Corsica and Sardinia

Trip Level

This trip is rated a Level Level 3+ (Moderate to Strenuous) according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 5.5 miles a day and being on your feet for up to 4 hours a day. The trails on both islands can often be rocky with sections that are quite steep, even involving scrambling over boulders. Trail conditions, weather, and the group’s level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.

Average Hiking Day
• 4-5 miles
• 3-4 hours
• 500-700 feet gain/loss

Challenge Days
• Day 7: 5 miles, 4 hours, and 1,300 feet gain/ loss; includes 2.5 hours driving

Terrain

Our hikes are over varied landscapes with moderate to steep terrain. They are at moderate to low altitudes and include rough and rocky trails with loose scree and coastal tracks down to the beach. There are a few steep ascents and descents and some sections that involve scrambling over and around large boulders and through granite rock formations. You must be stable and confident on your feet to participate in this journey.

Weather

The weather in Corsica and Sardinia is usually very pleasant, with temperatures in the 70°Fs and 80°Fs during the day and in the 50°Fs and 60°Fs at night. Cool breezes and showers can occur at any time, especially on fall departures.

Accommodations

We spend most nights in small, picturesque inns full of charm and ambience. All hotels are chosen for their local history and central locations. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.

Cuisine

There is a continental breakfast at each of our hotels. We will generally enjoy a packed lunch along the way during our hikes, sometimes spending more time sampling local specialties. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.

Transportation

Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).