Corsica L ÎLE ROUSSE

Corsica L ÎLE ROUSSE

WELCOME TO Corsica Corsica, known as the L'île de beauté (or beautiful island), is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Although officially part of France, Corsica lies to the southeast of the French mainland and is geographically closer to Italy. The island is west of mainland Italy across the Ligurian Sea and separated from Sardinia s northern shores by the Strait of Bonifacio. Corsica s geography offers incredible diversity. Despite two thirds of the island being made up of spectacular mountain peaks, it's not all about mountains and GR20 long distance walking, there is a great variety of easier walking too. The incredible string of Corsican mountains is fringed by forest, rugged scrubland and pastures, interspersed with waterfalls and rivers. Surrounding all this is the island s spectacular coastline, which is world renowed for its stunning bays, white beaches and pretty ports. Corsica is truly a paradise for walks of all levels. The island has a fascinating French- Italian culture, language and chequered history, created by its unique location. From 1282 the Corsicans were under Genoese rule until it became an independent republic in 1755. However, this independence was brief with the French conquest in 1769. Coincidentally, 1769 was the birth year of arguably the most famous Corsican Napoleon Bonaparte. His birth in the capital, Ajaccio, after the island s succession to French rule, meant that he could later become French Emperor. Your holiday will be based on the water s edge, situated opposite the red islands of L Île Rousse and the hotel has its own private beach. L Île Rousse is in the Balagne region of Corsica and has been a small but prosperous town since 1000BC. Threatened by pirates it was only inhabited by fishermen until the 17th century when merchants from Santa Reparata established trading. In 1759, it was decided to build a port on the northwest of the island and this ensured that this small town was firmly established. There are numerous small shops and cafés and a short walk along the original paving stones takes you to the old town where you can sit under the attractive plane trees in a beautiful central square. 2 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk

ACCOMMODATION Santa Maria Hotel Route du Port, 20220 L Île-Rousse, Corsica Tel: 0033 4 95 63 05 05 The 4-star Santa Maria Hotel is ideally situated opposite the red islands of L Île Rousse, right on the water s edge, with a private beach. A short stroll from the old town are cafés, bars and shops. Bedrooms: All 56 rooms are en-suite with air conditioning, balcony or patio area, satellite TV, telephone, mini-bar/fridge, safe, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Facilities: This hotel takes full advantage of its setting and has a private beach; a short walk down a path, with sun loungers for guest use. There is a restaurant, bar, WiFi throughout, a swimming pool, whirlpool and a solarium. The main building has smaller areas furnished with comfortable sofas and seating, perfect to enjoy this stunning location or relax with a good book. Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. Your hotel caters for most dietary requirements: please advise us in advance and we suggest you also discuss your requirements with the restaurant staff on arrival. Breakfast: There is an extensive self-service buffet with a range of hot and cold options available. Evening meal: The evening meal is a 4-course menu. Lunch: You can order a packed lunch from the hotel or alternatively you can purchase the ingredients from local shops or from the marché couvert (local market); a short walk way from the hotel. Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 3

Guided Walking Easier Walks: 4 to 6 miles (6.5-9.5km) on good paths, with 1,400ft (420m) of ascent. ITINERARY A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions you may have. On Corsica you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. The cost of the transport to and from your walks each day is included in the cost of your holiday. Harder Walks: 7 to 9 miles (11-14.5km) with up to 2,500ft (750m) of ascent in a day on rocky paths. Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional and could be subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk every evening about the next day s walks. Day 1: Arrival day Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to see a little of L Île- Rousse after lunch and before your evening meal. On the first evening our leaders will explain more about our walks and there will be plenty of time to meet with your fellow guests. Day 2: L Île-Rousse Easier Walk: We begin our walk by taking in the charm of Sant Antonio, a hill-top village in the heart of the Balagne region. Perched on high, we have stunning views of the mountains and deep valleys which make this region the garden of Corsica. Our route is on good and sometimes stony tracks. We enjoy the views to the coast along the way and pass through the pretty village 4 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk of Occiglioni before descending to L Île-Rousse. 5 miles (8km) with 300ft (90m) of ascent and 1,800ft (540m) of descent. Harder Walk: From the ouskirts of Algajola, we walk through pleasant farmland to the artisan village of Pigna. We will wander the village streets and alleyways to find workshops of potters and painters. From here we ascend to join a good track before descending to the pretty village of Occiglioni from where we have stunning views of the countryside and coast. We then follow the same route as the easier group back to the town and continue our walk to the headland, which is home to the lighthouse, and enjoy stunning views of the harbour. 8 miles (13km) with 1,800ft (540m) of ascent.

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Day 3: Calvi to the Revellata Headland Easier Walk: After transport to Calvi, both walks head out from the marina in Calvi to the Notre Dame de la Serra Chapel situated high above the coastal town. From there we take in the breathtaking scenery including the headland of La Revellata. The easier group diverts to the Bay of Revellata and the Plage de Alga, where there is a small café and the opportunity to brave the waters. We then follow a well defined coastal path back to Calvi where there will be time to explore. 5 miles (8km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent. Harder Walk: From the chapel the harder walk follows the paths and tracks of the headland to the oceanographic research station and the Revallata lighthouse. On our return we will have an opportunity to swim or take refreshments at the Plage de Alga before returning to Calvi past the old walls of Fort Mozello and descending through the streets to the Citadel. 9 miles (14.5km) with 1,600ft (480m) of ascent. Day 4: Bonifatu to Calenzana Easier Walk: Today we head to Bonifatu. From here both groups cross the Figarella River to join the famous Mare e Monti (Sea and Mountains) long distance path. This route is dramatic with far reaching views to the mountains. Our walk continues to Bocca Corsu where there are good views to the coast before following wide stony tracks and narrower paths. The last section of the walk follows the well-known GR20 (Grande Randonnée). This route takes us to the interesting village of Calenzana with its church and bell tower, a site of a Corsican Nationalist uprising in 1732. Here we can enjoy well deserved refreshments. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,100ft (330m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder route leaves the Mare e Monti to ascend to the GR20. Our climb is rewarded with stunning views to the coast and the Bay of Calvi. We follow the GR20 as it leads us across mountain streams and gulleys to Calenzana, where the long distance walkers usually start their 200km trek to Porto Vecchio in the southeast of the island. 8 miles (13km) with 1,700ft (510m) of ascent and 2,000ft (600m) of descent. Day 5: Free day Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include: Calvi Calvi is a very attractive town which has many attractions for a variety of visitors. It can be reached by a scenic coastal railway. Have lunch on the scenic seafront or beach, where there are a number of beach bars and facilities. Market day is on the first and third Thursday of the month, located near the level crossing at the back of the beach. 6 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk

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Citadel, Calvi Visit the well preserved medieval citadel; entry is free to visitors. Audio guides can be hired from the tourist information office (also an art gallery) just inside the Citadel gates. Scandola Nature Reserve Enjoy a scenic boat ride to the Scandola Nature Reserve from the marina at Calvi. L Île Rousse Relax on the private beach or by the pool. There are plenty of shops and bars nearby and you can enjoy lunch in one of the attractive pavement cafés in the old town. Parc de Saleccia This beautiful, relaxing and inspirational garden features plants of the Mediterranean and Corsica and is a short taxi ride to the east of our hotel. The restaurant serves delicious salads, sandwiches and local fruit drinks. For information on Corsica please visit www.corsica.co.uk Day 6: Speloncato to Santa Reparta di Balagna Easier Walk: Both groups travel up a winding road to the lofty hilltop town of Speloncato, which is perched high on a rocky outcrop with an impressive backdrop of mountains to the southeast. Initially walking together we set off through the town s alleyways and tunnels to the viewpoint onto the rock on which the town sits. The easier group descend and cross the valley through farmland. We pass the shimmering waters of Lac de Codole before ascending onto an old mule track to the town of Santa Reparta de Balagna and a welcome drink. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,300ft (390m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder walk also crosses the fertile valley lying at the foot of the town and then the railway line, which makes its way from L Île Rousse to Bastia. We then ascend to visit the village of Monticello before traversing the hillside to Santa Reparata di Balagna. 8 miles (13km) with 1,500ft (450m) of ascent. Day 7: Lumio Easier Walk: We get the best views of the villages of the Balagne as we walk through the picturesque countryside amongst oleander, bougainvillea and fruit trees. We start in the charming village of Cateri where we soon pass the honey-producing Convent de Marcasso. From here we follow an old path that links the village with its neighbour Lavatoggio before we make for higher ground and outstanding views over the mountains and coast. After visiting the abandoned village of Occi, we descend to pretty Lumio overlooking Calvi Bay. 5 miles (8km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder walk ascends from the Convent Corbara on a good track with fine views to the hill-top town of Sant Antonino, the jewel in the crown of the Balagne. From a lookout point, our walk unfolds before us and we can see the valley and peak en route to our destination of Lumio via the abandoned village of Occi. 9 miles (14.5km) with 2,000ft (600m) of ascent. Day 8: Departure day In the evenings In Europe, our walking holidays continue into the evening. Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer whilst listening to your leaders outlining the next day s walks. After a relaxing evening meal you may like to join your group and walk down to the marina or into the old town for a drink or ice-cream to finish your day. Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 9

Your Walking Leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest on the route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied our leaders are the best people to help. Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we may employ the services of a local interest guide who will accompany you on a walk to enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local guides have not been included in the price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. The best map for the area are 4249 OT L Île-Rousse AND 4149 OT Calvi (Both 1:25,000). Maps can be obtained by mail order from The Map Shop, Tel: 0800 0854080 or visit www.themapshop.co.uk Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. WALKING SAFETY Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from water sources as required. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for preexisting illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on 020 8732 1220 or email holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. 10 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk WHAT TO WEAR & BRING To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities. You will need: comfortable outdoor clothing waterproof jacket and overtrousers ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles small rucksack water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses The following are recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents camera personal first aid kit Footwear: We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern approach shoes offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. HOLIDAY TIPS Language: French Currency: Euro Money: There are several ATM machines in L'lle Rousse where you can obtain money. Electricity: 230 Volt AC with round two or three pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK. Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. To dial a UK number 0044 To dial a Coriscan number 00495

linger a little LONGER If you enjoyed your holiday in our destination on Corsica, we recommend our other holiday at our new destination in Catalonian Spain, Roses. Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday either two weeks of walking at one resort or by combining complementary holidays, such as Sorrento on the Neapolitan coastline and Altamura, in the undiscovered region of Puglia. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so that you don t have to. See our brochure or website for more information. Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, we recommend our Self-guided Walking holidays. In selected European destinations you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Worldwide From Alaska to Australia our Worldwide Journeys invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe. TRANSFER INFORMATION If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Bastia Airport from London Gatwick. Please note that meals are not usually provided on European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met as you enter the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays leader. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may arrive on another flight. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign. Please note that where possible we combine our airport transfers and you may have a short wait at the airport for the rest of your group who will be arriving on a different flight. You will be notified of this in your final confirmation letter. The onward journey by coach to L Île-Rousse from Bastia will take approximately 1¾ hours. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach rom Bastia airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional flight times can be found on www.hfholidays.co.uk or by calling (0)20 8732 1220). Cost per single journey from Bastia is 24. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance. Our Airport Taxi service is available on request. Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0)20 8732 1220 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2603 and quote HX031 or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 11

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