The reputation of the GR20 is well-earnt. It is hard, tough and beautiful. It offers great trekking and an insight into rural Corsican mountain life. This version of the trek is accessible and assisted by mules who carry all your gear. Each night you will find your main luggage waiting for you. You carry your day sack only. Each group is limited to 12 walkers maximum, a guide and a muleteer. The groups are of mixed ages and backgrounds, it’s a popular holiday for our French walkers, so don’t be surprised to be testing you language skills, as well as your stamina! This holiday starts in Vizzavona, situated in the centre of the island and progresses north to Asco. The northern part of the GR20 is particularly alpine, with high passes and glacial lakes. Unlike the southern part of the trek, the northern half is constantly going up and down with steep ascents and plunging descents. It is very dramatic scenery.

Day 1
Arrival in Ajaccio, you may well have time to wander around the town of Ajaccio before the transfer by vehicle or train to the tiny hamlet of Vizzavona. After settling into your accommodation there may be time to do a short walk.

Day 2
A lead in path takes you near to the hamlet of Canaglia. You walk alongside a mountain torrent, a little shepherds cabin and grassy clearing make for a perfect rest stop. You continue up the valley enjoying the stunning views. Night camping at Petra Piana.
20km, 8h00, +1482m, -782m.

Day 3
From Petra Piana a short uphill section takes you to the high ridge above the refuge. The trail is rocky, almost lunar in ambiance. You take a mountain pass and continue on the high route. The views are spectacular, with Corte, the island’s historic capital in the distance and a series of wonderful glacier lakes to discover. Night camping.
8km, 6h30, +700m, -950m.

Day 4
From Vaccaja we pick up the GR20 trail and walk to the Lac de Nino. Gaining altitude we head up to a ridge and stay up high for some time. We arrive near to Castel di Vergio, an old ski hotel, then pick up the path in the Golu Valley for a walk up to the Ciottolu refuge.
21km, 7h30, +1300m, -900m.

Day 5
From the refuge you head for the Col de Foggiale, from the pass the GR20 plunges steeply down, a stunning descent through a chaos of harsh granite rock and giant grand old pine trees to the Vallone cabin.
5km, 4h30, +225, -750.

Day 6
Discover the mythical Cirque de la Solitude. The geology, the closeness of the rocks and often billowing mist make this a dramatic and impressive section Gite or hotel.
8km, 6h00, +1050m, -1100m.

Day 7

Return to Ajaccio.

Start
Saturdays, inside the bus station terminal, by the Information booth.
End
Friday at Ajaccio's bus station around 6 pm. Possibility of ending the trip in Calvi, Bastia or Ile Rousse, please contact us.
How to get there
Ajaccio ferry terminal or airport. If you're planning to arrive in Bastia or Calvi, the landing should be scheduled early enough so you can catch the bus.
Accommodation
Refuge, gite in small communal dormitories, camping in two men tents in the vicinity of shepherds cabins. Hearty breakfast and dinner at the accommodation. Picnics are usually a pre-cooked pasta/rice/lentil salad, with extra bread, cheese,meat and fruit.
Number of people
of 6 to 14
Level of difficulty
The GR20 is a route for walkers who are in good shape, it is a tough, rugged mountain itinerary. Though well-established and well-marked, the paths are often very rocky with numerous steep uphill sections and descents that are rough under foot. One part of the walk is assisted with a hand chain at Bavella.
Guide
Experienced Tour Leader. You will be in a mixed group of French and English speaking persons. An English speaking guide cannot be guaranteed, good notions of French are needed.
Carrying
You need to carry a small day sack only with a water bottle, camera, picnic and wind jacket. The main luggage will be transported by vehicle or mules between the different accommodations.
Price includes
Full board accommodation, local transfers, luggage transfers and guide.
Price does not include
Holiday insurance, drinks, lunch on day 1 and 7, additional activities, transfers to the bus station on day 1 and travel.

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