Corsica: Mare e Monti Nord
Van de kust naar de bergen in het noorden, van Calvi naar Cargese

De Mare e Monti Noord heeft alle contrasten en kleuren die Corsica te bieden heeft.  Het is één van de vijf klassiekers, slingerend rond de voeten van het centrale bergmassief van het eiland. Het voert door prachtige wouden en langs pittoreske dorpjes.

Vanuit de Balagne gaat de tocht naar de hoogste toppen:fantastische vergezichten, lieflijke plaatjes van baaien, rotsige beekjes en glinsterend water zult u overal aantreffen.

Deze wandelvakantie zal iedereen aanspreken die gewend is om te wandelen en goed in vorm is. In elf dagen van licht tot middelzwaar wandelplezier ontdekt u de rijkdom van een van de mooiste hoeken van het eiland Corsica.  

Veel natuurlijk schoonhied ligt hier om ontdekt te worden: de hoog in de lucht verheven bergtoppen van of Bonifatu, het natuurreservaat Scandola, een door de UNESCO geklasseerd gebied om wille van het natuurschoon.  
In de Golf van Porto verblijft u in een klein vissersdorpje, Girolata, dat alleen epr boot of te voet bereikbaar is.  

Dag 1: Calvi

Uw wandeltocht begint bij uw hotel in Calvi. Na ingechecked te zijn heeft u de mogelijkheid om het stadje te verkennen. U kunt uw tocht ook in Ajaccio beginnen, maar vraag daar dan expliciet naar bij boeking van deze tocht.
Overnachting in Calvi. Diner in de stad, vanavond niet inbegrepen. 

Dag 2: Calenzana ==> Bonifatu

U krijgt om 08:00 uur een taxi-transfer naar Calenzana.

Leaving Calenzana your route follows the famous GR20 along an old mule trail, you climb progressively up to the Ortiventi fountain, from where you can look back at Calenzana and the villages of the Balagne. You then drop down on to an old path known as the postman’s route, which cuts through the forest of Sambuccu. You pass a small Col before going gently down hill to reach the Figarella bridge. Once across the bridge you follow the left bank, and then a slight climb up to the ‘Auberge de la foret’. 
Night and evening meal at the auberge in Bonifatu.

5h00 effective walking, +590m altitude, -287m 

Dag 3: Bonifatu to Tuarelli

At a nearby bridge you follow a forestry track that is known as the ‘chemin de ronde’, that gently climbs towards the south-west, passing the ruins of the house belonging to Prince Pierre. You then progress into a forest of maritime pines and green oak trees. At an altitude of 1200m you arrive at the Bocca di Bocassa. After approximately 3 hours of a very rewarding and relaxing section you arrive at Tuarelli rock pools, the perfect place for a laze on the sun baked rocks and a swim.
Night and evening meal at gite in Tuarelli.

7h00 effective walking, +620m altitude, -1050m

Dag 4: Tuarelli to Galeria

You walk along the old transhumance path linking Calvi to Niolu, a pleasant route lined with junipers and myrtle bushes, this path also follows the course of the river Fangu. Once at the Ponte Vechju,  Paglia Orba is visible in the distance dominating the landscape with an altitude of 2325m. From here you cross the Fangu bridge and head on to the hamlet of Fangu. Your route then climbs into the maquis and passes several old shepherds cabins. Your dag’s walk finishes with a short down hill stretch in to the village of Galeria where you are rewarded with stunning views over Fangu.
Night and evening meal at gite in Galeria.

4h00 effective walking, +221m altitude, -271m

Dag 5: Galeria to Girolata

Todag you start by following a beautiful path shaded from the sun. Your path leads you to a natural pool, and an uphill section alongside the river bank. You will shortly come across an area of vegetation, after this you will emerge in to a forest of oaks before reaching the Crête du Lucciu (697m). From here you will have remarkable views over the gulf of Girolta, the Genoese tower and the red granite cliffs. You continue west along the ridge path, to reach the River Cavone and the coast. This is also a beautiful spot to swim, to cool off after your dags walk.
Night and evening meal at gite in Girolata.

6h00 effective walking, +754m altitude, -784m.

Dag 6 : Girolata to Curzu 

From Girolata’s beach, you follow the ridge path that runs alongside the coast, after around 3 hours you will arrive at the foot of Punta di u Tartavellu, from here continue around to the West to arrive at Bocca Ascencu (742m). Continuing along the ridge path in a south-westerly direction you can admire exceptional views over Scandola’s natural reserve, one of the largest natural sites in Europe, which displays an explosion of colours and fantastic landscapes. Once at Capu di Curzu (852m) you rapidly loose altitude as your path progresses into a series of loops before reaching Curzu.  
Night and evening meal at gite in Curzu.

6h00 effective walking, +675m altitude, -1135m.

Dag 7 : Curzu to Serriera

From the gites, you climb through the village and head in a south-westerly direction along a path that overlooks the village of Partinellu and the bay of Porto, the only French natural site to appear on UNESCO’s world heritage list. You then start down hill towards the River Vetricella, and after walking alongside the river for around 50 metres, your path climbs, you will soon arrive at the ‘Chemin de Serriera à Pinetu’.  Once passing this you will shortly arrive at the Bocca di u Furcatu, the last stretch before Serriera.
Night and evening meal at your hotel in Serriera.

3h30 effective walking, +364m altitude, -604m.

Dag 8 : Serriera to Ota

Leaving Serriera head to the bridge over the Santa Maria stream, to climb up to the Lonca forestry track and emerging into the forest. You will soon arrive at the rocky belvedere a beautiful viewpoint over Serriera. Crossing through the pine and chestnut forest, you can notice a ‘sechoir à châtaignes’ a small stone structure used by the villagers to stock their chestnuts while they dried. On the way down into the Vitrone ravine, the granite rock faces have a lot of distinctive red porphyry.    
Night and evening meal at gite in Ota.

6h30 effective walking, +880m altitude, -570m. 

Dag 9 : Ota to Evisa

From Ota you walk past the Ceccaldi village restaurant, past braying donkeys, noisy hunting dogs and colourful gardens, to pick up the path.   Following the direction of the river the path is down hill and in the shade of the olive trees.  You  cross over the narrow, high arched Genoise bridge ‘Ponte Vechju’ and shortly arrive at the entrance of the Spelunca Gorge, a great rest and swim spot.  The first part of the gorge is fairly flat but once across the second small Genoise bridge it starts to zig zag up hill,  it is well graded but there is a lot of altitude to gain.  The path up is shaded by the vegetation but from time to time there is a break in the shrubs where you can steal views across the gorge and back towards Ota village.
Night and evening meal at gite in Evisa.

3h30 effective walking, +650m altitude, -260m.

Dag 10 : Evisa to Marignana

Evisa is the pearl of the mountains, a vibrant mountain village, that has wonderful sunsets over the nearby sea.  It is known for it’s  chestnut forests, a lot of the recipes are still chestnut based.  A trail will lead you through the chestnut trees to the Aitone pine forest, here you will find a natural beauty spot, the emerald green rock pools and chutes of water that make up the piscines naturels.

4h00 effective walking, +450m altitude, -260 m

In the afternoon, a series of winding steps cut down past the bars, bakers and post office, leading through the village and onto the lowest road. Walking away from the centre you soon come to a track that heads off into the old chestnut tree woods. The path is easy under foot and was once a well trodden link to the neighbouring villages. You will find all the typical plants that make up the Corsican maquis as you make your way towards the Tavulella river. Once across the river you will shortly arrive at the mystical  hamlet of Tassu, a peaceful little haven of houses, church and abandoned terracing.  Now just a short 20mins walk from Marignana.
Night and evening meal at gite in Marignana.

1h30 effective walking, +650m altitude, -260 m.

Dag 11 : Marignana to Revinda

The path heads up above the Fiuminale valley giving wonderful views that can be enjoyed from under a canopy of chestnut trees. Cutting through the Vaccarecciu chestnut groves you will reach the ‘Culetta a u Prunu’ where you will notice the ruins of an old chestnut drier. Your route then leads you to the Casta shepherds cabins, before emerging into a thick vegetation of maquis, now in the Rognia region. You will continue to be find shade under green oaks, heather and strawberry trees until you reach a copper mine situated just before the village of Revinda.
Night and evening meal at gite in E Case.

6h30 effective walking, +610m altitude, -720m.

Dag 12 : Revinda to Cargèse

You leave Revinda via a path that leads you directly up to the Petracqua plateau (650m). Covered in strawberry trees this plateau dominates the Pianu Maggiore ridge path. Continuing along the ridge, you will discover a fabulous panoramic view over the gulf of Sagone, from the Capo di Feno tower to Capo Rosso. You then begin to edge your way down hill, passing the Santa Lucia shepherds cabins and the village of Lozzi, situated just before your dag’s destination Cargese, a beautiful historical town boasting two churches ‘l’Eglise Latine’ and ‘l’Eglise Grecque’.
Night and evening meal at your hotel in Cargese.

5h00 effective walking, +380m altitude, -910m. 

Dag 13 : Cargese to Ajaccio

You leave Cargese by bus in the morning,  once back in Ajaccio you have the choice of 2 walks along the ‘Sentier des Crêtes’, a trail that overlooks the gulf of Ajaccio with magnificent views out to sea, over the town and the surrounding mountains. There is also the possibility of visiting the ‘îles Sanguinaires by boat’.
Night at your hotel in Ajaccio.

From 2h30 to 4h00 effective walking, from +140m altitude to +340m, from 6km to 11km depending on your chosen option.

Dag 14 : Ajaccio

Your holidag comes to end at you hotel in Ajaccio, after breakfast.

Option of returning to Calvi, by taking the ‘Trinichellu’, Corsica’s rail service, which runs from north to south  via the centre of the island.

IMPORTANT PRECISIONS

LEVEL

The walks are on good footpaths and trails.  You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holidag.  There is between 5h00 and 6h00 effective walking each dag.  The  ascents and descents are constant. There will be between  400m and 900m ascension per dag.  The effective walking time is an indication of how long it will take you, though walking speed varies enormously.  The estimations do not take into account time for route finding and stops along the way. 

PRICE 1082 Euros per person

 The price includes: 4 nights in hotels, 9 nights in gites, 11 evening meals, 13 breakfasts, the moving on of baggage between nightstops, transfer between Calvi and Calenzana, the  dossier containing your maps, route notes and all necessary details needed for your holidag.

The price does not include: The evening meal on night 1 at Calvi and 13 at Ajaccio.  Entrance fees to sites, additional transfers, optional activities, drinks, picnics, bus tickets from Cargèse to Ajaccio (8euros app) and holidag insurance.

Single supplement for 4 nights in hotel: 72 Euros per person On request only, according to availability.

Supplement for a departure dag other than Sundag:  50 Euros per person
(For 4 clients or more no supplement is applied)

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

Two people minimum needed.

CARRYING

You will  need to carry a dag sack only,  with your water bottle, camera, picnic and gortex jacket.

Our bag-moving service means you can travel light.  There are two night stops that are not accessible by vehicle and you will need to carry a minimum of personal gear for the night.  This applies to Girolata and Revinda which are two spots of wild, natural beauty. 

Your main luggage - will be transported by vehicle between the different hotels.  We ask you to please limit your main luggage to between 10-15kg to facilitate the transportation and carrying for the taxis.   It is also important to consider that it may be necessary to carry your bags short distances around at the start or end of your holidag, to and from the bus station for example.

ACCOMMODATION

A mix of hotels and gites

 MEALS: Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, bread, butter and jam) ; Evening meals in the gite restaurants, often local specialities consisting of a starter, main course, cheese or desert.

STARTING POINT and END

The starting point is at your hotel in Calvi, on a Sundag, from 12h00 onwards.  It is also possible to start your holidag from Ajaccio, please discuss with us at the time of your reservation.  Consult with us for left luggage facilities.

Your holidag will come to an end Saturdag at your hotel in Ajaccio after breakfast.  If you want to return to Calvi please consult with us at the moment of your reservation.

ORGANISATION

We propose a self guided, independent walking formula.  You choose your departure date and we will take care of all the rest between the initial rendez-vous time through to the dispersion point.  We transport your bags between the different night stops, provide the maps and good walking route notes.  This is a way of enjoying complete flexibility, you dictate the walking pace and rhythm of  your holidag.

DATES

Departures every Sundag from the start of April to the end of October.

For a departure another dag, please consult us at the moment of reservation.

HOW TO ARRIVE IN CORSICA

By Air  Direct charter flights during the season from Gatwick and Heathrow offered by Air France, British Midland. Contact Holidag Options or Sky Marketing. Scheduled services via Paris.  You can also change at Montpellier or Nice for connecting flights.
By Boat A high speed service BGV,  overnight ferries and semi-fast ferries offer a regular service to Ajaccio port. SNCM Ferries - 61 Boulevard des dames - 13005 Marseille. Departs from Marseille, Nice or Toulon. Corsica Ferries, Moby Lines, departs from Toulon, Nice and Italie.

BOOKS ABOUT CORSICA

The Rough Guide

The Granite Island – Dorothy Carrington

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

For supplementary nights in Ajaccio

Hôtel** Le Kallisté: 04 95 51 34 45

Hôtel** Le Dauphin: 04 95 51 29 96

Hôtel*** Albion: 04 95 21 66 70

Hôtel*** San Carlu: 04 95 21 13 84

Chambre d'hôtes chez Madame Battini: 04 95 21 83 04 

WHAT TO BRING AND PACK

y      Bags
A small dag pack for your water bottle, camera, picnic and waterproof. A bag, rucksack or suitcase for your main luggage,  10-15kg maximum per person. 

y      For Walking
Walking shoes or boots with a really good grip sole, Walking socks, Warm fleece, Shorts and T shirts, Swimming costume or trunks ,
Towel, 2 Walking poles (optional), Water bottle (one litre minimum), Personal first aid kit with good blister protection

y      For your picnics
A good cutting knife, fork, spoon, plastic cup and plate, Some plastic bags

y   Sun and rain protection
Sunglasses and sun cream, Sun hat, Wind and waterproof jacket ("Gore-tex" stlye).

y   Relaxing time
Trainers or open sandals, Warm Fleece and casual wear

BACKUP

A backup team is always at hand during your walking holidag, we are ready to assist in any eventuality to ensure the smooth running of your trek.  Don’t hesitate to contact them, we will do our maximum to make sure that your holidag meets with your expectations.