Mare a Mare South

Corsica France: (ZZ-FR-Hike02)
URL: http://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/outdoor_hike_france_Mare_a_Mare_South.aspx

Introduction
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The Mare a Mare South path is a distinct favourite, allowing you to enjoy all the contrasts and colors of the island.You will feel the local vibrant atmosphere, cross villages charged with history, walk under forest aged over a hundred years…
 The Corsican scrub will invite you to discover its strawberry trees and fauna. You will have numerous bathing opportunities in the clear blue waters of the streams and rivers.
 Starting from the gulf of Porto Vecchio on the East coast, the trail rises up through the mountains of the Alta Rocca to arrive in Propriano on the West coast. With five days of easy to moderate walking you will discover the richness of the extreme south.
 
 Your luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different accommodations. It is also important to consider that it may be necessary to carry your bags short distances at the start or end of your holiday. You will need the appropriate luggage and meet weight restrictions for our transport.
 
 

Accomodation

Overnights are in small country hotels. Meals as per itinerary.

Breakfast is Continental with tea & coffee.

Lunchtime picnics not included.

Dinner is often based on the local specialties.


Riding

Itinerary


Day 1 : Start of holiday in Porto-Vecchio
Your holiday starts at your hotel in Porto Vecchio. Time to check into your hotel and explore the town.

Day 2 : Porto-Vecchio to Cartalavonu

Your first day's walk will lead you from sea level up into the mountains. You will pass through Alzu di Gallina and the Ospedale to the village of Cartalavonu situated at 1020m altitude. The Mediterranean vegetation is fragrant, a scrubby mix of heather bushes, strawberry trees and wild herbs. The views back across the gulf of Porto Vecchio are breathtaking. The walk takes you through traditional villages before arriving at the plateau of Ospédale. The last stretch of the trail leads through the forest and on to Cartalavonu.
Distance : 14km, duration : 7h00, altitude gain : +1000m.

Day 3 : Cartalavonu to Levie

The path leads swiftly up away from the hamlet of Cartalavonu to the high mountain pass of Foce Alta (1171m). From there you will catch magnificent views over the Lake of Ospedale. A multitude of sleepy perched villages of Alta Rocca and the famous pink granite pinnacles of Bavella are stretched out before you. The trail winds its way through a chestnut forest, the village of Carbini (famous for its 11th century church decorated with pisan art) and the Fiumiccicoli river. Passing through olive groves and its old mill, you arrive at the outskirts of Levie.
Distance : 11km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +510m, descent : -920m.

Day 4 : Levie to Serra di Scopamena

The path heads up through an oak forest dotted with large blocks of granite to the St Laurent chapel. This area is well known for its archaeological sites, two of the most famous, Cucuruzzu and Capula, are nearby. You arrive at the Quenza deer enclosure and shortly afterwards, the village itself. Be sure to go and see the Pisan church that dates from the year 1000. You pass the hamlet of Ghjallicu an old chestnut mill and the shepherds cabins Lavu Donacu before arriving at the village of Serra di Scopamena.
Distance : 17km, duration : 5h30, altitude gain : +760m, descent : -520m.

Day 5 : Serra di Scopamena to Ste Lucie de Tallano

As the path snakes through a chestnuts forest, you will notice an old mill that has been restored by the Corsican Natural Park. You will pass the River Rizzanese, the Col de Tavara, the village of Altagène, then through the hamlet of Saint Andrea di Talla before arriving at today’s destination: Santa Lucia de Tallano. This village is really invinting and full of interests. Such as a 15th century convent, tall granite houses, a restored olive mill and the possibility to purchase a wide variety of oils.
Distance : 10 km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +400m, descent : -800m.

Day 6 : Ste Lucie de Tallano to Propriano

Passing the 12th century Roman chapel St-Jean-Baptiste, the path crosses the River Rizzanese. The following stop on our itinerary is Loreto di Tallano. This village was the setting of a famous novel written by Prosper Mérimée: the legendary Colomba, based on a true vendetta story. Impatience will mount as you get closer to the beckoning Mediterranean sea. You make your way towards the thermal spa of Baracci; the benefits of its waters have been known since antiquity. A great spot to have a soak and relax. At the end of today’s walk a short transfer from Borgo to Propriano, a small coastal resort buzzing with atmosphere, street cafes and plenty of fish restaurants.
Distance : 10km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +630m, descent : -750m.

Day 7 : End of holiday in Propriano

End of holiday in Propriano. To return to Ajaccio, consult us.

Level of difficulty
The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday.

Carrying
You will need to carry a day sack only, with your water bottle, camera, picnic and jacket.
Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks.
Your main luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different overnight stops. We ask you to please limit your main luggage to between 10-15kg to facilitate the transportation and carrying for the drivers. It is also important to consider that it may be necessary to carry your bags short distances around Ajaccio at the start or end of your holiday.


Starting point/end
Starting point - At your first hotel in Porto Vecchio.
End -  At your hotel in Propriano, after breakfast.


**This program is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be possible, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified.


Rates and Dates for Mare a Mare South

Rates include:

Half board accommodation (evening meals are not included on day 1 and 6), internal transfers, baggage transfers between hotels, the dossier containing your maps, route notes and all necessary details needed for your holiday.

Packages and Options



  • SeasonYearDescriptionEUR ~US$
    A
    20097 day Self Guided tour€625$940
  • B
    2009Self-guided walking€650$975
The US Dollar Rate is Based on Exchange Rate of 1.53


Transfer Option:



 Description
2009 Transfer from Porto Vecchio hotel is included

Tour Dates


Season Seasons  Min / MaxReserve
A 2009 04/01 - 06/30 7d / 6n 7 day Self Guided tour 2 /10 Expired
B 2009 07/01 - 08/31 7d / 6n Self-guided walking 2 /10 Expired
A 2009 09/01 - 10/31 7d / 6n 7 day Self Guided tour 2 /10 Expired

Dates Note:

Rates do not include:

Unforeseen additional transfers, drinks, picnics, extra activities, holiday insurance, evening meals on the first and 6th day and travel.

Other Info
Meeting: hotel in Porto Vecchio
Airport:
Transfer: hotel in Porto Vecchio

Climate:
Corsica has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and moderate, dry, clear winters. Climate varies with altitude and mountain forms though. It's rather alpine than Mediterranean in the mountains. The main mountain range divides the island roughly in half -- the North is hotter than the South, while the East is wetter than the West.

What To Bring: WHAT TO BRING AND PACK

- Bags
You need to carry a small day sack only with a water bottle, camera, picnic and wind jacket.
A bag, rucksack or suitcase for your main luggage - 10kg maximum per person.

- For Walking
Good walking shoes or boots with a good grip sole
Walking socks
Warm fleece
Shorts and T shirts
Swimming costume or trunks
Towel
2 Walking poles (optional)
Water bottle (one litre minimum)
Personal first aid kit with good blister protection

- For your picnics
A good cutting knife, fork, spoon, plastic cup and plate
some plastic bags

- Sun and rain protection
Sunglasses and sun cream
Sun hat
Wind and waterproof jacket (Gore-tex stlye)

- Relaxing time
Trainers or open sandals
Warm Fleece and casual wear

With your service:
Our team is present and always at hand to ensure the smooth running of your holiday. We are on the
ground and ready to assist in any eventuality.