Corsica: A Beautiful, Challenging Trek Across Europe’s Mountain Isle

Dates
As requested

Cost
$1550US

Summary

The trek, along the Grande Randonée 20 (GR20), is infamous as the most difficult long-distance trail in Europe. It’s not the length gives it this distinction, at 118 miles (190 km), but the steepness and amount of climbing and descending: 41,000 feet (12,500 m)!! Because it is essential to be physically and mentally ready for this challenge, included in this package is an individualized fitness plan for your current level of fitness and time availability. We will have 19 days to complete the 15 stages, giving us opportunities to rest, enjoy restorative yoga sessions, visit villages off-route, or climb the surrounding peaks. This trail links old livestock routes from the valleys to the rocky ridges, and at times requires scrambling over rough terrain. However, this is a well-marked, popular walking route anyone can do if prepared: physically fit and mentally buoyed with a positive attitude. Each day will begin and end with yoga to open and restore our bodies, minds, and spirits. Because of the opportunity for rest, or mountain-bagging, days, the itinerary of this trek is not set in stone. All participants have the freedom to decide what is best for them, and it is always possible for some to rest while others hike to a peak, meeting back at the refuge for dinner. Be ready to make some amazing friends on a unique mountain island, including within our group, with other trekkers from around the globe, the local livestock (I mean, wildlife) and Corsicans, living in the mountains raising sheep, selling cheese, and working in local villages and refuges. Limited to 6 participants.

Included are trip planning and coordination before and during the trek by your experienced leader, all yoga classes, transportation once you arrive in Nice, France, and until you return there, fitness coaching starting up to 3 months prior to departure, all meals on the trail, and lodging on Corsica prior to the start and at the finish of our trek. Because lodging is impossible to reserve in advance on the trail in mountain huts, each participant needs to bring a lightweight, three-season backpacking tent. Thus, the costs of lodging are not included in this package but range from free to 4 Euros for camping, 9 Euros for bunk space, and higher in towns where hotels are available. It is recommended that you bring 250 Euros ($330) in cash on the trail for camping fees, snacks, beverages, and miscellaneous items, more if you are thinking about staying in dormitories (beware of snoring!) or living it up in a hotel when possible. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are useless along the trail but cash can be obtained prior to the start in Calvi. Also, meals on August 19 and September 8 are not included, giving you the option to enjoy and explore the local cuisine in town when we’re not on the trail.

Trip Coordinator and Yoga Guide
Jennifer