Secret Corsica (donkey trekking & family holiday)
5 days / 4 nights
Corsica - Independent walking - Horse-riding
Without guide - Families
Last updated: 28/11/2023
With a rich culture and heritage, the Niolo region offers the perfect setting for a unique family experience. Enjoy traditional food, a very warm welcome and a feeling of well-being as you travel with your Corsican donkey through ancient landscapes. For children, there is plenty to enjoy and discover along the walks: secret rivers, natural swimming pools, waterfalls, not to mention the good company of a gentle Corsican donkey.
Your day by day program
After a short morning transfer from Francardo if necessary, you will be taught how to handle your donkey for the holiday. This first stage on the "Mare a Mare" hiking itinerary will give you time to get used to your new friend. You will reach an old genoese bridge, under which you can have a swim in the crystal blue waters. In the evening, you will have an opportunity to meet once more with the owner of the donkeys in case you have any questions, or you need more tips about handling your companion.
Around 1h30- 2hours walk
This is the beginning of your adventure! Leaving Calacuccia and the lake behind you, you will walk on a little known ancient mule track. The path takes you into the heart of the Verghio forest, which will become your base for the next few days. En route, you will have opportunities to bathe in some natural rock pools.
Full board is provided (dinner, breakfast and picnic) in gîte d'étape or hotel, depending upon your choice.
Around 3h00 walk
Today, you will walk a part of the GR20 to take you to some shepherd's huts, where you can try the local cheese and charcuterie, for which the island is well known. This is traditional Corsican produce - it doesn't get any better, or any more local than this. A little further on, you will come to a beautiful waterfall. There are places where you can bathe in the cool fresh mountain waters.
Around 4h00 walk
Today, you will leave Vergio nice and early for a longer day that will take you to the superb "Lac de Nino", a mountain lake with stunning views. Enjoy your picnic in this incredible place. Return by the same path.
Around 6h00 walk
After breakfast a transfer will be organised to Calacuccia or Francardo. End of trip.
Departure board
Every day from the beginning of May to the end of October.
Technical information
- Calacuccia or Francardo (nearest train station)
- Calacuccia or Francardo (nearest train station)
- 4 nights in a hotel.
- From 2
- Walk: from 3 to 6h00 a day. Minimum age requirement: 5 years of age at the time of the trip. For younger children, please contact us to discuss your options.
- The donkeys carry your bags. Maximum weight per donkey: 40kg.
- Supplement for an extra donkey (compulsory from 5 participants) : 320€
- 4 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 2 packed lunches (picnic)
- Donkey rental (1 donkey for a maximum of 4 people)
- 4 nights in hotel
- Maps and route notes
- Soft bags to put your personal items in, so that they can be carried by the donkey.
- Transfers from and to Francardo train station if you do not have a car.
- Transfers to the meeting point and from the end point, personal travel insurance, personal expenses.
- Camping material (tent, sleeping bags..)
Map
Videos
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