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Mare a Mare South
Corsica
France
Corsica is an ideal island for walking holidays. A veritable mountain in the sea, Corsica is home to an astonishingly diverse array of landscapes; it is a mosaic of colours, with fine sand beaches running alongside airy, snow-capped mountains. Age old paths link the high mountain plains, dotted with shepherds’ cabins, to the precariously perched villages. Meandering trails lead through the aromatic maquis down to the warm, jewel blue Mediterranean waters. One of five classic hikes in Corsica, the Mare a Mare takes you from coast to coast through scenic villages, majestic forests and airy mountain tops. Along the way, breath-taking views and striking landscapes await discovery.
The
Mare a Mare South path is a distinct favorite, allowing hikers to enjoy all the splendid
contrasts and colors of the island. You will feel a wonderful and vibrant local atmosphere,
cross villages charged with charm and history and walk under a forest that has aged over a hundred
years! The Corsican scrub will invite you to discover its strawberry trees and
regional fauna and you will have numerous bathing opportunities in the clear blue waters of
the streams and rivers of the island.
Starting from the gulf of Porto Vecchio on the Eastern coast, the trail rises
up through the mountains of the Alta Rocca, to arrive in Propriano on the Western
coast. With five days of easy to moderate walking, you will discover the richness
of the extreme south, with the excitement and flexibility of doing it on your own.
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Walking Tour
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Meeting:
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Porto Vecchio hotel
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Airport:
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Ajaccio / Bastia
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Transfer:
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hotel in Porto Vecchio
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Half board accommodation (evening meals are not included on day 1 and 6), internal transfers, baggage transfers between hotels, the dossier containing your maps, route notes and all necessary details needed for your holiday.
| A | 2012 | 7 day self-guided trip | 7d / 6n | €675 | $905 |
| Peak Season supplement (July+August) pp | €60 | $80 |
| Departure on a different day than Saturday pp | €25 | $35 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Trip starts at hotel in Porto Vecchio
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Start: At your first hotel in Porto Vecchio.
End: At your hotel in Propriano, after breakfast.
How to get there: Direct charter flights during the season from Gatwick and Heathrow offered by Air France, British Midland. Scheduled services via Paris. You can also change at Montpellier or Nice for connecting flights.
Tour Dates for 2012
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| A |
2012
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04/01
- 10/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day self-guided trip
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2
/10
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Reserve
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Every Saturday to Friday in season - other start dates with supplement
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Rates do not include:
Unforeseen additional transfers, drinks, picnics, extra activities, holiday insurance, evening meals on the first and 6th day and travel.
 
Your luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different accommodations. It is also important to consider that it may be necessary to occasionally carry your bags short distances at the start or end of your holiday. You will need the appropriate luggage and meet the weight restrictions for our transport.
Day 1 : Start of holiday in Porto-Vecchio
Your holiday starts at your hotel in Porto Vecchio. Time to check into your hotel and explore the town.
Day 2 : Porto-Vecchio to Cartalavonu
Your first day's walk will lead you from sea level up into the mountains. You will pass through Alzu di Gallina and the Ospedale to the village of Cartalavonu situated at 1020m altitude. The Mediterranean vegetation is fragrant, a scrubby mix of heather bushes, strawberry trees and wild herbs. The views back across the gulf of Porto Vecchio are breathtaking. The walk takes you through traditional villages before arriving at the plateau of Ospédale. The last stretch of the trail leads through the forest and on to Cartalavonu.
Distance : 14km, duration : 7h00, altitude gain : +1000m.
Day 3 : Cartalavonu to Levie
The path leads swiftly up away from the hamlet of Cartalavonu to the high mountain pass of Foce Alta (1171m). From there you will catch magnificent views over the Lake of Ospedale. A multitude of sleepy perched villages of Alta Rocca and the famous pink granite pinnacles of Bavella are stretched out before you. The trail winds its way through a chestnut forest, the village of Carbini (famous for its 11th century church decorated with pisan art) and the Fiumiccicoli river. Passing through olive groves and its old mill, you arrive at the outskirts of Levie.
Distance : 11km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +510m, descent : -920m.
Day 4 : Levie to Serra di Scopamena
The path heads up through an oak forest dotted with large blocks of granite to the St Laurent chapel. This area is well known for its archaeological sites, two of the most famous, Cucuruzzu and Capula, are nearby. You arrive at the Quenza deer enclosure and shortly afterwards, the village itself. Be sure to go and see the Pisan church that dates from the year 1000. You pass the hamlet of Ghjallicu an old chestnut mill and the shepherds cabins Lavu Donacu before arriving at the village of Serra di Scopamena.
Distance : 17km, duration : 5h30, altitude gain : +760m, descent : -520m.
Day 5 : Serra di Scopamena to Ste Lucie de Tallano
As the path snakes through a chestnuts forest, you will notice an old mill that has been restored by the Corsican Natural Park. You will pass the River Rizzanese, the Col de Tavara, the village of Altagène, then through the hamlet of Saint Andrea di Talla before arriving at today’s destination: Santa Lucia de Tallano. This village is really invinting and full of interests. Such as a 15th century convent, tall granite houses, a restored olive mill and the possibility to purchase a wide variety of oils.
Distance : 10 km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +400m, descent : -800m.
Day 6 : Ste Lucie de Tallano to Propriano
Passing the 12th century Roman chapel St-Jean-Baptiste, the path crosses the River Rizzanese. The following stop on our itinerary is Loreto di Tallano. This village was the setting of a famous novel written by Prosper Mérimée: the legendary Colomba, based on a true vendetta story. Impatience will mount as you get closer to the beckoning Mediterranean sea. You make your way towards the thermal spa of Baracci; the benefits of its waters have been known since antiquity. A great spot to have a soak and relax. At the end of today’s walk a short transfer from Borgo to Propriano, a small coastal resort buzzing with atmosphere, street cafes and plenty of fish restaurants.
Distance : 10km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +630m, descent : -750m.
Day 7 : End of holiday in Propriano
End of holiday in Propriano. To return to Ajaccio, consult us.
Level of Difficulty
The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday.
What to Carry
You will need to carry a day sack only, with your water bottle, camera, picnic and jacket.
Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks.
Your main luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different overnight stops. We ask you to please limit your main luggage to between 10-15 kg to facilitate the transportation and carrying for the drivers. It is also important to consider that it may be necessary to carry your bags short distances around Ajaccio at the start or end of your holiday.
Starting Point/End Point
Starting point - At your first hotel in Porto Vecchio.
End - At your hotel in Propriano, after breakfast.
**This program is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be possible, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified.
Self-guided walking holidays are perfect for couples, families and small groups of friends. It is ideal for passionate hikers, as well as beginners. It is a great way to discover a region at your own pace and in your own way. You can decide how fast you want to walk, how much time you want to take for lunch, taking photographs, or having relaxing swim stops. You make your way between the different hotels and we transfer your bags so you can walk freely carrying just a day sack.
Our itineraries are designed to stay one night or two nights in a hotel before moving on. On the stay put days you can do a circular walk or simply relax and explore. We provide walking notes, as well as maps with your route highlighted. Your dossier contains everything you need for the week’s walking and our team is always on hand to help if need be.
Meeting:
Porto Vecchio hotel
Airport:
Ajaccio / Bastia
Transfer:
hotel in Porto Vecchio
Start: At your first hotel in Porto Vecchio.
End: At your hotel in Propriano, after breakfast.
How to get there: Direct charter flights during the season from Gatwick and Heathrow offered by Air France, British Midland. Scheduled services via Paris. You can also change at Montpellier or Nice for connecting flights.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. You need to be used to walking and be fit with exercise to enjoy this holiday.
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: (a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Passport NoteFranc. more
Corsica has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and moderate, dry, clear winters. Climate varies with altitude and mountain forms though. It's rather alpine than Mediterranean in the mountains. The main mountain range divides the island roughly in half -- the North is hotter than the South, while the East is wetter than the West.
WHAT TO BRING AND PACK
- Bags
You need to carry a small day sack only with a water bottle, camera, picnic and wind jacket.
A bag, rucksack or suitcase for your main luggage - 10kg maximum per person.
- For Walking
Good walking shoes or boots with a 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 recommended!)
Personal first aid kit with good blister protection
- For your picnics
A good cutting knife, fork, spoon, plastic cup and plate
some plastic bags
- Sun and rain protection
Sunglasses and sun cream
Sun hat
Wind and waterproof jacket (Gore-tex stlye)
- Relaxing time
Casual shoes or open sandals
Casual wear
With your service:
Our team is present and always at hand to ensure the smooth running of your holiday. We are on the ground and ready to assist in any eventuality.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Overnights are in small country hotels with meals as per itinerary.
Breakfast is Continental with tea & coffee.
Lunchtime picnics not included.
Dinner is often based on the local Corsican specialties.
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Tack:
|
|
|
|
Horses:
|
|
|
|
Pace:
|
|
The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. You need to be used to walking and be fit with exercise to enjoy this holiday.
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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