Arrive at your hotel in the heart of the old town of Bastia, on the north eastern coast of Corsica. This dynamic city offers a wonderful welcome to this island with its own proud identity and heritage. Its history dates back to the 14th century, when it was founded by the Genoese who made it the capital of the island, with its name taken from the "bastille" (fortress) overlooking the city. Pay a visit to this relic standing proudly at the old port and enjoy a stroll around the impressive promenade edging the sea. Wandering the cobbled streets on foot is an ideal way to soak in the city's Mediterranean character and rich history. As you explore the old town, you will discover houses with colourful facades and shutters, as well as cathedrals, churches and palaces harking back to centuries past. The city's picturesque market squares are a popular meeting place for residents and visitors alike; lined with cafes and restaurants these are great spots to enjoy a relaxed drink. The Place du Marche, neighbouring the distinctive twin-towered St-Jean Baptiste church, hosts lively traditional markets every Saturday and Sunday and offers a plethora of regional products and specialties, including charcuteries and cheeses as well as artisanal crafts.

Enjoy your first evening on Corsica and settle into the rhythms of this charming city, perhaps with a glass of Corsican wine, and dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

With a relaxed day ahead of you, take your breakfast at your leisure and enjoy some further exploration of vibrant Bastia, a City of Art and History. In the afternoon, you will have your first teaser of the rugged green interior of the island on the scenic train journey from Bastia to Calvi, travelling first inland to Ponte Leccia where you will change for the line to L'Ile Rousse and Calvi on the north western coast. The famous train of Corsica is known affectionately as the "Micheline", and rides on a narrow gauge network especially built for the island's vertiginous slopes. Sit back and enjoy the changing views as the train meanders through majestic landscapes - this is slow travel at its best.

Reaching the coastal town of Calvi, famed for its welcoming beaches and impressive medieval Citadel, you can settle in to your hotel base here for the next three nights. Calvi is a unique place where the rugged mountainous interior meets the glamour of the coast; you can't help but find yourself mesmerised by the cobbled streets and daydreaming at the many expensive yachts in the bay from a marina-side cafe.

Today's scenic walk takes you along the coastal path from the centre of Calvi to the Revellata Peninsula; don't forget to pack your swimsuit as you will have the opportunity to enjoy a swim at the secluded beaches along the way, accessible only by foot.

The rocky coast and sea cliffs of the Revellata make it a hotspot for seabirds and is home to rare, endemic and protected plant species. Your path follows the jagged, rocky coastline and through patches of maquis vegetation to reach the Revellata lighthouse, perched at the end of the headland. From the lighthouse looking to the left, you might be able to make out in the distance the red rocks of the Scandola Reserve, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve its natural beauty, rich biodiversity and the endemic maquis shrubland. As you start making your way back, you will pass the pretty bays of Osceluccia and Alga, perfect spots to cool off from your walk in the crystal clear waters before returning to Calvi for your second night.

Today your walk will take you inland, ascending to the beautiful hilltop chapel of Notre Dame de Serra from where you can gain magnificent vistas over the bay of Calvi. You also have the option for a challenging extension today, continuing your climb from the chapel to reach the Capu di a Veta (703m), the highest point above Calvi.

Setting off from the centre of Calvi, you will navigate through the town and soon make your way steadily up the well-trodden, occasionally rocky path and through the now-familiar maquis. Almost before you know it, you will reach the impressive site of the Notre Dame de la Serra. The original chapel here was destroyed during a siege in 1740, but a new chapel was built in the first half of the 19th century. An old local legend says that if you bring the love of your life here, you will spend many happy years together. Here you can have a rest and a breather while you admire the simple architectural design features of the chapel, its Baroque bell tower, and the statue representing the Virgin Mary atop a large rock; not to mention the views to Calvi bay, the Revellata peninsula and the Reginu valley. You can descend from here back to Calvi, or if you wish you can continue on the extension to Capu di a Veta.

The way to Capu di a Veta follows a breath-taking rocky trail and while more challenging, offers the reward of unimpeded, panoramic views. Some sections are steep on this rugged terrain, including one short section with a chain to help negotiate a couple of tricky steps. Reaching the Austrian cross marking this high point, you can catch your breath and marvel at the expansive views before commencing your descent, following the way markers guiding your way through the shrubland, to eventually reach paved roads and return to Calvi for a well-earned refreshing drink.
16km / 720 ascent / 720m descent / 5-6 hours walking

Indulge in a relaxed breakfast in your hotel and enjoy a day exploring the town of Calvi. This picture postcard seaside town is distinctly Mediterranean and you will love the quayside and its vibrant cafe life crowned by the Genoese Citadel. It is great to just sit in one of the cafes opposite the harbour and soak up the atmosphere. Whatever you do don't forget to climb through the atmospheric streets of the citadel and see the cathedral St Jean Baptiste or simply just relax on the 5km of pine backed beach.

In the afternoon you will make your way on the "Micheline" train to the geographical centre of Corsica; to the town of Corte which will be your base for the next three nights. This mountain stronghold was once the capital of the island under the rule of Pasquale Paoli from 1755-1769. Surrounded by jagged peaks and crowned with a hilltop citadel you cannot help but fall in love with Corte. Located at the confluence of the Tavignano and Restonica Gorges the town is usually abuzz with hikers, cyclists and climbers who seek to find their adventure in this natural playground.

Leaving Corte on foot, today's walk will take you to discover the spectacular Tavignano Gorge, hiking a section of the "Mare a Mare Nord" path bisecting the island between east and west coasts. For centuries the gorge was a pathway to Niolu, the most remote region of Corsica, where residents have long been self-sufficient, living off their agriculture and livestock. Today there are many traces which testify the importance of the route as you will discover on your walk, with many archaeological sites scattering the region. As you make your way through the gorge you will pass locals and visitors alike cooling off in the many natural pools at the foot of the granite cliffs which have been beautifully carved by time and shaded by the tall laricio pines; a little slice of paradise. Your journey today takes an out-and-back route, depending on your energy levels you may wish to continue your walk further into the gorge following the Mare a Mare path, and turn back to retrace your steps for your return journey to Corte.

After a relaxed breakfast, this morning you will walk south from Corte to ascend Punta di u Corbu, gaining a wonderful view over the town, the Restonica valley and the backdrop of magnificent jagged peaks that characterize central Corsica. This walk is dedicated to Saint Teofalu (Theophilus), born in Corte, who was the only canonized priest from Corsica. It is said that he loved silence and solitude; indeed the path through the tranquil woods invites you to enjoy a mindful day walking, breathing in the fresh mountain air scented with pine. Enjoy the peace of this quiet path before you descend into the Restonica valley and follow the route of the glacial river to return to Corte.

Say goodbye to the majestic mountains today and enjoy a final scenic journey on the train back to Bastia; for Bastia Airport you should disembark at Lucciana. It is also possible to extend your stay on the island with extra nights in either Bastia or Corte, just speak with our sales team for more information.