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!
Highlights of the Corsica Family Donkey Trek
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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
Pricing for this self-guided walking tour in Corsica depends on whether you choose to join an existing group on a specific date or if you prefer a custom tour for your group only.
The best time to travel to Corsica for this trek is between May and October.
Prices of Private Self-guided Corsica Family Donkey Trek
Have your own private tour with just your group! Prices below are per person:
- Self-Guided Groups of 2-3: $995 USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 4-6: $895 USD per person
- Self-Guided Groups of 6+: $850 USD per person
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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hôtel 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.
Hôtel Castel di Verghio, Verghio ★★★
Discover why this hotel is so popular with hikers! It’s in a great location and you can enjoy wonderful mountain views from your balcony.
Hôtel 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.
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: $50 USD per room
- Upgrade to double rooms in Verghio (instead of dorms): $95 USD
- Airport transfers (per vehicle, one way, max 3 people):
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- Bastia Airport to Calacuccia: $95 USD (+ $50 USD on Sundays/holidays)
- Porto to Calvi Airport: $375 USD (+ $125 USD on Sundays/holidays)
- Porto to Bastia Airport: $650 USD (+ $125 USD on Sundays/holidays)
- Porto to Ajaccio Airport: $350 USD (+ $125 USD on Sundays/holidays)
Frequently Asked Questions about Corsica Family Donkey Trek
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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