Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Daily Baggage Transfers
This is a 7-night, self-guided exploration of the mountains, coast and culture of Corsica. Take a scenic train ride to secluded Corte at the island’s heart where you will have a day to explore. Travel back in time as you use old mule tracks and Genoese bridges to cross the mountainous divide through ever-changing scenery before descending to Porto on the Mediterranean coast. On your final day, rest on the beach in historic Calvi or use the time to explore the surrounding area on foot.
Start any day between mid May and mid October. Your luggage will be moved for you each day between comfortable 2 and 3* hotels where you can enjoy traditional cuisine and Corsican wine. Once booked, relax and look forward to a sensational holiday, safe in the knowledge that every detail is taken care of. Our comprehensive route notes and maps will ensure you a plain-sailing succession of breath-taking walks.
Your evenings are spent in accommodation handpicked by us, whether that be a 2* or 3* hotel in one of the pretty villages that characterises the mountains of Corsica, or in a fishing port or village on its stunning coastline. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy an evening of traditional local cuisine and Corsican wine. After a good night’s sleep and a generous breakfast, you are set up for another magical trek.
On a Collett’s village to village holiday, we do all the hard work, so you don’t have to. Comprehensive route notes and maps keep you nicely on the move. Your baggage is transported daily to the next carefully-selected overnight stop, where well-earned refreshment, replenishment and relaxation await you in charming surroundings. A good night’s sleep and a generous breakfast set you up for another fabulous day. Booking is easy: simply choose your dates, contact us and we will confirm your holiday asap. Then look forward to it, in the knowledge that every detail is taken care of.
£1045
High Season Supplement - £50 (July & August)
Transfer Supplement for Bastia Departures (if required) £100 pp
7 Nights
Moderate to Moderate / Hard
5 to 7 hours per day
excluding time taken for rests or lunch
200m to 900m each day
310m to 1200m each day
7 Nights Accommodation in Handpicked 2* & 3* Hotels
on a bed & breakfast basis
4 Three Course Evening Meals
(on nights 1,3,4 and 5)
Luggage Transfers
each day from hotel to hotel
Detailed Holiday Pack
including maps, route descriptions, packing suggestions and lots more
24/7 Telephone Support
provided by our local partner, based in Corsica
Taxi Transfer to Calvi Airport
at the end of your holiday
Taxi Transfer to Bastia
is available at a supplement (see the ‘Other Info’ tab above)
Flights & Insurance
Transfers from Calvi or Bastia Airports to Corte on arrival
see the ‘Other Info’ tab above
Packed Lunches
available daily, pay locally
Dinners – on 2 non-inclusive evenings
budget €15-35 pp per dinner
Drinks & All Extras
Getting to Corte from Calvi or Bastia Airports
by train is easy and inexpensive. See ‘Other Info’ tab above
In uncertain times, booking with financial peace of mind is essential – as members of ABTA, our walkers have been doing this for over 23 years. In addition, our booking conditions are now more flexible than ever:
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
After arriving at either Bastia or Calvi airport, it is just a short taxi ride to the nearest rail station from where you can catch a train to Corte (not included). Alternatively, you can transfer directly from the airport to your hotel in Corte by private taxi for a supplement (see the ‘Other Info’ tab for more details). After the picturesque journey to Corte, your hotel for the next two nights is just a short walk away.
Accommodation – Hôtel Duc de Padoue / Hôtel du Nord 3* (Dinner included)
12½ km, 6 hours walking time, 310m ascent/descent
The Tavignano Gorge is one of Corsica’s most beautiful spots. Unlike the open pine escarpments of the nearby Restonica valley, this there-and-back route follows a centuries old mule track that weaves its way along a dramatic and enclosed gorge deep into the high mountains offering glimpses of large rock-pools below. There will be plenty of time today to explore Corte further and to pick up any last minute supplies before you start your point to point adventure tomorrow. Dinner is not included, but there are plenty of local restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes.
Accommodation – Hôtel Duc de Padoue / Hôtel du Nord 3*
13km, 5 ½ hours walking time, 700m ascent/ 340m descent
After breakfast a taxi (included) will transport you the short distance to the start of your walk in the Scala di Santa Regina. This trail is an age-old path that was used by shepherds leading their herds in and out of the Niolu valley leading up through a décor of granite cliffs along a superb balcony path to a small Genoese bridge. The views open up and you continue on through old chestnut groves and rolling forest hills. You walk down towards the lake in the base of the valley towards the village of Calacuccia. Hotel Acquaviva is situated on the edge of the village and you can expect a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodation – Hotel Acquaviva (Dinner Included)
17km, 7 hours walking time, 700m ascent/ 340m descent
Walking from Calacuccia, you cross the village of Albertacce. Taking a path from the village outskirts, you will pass by an old chestnut mill and cross a Genoese bridge, following a trail that winds its way up through a wonderful forest. You will be able to see Calasima across the valley, the highest village on the island. For most of the walk, you will be flanking the mountain side, enjoying startling views across the Niolu valley and back down to the lake you have just left behind. A forest path leads uphill towards the Col de Vergio and the mountain lodge Hotel Castel di Vergio – where a delicious three course meal will await you.
Accommodation – Hotel Castel di Vergio (Dinner included)
11½km, 5 hours walking time, 200m ascent/ 720m descent
Today you get the first views of the sea as you descend from the Col de Vergio – which is marked with a forbidding statue and is the boundary point between the island’s north and south departments. The views are majestic; the peaks are high and loom above. The trail goes downhill through the Aïtone pine forest to the outskirts of Evisa. You will pass the piscine naturelle, a big rock pool and local swim spot, then continue down through the chestnut woods that mark your approach to the village. You will arrive in the centre of Evisa, a vibrant mountain village with a healthy climate before heading to the Auberge style Hôtel Aitone. Over dinner, from the hotel’s panoramic restaurant, you will be able to immerse yourself in the sun as it sets over the distant Mediterranean.
Accommodation – 2* Hotel Aitone (with pool) (Dinner included)
14km, 6 hours walking time, 320m ascent/ 1170m descent
The path zig-zags through the Spelunca gorge, leading into the depths. Crossing a high arched Genoese bridge, you walk high above the torrent, towards Ota, a mountain village with a Mediterranean feel. The delicious smells from “Chez Felix” restaurant beckon; take a moment to sit and unwind. Your path leaves Ota, heading down to the coast and the view towards the Gulf of Porto are sublime: red cliffs, shock blue sea and the bold silhouette of the Genoese tower. If you wish you can pre-book a transfer from Ota to Porto after lunch and a boat trip to see the Scandola nature reserve (not included). Stay at a comfortable 3* hotel on the marina with a pool. Dinner is not included, but there are plenty of local restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes.
Accommodation – 3* Hôtel Kalliste (with pool)
Today, in the morning, you transfer directly from your hotel in Porto to your hotel in Calvi by taxi (1¾ hr, included) where you can check into your hotel, grab a spot of lunch and then choose from one of the two following walks:
1. Notre Dame de la Serra – 5km, 2.5 hours walking time, 200m ascent/descent
The 13th century chapel of Notre Dame de la Serra sits high above the town and affords captivating views of the Bay of Calvi with its mountainous backdrop. This short but beautiful walk leaves you plenty of time to explore Calvi and its iconic citadel.
2. Calvi to the Revellata Peninsula – 14km, 5 hours walking time, 300m ascent/descent
Stretching to the north of Calvi, the Revellata Peninsula is a taste of the arid wilderness typical to the north-east of Corsica but still within easy reach of the town. The path hugs the coast, offering plenty of opportunities for a refreshing swim. Return by the same path or take the high route over the cliffs on the western side before walking back to Calvi. Alternatively, you might just want to explore Calvi, do some last minute shopping or spend some time on the beach!
Accommodation – 3* Calvi Hotel
A taxi transfer back to Calvi airport in time for your return flight to the UK is included in the price of your holiday.
Guests using Bastia Airport will either need to make their own way using public transport, or book a private transfer (1½ hr, £100 pp supplement based on two sharing)
Alternatively, please call us to discuss the options for independent onward travel or the possibility to extend your stay.
Download Factsheet
Corsica – Mountains to the Med – Factsheet
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Minimum party size – two (for reasons of safety no single travelers are permitted)
Terrain – much of the walking in Corsica can be rough underfoot, requiring sure footedness but is not in itself technical. Previous hill walking experience is useful. The route generally follows clear footpaths and forest tracks with some short sections on road. The route is usually waymarked, but attention to your surroundings and the map may at times be necessary. Any exposure is mild and only very short (max. 5m) sections, usually avoidable by not taking a route extension. Ascents and descents tend to be well-graded and of reasonable length. The exception is the zig-zagging descent into the Spelunca Gorge on Day 4, which, although long, follows an ancient mule track and is not too steep.
Accommodation – the itinerary is based on handpicked 2* and 3* hotels.
Lunch – packed lunches are not included but are often available from your overnight accommodation. Alternatively you can usually pick up supplies from local bakers or mini markets before you set off walking each day.
This holiday is designed so that guests can arrive into both Bastia and Calvi airports.
Bastia Arrivals
Arguably the best served airport to fly into is Bastia – but it does result in a longer transfer back on your departure day, and hence the reason for the £100pp supplement. Easyjet, BA and Air Corsica fly here from various airports in the UK. From Bastia Airport, the closest train station is at Casamozza, just a short taxi ride away (budget €25 for 2-4 people) from where you can board a train to Corte (approx €10pp and 1 ½ hours). Alternatively, a private taxi can transfer 2-4 people directly from Bastia Airport to your first hotel in Corte (£85 pp supplement based on 2 sharing). At the end of your holiday, a private transfer from Calvi to Bastia Airport (approx 1½ hrs) can be booked at a £100pp supplement. For guests whose flight times mean they can make use of public transport to get back to Bastia airport, the £100 pp supplement will not be necessary.
Calvi Arrivals
Calvi airport is served by Air Corsica (from London Stansted) and charter flights organised by Corsican Places (from Manchester). From Calvi Airport, the main train station is just a short taxi ride away (budget €35 for 2-4 people) from where you can board a train to Corte (approx €15pp and 3 hours). Alternatively, a private taxi can transfer 2-4 people directly from Calvi Airport to your first hotel in Corte (£85 pp supplement based on 2 sharing). At the end of your holiday, a taxi transfer (included) will take you from your hotel in Calvi back to Calvi Airport (approx. 15 mins).
‘Open Jaw’ Flights with Corsican Places
Fly into Bastia, Fly out of Calvi
For those interested, Corsican Places can organise ‘open jaw’ flights on Sundays from London Stansted into Bastia but returning from Calvi by combining flights. This would save you the additional 1½ hr transfer from Calvi back to Bastia at the end of your holiday (together with the £100 pp supplement). To check availability and indicative pricing visit the Corsican Places flight only search engine here and then contact Corsican Places directly for more details and to book – mentioning that you found their flights through Collett’s Mountain Holidays.
Extend your stay? – if you would like to add extra days in Corte or Calvi before or after your walking holiday, simply let us know and we can help you arrange this.
Walking Holiday & Travel Insurance – we recommend you buy a good insurance package at the time of booking (or certainly prior to purchasing flights or booking ferries etc.), so that you are covered in the unlikely event of you having to cancel for an ‘insurable’ reason. For more information on Walking Holiday & Travel Insurance – Click here
At Your Own Risk – please read important notes below entitled – At Your Own Risk
General Information
For general information on healthcare whilst travelling, visit www.bit.ly/HealthcareAbroad
For pre-travel information visit www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
Or use the ABTA information line on 020 3117 0599 or visit www.abta.com
You participate in all our self guided village to village walks at your own risk and responsible for your own safety.
All self-guided ‘village to village’ holidays are enjoyed entirely at your own risk and it is important that you understand that whilst the route notes are accurate at the time of writing, the situation on the ground may change and this itinerary relies on your sound judgement and decision making throughout. Our self-guided village to village itineraries have been organised so that you might enjoy a route and associated accommodation you may not otherwise have discovered having organised the itinerary yourself. It represents nothing more than the opportunity to go out on a series of beautiful walks in wonderful walking areas, with the support of knowing that many of the logistics have been arranged for you. It is a fact that hill and mountain walking can and is associated with personal injury and death. By coming to such areas, you are exposing yourself and your party to the possibility of personal injury or even death. In such an event, Collett’s Limited trading as Collett’s Mountain Holidays will not be held responsible for your interest in the outdoors and your involvement in walking, which can occasionally have tragic consequences. The information provided uses only marked paths which are in use at the time of writing, however, it is your responsibility to continually assess the suitability and safety of the route throughout the walk and to undertake any action necessary to avoid any terrain which each or any member of the group is not comfortable with. The route choice also assumes an ability to read maps and navigate competently. It is the responsibility of each individual in the group to make an assessment of the information provided, and to make an informed decision about whether the itinerary is suitable for them. Finally, during your village to village holiday organised by Collett’s Mountain Holidays you act at your own risk on any ideas, information and opinions included in any material prepared by us or on our behalf to help you get the most from the area.
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Here is a list of all our Village to Village routes. Simply contact us with your chosen route and dates, and we’ll do the rest . Once confirmed, you can then book your travel, relax and look forward to your holiday. Remember, the earlier you book, the better availability generally is and the quicker we can confirm.
Camino de Santiago – A Northern Route – Moderate/Long – From from £995
A delightful mix of coastal hiking on the magnificent Costa Verde and inland hill walking in Basque beauty.
Kitzbuhel to Cortina – A Grand Alpine Traverse – Moderate/Long – From £995
Weave your way from the foothills of Austria to the high drama of the Italian Dolomites.
Corsica Mountains to the Med – Moderate/Hard – From £1045
Explore the mountains, coast and culture of stunningly beautiful Corsica.
Basque Country Walking – Enchanted Villages – Moderate – From £985
Explore this quiet corner of the Spanish Basque Country with its captivating views and unspoilt nature. A bit quieter and off the beaten track.
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
We had a tremendous walking week in Tuscany. The team, the accommodation the food, all were exquisite.
We will be back.
This was our belated summer holiday. We enjoyed a lovely week with Mick, Helen and Millie, and our group of 26 clients. The walks were excellent, though shorter than at some other venues - that gave us plenty of down time for some to enjoy the pool and hot tub at the villa, before making our way to gorge ourselves on delicious dinners from 'fry eggs Gustavo's' magic kitchen.
Being with the same group all week offered the advantage of getting to know everyone, and despite the paucity of flora due to the time of year, we enjoyed a cracking break.
Thank you.
I came with the H&G walking group but want to add my personal thanks to your leaders. I love walking but am a bit slow on hills of which there are plenty in Andalusia. I found the going quite challenging but if I showed any sign of lagging one of your leaders was always there to walk with me and I was absolutely delighted to complete the walks without holding up the main group.
What a stunning location for walking & relaxing in the sun in October. Mick has the local knowledge and coordinates the week with precision. We stayed in the Villa with the beautiful views down the valley and made good use of the swimming pool & terrace. Gustavo the hotel proprietor of the hotel where we ate had character and served up delicious evening meals which we ate in the square outside . This was my first walking holiday with Collett's and this holiday was 10/10.
Wonderful week walking in Tuscany. First the accommodation. Having been to Andalucia last May, this was heaven! Unbelievably thoughtful hosts in a delightful simple, quiet house, with exceptional food, not flashy or haute cuisine, but local and always interesting.
Walking was gentle but always interesting, and the other walkers were delightful company. The Italian towns were utterly charming - I love the idea of walking to lunch. OK the scenery was not Corvara or Ehrwald, but it had a gentle,subtle appeal.
And of course yet again the Colletts team! Gosh, how do you do it? They were delightful company, wonderful hosts, first rate guides (..not qualified, of course ... (though one of them was)). It was lovely to see Ben again and watch him lead us without ever being bossy, and Charlie and Caroline and Clare made the perfect team. Special, very very special thanks to Clare. We managed to ruin both her rest days by falling and having to be collected. My wife suffered a particularly bad fracture of her wrist (absolutely no reflection whatsoever on the team - just a simple mishap) and Clare picked her up in the van, brought her to hospital and stayed with her, and saw her through all the painful waiting, whilst messaging me about what was happening. No words can express our gratitude to Clare, her simple humanity and professionalism, and her ability to handle the Italian medical system and ensure that we were able to fly home the next day. [Let's hope, as a special reward for all she did for us, that she manages to bump into that anaesthetist again...]
So many thanks to you all for looking after us, and yes, we would go back. Tuscany is magic!