Hike the Northern section GR 20 Corsica

Arrival

Getting to Corsica is easiest by plane, however, you can take the ferry from mainland France or Italy.  Public transport is not very frequent in Corsica so if arriving by ferry we would only recommend you do this by car and not as a foot passenger.

If flying to Corsica, your trip begins at Bastia airport, and is designed to meet any flight arriving in Bastia before 1300 hrs on the Sunday. You can also choose to arrive in Bastia the evening beforehand and then meet the group at Bastia airport for the transfer to Calvi. We cannot collect you in Bastia town as it is not en route to Calvi. Alternatively, you may prefer to fly direct to Calvi and meet us at the group hotel, particularly those coming from the UK, as there is a direct flight from Gatwick to Calvi.

Arrival at Bastia Airport

We have included a single-timed transfer from Bastia Airport to Calvi on Day 1. Bastia has the largest choice of flights from various European destinations. However, in Summer 2022 there are no direct flights from the UK to Bastia, so for UK guests we would also recommend looking at the direct flight from London Stansted to Calvi. We will be able to meet flights that arrive at Bastia Airport before 1300 hrs.

For those joining us at the airport, you will meet the group between 1100 hrs - 1300 hrs, depending on people's flight times. We will communicate the meeting time once we know everyone's flight details, usually about two weeks before departure. If everyone arrives on an earlier flight, we will depart early. 

There is quite a large choice of airports from which to fly to Bastia: if the UK flights don't work for you, then you can look at arriving from Paris, Nice, Marseille, Toulouse, Lyon, Lille, Vienna and Basel. Skyscanner is a great website to look at flight options.

Bastia Airport  is 17 km (10.6 miles) from the town centre, so decide whether you want to stay near the airport (and therefore near the beach), or in a town-centre hotel. If you’re staying near the airport, then we recommend Hotel Poretta, Hotel Le Lido or Chez Walter. Or for a treat, then the lovely Hotel Pineto in Biguglia, next to the sea which is 9km (5.6 miles) from the airport. 

If you’re going to stay in the town centre, then the Hotel Best Western is reasonably priced and not too far from the bus stop, or if you’d like to be nearer the old town, then Hotel Les Gouverneurs is an excellent 4* hotel, and the Hotel Central Bastia an excellent 3* hotel.

Buses run (infrequently) from the airport to Bastia centre.

Arrival at Calvi

It is also a really good option to fly to Calvi and make your own way to the group hotel. We normally hold a briefing before dinner and would ask that you arrive by 1800 hrs. Note that Calvi is only suitable for the arrival at the beginning of the trip - your departure airport will need to be either Bastia or Figari.

Departure from Bastia Airport

At the end of the trip, we include an early single-timed transfer from Corte to Bastia Airport for flights departing after mid-day. If you have a long wait for your flight, we recommend booking a day room at the Hotel Poretta which is within walking distance of the airport, and has an outdoor pool. With a lot of luggage you may want to get a taxi to the hotel even although the distance is short. 

Departure from Figari Airport

Figari airport is only a 25 minute drive from our end hotel in Porto Vecchio, compared to 2h50 to Bastia. We do not include this for the group departure transfer as Bastia has more flight options. A taxi from Porto Vecchio to Figari is not expensive and we can help co-ordinate taxi shares for those who would like to this option.

Travel in general

If you are planning to extend your holiday and stay on in Corsica it is worth noting the public transport system is not frequent and taxis are expensive. A good resource for onward travel is the Corsica bus website.

It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate. 

Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page. 

Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.

Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.

All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.

When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. 

At least once each summer we experience unseasonal conditions that really do make every item on the kit list essential. If you do not have the correct kit, our guide may ask you to leave the trip until you have purchased the necessary items. Every year we experience unseasonal snow at least once. It can also rain very heavily and temperatures can go from being around 35° Celsius (96° F) one week, to below ) 0° (32° F) the next. So, if it rains, you will need waterproof jackets AND trousers, and will be glad of several pairs of gloves. If it snows, you will need decent hiking boots (NOT hiking trainers), walking poles, warm clothes and warm hat and gloves. It is also possible to experience a heatwave. If this happens, you will likely require numerous sachets of rehydration salts and will need to carry 3-4L of water. A sun hat will be absolutely essential.

For a fuller explanation of the kit listed below you can check out Lindsay's tips and tricks for the GR20 here.

Drinking Water - on this trip we stay in a number of mountain huts where the only safe source of drinking water is to buy bottled water. As well as being environmentally unsustainable this can also be very expensive. For this reason you may wish to consider a water filtration system. We avoid recommending any specific product and ask that you do your own research into the safest and most efficient system. 

Equipment

• Summer walking boots - these should be waterproof and comfortable. The terrain is very rough and your boots should be in good condition, there is nowhere to buy new kit on the route apart from Corte. We have no objection to you using ‘low cut walking shoes’ if you are used to them
• Walking Poles – There are very long and steep descents when poles are necessary for safety
• Rucksack – 35-45 litres. Any bigger and it will be too heavy. Check before you arrive that you can fit everything you need for an overnight stay, including your sleeping bag. You may also be asked to carry a small item of group kit. Your rucksack should have a chest and waist strap and you should try using it loaded before your trip
• Rucksack liner and cover - either a plastic bag or a roll-top 'Exped' bag. It rarely rains, but when it does it can be torrential!
• Water container – able to carry at least 4 litres of water. We advise a hydration tube system such as Platypus, plus 1 litre Nalgene bottle. It is difficult to drink enough if you have to remove your rucksack to access a bottle. For some days 2 litres will be sufficient, but other days there are no opportunities to fill up
• Plastic box – eg Tupperware box. This is for your lunch as some refuges provide a pasta or lentil salad. Approximately 0.6-0.8 litres will be enough. Label it with your name, both on the lid, and the box, and if you are vegetarian make this obvious on the box
• Fork/spoon/spork - for eating picnic lunches
• Mobile phone – there is phone reception for a large part of the trip. It is a good idea to have a phone in case of emergency or if you need to leave the group for any reason
• Emergency foil blanket

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain showers in the mountains and you must be able to stay dry and warm
• Waterproof over trousers - You should be able to take them on and off without removing your boots. We reserve the right to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather
• Trousers - walking trousers which allow free movement. You may find it is too hot for trousers, but they offer protection on the days when we walk through the 'macquis' (thorny scrub)
• Shorts/skort
• Sun hat
• Warm hat
• Gloves – we recommend 2 pairs (a thin pair and a thicker warmer pair)
• Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops – wicking shirts are better than cotton as they dry faster
• Fleece jacket/top
• Socks - technical walking socks (2/3 pairs)
• Underwear
• Duvet jacket / or second warm top
• Thermal leggings - optional, and only needed if a cold day
• Lightweight footwear for hotel use

Dormitory nights in Refuges/Gîte 

• Sleeping bag - a lightweight sleeping bag, which for some parts of the journey, you will need to carry on consecutive days. It can be chilly at night, but a 3-season sleeping bag with a comfort rating of around 3 to 5° Celsius (37-41°F) will be enough. A lightweight one should be around 1kg (2.2lbs) or less
• Sleeping bag liner – good for warm nights when a sleeping bag is too hot
• Pillow - a lightweight/compact pillow or inflatable pillow. In some of the refuges pillows are not supplied
• Ear plugs - strongly advised
• Head torch - lightweight
• Book/Music device – optional
• Spare clothes to change in to in the evening
• Wash bag – small lightweight mini-bottles/packets. Most airport departure lounges have a good stock of miniature shampoo, toothpaste, soap etc
• Travel towel – towels are provided in the hotels, but not the refuges/gîtes
• Toilet paper - bring a roll of toilet paper as many refuges do not provide it

Comfort

• Sunscreen
• Lip salve
• Sunglasses – essential. The sun can be extremely strong in the mountains
• Small bottle of Antibacterial hand wash
• Toiletries – soap/shower gel as not all the accommodation will supply these
• Swimwear – Corsica is famous for natural rock pools, so we will swim in these when we can
• Flip-flops/sandals/crocs – for evenings to give your feet a break from your boots. As light as possible so that you can carry them with you for the nights when we do not have access to luggage
• Head scarf/bandana to soak in the rivers to cool of - very useful
• Washing liquid for clothes

Personal First Aid

• Personal medication
• Antiseptic cream/spray
• Pain killers/anti-inflammatory
• Glucose tablets/Energy gel
• 2 x Re-hydration sachets – eg 'Dioralyte'
• Throat lozenges
• Blister plasters/tape - we advise that you use 'Strappal' tape
• Selection of normal plasters/Band-Aid
• Diarrhoea treatment - eg 'Immodium'
• Antihistamine tablets
• Insect repellent – there are mosquitoes at lower elevations
• Insect - 'Afterbite' to reduce itching when bitten

Documentation

• Passport and a paper copy
• Mountain Rescue Insurance
• Credit Card
• Cash – most refuges do not accept a credit card
• Waterproof bag for documents 
• GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover

Optional items

• Penknife – to cut up lunch, meat/cheese
• 'Thermarest' – mattresses are provided on the nights we camp so it is not worth buying a 'Thermarest' for the trip. However, if you have a light one and wish to use it then bring it with you
• Water purifying tablets – water at refuges is sourced from springs. If you wish to purify your water that is a personal choice
• 'Buff' – good for extra warmth if the weather changes, or sun protection for your neck on a hot day
• Camera – spare memory cards
• Multi plug adaptor – for charging various items
• Travel kettle/tea bags- most hotels do not provide tea and coffee making facilities
• Padlock - for your luggage being transferred 
• Power pack - for charging phones/gps etc
• Teabags - some accommodation provide kettles in the bedrooms

Additional Information

Walking Boots

We cannot stress enough that the GR20 is rugged underfoot, and if your walking boots are showing signs of wear, the GR20 will almost certainly finish them off. Make sure your boots are in good condition before arriving as there are no gear shops on the hike, apart from a small shop in Corte in the middle of the trip. If you have any new equipment such as a rucksack or walking boots, it is a good idea to have used them a few times before the trip in order to avoid blisters/sore spots.

Walking Poles

Walking poles will really help your knees, and if you haven’t used them before, it would be a good idea to practice beforehand so they are not a hindrance. 

Hydration

With regard to hydration we keep up a steady pace for much of the day and it can be difficult to take in enough water if you have to remove your pack to access your water bottles, and for this reason we recommend a hydration system. However, having witnessed various disasters over the years with hydration systems, for example, your entire supply of water disappearing due to a leak, we recommend using a hydration system AND water bottles to avoid this situation. There are not always places to fill up water during the day, so on some days we have to carry all of our water for that day.

Luggage

1x Medium sized kit bag/holdall or suitcase, preferably on wheels. Keep the weight to 15kg (33lbs) or below. Luggage with wheels is best. Be aware that your luggage is being transported by taxi and the taxi companies only accept one bag per guest. If you have more than one bag we may have to pay extra and if this is the case we would ask you to refund Tracks and Trails. Ensure you are able to carry your luggage upstairs if necessary, as some of the hotels do not have lifts, and you may have to walk across rough ground on campsites with it. Carry enough dry bags/plastic bags to protect the contents of your luggage bag, which on occasion may be left outside. When it does rain it can be torrential and you may find the contents are wet.

Diet

Dinners and lunches are plentiful, but the breakfasts in the more basic accommodation are standard French Refuge issue, ie dry bread and jam. You may want to bring extra items such as dried fruit, energy bars etc. Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mixes are also recommended especially for those with vegetarian, gluten free or celiac diets. Please read the section under 'Trip Information' which refers to 'Food and Water' as it is not easy for remote locations to cater for gluten free or vegan diets. 

Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit

On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.

For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.

When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. The single supplement for this trip is £400 in 2026 and £425 in 2027.

We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.

Please note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. 

Your hiking guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page. 

We would like to make it clear that due to the wild and rocky nature of the terrain on the GR20 that your guide also has complete discretion to ask you to leave the trip if your fitness and ability adversely impacts on safety. 

Is this trip right for me?

The GR20 in Corsica is a very tough trek with long walking days in succession.  We think it deserves its reputation as the hardest trek in Europe. You must be fit and accustomed to walking in the mountains.  There is a lot of rocky scrambling where you will use your hands and your feet, and on occasions you need to use fixed equipment such as ladders and chains. With this in mind, it is not a suitable trip for those who suffer from vertigo, nor is it a trip for those who are not sure-footed and confident, as there is more technical terrain than you might think for what is essentially a walking path. 

The GR20 is quite a remote trek, and it isn’t very easy to “sit-out” for a day if you are feeling tired. As the days are long, we cannot afford to go too slowly (as you may be used to doing on other easier treks).  On the GR20 we have an average of 8h00 of walking each day, and some days are 9h00 to 10h00. We are not going to walk fast, but we need to maintain a pace which we would describe as 'steady' without too many stops. Some of the ascents are long, and the descents steep, and these can be problematic for those with weak knees.

If for any reason your fitness is not at the suitable level for this trip we reserve the right, for safety reasons, to ask you to take public/private transport to the next possible meeting point with you group. Any costs in this regard will be paid for by you, the client. 

We have graded the trip challenging:

"Our toughest trips are those we deem to be ‘challenging’. By this we mean challenging physically and mentally. You need a high level of fitness, considerable previous experience of multi day walking trips, and a good attitude. You should enjoy walking for full days and be prepared to cope with regular ascents/descents of between 1300-1800m (4264-5904ft), and crossing passes at up to 3500m (11,480ft). You need to be able to deal with bad weather and to be able to look after your self in terms of being too cold, too hot, too wet, too tired. You do not need to be an athlete or a super hero, but you do need to know what it is like to walk all day to get to where you are going. You should be able to cope with rough and loose terrain, and deal with exposed sections of paths, and occasional sections of cabling or ladders to assist on steep ground. Expect to walk for up to 9 hours a day."

On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support on all but 2 of the nights, which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required. On the nights you are in the mountain huts you will need to carry just a few extra items in your rucksack.

As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.

The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.

GR20 – Corsica by Paddy Dillon (A Cicerone Guide)

Corsica Trekking GR20 by David Abram (Trailblazer Guide)

Rough Guide or Lonely Planet Guide to Corsica

Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have some maps of the route then the 1:60,000 Didier Richard maps cover the entire GR20 on two maps – Haute Corse and Corse du Sud.

If you prefer to have the route in more detail, you need three of the French 1:25,000 IGN maps:

4149 OT Calvi

4250 OT Corte and Monte Cinto

4251 OT Monte d’Oro and Monte Rotondo

If you would like to order any of these maps in advance then please let us know and we can add them to your order – we can either post them to you, or give them to you at the start of the trip. The price is approximately £15 each for the IGN maps, and £14 each for the Didier Richard 1:60,000 maps, plus postage if applicable.

On the island of Corsica the weather during the summer months is normally clear and warm. The winter snow should have melted by late June. July is the hottest month with the least amount of rainfall. Temperatures in the summer can range from  5°Celsius  (41°F) to around 30°Celsius (86°F), but can be quite a lot higher. It is generally hot and dry, but it is not uncommon to have sudden thunder storms, harsh wind, heavy rain, hail and sometimes even snow.

At least once per summer we experience unseasonal conditions, including snow, that make every item on the kit list essential. If you do not have the correct kit, our guide may ask you to leave the trip until you have purchased the necessary items. It can rain heavily and temperatures can be erratic, in the mid 30°Celsius (96°F) one week, to below 0°Celsius (32°F) the next. So, if it rains, you will need waterproof jackets AND trousers, and several pairs of gloves. If it snows, you will need decent hiking boots (NOT hiking trainers), walking poles, warm clothes and warm hat and gloves. It's is strongly advised that you have waterproof trousers which can be donned without removing your boots.

It is possible to experience several weeks of heatwave at a time. If this happens, you will likely get through numerous sachets of rehydration salts and will need to be carrying 3-4L of water, and a sun hat will be essential.

If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem.  If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.

In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue.  If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. 

Corsican Cuisine

On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes and Corsica has its own unique culinary favourites such as wild boar which is used in stews, sausages and terrines, often slow cooked with red wine, chestnuts and herbs. You will encounter a lot of charcuterie and chestnuts!

Meals

These are not extensive, and are traditionally - bread, butter, jam, and perhaps some yogurt. For the Corsicans they feel this is an adequate, but we ask that you are prepared for a traditional breakfast, that may or may not have protein available. Ultimately, this depends on the accommodation and some offer a more protein based breakfast than others. It is simply the 'way it is done' in Corsica. The picnic lunches are usually fantastic, and plentiful, varying from sandwiches to local meats and cheeses to pasta or lentil salad and a piece of fruit. The dinners are usually excellent – hearty, but basic 3-course meals, perfect for hard days in the mountains. Please note that you need to bring a tupper ware salad box for your lunches, and a spoon/fork. 

Vegetarians – a love of omelettes will help see you through this trip: Corsican mountain gîtes have not fully grasped the concept of vegetarian food, and you will almost always be served an omelette, with varying accompaniments. Sometimes they will try to give you fish, so please remember to tell us whether that is okay for you or not. We do try to ask for different dishes such as pasta and tomato sauce when the omelettes are wearing a bit thin, but this is occasionally met with reluctance. It would be a good idea to bring along some nuts and extra snacks. This trip is not suitable for vegans or those with other more specific dietary requirements. Gluten-free would be possible for the evening meals, but you would need to bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.

Water

If any of the accommodation has a problem with their water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink water from the tap.  If the accommodation charges for tap water at the evening meal Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.

Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.

You will need money for lunch in Calvi, and dinners in Calvi and Corte. For dinner we find that between 25-30 Euros per dinner is sufficient, while 10-15 Euros per day for drinks and snacks should be enough.  For your two week trip you should have between 150-200 Euros in cash. Bottled water, wine, beer and soft drinks are available at almost all of the refuges, and you might find that the hot weather makes you consume more cans of soft drink than would be normal for you. There are cashpoints at Bastia airport, at Calvi and Corte. Credit cards are not accepted in the refuges, and there will be no money-changing facilities throughout the trip so please do not bring cash in another currency, nor travellers cheques, as you will not be able to use them. Please note that arriving on a Sunday, the banks will be closed.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.  

NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country

If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.

If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our Summer activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here. We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel - the following are aimed at those who hike in summer, and continue to do so in winter on snowshoes:

Get Fit for Hiking and Snowshoeing 1

Get fit for Hiking and Snowshoeing 2

Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not.  Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size. 

Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number. 

GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.

EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.

We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.

The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.

You can read our Sustainable Travel Policy here.

Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained. 

On this trip there may be the possibility to swim in rivers or the sea. We ask that you consider the impact which sunscreen products have on the environment and remove any excess sunscreen before going into the water. You could consider nature friendly sunscreen which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide. Any swimming is undertaken at your own risk. We carry no responsibility for any decision by you to enter the water. 

On our GR20 walking trip lunches are included in your trip fee except for Calvi on your arrival day. Your kit list will ask you to bring a plastic 'Tupperware' lunch box and cutlery as you will often be given a pasta or lentil salad as well as other items for lunch. Approximately 0.6-0.8 litres will be adequate. Label it with your name, and if you are vegetarian please make this obvious on the box.