The Mare e Monti path can be done in 9 to 11 days. The following itinerary divides it into 10 daily stages:

Getting there and out

 PROGRAMME

 Day 1 : Calvi

If you fly in to Ajaccio you can take the train to Calvi (€25,- not included).
Your holiday starts at your hotel in Calvi, after checking in, you have the opportunity to explore the town. If you would like to start your holiday in Ajaccio consult us at the moment of reservation.
Night at your hotel in Calvi. Evening meal not included.

 Day 2: Calenzana to Bonifatu

At 8am transfer by taxi to Calenzana (included).

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
Budget package: dormitory.
Standard package: chambre d'hôtes.

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

 Day 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 gîte in Tuarelli.
Budget package: dormitory.
Standard package: dormitory.

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

 Day 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 day’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 gîte in Galeria.
Budget package: dormitory.
Standard package: chambre d'hôtes.

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

 Day 5: Galeria to Girolata

Today 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 days walk.
Night and evening meal at gîte in Girolata.
Budget package: dormitory.
Standard package: chambre d'hôtes.

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

 Day 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 gîte in Curzu.
Budget package: dormitory.
Standard package: chambre d'hôtes.

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

 Day 7 : Curzu to Serriera

From the gîtes, 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.

 Day 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 gîte in Ota.
Budget package: dormitory.
Standard package: chambre d'hôtes.

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

 Day 9 : Ota to Evisa and Marignana

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. 
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 gîte in Marignana (dormitory).Night and evening meal at gîte in Marignana.
Budget package: dormitory.
Standard package: dormitory.

5h00 effective walking, +650m altitude, -260m.

 Day 10 : Marignana to E Case

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. You will not have your luggage today. You get it the next day at Cargese

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

 Day 11 : E Case to Cargese

You leave E Case via a path that will give you some splendid views on the Golfe de  Chiuni.. You then begin to edge your way down hill, passing the Santa Lucia shepherds cabins and the village of Lozzi, situated just before your day’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.

 Day 12 : Cargese to Ajaccio

You leave Cargese by bus in the morning (not included),  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.

 Day 13 : Ajaccio

Your holiday 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 (Not included : € 25).

 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 holiday.  There is between 5h00 and 6h00 effective walking each day.  The  ascents and descents are constant. There will be between  400m and 900m ascension per day.  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.

 NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

Two people minimum needed.

 CARRYING

You will  need to carry a day 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 holiday, to and from the bus station for example.

 ACCOMMODATION

A mix of hotels and gîtes

MEALS: Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, bread, butter and jam) ; Evening meals in the gîte 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 at 12h00 onwards.  It is also possible to start your holiday from Ajaccio, please discuss with us at the time of your reservation.  Consult with us for left luggage facilities.

Your holiday will come to an end Saturday 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 (you can start any day of the week) 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 holiday.

 DATES

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

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

 HOW TO TRAVEL TO CORSICA?

By Air  Direct charter flights during the season from Gatwick and Heathrow offered by Air France, British Midland. Contact Holiday 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.
By Bus: Find all information at http://www.corsicabus.org/

For Booking this walk surf to our booking page.

 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 day 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 holiday, 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 holiday meets with your expectations.