Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel des Touristes, Calacuccia
All you need after a day of adventures: a clean, comfortable room with a bathtub. Perfect for kids or anyone who wants to soak their tired muscles.
Corsica Family Donkey Trek
Corsica Family Donkey Trek
Prices
Highlights
Discover Corsica's highlights on this 7-day self-guided family adventure
The whole family is sure to love this Corsica Family Donkey trekking tour! This tour route shows you all the highlights of a trek in Corsica at a difficulty level that’s perfect for children as young as 5 years old. Take a donkey along to help carry gear or give rides to tired kids.
You’ll encounter stunning scenery, from mountain lakes and streams to rugged and colorful coastline. Discover the unique natural environment of Corsica and enjoy the wonderful climate of this Mediterranean island. The whole family will learn more about Corsica’s geology, history, and culture. Create memories for years to come on this incredible family adventure in Corsica! Book your tour today!
Corsica Family Donkey Trek
Day 1 Francardo – Calacuccia
Welcome to Corsica! Arrive at the Francardo railway station and make your way to Calacuccia along the incredible Scala di Santa Regina scenic highway. Spend the night in a mountain hotel in Calacuccia.
- Overnight Location
- Hôtel Touristes, Calacuccia
- Distance
- N/A
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Calacuccia
Meet your new donkey friend today! Begin by learning to handle the donkey along the tour, then hike the first stage of the Mare a Mare North hiking trail as a practice run with the donkey. Walk until you come to an old genoese bridge, where you can pause to swim in the clear, refreshing water. When you return in the evening, meet with the donkey’s owner again to ask any questions that may have come up during the day.
- Overnight Location
- Hôtel Touristes, Calacuccia
- Distance
- 1.5-2 hours
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Calacuccia – Verghio
Now the adventure begins in earnest! Leave the lovely Calacuccia behind and follow an ancient but little-known mule track. You’ll walk deep into the beautiful Verghio forest with plenty of time to stop and enjoy a dip in the natural pools along the way. Spend 2 nights here in the Verghio forest, either in a dormitory-style gite or a hotel (for an additional fee).
- Overnight Location
- Hôtel Castel di Verghio, Verghio
- Distance
- 3 hours
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Radule waterfall and shepherd hut
Explore a section of the famous GR20 trail today to the Radule area. Visit shepherd huts and sample their locally produced cheeses and charcuterie. Corsica is well-known for these traditional products and you’re sure to enjoy their fresh local flavor. Today’s route also leads you beside a lovely waterfall and to more natural pools where you can refresh yourself in the cool mountain streams.
- Overnight Location
- Hôtel Castel di Verghio, Verghio
- Distance
- 4 hours
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Verghio – Lac de Nino – Porto
Get an early start today as today’s route is a little longer. Walk to the breathtaking Lac de Nino and enjoy a picnic lunch by this mountain lake, surrounded by amazing views. Return to Verghio by the same trail where a transfer is waiting to take you to Porto. The drive to your hotel in Porto takes about 50 min.
- Overnight Location
- Hôtel Corsica, Porto
- Distance
- 6 hours
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Scandola Nature Reserve and Calanches of Piana
Today is a rest day with opportunities to explore the wonderful town of Porto and its surrounding area. There are many ways to enjoy this day, such as taking a boat ride around the coast, or simply relaxing on the beach. There’s no bad way to explore this area! Don’t miss the bright red rocks of the Calanches of Piana or dolphin watching at the Scandola Nature Reserve. This area is one of Corsica’s best loved treasures.
- Overnight Location
- Hôtel Corsica, Porto
- Distance
- N/A
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 Departure Day
Sadly, your Corsica Family Donkey Trek comes to an end after breakfast. Buses from Porto can take you to Calvi or Ajaccio. Have a pleasant journey!
- Overnight Location
- N/A
- Distance
- N/A
- Meals
- Breakfast
Corsica Family Donkey Trek Dates and Prices
This self-guided tour in Corsica is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group.
The prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:
- Self-Guided Groups of 2-3: €1,075EUR per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 4-6: €750EUR per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 7+: on request
Accommodation on the Corsica Family Donkey Trek
This tour is consisting of 4 nights in a hotel (double rooms) and 2 nights are spent in dormitory-style hikers lodges or gites, which can be upgraded to double-rooms for an additional fee.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel which depends on the time of year you want to travel.
Night 3-4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Castel di Verghio (Dormitory), Verghio
Discover why this hotel is so popular with hikers! It’s in a great location and you can enjoy wonderful mountain views.
Night 5-6
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Corsica, Porto
Stay in comfort just a short walk from the beaches and other attractions of Porto. You may also decide to simply relax by the hotel pool.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s included in the Corsica Family Donkey Trek?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, and 4 dinners are included with your tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights along the tour as described. Most hotels are of a 3-star standard.
Transportation during the Tour
Transfer from Verghio to Porto is included. During the trip, your luggage is going to be carried by a donkey, so plan the weight ahead, as the donkey can carry max 40 kg at a time and you will share the donkey with your travel companions.
Also Included
- Donkey rental (1 donkey for max 4 people)
- Maps and route notes
- Soft bags to pack your personal items in so they can be carried by the donkey
- Local assistance as needed
Not included
- Transportation to or from the island of Corsica
- Airport transfers and any other transfers not listed as included (available for an additional fee)
- Picnic lunches and evening meals not listed as included
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Extra donkey (required for groups of 5+): €350 EUR
Optional Extras
- Upgrade hotel in Calacuccia: €50EUR per room
- Upgrade to double rooms in Verghio (instead of dorms): €75EUR
- Airport transfers (per vehicle, one way, max 3 people):
-
- Bastia Airport to Calacuccia: €75EUR (+ €50EUR on Sundays/holidays)
- Porto to Calvi Airport: €295EUR (+ €95EUR on Sundays/holidays)
- Porto to Bastia Airport: €525EUR (+ €95EUR on Sundays/holidays)
- Porto to Ajaccio Airport: €275EUR (+ €95EUR on Sundays/holidays)
Frequenty Asked Questions about Corsica Family Donkey Trek
How hard is the Corsica Family Donkey Trek?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. You should be able to walk for 3-6 hours per day on uneven ground in the mountains. This tour is suitable for children as young as 5 years old and your donkey companion can either carry personal gear or a child (up to 40 kg) can ride.
Is the Corsica Family Donkey Trek appropriate for children?
Yes! This tour is great for children ages 5 and older. The tour can be adapted upon request to meet the needs of younger children.
Do I need a Visa to travel to France?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Corsica Family Donkey Trek?
Breakfast is included each morning (6 breakfasts). Two picnic lunches and 4 dinners are also included. Other meals are not included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Calacuccia or Francardo to start this tour?
Francardo is the nearest train station to Calacuccia. Trains from Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (AJA) take about 2.5 hours. Bastia Airport (BIA) is about 1 hour away by train. Airport transfers are available for an additional fee.
Where does the Corsica Family Donkey Trek end?
The tour ends in Porto. Buses are available from here to Calvi or Ajaccio. Airport transfers are available for an additional fee.
Are luggage transfers included in the Corsica Family Donkey Trek?
Yes. Please be sure that you pack in only one bag that is either soft or on wheels, and that your bag weighs no more than 15 kg.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for France?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Corsica for this tour?
The best time to travel to Corsica for this trek is between early June and mid-September.
Europe Active Corsican adventure tour company. This family business started in 2005 and is based in a small village south of Bastia, though operating all over Corsica. Europe Active is focused on sharing the best of Corsica’s outdoors with an international community of adventure travellers.
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What travellers say
When can I do this tour?
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Is this tour for me?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. You should be able to walk for 3-6 hours per day on uneven ground in the mountains. This tour is suitable for children as young as 5 years old and your donkey companion can either carry personal gear or a child (up to 40 kg) can ride.