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| Explore — Worldwide 2008/09 |
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Page Text Content
EUROPE
Corsican Villages
TREKKING GRADE B/C
Ref CVM / CVC
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
8 DAYS HOTELS/REFUGE/GITES FOREST, GORGE AND COAST HIKES
Corsica the Scented Isle has somehow escaped the Mediterranean tourist fever. Much of its rugged coastline and interior remains uninhabited, or is dotted with unspoilt pastoral villages. We have two contrasting itineraries in the northwest of the island, enjoying the lower altitudes in late spring and late summer (ref CVC) and the cooler mountain areas in high summer (ref CVM). Staying in small hotels, gites and mountain refuges along our way, we trek from village to village through wild gorges, forests and hill trails, enjoying striking views of some of Corsica's finest peaks.
CVM SUMMER ITINERARY Exploring Semur-en-Auxois/Brian Bestford
Corsican Villages Ref CVM CVC
LIGURIAN SEA
CALVI BONIFATU TUARELLI
2710m Cinto
CALACUCCIA GALERIA Pastoral villages SERRIERA GIROLATA REFUGE DE SEGA COL CURZU DE Corte PORTO OTA VERGIO
Spelunca Gorge
CORSICA
0
km 50
FRANCE
Backroads of Burgundy
CYCLE GRADE B
Ref
BY
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
8 DAYS HOTELS CYCLING IN WINE COUNTRY
Rich in culture, history and cuisine, Burgundy is one of the most fascinating areas of France. Our one week exploration by bicycle takes us along the historic Canal de Bourgogne and quiet backroads to fortified villages, chateaux and abbeys which bear testimony to the wealth and power of the church and state in medieval France. Our routes are flexible, average approx. 45km per day between nightstops, with the option to extend on longer routes according to the interest of the group, and there is plenty of time for relaxation or independent exploration.
Canal de Bourgogne From Montbard, we follow the quiet towpaths of the Canal de Bourgogne, built to forge a navigable route from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. We make the easy ride to the impressive Cistercian Abbaye de Fontenay, once run as a paper mill by the Montgolfier family but now restored to its former glory and designated a World Heritage site. Chateaux & Walled Cities Continuing our route along the canal we pause at the captivating walled city of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain described as the Sleeping Beauty of Burgundy and famous for its aniseed balls! before we reach Semur-enAuxois. Perched on a granite outcrop and nestling in a loop of the river Armançon, Semurs maze of houses and cobbled streets make it one of the most picturesque towns in Burgundy. Here we can simply relax and soak Stopping at a vineyard/Brian Bestford
From/To Lille
Backroads of Burgundy Ref BY
MONTBARD
Optional C a day rides Abbaye de Fontenay Alise-Ste-Reine Flavigny sur Ozerain
To Calacuccia, Monte Cinto & the Niolu Valley From Calvi we head up into the mountains to Corte, to the entrance of the Tavignano gorge, set amid memorable mountain scenery. We reach Calacuccia via the high trail from Corte. From here we plan to venture into the wild countryside that lies at the foot of Monte Cinto, the highest summit in Corsica. Here are medieval remnants of an age-old pastoral tradition of sheep farming, still ruled by the changing seasons. The high pass to the coast Col de Vergio is the highest pass on the island at 1402m and we enjoy a lovely walk through the fir and pine forest of Aitone before descending by fairly steep trails through the Spelunca Gorge to Ota. From Ota we ascend steeply to the Capu San Petru, from where there are far ranging views across the Porto valley to Cap'd'Ota on the other side. From Porto we make the short journey back to Calvi, a city of great beauty and the perfect place to relax after our exertions. Rugged peaks of Corsica
CVC LATE SPRING/LATE SUMMER ITINERARY Corsican Villages From Calenzana we follow the famous GR20 along an old mule trail, climbing progressively up to the Ortiventi fountain. Traditional villages cluster our route as we take in some of the islands most spectacular scenery. We'll walk in the mountainous gorges and valleys to high lakes and take time to soak up Corsica's unique atmosphere. Bonifatu to Serriera Following the 'chemin de ronde' we walk through forests of maritime pines and green oak, pausing at some of the refreshing rock pools and rivers en-route to Crote du Lucciu. From Girolata's beach, we follow the coast, admiring exceptional views over Scandola's natural reserve. Before reaching Serriera we have the chance to overlook the village of Partinellu and the bay of Porto, the only French natural site to appear on UNESCO's world heritage list.
na
l de
SEMUR-EN -AUXOIS Lac de Pont
Scenic village route
B
FRANCE
ne
Chateau Commarin
POUILLY-EN -AUXOIS
ou
Dijon
rg
og
Chateauneuf Nuits-St Optional visit -Georges
BEAUNE
km 0 30 Optional day rides Explore the wine-lands of Burgundy
up the atmosphere or alternatively cycle out to visit some of the neighbouring chateaux. Vin et vélo! Winding our way through charming medieval villages and the elegant Chateau Commarin, we head deep into the heart of the Burgundy wine growing region, which boasts such celebrated names as Pommard, Mersault, Nuits-St-George and, of course, the classic Cotes de Beaune. Basing ourselves in Beaune we aim to venture out and sample some of the regions fine wines and cheeses reputed to be the favourites of a certain Napoleon Bonaparte and a worthy reward after a days pedalling!
Evisa village/Jacques Sierpinski (MDLF)
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day Summer itinerary Ref.CVM 1 Fly London/Calvi. 2 Walk from Corte up Tavignano Gorge to the Refuge de Sega. 3 Walk to Calacuccia. 4 Walk to Col de Vergio. 5 Walk to Ota. 6 Walk to Porto. 7 Drive to Calvi; free in Calvi. 8 Fly London. Late spring and late summer itinerary Ref.CVC 1 Fly London/Calvi. 2 Walk from Calenzana to Bonifatu. 3 Walk to Tuarelli. 4 Walk to Galeria. 5 Walk to Girolata. 6 Walk to Curzu. 7 Walk to Serriera. 8 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 2nts hotel, 5nts auberge/gites; 7 breakfasts & 5 dinners included on CVC; 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners included on CVM. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/On foot. Comment: Graded B/C, keen walkers will enjoy the challenging itineraries of these wonderful weeks walking. On both itineraries light backpacking is necessary on 2 days as our accommodation at this point cannot be reached by road. Accommodation in the mountains is simple. Bring sleeping sheet/ lightweight sleeping bag. Good quality walking boots essential. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s). Group Size: 12 to 16.
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Eurostar and train from London to Montbard via Lille. 2 In Montbard, cycle to Abbaye de Fontenay. 3 Cycle to Semur-en-Auxois via Canal de Bourgogne. 4 In Semur, day rides to Epoisses or Bourbilly. 5 Cycle to Pouilly-en-Auxois. 6 Cycle to Beaune, explore vineyards. 7 Optional day ride from Beaune. 8 Taxi, train and Eurostar via Dijon and Lille to London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts small hotel; 7 breakfasts included. See insert p2.. Bicycles: 18 or 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder. Grade & Terrain: Grade B moderate approx. 175km over 5 days, (average of 45km/day) plus additional optional day rides. Moderate cycling on quiet backroads and towpaths, enjoying picturesque villages, impressive historic sites and fine food and wines along the way. We cycle from village to village on just 3 days, allowing a range of day rides and other activities on the other days. You can ride independently or with group members. Cycling on 95% asphalt; 5% gravel tracks. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader/driver to assist, advise and co-ordinate. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
Essential information, departure dates & prices see Pricing & Information Supplement
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