Discover the Wild Heart of Southern Corsica
Explore fragrant pine forests, striking mountain peaks, natural hot springs, and the vertiginous cliffs of Bonifacio.
This carefully curated adventure blends active hikes on renowned trails with authentic cultural visits, local experiences, and leisurely coastal days. Savor Corsica’s vibrant flavors, unwind in nature’s beauty, and share unforgettable encounters—all hosted with warmth and personal attention by Victoria Gonin.
Transfers are being arranged from Figari Corsica southern airport to your seaside boutique hotel La Pinarello, Porto-Vecchio, equipped with a spa, rooftop heated pool, and white sand beach in a beautiful bay. AT 6 pm, Victoria Gonin and Emma Gély will welcome you, Absolutely’s tour escort and director, at the hotel meet and greet cocktail, followed by dinner with a stunning Mediterranean view. An easy, friendly evening to meet your fellow travellers and review the week ahead.
Meals included: dinner
After breakfast, we will depart for the Bavella Mountain. Today’s hike brings you to the foot of the famous Aiguilles of Bavella and the natural stone arch U Cumpuleddu. We will meet Julie, our mountain guide. Hike through a majestic pine forest, whose tall trees were once used to make ship masts and granite formations, and descend to the hamlet of Cavanello, passing by the highest racecourse in Europe, right up to Zonza for the night. Picnics celebrate Corsican flavours.
+250/-700 m – 12,5 km (7.5 miles)
Dinner at l’Aiglon, Zonza.
Overnight in a charming hotel Le Tourisme, with heated pool and spa, Zonza (massages available upon advance booking and for an additional fee).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch (picnic from local producer), and dinner
Hike through the village of Zonza, and Julie will talk about the heroic history of the Corsican resistance. We will continue on the scenic walk through forests and riversides, passing equestrian lodges and rural farms on the way to Quenza. This village offers a rich cultural stop: a castle (not to visit inside), a contemporary sculpture, a botanical garden, and a millennial chapel.
+/-590m – 14km (8.5 miles)
Overnight in a comfortable family-run Auberge Sole e Monti, where Élodie and her sister, the owner, lovingly prepare delicious regional dishes, Quenza
Meals included: breakfast, lunch (picnic from local producer) and dinner
Morning optional hike to enjoy stunning surroundings views of Quenza village, like the Cuscionu Plateau, an exceptional site, or the restored chestnut oil/flour mill, ancient charcoal pits, and panoramic ridgelines.
(~8 km, +/-400–470 m)
Afternoon workshop with Victoria at the hotel garden.
Early evening assist at a private concert of a traditional Corsican song by a group of female vocalists at the millennial chapel.
Dinner and night Family-run Auberge Sole e Monti, where Élodie, the owner, lovingly prepares delicious local dishes, Quenza
Meals included: breakfast, lunch (picnic from local producer), and dinner
We descend to the Saint Antoine River, then climb through a beautiful oak forest that shelters the exceptional archaeological and medieval site of Cucuruzzu & Capula.
We’ll likely encounter goats and sheep along the way. Afternoon to enjoy hotel spa facilities or explore Levie’s boutiques, museum and traditional cutler.
+/- 350m – 11 km (7miles)
Overnight at La Pignata – a charming inn with an indoor pool and spa, Levi (massages available upon advance booking and for an additional fee).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch (picnic from local producer), and dinner
A full day across uplands and panoramas to Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano via the Punta Sarrado viewpoint. On our way, we’ll visit a traditional water mill and stop at an olive grove for an olive oil tasting, ending with a beautiful descent through the oak woods down to the sulfur hot springs.
+450/-1190m, 14km (8.5 miles)
Hotel La Caldane – Natural hot springs with therapeutic benefits make this the perfect accommodation to end your five-day hiking adventure.
The site has been in use since Roman times, offering a rich historical dimension. Some of the original stone baths are still in use today, allowing guests to literally soak in Corsican history. (Massages available upon advance booking and for an additional fee).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch (picnic from local producer), and dinner
Enjoy a leisurely morning and a last soak at La Caldane. Depart for Sartène, described as “the most Corsican of Corsican towns” by the French writer Prosper Mérimée. This town offers a unique and authentic insight into the island’s soul. Perched dramatically on a hillside in southern Corsica, it provides visitors with a blend of history, architecture, and living tradition. We will experience a wine tasting and free time to explore the medieval streets. On our way to Bonifacio, we will visit an essential oil distillery that uses endemic Corsican plants.
At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive at Bonifacio and check into your hotel, Santa Terressa. Dinner will be at your leisure.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Discover Bonifacio’s breathtaking limestone cliffs and historic citadel on a guided tour. Afternoon at leisure to wander marinas, boutiques or take an optional boat trip to the sea caves. Farewell dinner in the evening, a relaxed celebration of the week’s discoveries.
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
After a final breakfast, private transfers to Figari airport for departures. Leave Corsica with new friendships and memorable hikes.
Meals included: breakfast
Deposit
To secure a place on this tour, you will be required to complete our reservation form and send a $1,000 deposit to Victoria Gonin.
Included
Breakfast and all meals indicated in the program with two glasses of wine at dinner, gratuities in restaurants, taxes, professional tour facilitator & professional and local mountain guide (Julie), activities and admission fees as indicated in program, airport transfers on the first day of the tour and in the morning on the last day of the tour, coach transport, daily luggage, accommodation in a 3 and 4-star boutique hotels.
Not Included
Round trips airfare to Corsica, France, tip to mountain guides and coach driver, any personal souvenirs or purchases outside of this tour and not indicated above, additional softs, wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals, spa services at the hotel, travel insurance (highly recommended) and trip medical coverage (required for travelers over 50 years of age).
Terms and Conditions
If insufficient numbers of participants register for the tour or in the event of conditions deemed unsafe for our clients, the tour may be cancelled or postponed. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described, we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary owing to circumstances beyond our control or if more interesting opportunities arise. Any changes will be of similar or superior quality and content. If Victoria is unable to travel, the tour will go ahead as planned with Emma Gely, Tour with Absolutely director.
Cancellation Policy
This is a packaged group tour which is non-refundable, even in case of injury, illness or personal emergency. Cancellation must be notified by email to emma@tourwithabsolutely.com. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes medical assistance and trip cancellation coverage. If you become ill before the trip departs or during it, you will need your own medical and trip-cancellation insurance to cover any costs incurred.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured.
Check out Insure My Trip, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you and mention that this is a hiking tour (cancellation for any reason, interruption, medical evacuation…). Prices are reasonable and well worth it for a stress-free trip.
Payment
We accept Visa, Amex & MasterCard.
Arrival and Departure
On arrival, transfers from Figari Airport to the hotel in Porto-Vecchio are included. You will be welcomed at the meet and greet by Victoria Gonin and Emma Gely, Tour with Absolutely director who will be your tour leader the entire stay. On the last day of the tour, transfers are included in the morning from the hotel in Bonifacio to Figari Airport. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines.
Photo Release
You hereby grant Tour with Absolutely permission to use your likeness in a photograph, video or other digital media in any and all of its publications including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration. In addition, you waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein your likeness appears.
What to Pack
European adaptors, phone chargers, medication.
Trekking: good hiking shoes (waterproof high-cut hiking boots), a daily backpack 20L (+ rain cover), a water bottle 1.5l, bring layers to protect yourself from the cold (fleece or down jacket), rain (waterproof jacket and pants e.g., Gore-Tex), trekking poles. Make sure you also have sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, long-sleeve T-shirt), and long hiking pants to protect against thorny plants and insect bites. clothing for windy/rainy/cold/hot weather, comfortable hiking shoes, 20L backpack (a more detailed list will be sent to you before the trip).
We kindly ask each guest to bring a mask and a COVID test as a precaution. Out of respect for others, if you develop a cough during the tour, we will ask that you wear a mask in enclosed or confined spaces.
Weather
Average temperatures range from highs of 20°C/68°F to lows of 10°C/47°F.
Physical Requirements
This is an active itinerary with multiple full-day hikes (terrain: mountain trails, forest paths and rocky descents). Hike metrics are indicated day by day; guests should be comfortable walking 10–18 km on uneven trails and be in good general fitness.
The mountain guide reserves the right to modify all or part of the itinerary for safety reasons, in cases of force majeure beyond her control, depending on weather conditions or the group’s fitness level.
Behavior Expectations
As a group, you are all on this trip to have a good time and to bond with one another. We expect you to do everything in your power to get along with the crew and make other guests feel welcome. If you have an issue with someone or something please speak with your trip leader, do not complain to the other guests. Your trip leader is there to solve any problems.
Accommodation
You will be staying in 3 and 4-star boutique hotels, some of which have heated pools and wellness areas.
All hotel rooms are not created equal. We choose unique hotels for our trips, and you will be assigned a room at random. Your room might be smaller, larger, or have a different view from the other guests’ rooms.
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with pre-and post-tour trip planning.
Discover the Wild Heart of Southern Corsica
Explore fragrant pine forests, striking mountain peaks, natural hot springs, and the vertiginous cliffs of Bonifacio.
This carefully curated adventure blends active hikes on renowned trails with authentic cultural visits, local experiences, and leisurely coastal days. Savor Corsica’s vibrant flavors, unwind in nature’s beauty, and share unforgettable encounters—all hosted with warmth and personal attention by Victoria Gonin.
Transfers are being arranged from Figari Corsica southern airport to your seaside boutique hotel La Pinarello, Porto-Vecchio, equipped with a spa, rooftop heated pool, and white sand beach in a beautiful bay. AT 6 pm, Victoria Gonin and Emma Gély will welcome you, Absolutely’s tour escort and director, at the hotel meet and greet cocktail, followed by dinner with a stunning Mediterranean view. An easy, friendly evening to meet your fellow travellers and review the week ahead.
Meals included: dinner
After breakfast, we will depart for the Bavella Mountain. Today’s hike brings you to the foot of the famous Aiguilles of Bavella and the natural stone arch U Cumpuleddu. We will meet Julie, our mountain guide. Hike through a majestic pine forest, whose tall trees were once used to make ship masts and granite formations, and descend to the hamlet of Cavanello, passing by the highest racecourse in Europe, right up to Zonza for the night. Picnics celebrate Corsican flavours.
+250/-700 m – 12,5 km (7.5 miles)
Dinner at l’Aiglon, Zonza.
Overnight in a charming hotel Le Tourisme, with heated pool and spa, Zonza (massages available upon advance booking and for an additional fee).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch (picnic from local producer), and dinner
Hike through the village of Zonza, and Julie will talk about the heroic history of the Corsican resistance. We will continue on the scenic walk through forests and riversides, passing equestrian lodges and rural farms on the way to Quenza. This village offers a rich cultural stop: a castle (not to visit inside), a contemporary sculpture, a botanical garden, and a millennial chapel.
+/-590m – 14km (8.5 miles)
Overnight in a comfortable family-run Auberge Sole e Monti, where Élodie and her sister, the owner, lovingly prepare delicious regional dishes, Quenza
Meals included: breakfast, lunch (picnic from local producer) and dinner
Morning optional hike to enjoy stunning surroundings views of Quenza village, like the Cuscionu Plateau, an exceptional site, or the restored chestnut oil/flour mill, ancient charcoal pits, and panoramic ridgelines.
(~8 km, +/-400–470 m)
Afternoon workshop with Victoria at the hotel garden.
Early evening assist at a private concert of a traditional Corsican song by a group of female vocalists at the millennial chapel.
Dinner and night Family-run Auberge Sole e Monti, where Élodie, the owner, lovingly prepares delicious local dishes, Quenza
Meals included: breakfast, lunch (picnic from local producer), and dinner
We descend to the Saint Antoine River, then climb through a beautiful oak forest that shelters the exceptional archaeological and medieval site of Cucuruzzu & Capula.
We’ll likely encounter goats and sheep along the way. Afternoon to enjoy hotel spa facilities or explore Levie’s boutiques, museum and traditional cutler.
+/- 350m – 11 km (7miles)
Overnight at La Pignata – a charming inn with an indoor pool and spa, Levi (massages available upon advance booking and for an additional fee).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch (picnic from local producer), and dinner
A full day across uplands and panoramas to Sainte-Lucie-de-Tallano via the Punta Sarrado viewpoint. On our way, we’ll visit a traditional water mill and stop at an olive grove for an olive oil tasting, ending with a beautiful descent through the oak woods down to the sulfur hot springs.
+450/-1190m, 14km (8.5 miles)
Hotel La Caldane – Natural hot springs with therapeutic benefits make this the perfect accommodation to end your five-day hiking adventure.
The site has been in use since Roman times, offering a rich historical dimension. Some of the original stone baths are still in use today, allowing guests to literally soak in Corsican history. (Massages available upon advance booking and for an additional fee).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch (picnic from local producer), and dinner
Enjoy a leisurely morning and a last soak at La Caldane. Depart for Sartène, described as “the most Corsican of Corsican towns” by the French writer Prosper Mérimée. This town offers a unique and authentic insight into the island’s soul. Perched dramatically on a hillside in southern Corsica, it provides visitors with a blend of history, architecture, and living tradition. We will experience a wine tasting and free time to explore the medieval streets. On our way to Bonifacio, we will visit an essential oil distillery that uses endemic Corsican plants.
At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive at Bonifacio and check into your hotel, Santa Terressa. Dinner will be at your leisure.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Discover Bonifacio’s breathtaking limestone cliffs and historic citadel on a guided tour. Afternoon at leisure to wander marinas, boutiques or take an optional boat trip to the sea caves. Farewell dinner in the evening, a relaxed celebration of the week’s discoveries.
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
After a final breakfast, private transfers to Figari airport for departures. Leave Corsica with new friendships and memorable hikes.
Meals included: breakfast
Deposit
To secure a place on this tour, you will be required to complete our reservation form and send a $1,000 deposit to Victoria Gonin.
Included
Breakfast and all meals indicated in the program with two glasses of wine at dinner, gratuities in restaurants, taxes, professional tour facilitator & professional and local mountain guide (Julie), activities and admission fees as indicated in program, airport transfers on the first day of the tour and in the morning on the last day of the tour, coach transport, daily luggage, accommodation in a 3 and 4-star boutique hotels.
Not Included
Round trips airfare to Corsica, France, tip to mountain guides and coach driver, any personal souvenirs or purchases outside of this tour and not indicated above, additional softs, wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals, spa services at the hotel, travel insurance (highly recommended) and trip medical coverage (required for travelers over 50 years of age).
Terms and Conditions
If insufficient numbers of participants register for the tour or in the event of conditions deemed unsafe for our clients, the tour may be cancelled or postponed. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described, we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary owing to circumstances beyond our control or if more interesting opportunities arise. Any changes will be of similar or superior quality and content. If Victoria is unable to travel, the tour will go ahead as planned with Emma Gely, Tour with Absolutely director.
Cancellation Policy
This is a packaged group tour which is non-refundable, even in case of injury, illness or personal emergency. Cancellation must be notified by email to emma@tourwithabsolutely.com. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes medical assistance and trip cancellation coverage. If you become ill before the trip departs or during it, you will need your own medical and trip-cancellation insurance to cover any costs incurred.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured.
Check out Insure My Trip, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you and mention that this is a hiking tour (cancellation for any reason, interruption, medical evacuation…). Prices are reasonable and well worth it for a stress-free trip.
Payment
We accept Visa, Amex & MasterCard.
Arrival and Departure
On arrival, transfers from Figari Airport to the hotel in Porto-Vecchio are included. You will be welcomed at the meet and greet by Victoria Gonin and Emma Gely, Tour with Absolutely director who will be your tour leader the entire stay. On the last day of the tour, transfers are included in the morning from the hotel in Bonifacio to Figari Airport. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines.
Photo Release
You hereby grant Tour with Absolutely permission to use your likeness in a photograph, video or other digital media in any and all of its publications including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration. In addition, you waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein your likeness appears.
What to Pack
European adaptors, phone chargers, medication.
Trekking: good hiking shoes (waterproof high-cut hiking boots), a daily backpack 20L (+ rain cover), a water bottle 1.5l, bring layers to protect yourself from the cold (fleece or down jacket), rain (waterproof jacket and pants e.g., Gore-Tex), trekking poles. Make sure you also have sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, long-sleeve T-shirt), and long hiking pants to protect against thorny plants and insect bites. clothing for windy/rainy/cold/hot weather, comfortable hiking shoes, 20L backpack (a more detailed list will be sent to you before the trip).
We kindly ask each guest to bring a mask and a COVID test as a precaution. Out of respect for others, if you develop a cough during the tour, we will ask that you wear a mask in enclosed or confined spaces.
Weather
Average temperatures range from highs of 20°C/68°F to lows of 10°C/47°F.
Physical Requirements
This is an active itinerary with multiple full-day hikes (terrain: mountain trails, forest paths and rocky descents). Hike metrics are indicated day by day; guests should be comfortable walking 10–18 km on uneven trails and be in good general fitness.
The mountain guide reserves the right to modify all or part of the itinerary for safety reasons, in cases of force majeure beyond her control, depending on weather conditions or the group’s fitness level.
Behavior Expectations
As a group, you are all on this trip to have a good time and to bond with one another. We expect you to do everything in your power to get along with the crew and make other guests feel welcome. If you have an issue with someone or something please speak with your trip leader, do not complain to the other guests. Your trip leader is there to solve any problems.
Accommodation
You will be staying in 3 and 4-star boutique hotels, some of which have heated pools and wellness areas.
All hotel rooms are not created equal. We choose unique hotels for our trips, and you will be assigned a room at random. Your room might be smaller, larger, or have a different view from the other guests’ rooms.
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with pre-and post-tour trip planning.
Panoramas — Hike the iconic Aiguilles de Bavella and natural arch U Cumpuleddu.
The scent of the maquis — Wander through fragrant pine and aromatic shrubland where wild rosemary, thyme, and cistus perfume the air and visit an essential oil distillery.
Authentic Alta Rocca villages — Stroll charming hilltop hamlets and discover authentic Corsican life.
Cucuruzzu archaeological site — Explore ancient stone fortifications
La Caldane thermal springs — Soak in natural sulphurous baths (≈38°C) dating back to the Roman days.
Wine & olive oil tastings — Join experts around Sartène.
Bonifacio’s cliffs & citadel — Hike the dramatic limestone escarpments and explore the medieval citadel overlooking the Mediterranean.
Local culture & music — Appreciate a woman’s Corsican polyphonic private concert in a millennial chapel.
Copyright 2025 | Tour with Absolutely
Copyright 2025 | Tour with Absolutely
