Explore the spectacular island of Corsica on foot and from the water during this nine-day adventure launching from Bastia. Rising dramatically from the sea, Corsica is the greenest island in the Mediterranean and blanketed in more than 2, plant species that include endemic pines, oak, and juniper.
Witness megalithic stones and hear stories of the ghost of Napoleon while discovering this fascinating corner of Europe. Commence your journey by flying in or taking a ferry to Bastia, a picturesque coastal town characterized by its wide array of pastel-colored houses. Spend your first afternoon in Bastia wandering through its charming plazas and narrow streets, or indulge in fresh caught seafood at one of the many locally owned restaurants along the harbor.
Come nightfall we will gather for a brief orientation meeting of the week ahead and enjoy a welcome dinner all together. Travel Tip: Bastia is well-connected to mainland France by air and ferry. Ferries also run from Livorno near Pisa, Italy. For international travelers, its best to consider arriving a day early to adjust from jet-lag. Your day kicks off with a drive along Corsica's east coast, followed by an inland journey to the Alta Rocca Mountains, known for their striking granite spires that seem to almost reach the sky.
The trail will lead you through pine groves and under magnificent limestone rock formations. Your morning stroll will take you through a scenic forest, leading to the ancient site of Cucuruzzu, a small grassy hill discovered in by Roger Grosjean. The site, now protected in the Corsica Regional Nature Park, features rock structures dating back to the 2nd century BC, and offers a fascinating glimpse into history.
Following a delightful lunch of traditional Corsican flavors, you'll head north to the Plateau du Cuscionu, where you'll explore vast meadows and flowing streams frequented by nearby wildlife. The afternoon hike ranges from two to four miles, with modest elevation changes depending on how the group feels.
