Self-drive tour in South Corse, the perfect escape
Between wild maquis and red granite coves, an authentic self-drive tour in the heart of South Corse
Duration
10 days
From
€1,280/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This family-oriented self-drive tour takes you to discover the traditions and sweet way of life in Corse. Through wild and grandiose scenery, you explore the regions of the Valinco Gulf, Alta Rocca, Taravu and Liamone.
During this journey, creeks and rivers dot your route for the greatest pleasure of young and old. You stay in farm inns, guest rooms, eco-responsible guesthouses or in a convent if you wish.
You can admire the beauty of the Gulf of Porto, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the prehistoric site of Filitosa, known for its megalithic art collections.
You meet numerous passionate local artisans and producers and hike through the maquis for some memorable short hikes with local guides.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in the Sartène region
Ajaccio → Sartène
Upon your arrival in Ajaccio, you pick up your rental vehicle and can finally begin your adventure. You take the road south towards the city of Sartène.
Sartène is, according to the very famous Mérimée, "The most Corsican of Corsican cities!" It is also very well located. It is notably close to the Rizzanese valley and the Valinco Gulf, promising beaches of rare beauty.
Night in a guesthouse close to the city and 5 minutes from the beaches.
Visit to the Filitosa site
Free time throughout the day with relaxation on the fine sandy beaches of Cupabia, Portogliolo or Tizzano.
You also have the possibility of visiting the very famous prehistoric site of Filitosa. A site classified as a Historic Monument by Unesco, it is rich with over 8000 years of history and thus presents its collection of archaeological remains among the most sumptuous in Europe.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the old town of Sartène, adorned with its finest assets. You will fall under the charm of its typical small paved streets and its singular character.
Hiking along the Campomoro reserve shoreline
Sartène → Quenza
Starting from the Campomoro tower, you embark on a magnificent hike of 4 to 5 hours of walking along the sea. Within reach of all, this hike will take you through the Campomoro reserve, classified as Natura 2000 and Conservatoire du littoral, to end beautifully at the Senetosa Lighthouse.
During your walk, you cross splendid beaches with turquoise waters, perfect for a well-deserved sea bath. It is also an opportunity to discover underwater biodiversity. After a picnic break in nature, you will have the chance to discover a very beautiful Genoese tower rehabilitated as a museum, which tells the history of piracy in Corse.
You then head towards Quenza and spend the night in a bed and breakfast or farm inn.
The Alta Rocca, the Mother-of-Pearl Coast
The Alta Rocca is a semi-mountainous region, bounded by the Coscione plateau and the Bavella and Opesdale massifs. A rural territory, nestled within it is the charming village of Quenza, where one might think that time has stood still. The most ancestral traditions persist here. An authenticity that comes from the cohabitation between residents and wild animals such as cattle or even pigs in the heart of the town and its surroundings.
Rest and relaxation in the village, ideal for enjoying a meal at the inn or a walk at the edge of the forest. The highlight of discovering the village is a visit to the small Santa Maria chapel.
Possibility for experienced hikers to undertake a 12 km hiking trail to the hamlet of Jallicu, situated at 1200 meters altitude.
Hiking with donkeys
An emblematic and endemic animal of the island, the Corsican donkey was once a preferred means of transport for many farmers and shepherds. For a hike as close to nature as possible and for absolute escapism, the company of these donkeys during your journey will make this experience unforgettable. With an expert guide in botany, you begin this hike with a visit to the donkey farm.
At the pace of the donkeys, you discover Corse as you have never seen it before: magnificent landscapes, chance encounter with a shepherd or beekeeper, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the river or even observing the surrounding fauna and flora…
You arrive at the Coscione plateau, which is both rocky and verdant, riddled with what are called « pozinnes », a kind of small ponds formed by water runoff.
On your way back from your hike, you will cross the village of Lezie where you can visit the famous Alta Rocca museum and the Cucuruzzu prehistoric site which perfectly depict the architectural style of the Bronze Age. The village also has a superb cutlery workshop that brings together the greatest talents of the island. To discover under the name of « the Lotus workshop ».
Possibility to do the hike without the donkeys and therefore in this case only with our mountain guide.
Cozzano, the pig museum
Quenza → Vivario
From the village of Zonza, you head towards the heart of the island to the village of Cozzano which overlooks the Taravu valley.
After a lunch break, a meeting with a village producer is a must, followed by the discovery of the pig museum. The pig in Corse is a whole way of life and you discover why and how it is part of a local culture that dates back to the Middle Ages.
You get back on the road to the Vizzavone region and spend the night in the village of Vivario. Famous for its old bridge "Ponte di Vecchio", the village holds many surprises such as natural swimming pools where you can swim at leisure.
Night and dinner at the hotel in the village of Vivario.
The Franciscan convent
Vivario → Vico
You can start the day with a sports course in the largest Adventure Park in Corse located in Vizzavone.
Then you head towards the Porto region to arrive at the village of Vico after a detour to the village of Vero.
You thus arrive in the region of the "Two Sorru" where you will be able to appreciate the charm of a magnificent and mysterious Franciscan convent dating from the 15th century. This active convent houses a community of monks belonging to the order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
For accommodation you have the choice between a furnished apartment at the convent or an eco-responsible guesthouse in Vico.
The abandoned village of Murzo
Today you have several options: you can start with an easy short hike to Lac de Creno, perched at 1315 metres altitude, departing from the village of Soccia for a 3-hour ascent.
You can also choose to take a walk that will lead you to the river to cool off and discover the abandoned village of Murzo, which seems frozen in time. Indeed, the village was never connected to the electrical network and was thus gradually abandoned by its population.
For those who love nature, you can also take a walk to discover the local fauna and flora with a specialized guide.
The Calanques of Piana and the Scandola Nature Reserve
Today, you are heading out for a boat trip to discover the Piana coves. Located in the Scandola Nature Reserve (UNESCO-listed), experience a unique encounter with protected species such as grouper and osprey. Famous for its red granite found in only 3 regions around the world, the Gulf of Porto lives up to its reputation as one of the jewels of the island of beauty. You will also be able to enjoy the view of the Gargallo and Garganello islands.
Your means of transport is a hybrid boat with electric propulsion that is respectful of the environment.
Return to Vico for the night.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Transport from the mainland
- Meals not mentioned
- Beverages, personal expenses
- Entrance Fees for Vizzavona Adventure Park
- Cancellation Insurance
- Everything that is not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- Accommodation with breakfasts in guest houses, farm inns, hotels
- Accommodation at the Vico convent (supplement for guesthouse room option +52€)
- 4 dinners in Vivario and Zonza
- 2 days of guided hiking with picnic in Campomoro and Vico
- 1 day guided hike in the Alta Rocca at Coscione with picnic (supplement for donkeys +30€)
- The hybrid boat tour in Porto
- The guided tour of the Filitosa prehistoric site
- The visit of craftspeople and producers in Cozzano
- A personalized road book and travel journal
- 24/7 telephone assistance
- Car rental of a 5-seater sedan with insurance and unlimited mileage, approved Europcar agency
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Corse dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport et carte d'identité
La Corse est une collectivité territoriale française, donc une destination située sur le territoire de l'Union européenne. Aucune formalité particulière n'est requise pour les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE) et de la Suisse.
Ces voyageurs peuvent entrer en Corse avec :
leur carte nationale d'identité en cours de validité,
ou leur passeport en cours de validité.
Il est néanmoins conseillé de voyager avec une pièce d'identité officielle en bon état pour tout contrôle éventuel.
Ressortissants canadiens
Les ressortissants canadiens, en tant que ressortissants d'un pays tiers à l'Union européenne, doivent être en possession d'un passeport valide pour entrer sur le territoire français. Aucun visa n'est requis pour un séjour touristique n'excédant pas 90 jours dans l'espace Schengen.
Le passeport doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées) et, de préférence, valide au-delà de la durée prévue du séjour.
Séjour touristique sans visa
La Corse étant partie intégrante du territoire français et de l'espace Schengen, aucun visa n'est nécessaire pour les ressortissants de l'EEE, de la Suisse et du Canada dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Aucune durée maximale de séjour ne s'applique aux ressortissants de l'EEE et de la Suisse sur le territoire français. Les ressortissants canadiens peuvent séjourner jusqu'à 90 jours sur une période de 180 jours dans l'espace Schengen.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs ressortissants de l'EEE et de la Suisse peuvent voyager avec leur carte nationale d'identité ou passeport en cours de validité. Les mineurs canadiens doivent être munis d'un passeport valide.
Dans certains pays, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence. Il est recommandé de se renseigner auprès des autorités compétentes de votre pays avant le départ.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée sur le territoire français peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de France de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux lors de vos déplacements.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
You can travel to Corsica with a valid identity document. Entry conditions to Corsica are identical to those of mainland France. Flights or ferries from the mainland are considered domestic travel. Before traveling, check with French consular authorities for entry conditions specific to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, budget between €160 and €280 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. Flights or ferries from mainland France (€150-400 return depending on season) are additional. Summer is significantly more expensive.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. Together you refine every detail until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Southern Corsica Bonifacio
Keeper of the Corsican soul, based in Cap Corse
For me, loving a region is first and foremost loving its people. In Corsica, the villages, the voices, the gestures and the paths tell as much as the landscapes.
— Véronique
