasn’t a day I didn’t enjoy. Hotel was basic but adequate with welcoming hosts. I would definitely do a similar trip again.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Some of the views were remarkable and cooling down in the mountain streams.What did you think of your group leader? Sebastian was outstanding. Obviously enjoyed and took great pride in sharing his love and knowledge of Corsica. Went beyond his responsibilities and was a real asset to the trip- Exodus you should use him again!!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you carry enough water and if you do need extra supplies bring them with you- no shop in village. The level descriptions are accurate- so do some training to get to the suggested levels. ENJOY!
Reviewed September 2018 Graham BellCorsica is the perfect hiking and holiday destination Corsica is an absolute gem. The trip was exactly as described, and it just makes me want to go back!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Having been to Corsica before, I chose the trip as a way of introducing my son to hiking holidays and as a way of sharing one of my very favourite places. He loved it!What did you think of your group leader? Martin is great. Relaxed and somewhat understated. Just right.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read the trip notes! The notes for this trip are really very good. When it says you should have a reasonable level of fitness and that the paths can be steep and rocky, it means exactly that. It is at the challenging-end of a “moderate” trip.
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