Think about France. Villages nestled in pretty valleys, steeples of medieval churches pointing out to the blue sky, traditional food fairs, green hilly vineyards, rich food and of course, its prestigious wines. Burgundy has it all, as you are about to discover! Ideally located at the crossroad of Western Europe, Burgundy has played a huge part in the history of France since Gallic times. Add to this all of the best French “cliches” and “raisons d’tre”, and you’ll see there is no wonder that it is called the cradle of France.

For several centuries, the fame and power of the Duchy of Burgundy brought wealth to the region. Nowadays, its amazing architectural heritage can still be seen everywhere as the typical Burgundy tiled roofs testify. Burgundy’s regional gastronomy has spread past its borders to the rest of the country, with well-appreciated dishes such as beef bourguignon, coq au vin, and much more. Burgundy is also renowned for breeding the weirdest food one can think of: snails! The region also owes its fame to its world-class wines, usually produced in small quantities such as Nuits Saint-Georges, Pommard, Mercurey and Meursault, to name but a few.

The walking holidays we have designed for you aim to bring you through the heart of this incredible area and to help you enjoy the wide variety of landscapes, architecture, food and of course, wines, that Burgundy has to offer. The city of Beaune is home to France’s finest medieval hospital (Les Hospices de Beaune) but the surrounding villages have beautiful features of which to boast. Indeed, villages like Pommard, Meursault, Saint-Romain or Rully will seduce you not only with their tortuous streets bordered by stone built houses, food markets, and cafes but they will also ravish your palate with their tannic Pinots Noirs, refreshing Chardonnay, or even the local “Kir” aperitif, a regional blackcurrant cream mixed with local white “aligot” wine. Over the days, the charm of the varying landscapes will bewitch you and visitors often feel their heart sinking when it is time to depart. But don’t worry, we are sure the memories of walking through this life-size postcard added to some wine shopping will comfort you in many ways!

Day 1 – To Beaune (pronounced bone).

You will be pre-booked into an old renovated family house, in the heart of the Vieille Ville (old town).
Beaune is best known for: Red wines made with the Pinot Noir grape, although plantings of Chardonnay have increased recently. There is more sand in the soil here than in most Cote d’Or villages; the red wines tend to be medium bodied, and best drunk between 5 and 10 years old.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops. All facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel in the old town centre. En-suite.

DAY 2 – Beaune – Pommard – Meursault (3h,10km,+29m-5m).

The morning is free in order to visit the medieval city of Beaune. Don’t miss the Hotel Dieu (France’s most beautiful medieval charity hospital), the Basilique Notre-Dame dating from 11th-15th century and the “Musee du Vin de Bourgogne”. Then after an early lunch, it’s an easy 10km to Meusault, on mostly flat ground. On the way we will stop in Pommard, for our first tasting opportunity. Later we reach the town of Meursault for a relaxing evening in the vineyards.

Pommard is best known for: Cote de Beaune’s most powerful Pinot Noir reds.

Meursault is best known for: mainly white wines from the Chardonnay grape. Although it contains no Grand Cru vineyards, the wines of the best Premier Crus are rarely surpassed.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops. All facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel or equivalent, en-suite. Meals: breakfast

DAY 3 – Meursault to Nolay (5h,16km,+359m -360m).

We leave the vineyards today and climb the hill above, meeting the GR76 (a variant of the GR7; a long distance trail that crosses France, east to west). We will walk under the shade of an oak forest, typical of Burgundy. Coming out of the wood, the views of Chateau “La Rochepot” are stunning! The restaurant in the middle of the village serves local specialities and is the best place to stop for lunch. We recommend a visit to the Chateau after lunch. Finally, we follow the GR7 to the small medieval market town of Nolay. Nolay is worth exploring, with his 14th-century market and wooden framed houses.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops. All facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel or equivalent, en-suite. Meals: breakfast

DAY 4 – Nolay to Rully (5h,18km,+470m-472m).

Gentle ascent for the first few kilometers through green pastures, shared with the beautiful Charolais cows. At the top, we are rewarded with wide views of the Saone plain with the Alps in the background. Next, we reach the village of Santenay, for a well-deserved rest (and a wine tasting!). We follow the GR7 across the Canal du Centre, then up Hermitage Mountain, and down through the vineyards to Rully. Please note that if you start the trip on a Friday or Saturday, we will stop in Chassey le Camp, a small hamlet 1km before Rully.

Santenay is best known for: red wines from Pinot Noir grapes and, occasionally, whites. The soils in Santenay tend to be richer than in the rest of the Cote de Beaune and, as a result, wines are more rustic than elegant.

Rully is best known for: its dry whites, made from the Chardonnay grape. These are straightforward and easy to drink.

Town: Shops. All facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel or equivalent, en-suite. Meals: breakfast

DAY 5 – Rully-Mercurey-Rully (5h,18km,+/-481m)

A pleasant walk winding through the vineyards and the “Cote Chalonnaise”, to the village of Mercurey with its robust vintages. On the way we will pass the ancient “Chateau de Montaigu”. A visit here simply necessitates a tasting! Back to Rully via the GR7 and through the sleepy villages of Aluze and Nantoux.
Mercurey is best known for: producing more wine than any other village in the Cote Chalonnaise, 90% of which is red. Pinot Noir is the principal grape variety which is firm, if a little rough when young, but ages well.

Town: Shops. All facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel or equivalent, en-suite. Meals: breakfast

DAY 6 – Rully to Beaune. (5h, 15km, or 24km for the full trip,+401m-422m).

Finally, we head back to Beaune across an undulating landscape, and among some of the best vineyards in the area. We cross the “Canal du Centre” again at the village of Remigny and soon cross the famous vineyards of Chassagne and Puligny Montrachet. Soon after Blagny, we ascend to Mont Melian, to cross the villages of Auxey-Duresses, Volnay and Pommard. From here, you can either retrace the route from Day 2 for 4km to Beaune, or alternatively, call a taxi (not included).
Chassagne Montrachet is best known for: its white wines, made from the Chardonnay grape. The village produces wine at Grand Cru and Premier Cru level, as well as some ‘village’ appellations.
Puligny Montrachet is best known for: Its fine white wines. The village has a number of Grand Cru vineyards in addition to its Premier Cru and ‘village’ wines.
Blagny is best known for: its Appellation status red wines.
Auxey-Duresses is best known for: its medium-priced red and white wines – not dissimilar to those of Volnay and Meursault.
Volnay is best known for: producing elegant red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. More than half of Volnay’s vineyards have Premier Cru status and stretch from Pommard to Meursault. As Meursault is really known for its white wines, the single red wine vineyard of Les Santenots is sold as Volnay Santenots.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops. All facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel or equivalent, en-suite. Meals: breakfast

DAY 7 – Beaune: end of the trip

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops. All facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel in the old town centre. En-suite. Meals: breakfast

Please note that all of our hotels and guest houses have been carefully selected for their comfort, location, food, friendliness and character, and are subject to availability. If the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with one of the same standard of comfort & price.

Your luggage is transported by us from hotel to hotel. During the walks, you only carry your day pack!

Day 1 – To Capiliera**
After flying to Malaga or Granada, you will have a chance to discover the magic of the Sierra Nevada from the typical village of Capiliera. Here, the white washed, flat-roofed houses are reminiscent of Morocco’s Berber architecture. You will be pre-booked in a spacious en-suite room. Tonight’s menu will include traditional Andalusian cuisine as well as other European dishes. Welcome to the valley of the Alpujarras!

Town: (659m, pop 440) Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel with spacious rooms, fantastic views and a swimming pool, situated in the heart of the town. En-suite. Meal: Dinner

Day 2 – Villages of Poqueira valley circular walk/Summit of the Mulhacen [5h,9km,+-762m], [3h45,9km,+-528m]
Today, as we are staying a 2nd night in Capileira, you have 2 options:
1-Villages of Poqueira valley circular
walk Travel along an old mule trail into the dramatic Barranco
de Poqueira (ravine). Here, the villages appear to cling to the sides of the deep valley. On the way you will find Puente Molino, the perfect spot for a picnic or a swim!
2-Summit of the Mulhacen Scale the Mulhacen (3450m),the highest peak in Spain. It starts with a short bus transfer (€8)to the base camp, then it’s a 4h30/5h return hike. The ascent is easy but should be attempted with care. On clear days you can even spot the Moroccan Atlas!

Town: (659m, pop 440) Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel with spacious rooms, fantastic views and a swimming pool, situated in the heart of the town. En-suite. Meal: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 3 – To Busquistar [3h, 9km, +188m, -524m]
The trail starts with a pleasant introduction to the contrasting landscapes of the Alpujarras; from agricultural pastures
to barren lands and wild valleys. Then we will follow an easy track down to the quiet and pretty village of Pitres (1243m). Just below is the famous “Taha”; five lovely hamlets named after the old Arabic administrative units into which Las Alpujarras were divided. We take the old Moorish trail down to the Taha. Here, evidence of a medieval silk trade can still be seen in the abundance of mulberry trees – the leaves of which provided food for the silk worms. Taha is famous for idyllic paths and exceptionally pretty villages, climaxing with the finest vantage point (mirador) in the valley – the Mezquita(1194m).

Town: Food shop. Hotel: beautiful, family-run hotel situated at the edge of the valley in a renovated Berber-style house. Includes a shaded balcony with views over Picon (1275m) and the valley. Meal: Breakfast and dinner

Las Alpujarras has its own unique weather system. Whereas on the coast the temperatures are fairly constant all year round, the combination of mountain air and valleys in Las Alpujarras make the weather more changeable. Summers are often hot and dry, with temperatures in excess of 30 degrees celsius. Rain and cloud is rare, but can occur at higher altitudes, however it never lasts long. Winters are still quite warm and relatively sunny during the day, but can be a lot colder at night after the sun has gone down. If visiting during this time, it is recommended you bring plenty of warm clothing. Both seasons have their advantages – a BBQ in the summer and an evening in-front of a roaring fire in the winter. The best time for walking in Las Alpujarras is from April to mid-June, and from mid-September to
mid-November.

Enjoy a Walking Holiday in the High Atlas exploring remote Berber villages in Morocco, then discover a wealth of culture in Marrakech.

A splendid hike in one of the most remote areas of the High Atlas, featuring picturesque hanging villages, wide green valleys and imposing 4000m peaks. Here, life has barely changed in 300 years. You will discover the true Berber lifestyle and taste indigenous foods like Tajine, Couscous, and incomparable olive oil. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide and Berber muleteers who will facilitate you in meeting the locals. Evenings are spent in typical Berber villages where you will experience their world-famous friendliness. Submerge yourself in this refreshingly simple culture by spending your nights in traditional Berber houses.

In Marrakech, you will stay in a 3* hotel, located in a residential area – perfect to chill out after wandering around Djemaa El Fna’s medina quarter and its souks (markets). In the mountains you will stay in comfortable, but basic, mountain refuges and with Berber families in their traditional flat-roofed house.

Our local English-speaking certified mountain guide will show you the way while the Muleteers cook some tasty Moroccan food for you and their Mules carry your luggage!

DAY 1 – Coming to Marrakech
After picking you up at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be transferred to your 3* hotel, 10 minutes away from Djemaa El Fna.

Town: All facilities, ATM, Internet, food markets, souvenirs. Hotel: 3* Hotel, en-suite. Located in a residential area, 10 mins from “Jamal el fna”. Meals: Marrakech is full of fantastic places to eat, so we decided not to include dinner here.

DAY 2 – To Imeskar, in the High Atlas (4h, +336m)
Short transfer (1hr) at 8h30 to Asni, where we will meet our team of Berber Muleteers (mule drivers) and our cook. While you enjoy the traditional mint tea in a Berber cafe, our team will load the mules. We enter the green valley of Imenane, where we will lunch by the side of the river. For the second part of the day, it’s a slow climb to the village of Imeskar, where we will spend the night.

Accommodation: Friendly family-run guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & (amazing) dinner.

DAY 3 – Imeskar to Gliz (5h, +600m -480m)
We follow a steady mule track across a small valley, under the shade of imposing walnut trees until we lunch close to the river. Then we carry on up to the preserved hamlet of Tidili, and finally to peaceful Gliz, where a refreshing mint tea and a tasty tajine await us!

Accommodation: Friendly family-run guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 4 – Gliz to Ouaneskra (6h30, 13km, +900m -660m)
With several mountain passes on the way, today can be seen as challenging. First, you will climb up to the “col” or mountain pass Tizin Oukaimden (2600m) passing through juniper trees, then down through the ski slopes of the highest ski resort in Africa. On the way you will be able to admire rupestral (rock) paintings. You will then follow the path of the Oukaimden River and stop for lunch. You will climb again up to the “Col Eddi” (2900 m), in front of the perfectly shaped Angour Mountain. From here it’s a long descent into the Imenane valley and the village of Imenane.

Accommodation: Gite Refuge in the village. The Gite is managed by the inhabitants and most of its profits go to the local community. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner.

DAY 5 – Ouaneskra to Imlil & the “Valley of the Walnut trees” (4h, +80m, -550m)
After yesterday’s challenge, you will appreciate this short and quite easy stage. You will first walk along an easy trail at the foot of Mt Akswal (3200m), on a ridge looking over the Imenane valley. It will offer you some nice scenic views of the Ait Misane and Imenane valley. Then you will walk down through a pine forest to the bustling market town of Imlil. You will have lunch and spend the night here at the gite of Imlil. The afternoon is free. The gite has a terrace and an unbeatable view of the Mt Toubkal (4160m), the highest peak in North Africa.

Accommodation: Comfortable Gite/refuge with spacious terrace. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 6 – Imlil to Aissa [5h30, +460m, -580m]
We follow a mule trail along the Ait Misane valley to the picturesque village of Ait Talaoul. We continue to the market town of Taddert and finally to Aguersioual. Then we leave the “Valley of the Walnut trees” and head to the village of Matate, where an ancient mine once supported the local economy. We will have lunch close to a spring. Then we climb to the “Col de Toudate”, and descend to “The valley of the Colours”, so named because of the vibrant gray, ochre and red soil. We will spend the night at AISSA: a traditional Berber-run mountain guesthouse.

Accommodation: Traditional Berber-run guest house in the mountains. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 7 – Aissa to Imioughlad and back to Marrakech (4h, +390m, -476m)
We walk high in the Azaden valley, the most beautiful valley of the Toubkal region. We cross the “Col Tacht” (2000m) then a long descent (1hr30) through juniper and green walnut trees. We lunch here in the Ait Misane valley again. You will then be transferred to Marrakech, via Asni. Free Afternoon, so you can discover the “pink city” and all what Marrakech has to offer.

Town & Hotel: Same as Day 1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Marrakech is full of fantastic places to eat, so we decided not to include the dinner here.

DAY 8 – End of the trip.
After breakfast we transfer you to the airport, and bid you farewell!

Meals: Breakfast

During the trek, meals are cooked by our Berber muleteers. The food provided is fresh and healthy. For Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit. For Lunch: Salad, tomatoes, carrots, seasonal fruit, and fish (sardines, tuna). For Dinner: Tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, etc.

Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day.

In Morocco, it can snow from November to April at altitudes exceeding 2500m. In general, even though the weather is nice during the day, it can be quite cold at night, especially at high altitudes.

• Light walking boots suitable for use in the mountains
• Sleeping bag
• Polar fleece jacket
• Hat
• 60 litres backpack or equivalent (it will be carried by mules during the walks)
• All other useful gear for trekking
• An exhaustive list of items to bring will be sent to you before departure

See our What to Bring section for some recommended items to pack.

what-to-bring From London
- Ryanair from Luton
- easyJet From Gatwick
- BA to Marrakech (October to March)

In Morocco
- Free pick up from Marrakech airport
- From Agadir we can arrange a taxi to collect you see options below). It is also possible to travel by bus (takes 6hrs)
- From Casablanca take a taxi (20 minutes) to Casablanca’s train station (€30), and then a train to Marrakech (takes 3hrs), leaves every 2hrs, €10. Alternatively we can transfer you (see options below)

Walking holidays in Cinque Terre, Italy. Quite possibly the most beautiful coastal walk in Europe, on the most magnificent part of the Italian Riviera. The Cinque Terre are five coastal, medieval, villages in the province of La Spezia: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of a national park of the same name. The Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking through the National Park, you will discover the coastline as well as the backcountry: villages that cling to the cliffs, tiny sandy beaches and sandy coves as well as terraced fields and extensive woodlands. Given its location on the Mediterranean, only the freshest fish and seafood are good enough for the local cuisine. The anchovies of Monterosso are a local specialty, while the extensive terraced olive groves provide oil for some of the best pesto in Italy.
As this trip is centre based, you will be able to stay in the heart of the National park and explore the area as you wish (see “Cinque Terre Card” below).

To suit everybody’s taste and budget, we have selected 3 types of accommodation (see table of prices below):

• Self-catering apartment (2* standard) in Riomaggiore, including breakfast
• 3* hotel in Monterosso
• 4* hotel in Monterosso

You can extend your stay by adding as many extra nights in the Cinque Terre as you wish, or nights in Pisa, Genoa, Milan or Rome (depending on your flight schedule).

To the Cinque Terre (Monterosso or Riomaggiore)

Take a train to the Cinque Terre (see “How to get there” below) and check into your accommodation in the town of Monterosso or Riomaggiore (see “Options” below). If you arrive early enough, it would be possible to complete one of the shorter walks or alternatively, you could explore, rest or go for a swim.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

Riomaggiore – Monterosso (4h45, +/- 430m)

This is the famous Via Dell’Amore (Lovers’ Walk). This very picturesque footpath winds along the shore, past the five famous villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Pass by pretty terraced vineyards and olive groves.This walk varies in difficulty from an easy stroll to a demanding hike, but offers the best views of the bay and spectacular approaches to both Monterosso and Vernazza. If you feel tired, you can also take a train from any station along the way.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

Riomaggiore – Portovenere (5h00, +/- 515m)

This walk explores the remote Peninsula of Portovenere. We head south on a path going steeply uphill through extensive woodlands. Passing Campiglia, a pretty, traditional Ligurian village, we descend to Portovenere. From here, enjoy great views of “Isla Palmaria” and the little church sitting atop it. From Portovenere, you can travel back either by seasonal ferry, or by taking the bus to La Spezia and then a train to Cinque Terre.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

Circular walk Monterosso (4h00, +/- 601m)

This walk takes you through a fragrant lemon grove where you can enjoy sweeping views of the coast. Both the Etruscans and the Romans followed this path many hundreds of years ago. During the Middle Ages this mule track was of great importance, as it passed just in front of the historical sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore.

Town: Shops, bus, ATM, Internet, pharmacy, pubs, restaurants. Accommodation: As you decide.

To Pisa

http://www.pisa-airport.com/index.php?lang=_en

20 major airlines fly to Pisa: Ryanair www.ryanair.com, easyJet www.easyjet.com, Air France www.airfrance.com, Alitalia www.alitalia.com, Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com, Sky Europe www.skyeurope.com amongst others.
From Pisa, there are frequent trains to the Cinque Terre (1hr30 approx) http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

To Genoa
http://www.airport.genova.it/v2/
Ryanair www.ryanair.com, Air France www.airfrance.com, Alitalia www.alitalia.com, Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com and other airlines fly to Genoa.
From Genoa, there are frequent trains to the Cinque Terre (1hr30 approx) http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

To Milan
Virtually all airlines fly to Milan’s airports.
From Milano Centrale (Milan’s main train station) there are regular trains to the Cinque Terre (3hrs). http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

To Rome
Virtually all airlines fly to Rome.
From Rome Termini (Rome’s main train station) there are many trains to the Cinque Terre (5hrs), with a change in La Spezia http://www.trenitalia.com/trenitalia.html

These options give you the opportunity to couple your stay in the Cinque Terre with a visit to one of these historical towns/cities. All our hotels are centrally located, close to all amenities and sites of cultural interest. In addition, our accommodations are ideally situated with regards to airports and train stations. Depending on your flight schedule, an extra night/s in Pisa, Genoa, Milan or Rome may make your departure easier.

A Walking Holiday in Mallorca, Spain. Forget any preconceived notions about tacky tourist resorts and apartment blocks! We take you to the serene and unspoiled northern reaches of the island of Mallorca.

The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza) are situated in the middle of the Mediterranean sea. Visitors to these islands enjoy an excellent climate, pristine beaches, razor sharp mountains and an abundance of natural beauty. Mallorca, the largest island, is THE perfect hiking destination. Discover Mallorca’s Sierra Tramuntana with One Foot Abroad.

This trip will bring you to the top of the highest accessible summit in Mallorca. Traverse olive groves and almond orchards, walk through fields and admire picturesque fishing villages.

Leave us to look after your accommodation, meals and luggage transportation. Discover the real Mallorca – a world apart from the tourist resorts.

DAY 1 – Coming to Mallorca.
After your flight to Palma, you will be pre-booked in a refuge in the picturesque village of Pollenca. This refuge was completed in November 2007, and offers modern facilities, comfortable shared rooms and good food.

Town: Food shop, ATM, Internet Refuge: Very spacious & comfortable shared rooms with hot water, as well as a peaceful garden with views of the river. Meal: Dinner.

DAY 2 - From Pollenca to Lluc (4h30, 13km, +500m, -100m)
From orchards to mountains. From the refuge, we take a path along the “Routa de Pedras”, an old stone road. During the first 2 hours we traverse groves – the trees dripping with oranges, olives and figs. Then, entering the woods, the trail climbs up to a pass with an unique view of the Pollenca peninsulas. Finally, sloping down gently through some meadows, we come to the Plateau of Saint Lluc.

Town, Lluc: Shop open every day except Mondays Accommodation: Shared rooms in a brand new refuge. Great views of Mt Tomir, Mt Massanella and the Pollenca valley. Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner

DAY 3 – Lluc to Tossal Verde (5h, 14km, +740m, -672m)
Today, below looming Mt Massanella, we start a descent through the woods where you will see the ruins of an old village, complete with bread ovens and many sitjas (pits to burn charcoal). After climbing constantly for 2 hours into the woods, we arrive at a small platform with fantastic views over the southern coast of the island. Coming down into a forest of conifers and pasture in narrow valleys, we reach our refuge for tonight. Note: At the refuge, the keeper grows vegetables and has a couple of donkeys.

Town: No village tonight, just a remote mountain refuge. Enjoy the solitude! Accommodation: Shared rooms. Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner

DAY 4 – Tossal Verde to Port Soller (6h, 20km, +532m, -1100m)
Cuber, heart of the Tramuntana. From the Cuber lake we make our way through the mountains, going down through a narrow gorge on a cobbled path. The gorge is covered with terraced fields, similar to those in Nepal. Then, from Soller we take the wooden train (3, not included) to the cove of the sea port village of “Puerto Soller”. Options: Puig Ofre [1098m] +1h00 & +/-550m, Mirador +1h30 +/- 500m

Town: Beaches, ATM, food shop, Internet, all facilities. Accommodation: Shared rooms in a refuge, 100m from the light house. Great views of the coast and the Tramuntana range behind. Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner

A Walking Holiday in Corsica, France. Though Corsica has been governed by France for over 200 years, the island maintains a distinctly ‘Corsican’ identity. Corscians take pride in their native customs, language (Corsu) and traditions, not to mention their entirely unique landscape.

In many ways, Corsica resembles a miniature continent; with 1000km of sea-swept coast line, mountain ranges that stay snow-capped until July, a world-renowned marine reservation, an inhabited desert (Agriates) and a continental divide running down the centre of the island!

Much of the island is covered by maquis, a typical Corsican shrub-like vegetation used for fragrances and cooking. Just a single day’s walk can carry you through a kaleidoscopic landscape of secret coves, booming waterfalls, plunging canyons, sweeping bays, megalithic menhirs and dense chestnut and pine forests. Away from the holiday resorts you will discover quiet fishing villages, remote mountain towns and deserted beaches.

This walking holiday is inspired by one of the great classics of Corsica, the Mare e Monti. We have selected on this walking holiday the most beautiful maritme stages ranging from Calvi to Porto. With forests and Corsican maquis, opportunities for swimming in the crystal clear natural river pools, unspoilt cricks, everything is combined here to make this holiday an unforgettable memory!

On a Self-Guided tour, we provide you with focused maps and very detailed walking notes describing the route step-by-step. Navigation is made easy. The walking notes also enclose information about the culture, the flora & fauna, places of interest along the way and good restaurants for lunch!

Luggage is transported by us from hotel to hotel. During the walk, you only carry your day pack!

DAY 1 – Calvi to Bonifatu (4h45, +590m -287m).

Transfer from Calvi to Calenzana, the land of olive trees, where we start the hike. Today’s landmarks are the numerous rivers we will cross over as well as the stunning scenic views over typical Corsican villages.

Town: all facilities.
Accomodation: Private room.
Meal: Dinner.

DAY 2 – Bonifatu a Tuarelli (6h, +664m -1100m).

Leaving Bonifatu, we enter the beautiful oak and pine forests and we then climb up to a pass at 1200m above see level. Shortly after we get to Bocca di Bonassa with a natural spring close by. The trail then heads down through more woodlands, crossing over a few streams, and heading towards Tuarelli. After this walking day, Tuarelli is the ideal spot to chill out and relax in its natural fresh water springs.

Town: all facilities
Accomodation: Refuge.
Meal: Breakfast & dinner.

DAY 3 – Tuarelli to Galeria (4h45, +220m -271m).

This beautiful walking day brings us closer to the see and the Gulf of Galeria. We will walk through low wall lined crop fields and we then enter the famous Corsican maquis. Surrounded by juniper and arbutus, we then walk along the river before reaching old sheepfolds and Galeria. Galeria is on the mediteranean seaside so you could go for a swim to relax after your walking day!

Town: all facilities.
Accomodation: Private rooms.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner.

When a private room is not available, bedrooms comprise of 4 or 6 beds (unless stated othwerwise). Bed linen and towels may not be provided at each accommodation so it is better to take them with you in case. Also, a sleeping bag can be useful and save you taking bed linen.

• To Corsica: Air France fly from Paris to Calvi. Air France, BA, Easyjet fly to Ajaccio from Ireland & UK, Easyjet fly from London, Manchester, Bristol to Bastia. Ryanair fly to Figari.

BRAND NEW CHARTER FLIGHT TO CORSICA FOR 2011

SIMPSON TRAVEL IN CONJUNCTION WITH BRITISH MIDLAND AIRWAYS HAVE LAUNCHED A NEW SERVICE FOR SUMMER 2011 FROM LONDON HEATHROW TO FIGARI. FULL FLIGHT DETAILS AS FOLLOWS :

SUNDAYS 29 MAY – 25 SEPTEMBER 2011

FLIGHT DEPARTS LONDON HEATHROW TERMINAL 1 : 0940

ARRIVES FIGARI : 1250

DEPARTS FIGARI : 1335

FLIGHT ARRIVES LONDON HEATHROW TERMINAL 1 : 1445

FLIGHT PRICES FROM £209 PER PERSON AND INCLUDES :

ALL PAX TAXES BOTH IN THE UK AND OVERSEAS

AN INCREASED BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE OF 23KGS PP

IN-FLIGHT MEALS

PRE-SEATING TOGETHER ON THE AIRCRAFT

call Corsica department on 0208 392 5858 or email corsicaflights@simpsontravel.com

• To the Beginning of the Adventure: Calvi

Option 1: From Calvi

Taxi from airport to city centre

Option 2: From Ajaccio

By bus: Ajaccio to Calvi with connection in Porto.Departure at 7.30am. For more information, see http://www.corsicabus.org/Bus_services.html

By train: Ajaccio to Calvi with connection in Corte or Ponte-Leccia. 2 departures/day. For more information, see http://www.corsicabus.org/Train_services/Train5AjaCly.html

By car: it is possible to rent a car from Ajaccio airport for a day and drop it in Calvi. Car hire providers can be easily found on the internet.

Option 3: From Bastia

By bus: Bastia to Calvi. 1 departure/day. For more information, see http://www.corsicabus.org/busCalvi/CLY_Bastia.html

By train: Bastia to Calvi with connection in Ponte-Leccia. 3 departures/day. For more information, see http://www.corsicabus.org/Train_services/Train3BiaCly.html

By car: it is possible to rent a car from Bastia airport for a day and drop it in Calvi. Car hire providers can be easily found on the internet.

• Back home from Porto

Option 1: To Calvi

By bus: Departure at 10.00am. For more information, see http://www.corsicabus.org/busCalvi/CLY_Porto.html

Option 2: To Ajaccio

By bus: 2 departures/day. For more information, see http://www.corsicabus.org/busAjaccio/AJA_Cargese_Po.html

Option 3: To Bastia

By bus: Porto to Bastia with connection in Ajaccio or Calvi. For more information, see http://www.corsicabus.org/busBastia/index.html