Day 1: Arrival in Corsica
We meet during the day in Calenzana, the starting point for the GR20. Here we have the accommodation for the first night before we set off on the first stage the next morning. During our dinner together, we will get ready for a great trekking week and discuss the first stages and what we can expect in the next 9 days of touring.

Day 2: Calenzana – Refuge de l'Ortu di u Piobbu
The next morning, we set off for the starting point of the GR20 in Calenzana. The first stage slowly takes us into the rugged and wonderful mountain world of Corsica. At the stage goal, Refuge de l'Ortu di u Piobbu, we will spend our first night in our own tent or one of the rental tents. A beautiful place that makes you want more.
7 hours - 13 km – ↑ 1,550 meters - ↓ 250 meters - easy

Day 3: Refuge de l´Ortu di u Piobbu – Refuge Carozzu
On the second day, we go directly over the 2,000-meter mark for the first time. Deeper and deeper into the Corsican mountains. Stage 2 is already one of the most challenging on the entire GR20, and we get a very good idea of what awaits us in the coming days. We head down to Refuge de Carozzu, our lodging for the next night, via the pass "Bocca di l´Innominata". In a forest, there are again tent sites and sleeping accommodations in the cabin.
8 hours - 10 km – ↑ 900 meters - ↓ 1,200 meters - very difficult

Day 4: Refuge Carozzu - Haut Asco
The next stage begins with a climb of 800 meters in altitude. Upon reaching the crossing, a technically challenging descent follows down to Haut Asco. After a total of about 6 hours of hiking, we reach our destination – here in this small ski resort, there are good infrastructures with a hotel, restaurant, and for the first time, mobile phone reception at our overnight spot.
6 hours - 6.5 km – ↑ 900 meters - ↓ 700 meters - difficult

Day 5: Haut Asco – Bergerie de Ballone
Today we will reach the highest points of the GR20 and tackle the "king stage". The "Pointe des Ebulis" pass, located next to the summit of Monte Cinto, is at an altitude of 2,600 meters. For very fit and fast groups, there is the option to include the highest peak of Corsica, Monte Cinto (2,706 m), in the itinerary. The descent from the roof of Corsica continues past the Refuge Tighiettu to the Bergerie de Ballone, the current stage destination.
9 hours - 12 km – ↑ 1,350 meters - ↓ 1,200 meters - very difficult

Day 6: Bergerie de Ballone – Hotel Castel de Vergio
The day starts out comfortably, just along good paths. Passing by beautiful bathing pools that invite you to linger. The route then ascends 650 meters to Bocca di Fogialle, after which the rest of the stage is downhill or slightly uphill for another 8 kilometers to the day's destination, Hotel Castel de Vergio. After 4 nights on an inflatable mat and sleeping bag, we treat ourselves to the luxury of a bed and warm showers.
7 hours - 15 km – ↑ 950 meters - ↓ 1,000 meters - moderate

Day 7: Hotel Castel de Vergio – Manganu Refuge
Today's route is the longest stage on the program. Over a total of 17 kilometers, good trails lead us through pastures inhabited by wild horses and past wind-swept trees. A beautiful area where, unlike the first few days, not quite as many elevation meters need to be covered. Our intermediate goal is the Refuge de Manganu.
6 hours - 17 km – ↑ 700 meters - ↓ 500 meters - easy

Day 8: Manganu Refuge – Petra Piana Refuge
The first section steadily climbs up to Bocca alle Porte. We continue over the mountain ridge, constantly up and down, and with a lot of scrambling terrain, we reach our accommodation, the small and cozy Refuge Petra Piana, after about 8 hours. This stage is one of the most beautiful on the entire GR20, with wonderful views of Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello.
8 hours - 10 km – ↑ 1,000 meters - ↓ 750 meters - very difficult


Day 9: Petra Piana Refuge – Onda Refuge
On the 8th stage, we have two options, and in good weather, the route over the "Pinzi Corbini" is practically the only sensible choice. A beautiful trail along the ridge with a fantastic panorama. Although this variant of the GR20 is shorter in terms of distance and has fewer meters of altitude to overcome, there are a few short sections that are technically a bit more challenging. The route through the Manganello Valley is suitable for bad weather and is longer, but technically easier.
6 hours - 8.5 km – ↑ 500 meters - ↓ 1,000 meters - difficult

Day 10: Refuge de l'Onda – Vizzavona
The last day on the GR20 has come for us. We have 11 kilometers and almost 700 meters of elevation to cover before we reach the village of Vizzavona. A taxi will pick us up here and take us back to Calenzana, where we will celebrate a successful trek and a few nice days with dinner together.
7 hours - 11 km – ↑ 700 meters - ↓ 1,200 meters - difficult

Day 11: Individual return home



A few general facts:
There is hardly any cell phone reception on the GR20. However, you usually have reception for a short time at the highest points of the stages. With few exceptions (Haut Asco, Castel Vergio, and Petra Piana), the accommodations have no cell phone coverage, giving you plenty of time to chat and exchange with other hikers.
On all the huts and sometimes on the mountain slopes during the stages, you can stock up on provisions such as local sausages and the delicious cheese of Corsica. Additionally, there is a simple dinner as well as breakfast or good cooking facilities for self-catering.



Tip:
The entire GR20 spans an additional 5-6 day stages to Conca. If you want to do the entire GR20, feel free to send me a request and I will put together a customized offer.