Discover the Castagniccia...

The Castagniccia is an area of Corsica rich in tradition, history and culture. The name derives from the Corsican 'Castagna' meaning Chestnut, and indeed the region is one of Europe's largest chestnut groves, cris-crossed by a network of ancient country footpaths, yet still only 45 minutes' drive from the renowed beaches of the Balagne. Here you will find a relaxed, peaceful lifestyle complemented by forest hamlets and picturesque villages, opulent Baroque churches, convents, chapels and ancient stone houses chiseled into the mountainside.

In spring, Corsica is in bloom, and the greenest island in the Mediterranean becomes a mass of colour; vibrant red poppies, bright yellow broom and of course violets, the symbol of the Bonapartist party. The heady scent of the maquis - a dense carpet of fragrant shrubs, wild herbs, bushes and trees - fills the air, and it is the perfect time to explore. Amongst the maquis, one can find an extraordinary amount of varied flora and fauna, from the Arbutus (Strawberry tree) who's honey the ancient Romans held responsible for the longevity of the Corsicans, to the Sitelle (Corsican Nuthatch), a little bird easily recognisable by its habit of walking head-first down pine trunks! In autumn, the island is warmed by mellow sunlight, and the hills are carpeted with cyclamen, autumn crocuses and an incredible range of funghi.

The tour...

Native to the region, M. Luciani has put together a range of flexible breaks to help you get the most from this superb micro-region. Your stay will be at 'A Curbaghja', a 17th century building, set in private parkland at the edge of the village of Morosaglia, one of the largest villages in the Castagniccia, and the birthplace of the Pascal Paoli - one of the most celebrated figures in Corsican history. Here, you will experience the traditions, culture, architecture, history and religion of the area.

The building has been sympathetically renovated with care to provide traditional style accommodation. There are four double bedrooms, one twin bedroom and a further bedroom with two double beds. Within the building are two fully equipped kitchens, two living rooms, two dining rooms and four bathrooms, each with bath, shower, toilet, bidet and washbasin. French doors lead to the terrace with superb views over the surrounding countryside, garden furniture and two barbecues.

Prices include:

• Accommodation in a renovated 17th century building
• Traditional Corsican meals and breakfast
• Informative local guide (English speaking where appropriate)
• Excursions
• Transfers to/from Bastia airport

Prices do not include:

• Flights (we can arrange these for you at discounted rates - please visit the FLIGHTS page)
• Insurance ­ this is essential and you will need to provide details to participate.
• Extra food & drinks, spending money
• Optional excursions & free day extra activities

Tours are subject to a minimum of 8 participants

PRICES 2006 - prices shown are per week

TOUR DATES	Price per person (sharing double/twin room)		Single Supplement (per night)
	1 week (Sun-Sun)	5 days (Sun-Thurs)
14 - 21 May	740 Euros	530 Euros	25 Euros
17 - 24 September	740 Euros	530 Euros	25 Euros

For more information about the area click HERE
For general information about Corsica, or other regions, click HERE

Bookings and further information: e-mail contact@directcorsica.com or fax 01424 830706. For your convenience, payments for this tour can be made in sterling via directCorsica Ltd.

A typical week includes...

• A presentation of the historical heritage of the village, and the work of Pascal Paoli
• Visit to the village church in Morosaglia
• Guided walk to a renaissance chapel and the hamlet of Rocca Suprana; the third highest village in Corsica
• Excursion to San Pedrone to experience the local flora and fauna
• Visit to a local goats' cheese maker
• Visit to pretty village of Lestinetta, one of the 'French Floral Villages'
• Excursion to the Neolithic site
• See charcuterie and chestnut flour in production
• Visit to an artisan workshop
• Walks through the Castagniccia

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