Corsica
Mountains in the Mediterranean

Sunday 22 - Sunday 29 April 2012 (8 days)
Sunday 29 April - Sunday 6 May 2012 (8 days)

We return again to the breathtakingly scenic island of Corsica in the Mediterranean, where we will search out its unique wildlife among stunning granite mountains reaching nearly 3,000 metres.

Corsica is one of the most rugged and mountainous of Mediterranean islands, largely untouched by tourist development. From the clear dark blue seas of the coast, up through the lush green forests of the lower slopes, to the white snowcapped peaks of its highest mountains, the island offers a superb variety of both scenery and wildlife. Much of the northern half of Corsica is a National Park, -just recognition for the stunning scenery and its rich natural history. The island's long isolation from mainland Europe is the prime reason for the high incidence of endemics among its flora and fauna, and our visits have been specially timed to maximise the variety of birds and flora we should encounter. Flowers can be stunning at this time of year, and include over fifteen species of orchids.

We will begin our tours in the mountains where we will look for the endemic Corsican Nuthatch, and other prized species such as Corsican Citril Finch (now designated a separate species) and Lammergeier. Our base for the first four nights is a small family-run hotel at the start of the enchanting Restonica Gorge in the heart of the Corsica National Park.

Descending to the coast, we will then search for Audouin's Gull and Cory's Shearwater, encountering a good range of other exciting Mediterranean birds on the way. Included in our itinerary is a visit to the island's most important wetland site, the Étang de Biguglia, where we may see a host of waterbirds including egrets, herons and passage waders. Many migrant birds avoid the mountains and fly along the coast, and we should be well-placed to encounter some of these. Cap Corse to the north is one of the best migration watchpoints in the Western Mediterranean, and can turn up a good range of grounded migrants as well as the resident Marmora's Warbler (now split as a species from the ones on the Balearics).

Accommodation
We stay in good quality hotels with all rooms en suite.

Transport will be by minibus.

Walking: Gentle walks over easy to moderate terrain.

Leaders:
22 - 29 Apr : Mike & Liz Read
29 Apr - 6 May: Mike Read & Peter Kennerley

Numbers: Max. 12 clients

Price: £ 1,695
Single supp.: £ 250
Deposit: £ 300 per person



The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of scheduled return flights London-Bastia*, airport taxes, full board accommodation, minibus transport, incidental tips, and the services of the leader.

The price excludes travel insurance, drinks and other personal expenses.

*For an ex-flight cost (ex-Bastia) please deduct £85 from the tour cost.

These trips will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays.



Corsica map



What you say:

"...next year we'd consider going again ! Thanks for a great trip" M.F. & M.P., Dorset
Outline Itinerary
Days 1-4We begin our tour by taking a scheduled flight from London to Bastia. We then transfer by minibus to Corte, a one-and-a-half hour drive, where we stay for four nights in an ideally-situated hotel close to some of the best mountain habitats.

Our first few days on this most rugged of islands will be spent exploring Restonica Gorge and other river-carved valleys and gorges. The flora here includes many Corsican endemics.
Four nights Corte
Days 5-7On the north-east coast is the Étang de Biguglia, Corsica's premier wetland site. This coastal lagoon has good numbers of Reed, Cetti's and Fan-tailed Warblers. Other birds we should see in this area include egrets and herons, grebes, Marsh Harriers, Bee-eaters and Stone Curlew.

On one day we'll drive to Cap Corse, the very northern tip of the island, in search of Marmora's Warbler, migrants, seabirds, and several species of orchids.
Three nights near Bastia
Day 8We take a return scheduled flight Bastia-London.

Click here for a full, printable itinerary