This trip lets you discover the natural wonders around two famous villages of Corsica, Corte and Calvi. Corte is the historical capital of the island with a strong cultural heritage, but also the gateway to an exceptional outdoor playground, offering many hiking possibilities that explore a paradise of sparkling waters and granite. Calvi is a remarkable site that overhangs the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The paths and panoramas around the famous citadel of Calvi will marvel you.
To
see
Gorges du Tavignano, gorges of Restonica and its pristine mountain lakes, the « U trinighellu », a touristic train, « La Revellata » is a sort of peninsula, Notre Dame de la Serra
Gastronomy
The goat and sheep cheese, chestnuts, honey, the clementines, the prisuttu, the figatellu, the octopus salad, the aziminu, the sardines with agliolu, the wild boar stew, the storzapretti, the sartinesu, the venaco and casiglu, the falculelle, the muscatel and the myrtle liqueur
Wine
The muscatel of Cap Corse, the wine of Corse, Patrimonio, Calvi, Ajaccio, Sartène, Figari, Porto-Vecchio
Feedbacks
We very much enjoyed our self-guided cycling tour. We had great support and communication in the planning. Throughout our week everything went off as planned.
Mark B.
This was my second experience with Discover France and had, again, an amazing time with my children. If you want to discover, on your own, little cities in France, this is what you have to do.
Linda G.
Our first but certainly not our last trip to beautiful France! The routes were well laid out, the app worked well, the bikes were comfortable and the hotels were excellent.
Ingrid A.
We truly had a glorious time and only have compliments for you and your company. Equipment, information, assistance, accommodation were faultless and Solène at Discovery France took care of us from the first e-mail of enquiry until the end of the cycle trip. We truly can’t wait for our next adventure with Discover France. Anna.V
Hands down the best adventure organization I’ve ever worked with abroad. This will be my 5th time returning to the TdF in 2025 with Discover France. Gabriel and the reservation team do everything they can to make your trip exactly as you hope. If there’s something they can or cannot do they work with you all the way. It’s a very one-on-one, professional and reassuring process for reservations abroad.
The programs are incredibly memorable, with exclusive VIP access that exceeds any other TdF organizations. Their focus is the riding, course, and to make sure your experience on a bike is as good as it can possibly be. Other programs offer different bells and whistles to their TdF packages but absolutely nothing is as exclusive, personalized, and uniquely small-group as Discover France programs.
You do not need to be an expert rider for the programs. But experience and at least comfort on a bike is needed. The rides can also be tailored on a daily (or even hourly) basis to the rider/group skill, weather, overall energy level that day, and your personal preferences. Support vehicle with special French credentials allows for Discover France to provide a van with you the entire trip. Sun, clouds, rain, sleet/snow (yes…it’s the Pyrenees or Alps), hot and cold: there is always a vehicle that can help you along the way and offer a place to bring along your gear like the professionals.
Shout out to: Florentin and Titouan for spectacular rides and support expertise. Finally, Thomas and Aurelian are two of the most dedicated cycling enthusiasts and leaders of a one-of-kind organization. Their dedication and leadership is evident from the top down as all of the guides and employees seem to love their works as much as they do.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Basic : 2* or 3* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Standard : 3* or 4* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Upgraded : 4* or 5* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
J-1
Arrival in Bastia & transfer to Corte
You will be greeted at the airport or port of Bastia and transferred directly to your hotel in Corte. If you arrive to the port, you will meet us at the northern terminal.
Accommodation : Hotel Duc de Padoue*** - Corte
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Accommodation : Hotel Dominique Colonna*** - Corte
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Included : phone not provided,mobile guidance application,roadbook,travelbook,arrival transfer with english speaking guide,Orientation with a local guide,luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast
J-2
From Corte Hiking LOOP
From the citadel of Corte you will hike along the Gorges du Tavignano. Follow the river up the valley, among pine trees and granite boulders. Take advantage of « natural » swimming holes carved by rivers over time and filled with crystal clear waters running down from the mountain lakes.
Today we include a short transfer by taxi of 10min to drive you to the beginning of the hike. (Transfer is fixed for 9:00 am). This will save you some steep km at the beginning of the day. Discover another canyon valley, the Gorges of Restonica and its pristine mountain lakes for one of the most breathtaking views of the Corsica Mountains. We can indicate some spots off the beaten path or pass by the GR20 for some splendid panoramas. Transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon (see the hour with the taxi).
In the morning at 9:00am, a taxi will pick you and your luggage up at your hotel and drive you to the train station. Then, you will ride the « U trinighellu », a touristic train from Corte to your next destination, Calvi. This train will follow the coastline and vast white sandy beaches. Superb views and a unique experience ! You will have the time to explore Calvi today.
Transfer from Calvi train station to your hotel included.
Transfer duration : 2 h15.
Note : You need to change train at Ponte Leccia and take another train to Calvi.
Included : Train ticket,taxi,bedroom and breakfast
J-5
From Calvi Hiking LOOP
Today’s exploration starts from what seems to be the edge of the world. « La Revellata » is a sort of peninsula that reaches into the sea, almost creating an island. It’s a breathtaking hike along the coast and cliff paths over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Today’s hike will leave you breathless, both from the climb to the sublime Notre Dame de la Serra and especially from the wonderful panorama of the Gulf of Calvi and its citadels. It’s well worth the effort !
Distance : 5 or 11 Km (3 or 7 mi).
Elevation gain : 180 or 675 m.
Duration : 2 to 5 hours hike depending on options.
Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure from Calvi. (Departure on your own. A taxi to the Calvi Airport will cost around 20 euros.)
Included : breakfast
CUSTOMIZED TOUR
This is a catalog tour, it can be modified as you wish : add extra nights, extra activities (wine tastings, visits, transfers...).
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Arrival: Bastia Airport
The best way to get in Bastia is by plane to Bastia Airport or by one of the numerous ferries to Bastia’s harbor. from Marseille, Nice and Toulon (France) and from Genoa and Vado Ligure (Liguria, Italy) and from Livorno and Portoferraio (Tuscany, Italy).
Departure: Calvi Airport
Departure is from Calvi Airport. The only way to reach Calvi Airport from the city center or your hotel is by taxi, there are no buses or trains. Or you can leave Corsica by ferry from Calvi to Nice or Vado Ligure. You can go back to Bastia by train, but there are only 2 trains per day.
Details
Included
ACCOMODATIONS
- 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
MEALS
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
GEAR
- Complimentary Discover France Gear (including water bottle, drawstring bag)
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
SUPPORT
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including detailed maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
-Comprehensive trip literature
-Technical and emergency support available at all times
- Concierge service available to assist you for your requests during your trip (taxi transfer, restaurant, activities...)
TRANSFER
- Welcome at the airport or port of Bastia
- Private transfer to your first hotel (day 1)
- Train tickets from Corte to Calvi and transfers from Corte to the station then from Calvi to the hotel
- Transfer for to the beginning of the lakes hike (outbound & return)
- All luggage transfers
Not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook
- Other transfer
- Multirisk travel insurance
Other questions?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions.
Let’s imagine: you are in the hotel which inspirated the film: l’hotel du Nord of Marcel Carné in 1938 ! This hotel was built in a 1833 building and is located in the middle of Corte main street. This way, you are right in the heart of the historic capital of Corsica: few steps away from the museum of Corsica and the Citadelle. In two minutes you can reach all the shops and activities of the city. Open all year long, the oldest Hotel in Corte was entirely renovated in 2003. It is equiped with all the comfort that you can expect from a modern hotel : TV LCD with international channels, air conditioning, hair dryer, free WiFi access in rooms, fan, telephone etc….
http://www.hoteldunord-corte.com/
The Duc de Padou hotel (formely named The Hotel de la Poste), welcomes you in a mid-19th Century building, fully restored in 2009 to offer you all the confort a modern hotel can afford. Located on the calmest place of Corte, the hotel is a truly oasis of peace in the very heart of the city. In the city-center, you are close to the shopping zone and all the activities (museum, cafés, restaurants…) that you can reach in few minutes wallk.
http://www.ducdepadoue.com/
In the heart of the Restonica Valley, rooted in Corsican rural and mountain surroundings but only a few minutes from Corte, the Dominique Colonna Hotel offers an enchanting setting on the banks of the river where you can experience the good life. Every detail has been carefully overseen so the hotel is ‘a real corner of paradise’ for each guest. A unique, warm and comfortable atmosphere, which gives you the feeling of home sweet home. 29 rooms, 2 suites and 5 categories. With balcony or terrace, overlooking the river, the garden or the mountains, ideal for the family or as a couple, rooms give to the guests the opportunity to enjoy quality time and the promise of an unforgettable holiday.
http://www.dominique-colonna.com/
Let’s imagine: you are in the hotel which inspirated the film: l’hotel du Nord of Marcel Carné in 1938 ! This hotel was built in a 1833 building and is located in the middle of Corte main street. This way, you are right in the heart of the historic capital of Corsica: few steps away from the museum of Corsica and the Citadelle. In two minutes you can reach all the shops and activities of the city. Open all year long, the oldest Hotel in Corte was entirely renovated in 2003. It is equiped with all the comfort that you can expect from a modern hotel : TV LCD with international channels, air conditioning, hair dryer, free WiFi access in rooms, fan, telephone etc….
http://www.hoteldunord-corte.com/
The Duc de Padou hotel (formely named The Hotel de la Poste), welcomes you in a mid-19th Century building, fully restored in 2009 to offer you all the confort a modern hotel can afford. Located on the calmest place of Corte, the hotel is a truly oasis of peace in the very heart of the city. In the city-center, you are close to the shopping zone and all the activities (museum, cafés, restaurants…) that you can reach in few minutes wallk.
http://www.ducdepadoue.com/
In the heart of the Restonica Valley, rooted in Corsican rural and mountain surroundings but only a few minutes from Corte, the Dominique Colonna Hotel offers an enchanting setting on the banks of the river where you can experience the good life. Every detail has been carefully overseen so the hotel is ‘a real corner of paradise’ for each guest. A unique, warm and comfortable atmosphere, which gives you the feeling of home sweet home. 29 rooms, 2 suites and 5 categories. With balcony or terrace, overlooking the river, the garden or the mountains, ideal for the family or as a couple, rooms give to the guests the opportunity to enjoy quality time and the promise of an unforgettable holiday.
http://www.dominique-colonna.com/
Let’s imagine: you are in the hotel which inspirated the film: l’hotel du Nord of Marcel Carné in 1938 ! This hotel was built in a 1833 building and is located in the middle of Corte main street. This way, you are right in the heart of the historic capital of Corsica: few steps away from the museum of Corsica and the Citadelle. In two minutes you can reach all the shops and activities of the city. Open all year long, the oldest Hotel in Corte was entirely renovated in 2003. It is equiped with all the comfort that you can expect from a modern hotel : TV LCD with international channels, air conditioning, hair dryer, free WiFi access in rooms, fan, telephone etc….
http://www.hoteldunord-corte.com/
The Duc de Padou hotel (formely named The Hotel de la Poste), welcomes you in a mid-19th Century building, fully restored in 2009 to offer you all the confort a modern hotel can afford. Located on the calmest place of Corte, the hotel is a truly oasis of peace in the very heart of the city. In the city-center, you are close to the shopping zone and all the activities (museum, cafés, restaurants…) that you can reach in few minutes wallk.
http://www.ducdepadoue.com/
In the heart of the Restonica Valley, rooted in Corsican rural and mountain surroundings but only a few minutes from Corte, the Dominique Colonna Hotel offers an enchanting setting on the banks of the river where you can experience the good life. Every detail has been carefully overseen so the hotel is ‘a real corner of paradise’ for each guest. A unique, warm and comfortable atmosphere, which gives you the feeling of home sweet home. 29 rooms, 2 suites and 5 categories. With balcony or terrace, overlooking the river, the garden or the mountains, ideal for the family or as a couple, rooms give to the guests the opportunity to enjoy quality time and the promise of an unforgettable holiday.
http://www.dominique-colonna.com/
Nestled up on the hillside the Mariana hotel provides all the comfort of a high standard 3 stars accommodation. The hotel is ideally located within 5 minutes walking distance of Calvi centre and 10 minutes from its magnificent sandy beach. Among the services offered, you will find a car park, bar, lift, air conditioning, breakfast lounge, free wifi and wellness center : (swimming pool and jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, sport)... Nearby, you’ll find restaurants and shops as well as a wide choice of activities.
http://www.hotel-mariana.com/
Hotel Revellata is located in the Corsican town of Calvi, 439 m from the harbor. It has an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and spa and all rooms have a private balcony. Each guest room at the Revellata is air-conditioned and has a private bathroom and a TV.
http://www.hotelrevellata.com/
Featuring a heated outdoor pool, the 4-star Hotel L'Acquale is located in downtown Calvi, 500 meters from the port and 800 meters from the white sandy beach.
Spacious and air-conditioned, rooms include a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a balcony with a view. Their private bathrooms come with a hairdryer. Guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the premises.
The hotel also has a lounge bar. Each morning you can enjoy a continental breakfast. You can also order an à la carte breakfast.
https://www.hotelacquale.com/
Nestled up on the hillside the Mariana hotel provides all the comfort of a high standard 3 stars accommodation. The hotel is ideally located within 5 minutes walking distance of Calvi centre and 10 minutes from its magnificent sandy beach. Among the services offered, you will find a car park, bar, lift, air conditioning, breakfast lounge, free wifi and wellness center : (swimming pool and jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, sport)... Nearby, you’ll find restaurants and shops as well as a wide choice of activities.
http://www.hotel-mariana.com/
Hotel Revellata is located in the Corsican town of Calvi, 439 m from the harbor. It has an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and spa and all rooms have a private balcony. Each guest room at the Revellata is air-conditioned and has a private bathroom and a TV.
http://www.hotelrevellata.com/
Featuring a heated outdoor pool, the 4-star Hotel L'Acquale is located in downtown Calvi, 500 meters from the port and 800 meters from the white sandy beach.
Spacious and air-conditioned, rooms include a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a balcony with a view. Their private bathrooms come with a hairdryer. Guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the premises.
The hotel also has a lounge bar. Each morning you can enjoy a continental breakfast. You can also order an à la carte breakfast.
https://www.hotelacquale.com/
Nestled up on the hillside the Mariana hotel provides all the comfort of a high standard 3 stars accommodation. The hotel is ideally located within 5 minutes walking distance of Calvi centre and 10 minutes from its magnificent sandy beach. Among the services offered, you will find a car park, bar, lift, air conditioning, breakfast lounge, free wifi and wellness center : (swimming pool and jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, sport)... Nearby, you’ll find restaurants and shops as well as a wide choice of activities.
http://www.hotel-mariana.com/
Hotel Revellata is located in the Corsican town of Calvi, 439 m from the harbor. It has an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and spa and all rooms have a private balcony. Each guest room at the Revellata is air-conditioned and has a private bathroom and a TV.
http://www.hotelrevellata.com/
Featuring a heated outdoor pool, the 4-star Hotel L'Acquale is located in downtown Calvi, 500 meters from the port and 800 meters from the white sandy beach.
Spacious and air-conditioned, rooms include a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a balcony with a view. Their private bathrooms come with a hairdryer. Guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the premises.
The hotel also has a lounge bar. Each morning you can enjoy a continental breakfast. You can also order an à la carte breakfast.
https://www.hotelacquale.com/