Highlights of the GR20 Tour

Highlights of the GR20 Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Calvi and Transfer to Calacuccia

After your arrival in Calvi, you will meet at the train station for 4pm, before taking a 2-hour transfer to Calacuccia. Here, you will spend the night in a small, family-run hotel with dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Calacuccia
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Begin Your GR20 Trek

Today you will set off from Calacuccia along the GR20, making your way to the "Ciottulu a i Mori" refuge at the foot of the legendary peak of Paglia Orba. You will walk along a beautiful ridge taking you up to Capu de Guagnarola at 1,922 m (6,305 ft), where you will enjoy magnificent views of the Fango valley and the northern face of the “Grande Barrière” or backbone of Corsica.

During the morning, in the peace and quiet of this beautiful landscape, a sophrology break will help you to be mindful of the present moment. You will be able to connect with all five of your senses to feel the benefits of nature.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge Along the Route
Distance: 6h, 750m ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Visit Paglia Orba Lake

Day 3 of the tour will see you set off on a beautiful section of the GR20, where you will walk in the shade of hundred-year-old pines, down a rocky outcrop leading to the Ballone sheepfold, and then to the Tighjettu refuge, where you will spend the night.

During the day, you will discover one of the most beautiful and unknown lakes on the island, the Paglia Orba Lake, as well as the most beautiful summit of Corsica. The scenery today truly proves that Corsica is a magical, timeless place.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge Along the Route
Distance: 6h, 250m ascent/585m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Summit Capu Ucellu

This unusual day off the beaten track will be devoted to the discovery of Capu Ucellu, a peak reaching 2,182 m (7,160 ft) above sea level. You will climb up to the summit through a rocky landscape to achieve stunning views of the eastern face of Paglia Orba, the Serra Pianella pass, the Pointe Lejosne, and the Pointe des Deux Sœurs – one of the top mountaineering spots on the island.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge Along the Route
Distance: 7h, 800m ascent/800m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Breathtaking Views Over the Asco Valley

Today you will continue along the GR20, leaving behind the Niolu region and making your way into the high Asco region. Here, you will climb a fantastic peak located to the north-east of Monte Cinto: Capu Borba at 2,305 m (7,560 ft). It dominates the Lac d’Argentu and offers a magnificent and breathtaking 360° panorama over the Asco Valley and the surrounding peaks.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge Along the Route
Distance: 7h, 650m ascent/500m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Summit Punta Stranciacone

On day 6 of the tour you will set out on an unusual hike off the trail that will take you on a forgotten portion of the first GR20 route created 50 years ago. You will climb the Punta Stranciacone, with its summit at 2,151 m (7,060 ft) above sea level. From there, you can look down on magnificent views of the Filosorma valley, the great Corsican peaks, and the surrounding bays along the coast. Previously this point was only accessible to climbers; however, this summit can at last be accessed by hikers thanks to a small passage that can be reached on foot.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge Along the Route
Distance: 6h
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Last Day of Trekking and Massage

To round off your trip, you will undertake this last stage of the GR20, which is mainly set amidst stunning rocky slopes and granite screes. The path offers some beautiful views of the Asco valley, the Balagne region, and the Tartagine forest as you pass by the Lac de la Muvrella.

After a stop to see the Carozzu refuge – where a famous film was shot – you will walk on down to the Auberge de Bonifato in the shade of an ancient forest. Your stay will end with a relaxing, customized massage, lulled by the gentle sounds of a mountain stream, in which you can also bathe and soothe your tired feet.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge Along the Route
Distance: 8h, 500m ascent/750m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 Departure Day

After breakfast, you will make the return transfer back to Calvi, before an individual departure from the beautiful island of Corsica.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast