France Island of Corsica Hiking Tour
Soaring Peaks, Chestnut Forests & Local Traditions
- Available: May, June, September, October
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
Highlights
- Enjoy breathtaking vistas on an accessible portion of Europe's notoriously challenging GR20 hiking trail
- Marvel at the stunning red rock formations of Calanches de Piana as they tower dramatically over the picturesque coastline
- Discover the charming village of Corte, nestled among verdant valleys and sparkling mountain lakes
Itinerary
Arrive in Ajaccio, Corsica
Day 1
Start the adventure in Ajaccio, the island's capital, and the birthplace of Napoleon. Transfer from the Ajaccio airport to the hotel, secluded along the untamed coastline. This evening you'll have a briefing, followed by a festive welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Cala di Sole-Ajaccio, France
Meals: Dinner
Discover the Calanches de Piana
Day 2
Meet the guides in the morning and transfer to the Calanches de Piana (about 90 minutes by car) for the first hike. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these blood red pinnacles soar out of the jagged coastline, creating improbable inlets and shapes. The hiking trail meanders through the red rock, rising high above the plunging cliffs, with jaw-dropping viewpoints over the sea. Transfer to your home for the next three nights, the village of Piana, perched above the Gulf of Porto. Enjoy dinner together this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Scandola
Activity: 3 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,530' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Aitone Forest
Day 3
Head into the hills and enter the village of Evisa, perched high above the sea. To the northeast is the beautiful Aitone forest, where you'll follow a beautiful chestnut-tree trail. Chestnuts are an important part of Corsican cuisine, and have been planted in the area for centuries. Pass by a series of small waterfalls and emerald-green natural pools carved from the rock. Enjoy a riverside picnic in the shade of Corsican pines, some of which are over 150' tall, before returning to Piana. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the restaurants in the village.
Accommodation: Hotel Scandola
Activity: 3 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,480' elevation gain & 660' elevation loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Reach the Spectacular Girolata Village
Day 4
Just north of Porto follow the Mare e Monti path that links the sea to the mountains. Take in the maquis vegetation of heather, boxwood, and Corsican pine, and descend to a secluded beach for a dip and a picnic. Continue along the Sentier du Facteur — "the mailman's path" — the one path a mailman took for 30 years to deliver the mail to the village of Girolata. Marvel at the handful of golden-stone homes huddled on a promontory above the bay. Return to Porto by boat, then transfer back to Piana for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Scandola
Activity: 2 hours/3 miles hiking with 350' elevation gain & 1,150' elevation loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer & 2.5-hour boat ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike on the Famous GR20 to Corte
Day 5
Get an early start and transfer to the Col de Vergio pass (60 minutes by minibus). Tackle the famous GR20 hiking path, the toughest and arguably most spectacular trail in all of Europe. Cover one of its most majestic sections, along switchbacks up to a grassy crestline with dazzling views to the sea below, and to the fairy-tale Lac de Nino Lake surrounded by deep-green grassy bogs with a backdrop of serrated summits. Continue by vehicle through canyon roads to reach the town of Corte, home for the next three nights.
Accommodation: Dominique Colonna-Corte, France
Activity: 5.5-6 hours/12 miles hiking with 2,624' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow the Manganello River to a Shepherd's Hut
Day 6
Today, begin the hike in the lost village of Canaglia, along the leisurely Mare a Mare route through the center of the island, following alongside the Manganello River. Reach a remote shepherd's hut on a clearing with views of high summits, and savor a picnic lunch featuring local cheeses and charcuterie. Hike back and return to Corte by minivan. Take the time to meander through the streets of the island's historic capital, before having dinner together in the center.
Accommodation: Dominique Colonna-Corte, France
Activity: 3 hours/6 miles hiking with 985' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gorges du Tavignano
Day 7
Leaving the authentic town of Corte by foot, you enter the remote Tavignano valley, where the town streets immediately give way to remote wilderness. It's a stunning walk, remaining in the Tavignano valley the entire time, and following the Mare a Mare path that crosses the width of Corsica. Reaching the Russulinu footbridge, we enjoy a picnic and a swim in the natural pools before returning along the same path. In the evening we gather in town for a farewell dinner before a third and final night in Corte.
Accommodation: Dominique Colonna-Corte, France
Activity: 4.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,150' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Ajaccio
Day 8
Your trip ends after breakfast with a transfer from the hotel to the airport in Ajaccio.
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
MT Sobek has been leading adventures in France for over 50 years and this custom-designed trip takes you on an achievable section of the GR20 trail, with nights spent at comfortable hotels.
In 8 well-paced days, you'll experience Corsica's stunning trails, breathtaking mountains and sandy beaches while also learning about the island's history, culture and urban life.
Get the inside scoop on one of Europe's best hiking destinations with expert local French Corsican guides, who know the island inside and out.
Dates & Prices
- 2025
- 2026
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2025
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,795 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,200 Single OccupancyCheck AvailabilityConfirmed
2026
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,695 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,300 Single OccupancyAvailable - $6,695 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,300 Single OccupancyAvailable - $6,695 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,300 Single OccupancyAvailable - $6,695 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,300 Single OccupancyAvailable
Go Private
Go Private with MT Sobek
Gather your favorite travel companions—family, friends, colleagues, or club—and enjoy an exclusive departure that’s easy to book and completely unforgettable.
Private Trip RequestPrivate Trip Requirements
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your private departure.
Minimum age for guests on this trip is 16 years old.
Choose Your Own Travel Dates
May, June, September, October
Private Trip Pricing: 2025
10 guests from $6,495 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $6,895 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $7,095 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $7,495 per person double occupancy
Private Trip Pricing: 2026
10 guests from $6,695 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $7,095 per person double occupancy
7 guests from $7,295 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $7,395 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $7,695 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $8,195 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Trip pricing on the website is provided as an estimate and is subject to change based on rates at the time of request and seasonality.
Take Over One of These Dates
- May 18 - 25, 2026
- Jun 08 - 15, 2026
- Sep 14 - 21, 2026
- Sep 28 - Oct 05, 2026
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Anne-Charlotte L.
“Life is too short to be bored” could be Anne-Charlotte’s mantra. Her travels have taken her around the world, and she’s worked several trades, from denturist to lumberjack! But the one constant has always been her love of nature. As a guide, Anne-Charlotte began along the rough trails of Corsica and the rolling hills of Provence. Soft-spoken, attentive, and with a heart of gold, Anne-Charlotte will ensure your experience will be a memorable one. And don’t try to stump her on anything botany-related: it won’t work.
Marion L.
A native from Northern France, Marion has traveled through many countries in Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia. After studying international business, she decided to change her way of life and become a hiking guide. Marion wanted to be out in nature and realized that we, as humans, are also part of nature. Naturally she turned her passion into a profession that would give her the opportunity to fully enjoy and be in touch with mother nature. Marion is an enthusiastic and attentive guide who loves meeting people from all walks of life and shares her passion for hiking, local culture and food. She also practices yoga and meditation and travels either by foot or by bike.
Ariane C.
Raised in Provence, Ariane has studied English and Chinese languages, and went to live in China in the Yunnan Province, where she worked as a tour guide on trekking and classical tours from tropical forests to yack meadows. After 12 years, she came back to France and passed the french state diploma to become a professional mountain leader. Today she passionately guides hikes in Provence, the Alps and Corsica. She likes to share what nature offers, specially plants and their many uses, as well as the testimony of human history in the mountain scenery.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. You should be comfortable hiking 6-7 miles per day in addition to one 12-mile day. Typical elevation gain and loss is 2,000 - 2,500 feet. Terrain is varied but sometimes may include rocky or uneven sections.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
3 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,530' elevation gain & loss
Day 3
3 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,480' elevation gain & 660' elevation loss
Day 4
2 hours/3 miles hiking with 350' elevation gain & 1,150' elevation loss
Day 5
5.5-6 hours/12 miles hiking with 2,624' elevation gain & loss
Day 6
3 hours/6 miles hiking with 985' elevation gain & loss
Day 7
4.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,150' elevation gain & loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Waterfront hotels, converted historic monasteries, and riverside retreats all feature excellent service, great views, and the full spectrum of amenities.
Weather
Corsica is dry, Mediterranean, and unshaded. In the mountains it is cool with possible storms.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
You will be met by your guide(s) at the Ajaccio airport upon your arrival.
What's the best way to get to Corsica by plane from mainland France?
You can fly into the Ajaccio airport (AJA), where the trip starts, from the Paris Orly airport (ORY), Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG), Nice airport (NCE), or Marseille airport (MRS).
What's the best way to get to Corsica by boat?
You can take a ferry from Nice to Ajaccio, where the trip starts. You can see a schedule and book tickets at Corsica Ferries www.corsica-ferries.co.uk/
Are there swimming pools at the hotels on this trip?
Can I wear trail shoes/cross training shoes on this trip?
You will need high-ankle hiking boots for Days 5 and 7 and they are strongly recommended for the entire trip.