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A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe ‑ your way. It’s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative ‑ and very affordable. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours across the continent and it’s many exotic islands. There’s an active holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging ‑ with all offering unique opportunities to discover the ‘untrodden’ Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries‑old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all‑inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you’ve come to experience. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.

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TRIP COST

Joining Calvi :£870 Trip Concludes: Corte

All prices are per person OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS IMPORTANT NOTES DN1 - Walk timings noted do not include rest breaks. The Cirque de la Solitude has been closed since 2015 - at this stage it is not expected to reopen for hikers (subject to change without notice).

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TRIP NAME: GR20 NORTH GUIDED WALK TRIP CODE: GRG

Calvi

TRIP DURATION: 7 DAYS

Ajaccio

ACTIVITY: GUIDED WALK

1 NIGHT IN TENT, 1 NIGHT IN A SIMPLE HOTEL

Calenzana Corte

GRADE: CHALLENGING ‑ 5

ACCOMMODATION: 4 NIGHTS IN GÎTES D’ETAPES,

Bastia

Corsica

DATE DETAILS:   2017 | 19 JUN - 25 JUN, 03 JUL - 09 JUL, 04 SEP - 10 SEP, 18

SEP - 24 SEP

highlights  A great opportunity to walk the northern section of the famous GR20  Experiencing the stunning landscape and diverse flora and fauna  Enjoy the freedom of travelling light with all of your logistics taken care of  Delighting in the warm hospitality of the accommodation providers

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the trip A guided walk along the northern section of the Grand Randonnee (GR) 20. Considered to be Europe’s most challenging long distance walking trail, the entire route traverses the interior of Corsica for 200kms, crossing granite mountains and rugged alpine terrain with opportunities to view stunning snow capped peaks. Plunging gorges and alpine lakes are included in this breathtaking hike from Calvi in the north of Corsica to Corté near the centre of the island. On some stages you will be required to climb ladders and scramble steep rock to ascend the granite passes, however the 360 degree views are worth the effort. There are plenty of opportunities to sample the local mountain produce and swim in alpine lakes and rivers during this rugged traverse. At night the warm hospitality of the gîtes d’etapes or mountain camps makes for a welcome treat where like minded walkers can share their experiences of the day. This trip is an ideal challenge for fit walkers with good outdoor experience in mountainous terrain but is unsuitable for vertigo sufferers.­

M e d i t e r r a n e a n

© 2011 World Expeditions Travel Group - Dana Garofani 10/21/2016 9:40:35 AM

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gr20 north guided walk itinerary at a glance Day 1

Calvi to Bonifat (4.5hrs)

Day 2

To High Asco (8-8.5hrs)

Day 3

To the sheepfolds of Vallone (6.5hrs)

Day 4

To Verghio (6-6.5hrs)

Day 5

To the Sega Refuge (7.5hrs)

Day 6

To Corté (6hrs)

Day 7

Trip concludes at Corté or continue on the southern section of the GR20

detailed itinerary DAY 1 Calvi to Bonifat (4.5hrs) The trip begins in Calvi where you will meet your guide and group in the morning (around 9am) and transfer to Calenzana, the land of the olive trees. This is where the hike begins. The walk today is spectacular with several river crossings as well as magnificent viewpoints of the typical towns of Balagne. It is an excellent warm up to the GR20 offering superb views of coastal Corsica. We suggest you buy your picnic in Calvi before starting the walk. Approximate ascent 800m / descent 540m. Double room option possible* meals: D

DAY 2 To High Asco (8-8.5hrs) After breakfast, you will leave Bonifat for one of the longest days of the week. You will cross several rivers before reaching the famous footbridge of Spasimata which is 30m long and is suspended above a waterfall that has the honour of being on many postcards of the GR20. The trail takes you to the Valley of the Muvrella (mouflons – typical sheep) and its small lake. The viewpoints are numerous and are particularly impressive from the passes. You will arrive at the foot of the Monte Cinto, highest summit of Corsica, where you will spend the night. Approximate ascent 1300m / descent 598m. Double room option possible* meals: B,L,D

DAY 3 To the sheepfolds of Vallone (6.5hrs) To avoid the Cirque de la Solitude, closed to the public since 2015, we cross the Great Barrier Reef by the itinerary of Monte Cintu and through the Pointe des Éboulis. From Bocca Minuta, we descend to the small valley of Straciaconne where we may have the chance to observe mouflons (a type of wild sheep). Our accommodation, the shepherd hut in Vallone, is in an ideal setting with the backdrop of a starry sky for the night. Dinner at the hut and night in a tent. Walk: about 8h30 Altitude gain & loss: +1200m, -800m Overnight tent – carry only gear for the night today with main luggage transferred to next accommodation. meals: B,L,D

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gr20 north guided walk DAY 4 To Verghio (6-6.5hrs) At the foot of the Paglia Orba, with views to the river of Golo and the town of Niolu, you will begin a steep ascent. The landscapes are splendid with more and more granite. From the Refuge of Ciotulu i Mori, the path becomes easier and links with a mountain road before entering the woods until you reach your nights accommodation. Approximate ascent 971m / descent 1017m. Double room option possible* meals: B,L,D

DAY 5 To the Sega Refuge (7.5hrs) This morning you continue through the forest with some slight ascents. As you climb, the trees become scarce and you approach the Lake of Nino and its pozzines (a series of wet depressions surrounding the lake). This is one of the most known in Corsica with its horses, ponies, cows and pigs that walk in complete freedom. From the lake, the view is spectacular taking in the part of the mountains that you have already crossed. The path continues and takes you to one of the most beautiful refuges on the island. Approximate ascent 600m / descent 640m. Overnight dorm - carry only gear for the night today with main luggage transferred to next accommodation. meals: B,L,D

DAY 6 To Corté (6hrs) After a final dip in the natural pools near the refuge you’ll begin the walk alongside the Tavignano River to Corte. During the walk there will be plenty of opportunities for swimming in the river. Approximate ascent 720m / descent 1400m. Overnight Hotel on twinshare basis. Note: This last days walk is not on the GR20, but is a stunning and worthy hike in its own right. meals: B,L

DAY 7 Trip concludes at Corté or continue on the southern section of the GR20 From Grotelle you can either continue with the GR20 South by taking the train to Vizzavona or your trip concludes after breakfast. meals: B

inclusions

6 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. 5 picnic lunches – they generally consist of sandwiches, salads, fruits, vegetables – depending on what products are available. 5 dinners – will also vary according to the fresh produce available. 4 nights accommodation in gîtes d’etapes, 1 night in tent, 1 night in a simple hotel on a twinshare basis in Corte Luggage transfers (except day 3 & 5 where main luggage gets transferred ahead and you carry only what you need for 2 days) ‑ max 15 kgs and one piece of luggage per person Information kit including detailed maps and route notes per group booked Local guide (we endeavour to use local guides with a good command of the English language, although there may be some rare occasions when the level of English is minimal. All guides will be there for your safety)

items not included Travel to and from Corsica and the end and start point of the walk Luggage transfer on Day 3 & 5 Drinks throughout, breakfast and lunch on Day 1 and dinner on Day 6 Items of a personal nature Storage of excess luggage and parking Transfers and alternative accommodation which may be required in the event of bad weather © 2011 World Expeditions Travel Group - Dana Garofani 10/21/2016 9:40:35 AM

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gr20 north guided walk Travel insurance

getting there BY CAR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin. com BY TRAIN From the end point at Corte you can take a train to Ajaccio. You can view timetables at www.ter‑sncf.com. Tickets can be purchased at the train station. BY AIR There are four international airports in Corsica: Ajaccio (West); Bastia (Northeast); Calvi (Northwest); and Figari (South). BY BUS There is a local bus network connecting most towns, airports and ports. TRANSFER SERVICE FROM CORTE – linking with GR20 SOUTH There is a train from Corte (the end of the GR20N trip) to Vizzavona and our partners can book this for you. Ask your consultant for details including price. We can also book an additional night for you in Vizzavona to link the two sections of the walk. BY FERRY/BOAT It is possible to travel by boat (with or without a car) from mainland France to Corsica (Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and others). On arrival you can drive your car, take a train or travel by bus to the starting point of the trip. SNCM : Departures from Marseille, Nice or Toulon website http://www.sncm.fr/index.php?lang=2 Corsica Ferries : Departures from Nice or Toulon, website www.corsicaferries.com/Pcorsica.srv

trip grading - challenging CHALLENGING– GRADE 5

This trip requires a good to excellent level of fitness and you should be an experienced hiker, comfortable in alpine terrains through varying weather conditions. The trip involves 4.5 to 8.5 hiking hours per day on sometimes difficult trails. The route is the hardest long distance trail in Europe. Certain sections need to be scaled using ladders, bridges and chains. There is much rock scrambling and ascents are up to 1400 metres and very steep in parts. There are sections throughout which would not be suitable for sufferers of vertigo.

dietary requirements

Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.

joining instructions

The trip begins on the morning of day 1 in Calvi with a group briefing. We recommend you arrive in Calvi the night before the trip begins.

about your group

You will be joining a group with a mix of participants from different countries and other group participants therefore may not speak English. The guide will speak in English and French to cater to all participants. © 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 11/28/2016 5:19:49 PM

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gr20 north guided walk the region

The island of Corsica is set in the Mediterranean Sea, southeast of France, west of Italy and north of Sardinia. It is the fourth largest Mediterranean island after Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus. The island has been part of France since 1789, yet locals consider it as a separate state often aligning themselves to their eastern neighbour, Italy. It is has a rich and colourful history with one of its principle claims to fame as being the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its name as the ‘Mountain in the Sea’ is an apt description of this principally mountainous island. The highest peak is Monte Cintu (2710m), and there are a further twenty mountains over 2000m. Corsica is around 180kms long and 80kms wide, with 1000 kilometres of virtually unspoilt coastline. The coastal scenery is stunning with quaint seaside villages, stark cliffs, hidden coves and vast sandy beaches. The vast majority of the island (over 80%) is untouched forest, maquis (or scrubland) and rock, with the remainder agricultural and built up areas. Over 60% of the population of 272,000 people live in Ajaccio and Bastia, the two main gateways to the island. Elsewhere the population density is low, averaging around 30 people per km² overall (60 per km² on the coast). The relatively pristine environment lends itself to some excellent walking opportunities.

fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED France VISAS Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. CLIMATE The trip runs between May and September during the European spring, summer & autumn. The months of July – August are busy times with temperatures ranging between 20 ‑ 25 degree Celsius and sometimes higher. MIN GROUP SIZE 6 MAX GROUP SIZE 16 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Wet weather gear, sunscreen, day pack (at least 35 litres), bowl with lid (or tupperware), sleeping bag (3 seasons) and sun hat. (A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking).

special notes

The operation of this trip requires a minimum number of participants. Departures can be cancelled up to 6 weeks prior to the trip start date. While the vast majority of departures operate, if there are too few people the trip will be cancelled and we will do all possible to offer you an alternative trip or an alternative departure date. Should the alternatives offered not be suitable we will provide a refund of the trip price only. No further compensation shall be payable. For further details please review our conditions of contract in our brochure.

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gr20 north guided walk how to book

To book a UTRACKS trip, complete our booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website www.utracks.com. On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office along with full payment by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges apply for credit card payments). World Expeditions/UTRACKS has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Call your nearest UTRACKS/World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation.

follow us

https://www.facebook.com/UTracks https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/ https://twitter.com/UTracks_Travel There’s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover

slide shows

UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!

e-newsletter

To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks. com or contact our office.

IMPORTANT NOTE

THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY, AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.

talk to us

If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.

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gr20 north guided walk

AUSTRALIA UTracks / World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) 8270 8488 F: (02) 8270 8489 Toll free: 1300 303 368 [email protected] Feel free to visit our World Expeditions offices in:• Melbourne • Perth • Brisbane • Adelaide (Thor Travel) Our staff will be happy to assist with your enquiries. For address and office phone numbers see our website at www.worldexpeditions.com NEW ZEALAND World Expeditions Level 1, 59-67 High St Auckland CBD PO Box 106-275 Auckland City 1143 T: (09) 368 4161 F: (09) 368 4162 Toll Free: 0800 350 354 [email protected]

CANADA - OTTAWA World Expeditions 47 William St Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 6Z9 T: 613 241 2700 F: 613 2414189 Toll Free:  1-800-567-2216 [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM World Expeditions 1B Osiers Road Wandsworth London SW18 1NL T: 0845 241 7599 F: 020 8870 7014 T: 1800 946 258 (Ireland) [email protected]

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