ZONZA NEEDLES
ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION and ADDITIONAL INFO

Corsica 2012

Mountains to Sea


After a spectacular journey along the coast and through the valleys of southern Corsica, you reach the typical village of Zonza, overlooking the striking site of Aiguilles de Bavella Mountains. From this point, you will wend your way down maquis covered slopes, walk through pine scented forests, while catching a glimpse of ancient villages, to head toward the coast and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

PRICE
£725 per person based on 2 people sharing 1 April to 30 June and 1 September to 31 October.
£790 per person 1 July to 31 August

INCLUDED
Half board accommodation, (no evening meal on day 1, 6 and 7), internal transfers (except bus from Ajaccio - Zonza - and Propriano - Ajaccio), baggage transfers between hotels, maps, route notes.

NOT INCLUDED
Bus transfer from Ajaccio to Zonza and Propriano to Ajaccio, unforeseen additional transfers, dinners on day 1, 6 and 7, drinks, lunches, extra activities, holiday insurance.

DEPARTURES
Departures every Sunday from the start of April to the end of October. Departures on other days are possible on request and on payment of a supplement.

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ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Ajaccio
Ajaccio, the capital of Southern Corsica, is colourful and vibrant. Walk the old streets, visit the shops, museums, cathedral and Napoleon’s house or simply relax on the beach. Opportunity to visit the îles Sanguinaires by boat.
Les Crêtes-Mountain ridge walk
You can choose to do this walk upon arrival or before you leave Ajaccio the following day. You are given the option of two walks along the mountain ridge 'les Crêtes' that dominates the city and Gulf of Ajaccio. The aerial views of the town over the sea and the mountains are stunning.
Distance: from 6km to 11km, duration: from 2h00 to 4h00 , altitude gain: +140m to +340m, descent: -140m to -340m.


Day 2: From Ajaccio to Zonza
Bus ride from Ajaccio to Zonza, a journey along the western coast and Valinco Gulf. Arrival in the picturesque village of Zonza, overlooking the Bavella Moutains. Check in to your hotel for overnight.

Day 3: The Aiguilles de Bavella
A spectacular walk in the heart of the Aiguilles de Bavella massif. Needles of rose granite tower above, and you will pass by a number of them - the Acellu, Ariettu, Vacca and the Pargulu. The trail is sometimes steep and in places assisted by hand chains. You plunge into an unusual mountainscape and yet you catch glimpses of the sea. Overnight Zonza.
Distance: 12km, duration: 7h00, altitude gain: +900m, descent: -900m.

Day 4: From Zonza to Levie

Walking along the Mare a Mare South Trail, through one of the most amazing Lariccio pine trees forest of the Mediterranean, you will head for the village of Levie. Surrounded by ancient oak and chesnuts trees, you will pass ancient villages, like San Gavinu di Carbini and their 400 hundred years old houses, built of granite. You will then reach your charming farm auberge near to Levie.
Distance: 16.5 km, duration: 5h00.

Day 5: Around Levie
Follow the circular walk following the Mare a Mare Sud trail as it winds its way down alongside the St. Antoine stream and on to the recently listed UNESCO bronze-age settlements of Cucuruzzu and Capula: superb views from the mediaeval castle right across the region, from the Bavella Needles to the Gulf of Propriano. Overnight Levie. Distance: 10 km, duration: 3h00.

Day 6: Sainte Lucie de Tallano to Propriano
Passing the 12th century Roman chapel St-Jean-Baptiste, the path crosses the River Rizzanese. Come to Loreto di Tallano, the setting of a famous novel written by Prosper Mérimée, based on a true vendetta story. You make your way towards the thermal spa of Baracci, a great spot to have a soak and relax. At the end of today’s walk a short transfer is scheduled at 3 pm 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: Relaxing day in Propriano
Time to relax and enjoy a few hours at the Lido beach in the village's shores. Or do a little food and local souvenir shopping around the village, followed by lunch at a fish restaurant before you catch your bus and head back to Ajaccio in the afternoon. Overnight Ajaccio.

Day 8: End of holiday


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HIGHLIGHTS
Magnificent mountain scenery, together with clear Mediterranean waters at the end of the walk. Unspoilt way of life, hearty wines and food. Excellent country accommodation.

WEATHER




WeatherClick here to view the weather forecast
Link courtesy of UK met office


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ACCOMMODATION and ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


GETTING THERE

Regular flights to Ajaccio by Air France and others. Ryan Air fly from London Stansted to Figari in southern Corsica. Ferries from Italy and the French mainland.

ACCOMMODATION

Your hosts include Marie’s working Ferme Auberge, set in 20 hectares of serene countryside, offers outstanding home cooking; in Zonza, M Bertini has recently restored his C19 Coaching Inn into a beautiful *** hotel with Terrasse and swimming pool overlooking the Ospedale forest.
Food to include continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, butter, jam) - Evening meals at local restaurant at Zonza, and at the Auberge in Levie, based on local specialities with homegrown products. Picnics not included (possibility of ordering and purchasing in Levie)  

WHAT TO TAKE

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sunblock/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit, mobile phone, swimming costume and a fleece.

DIFFICULTY
The walks are on good footpaths and trails. The terrain is varied but often rocky. You need to be used to walking all day and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday. Moderate with strenuous sections.

WHEN TO GO
Departures every Sunday from the start of April to the end of October. Departures on other days are possible on request and on payment of a supplement.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:info@worldwalks.com
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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