France : Corsica

North Corsican Wonders Between Coast and Mountains

Trip code: W07CI 4 (3 reviews)

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2 & 2+

Flights
available

73.0Kg CO2e

Printed route
directions

SUMMARY

  • The Island of Beauty boasts an incredible palette of scenery: coastal landscapes, stunning shorelines, breath-taking mountains,
  • Magical places where crystal-clear water, deserted creeks and wild cliffs stand side-by-side.
  • Fragrance of aromatic plants, citrus, eucalyptus and lavender along your walks

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All Breakfasts
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Luggage Transfers, excluding Calvi to Bastia
  • Walking transfers
  • Boat crossing from St Florent to Lotu Beach
  • Train transfer from Calvi to Bastia

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Corsica is not called the Island of Beauty without any reason. From Bastia to Calvi, discover the north coast with stunning landscapes, unspoilt beaches, heritage and rich tradition.

Enjoy the fragrance of the maquis (scrubland), carried on the wind from the mountains to the coast. This heady mix of plants includes eucalyptus, juniper, rosemary, heather, myrtle, sage, mint, thyme and lavender. The yellow immortelle has the most distinctive aroma and is one of the most celebrated plants.

Taste the Corsican unique flavours with its charcuterie: richly-marbled coppa, lonzu, prisuttu and figatellu. Fish and seafood are accented with local herbs including oregano, marjoram and mint. Honey and chestnuts are other staple island products. Other delights that should not be missed are the aromatic wines with their own strong identity from L'Ile-Rousse and Calvi.

Through the enchanting landscapes, this walking tour will introduce you to the scent and taste of Corsica.

Terrain

Average maximum temperatures in Corsica range from 17 degrees in April, up to 34 degrees in July & August. During July and August, temperature can be up to 40 degrees. We recommend to choose a departure before or after this period.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1 : Arrive in Bastia

Transfer from Bastia airport to your hotel (included). Explore the old port, citadel and steep streets overlooking the azure Tyrrhenian sea.

Bastia owes its name to this 'bastille', built on a promontory in the 14th century by Genoese governors. In the shelter of its ramparts, it's a village within the city. Each alleyway leads to a monument.

You stay at Hotel Port Toga.

hotel details



Hotel Port Toga, Bastia

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe



Day 2: At Bastia (10km/6.2mi)

Transfer to Cardo, a quaint village. This place opens a splendid door to the wild, preserved Cap Corse, punctuated with Genoese towers and maquis scrublands, secret rivers and unexpected forests. Along your walk, discover beautiful views of Bastia and St Florent.

In the afternoon, enjoy a walk in Bastia. This is a lively town, an impression that is intensified as you stroll through Place Saint Nicolas, a popular meeting-place for locals, or the Place du Marche, which is always colourful and bustling.

Day 3: Bastia - St Florent (15km/9.3mi)

After a transfer, walk on the coastal path to Punta Vecchiaia. Enjoy wonderful sceneries over the Gulf of St Florent. Possibility to stop at a wine estate in St Florent.

Wander through the old town, discovering the citadel, an extraordinary monument from the Genoese period, then make a short visit to the attractive Romanesque church of Santa Maria Assunta, before enjoying a well-earned aperitif along the marina, which is the best place to admire the sunset on the natural bay while having a drink on a terrace.

You stay at Hotel Bellevue or Hotel Le Tettola.

hotel details



Hotel Bellevue, Saint Florent

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


Set within a 1-hectare park, Hotel Bellevue is 150 yards from the port town of Saint Florent. It offers a tennis court and an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers. In the evening, Mediterranean dishes can be sampled in the hotel’s restaurant.



Hotel Le Tettola, Saint Florent

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


This hotel offers a private beach area, a heated seasonal swimming pool in its garden and a bar. Sea or mountain views from the rooms.

Day 4 : At St Florent (12km/7.5mi)

Explore the Agriates Desert, a fascinating rugged territory of unspoilt landscapes, rich fauna, and paradisical beaches. Walk through this protected natural site and reach a quiet, undisturbed realm of nature at the Lotu beach, one of the hidden gems of Corsica. Then continue along magnificent coastal path with small creeks and crystal water.

Day 5 : St Florent - Ile Rousse - Calvi (14km/8.7mi)

Transfer to Ile Rousse. Built on one of the most beautiful bays of the Balagne, the Ile-Rousse owes its name to the presence of a small islet of red porphyry. Enjoy the enchanting scenery of maquis scrublands and granite rocks. Then follow the coast on board of the famous Trinighellu train with superb panorama. Walk to unspoilt beaches before reaching the light house Revellata.

You stay at Hotel Le Revellata.

hotel details

 equivalent

Hotel Jetée , Centuri

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon




Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 6 : At Calvi (5km/3.1mi or 10km/6.2mi)

Explore the mountains and enjoy fragrance of aromatics herbs and wonderful landscapes overlooking Calvi. Then, wander in Calvi (Birthplace of Christopher Columbus) a Genoese citadel set on the sea and surrounded by rocky mountains that cast their shadow on the waters. This place offers a labyrinth of picturesque streets and a pretty port with bars and restaurants for a fabulous dining experience.

Day 7 : Calvi - Bastia

Transfer from Calvi to Bastia. Calvi to Bastia. Transfer by train longing the coast with stunning views. Then enjoy the lively seaside resort of Bastia between small yachts and polychrome fishing boats, which invites you to stroll around at any time.

You stay at Hotel A Storia.

hotel details



Hotel A Storia, Bastia

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


In the heart of Bastia, in a walking distance from the train station, this hotel is ideally located to enjoy the vibrant life of this colourful town.

Day 8 : Leave Bastia

Transfer from your hotel to the airport (included)

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £356.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Bastia airport. Transfers from the airport are included in the basic Tour Only price above.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Transfer upgrade

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

Be aware there is not a lot of shade and no access to water. Coastal walks can be too hot in the summer months. We went at the end of June and it was very hot there were signs on some routes warning people it was too hot to walk. . Using the gps app provided is an absolute must , if using paper instructions we'd have got lost.

The train journeys were really picturesque and added to the holiday experience.. Our local guide was excellent and punctual.

JAMES, 24 Jun 2023

 

The local agent, Emmanuel, was excellent and also a careful driver. The hotels were generally good, but the first hotel we stayed in ("Port Toga", not "le Bastia") was very good. The level of facilities in the rooms of the hotels was different which is to be expected from 3* hotels. All had AC's that worked, which was good given the temperatures we experienced. The pools at "Belle Vue" and "Le Revellata" were very good; we did not try the one at the Port Toga, and "A Storia" didn't have one.

The app for these walks is a must have. It shows precisely where one is relative to the paths available. The route maps are OK but not clear enough, and the descriptive could be better. The walks were generally quite spectacular, but on unmade and rugged ground, so care is needed along with proper walking shoes. Shame about missing the boat trip to the Loku beach but a storm was forecast.

The holiday was generally very enjoyable despite the heat, and a blister or two. Mr. Norbury - June 2023

MCNICOLL-NORBURY, 10 Jun 2023

 

We loved our trip to Corsica. The local agents, and particularly Emanuel, were chatty and informative. The hotels were good and the one in St Florent had a huge terrace overlooking the sea - which was very special. The sea swimming was beyond brilliant. A note about the walks however - don't rely on the maps and instructions. They are not 100% accurate but there is an app (so think about data and battery life) ... we used the app - and it stopped us going wrong many, many times. Also - many of the walks are labelled "coastal" but don't be fooled into thinking they're flat or easy - the paths are rugged, so bring robust walking shoes. The walks are stunning, and challenging in places ... but always worth it.

Ms Walsh, 30 Aug 2022

 


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2 & 2+

Flights
available

73.0Kg CO2e

Printed route
directions

7 nights from £1189

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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