Our Teen Travel Journey
Embark on a transformative summer journey designed for curious, adventurous teenagers ready to push their limits, explore iconic landscapes, and discover their inner strength. From the granite ridgelines of the GR20 South to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, this 13-day experience blends mountain adventure, cultural immersion, and creative expression — guided by Hortense Saget Everett and guest leader, BSU writing instructor, Lauren Allen.
Who are your trip leaders?
Creating the kind of journey that shaped us.
Lauren and I both grew up shaped by movement, by challenge, and by the magic of being outdoors. As teenagers, we discovered parts of ourselves on trails, summits, and long days outside — moments that taught us resilience, humility, and possibility. Those experiences stayed with us, becoming the foundation of who we are as adults, athletes, educators, and mothers.
We lead this trip because we believe deeply in the transformative power of adventure.
Not just the physical challenge, but the way mountains quiet the noise, open space for reflection, build confidence, and invite young people to see themselves in a new light.
We lead this trip because we believe teens deserve real experiences, not curated shortcuts —
experiences that ask them to carry their own weight, to support each other, to listen, to feel proud of themselves.
We lead this trip because we have seen firsthand how movement and creativity work together.
A long climb becomes a metaphor.
A ridge line becomes a story.
A shared challenge becomes community.
We lead this trip because we want to offer teens what changed us:
a journey that is beautiful, difficult, joyful, surprising — and unforgettable.
And we lead this trip because we care.
Because we know each teen is capable of more than they realize.
Because we want them to come home a little stronger, a little braver, a little more themselves.
This expedition is not just about Corsica.
It’s about giving young people the chance to step into a landscape that will stay with them for life.
Hortense Saget-Everett
French Native • Cultural Guide • Former Elite Triathlete & Mountain Biker (team Tamarack) • Mother of three children BHS, NJH, Washington Elementary
I grew up in France, where mountains, forests, and long winding trails shaped my sense of curiosity and freedom. In my public high school, I joined a high-mountain expedition club led by two extraordinary teachers, Michel Janicot and Jean-Yves Cornez.
Through that program, I experienced adventures that changed the course of my life:
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Traversing Réunion Island over the course of two unforgettable weeks
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Climbing in the Massif des Écrins in the French Alps
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Tackling challenging alpine routes that pushed my limits and opened my world
Those expeditions taught me resilience, humility, courage, and the profound impact that adults can have when they believe in young people. Ever since, I’ve dreamed of creating similar life-shaping experiences for the next generation.
I am also a former elite triathlete and competitive mountain biker, and the discipline, focus, and joy from those years continue to shape how I lead. I understand pacing, endurance, recovery, and the emotional arc of big adventures — and I love helping teens discover their strength on the trail.
As a French native speaker, a long-time French educator, and the co-founder of Live & Learn, I’m passionate about sharing the richness of French culture — the language, food, regional traditions, and small delights that make travel meaningful.
And as a mother of three, I bring warmth, steadiness, and a deep understanding of what teens need to feel safe, supported, and inspired. I have co-led many outdoor trips (spring, fall and winter) while working at Riverstone International School for over 10 years.
This expedition is the realization of a dream I’ve carried since my own teenage years:
Lauren Allen - Guest leader
Writing Instructor at Boise State University • Former Elite Mountain Biker (Team Tamarack) • Outdoor Enthusiast & Youth Mentor - Mother of a BK XC teen
Lauren is a gifted educator and writer who brings creativity, emotional intelligence, and a deep love of storytelling to this expedition. As a writing instructor at Boise State University, she specializes in helping students connect movement, memory, and language — a perfect complement to a journey that is both physically and personally expansive.
Before becoming an educator, Lauren was a competitive elite mountain biker, racing with Team Tamarack and known for her technical skill, endurance, and calm presence on challenging terrain. That background gives her a natural ability to guide teens through the physical, emotional, and mental ebb and flow of adventure. Lauren led the girl scout camps in McCall for many years.
Lauren and I continue to ride and trail-run together in the Boise foothills, pushing each other, laughing often, and sharing a belief that time outdoors builds resilience, clarity, and joy. She brings that same spirit to the trip — steady, grounded, and quietly confident.
Lauren’s approach to working with teens is both gentle and empowering. She knows how to make writing accessible, playful, and deeply personal. Through her daily prompts and guidance, she helps students discover their voices, process their experiences, and create meaning from the landscapes they move through.
She is not just a writing instructor — she is a mentor who models strength, curiosity, and authenticity. Her presence adds depth, creativity, and heart to the adventure.
When not reading or writing, Lauren can be found fly fishing, hiking, nordic skiing, or spending time with her daughter and husband and their big teddy bear of a dog - Oliver.
Itinerary
Day 1: Thursday June 11th
Departure from Boise → Corsica
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Group meets at BOI for international departure.
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Overnight flights to Ajaccio (AJA).
Day 2: Friday June 12th
Arrival in Ajaccio
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Land in Ajaccio, transfer to hotel (2 nights).
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Afternoon: recover from travel, beach walk, gelato, first journaling session.
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Evening: orientation meeting + safety briefing + gear check.
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Dinner by the water.
Day 3: Saturday June 13th
Ajaccio exploration and Prep Day
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Visit the old town, the citadel, and colorful port.
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Optional swim or paddle session.
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Lunch in the market: cheese, charcuterie, Corsican pastries.
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Afternoon: intro to Corsican geography, culture, and the GR20.
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Teen writing workshop: “Why we travel: finding your voice.”
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Early night before the trek.
Day 4: Sunday June 14th
Note that we will only hike with daypack as luggage assistance is provided. More details will be shared after registration.
GR20 South Trek: Ajaccio → Vizzavona Pass → Palmente Pass → Capanelle
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Guides meet and transfer to trail head.
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We follow an old mule trail leading us up to Palmente Pass (1,640 m). Below us, the entire eastern coastline unfolds — with panoramic views of the Diana and Urbino lagoons.
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We descend through the Marmano Forest and reach our accommodation.
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Night in a lodge at Capanelle.
Distance: ~12 km / Elevation Gain: +900 m /Elevation Loss: –450 m / Highest Point: 1,640 m (Palmente Pass) Highlight: Huge views over Corsica’s eastern coast and the lagoons of Diana & Urbino.
Day 5: Monday June 15th
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Stage 2 Capanelle → Lake Bastani → Monte Renosu → Pozzi Plateau → Col de Verde
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We head toward Col de Verde, following the high ridges.
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We begin with a spectacular sunrise over the eastern plains, then reach the shimmering Lake Bastani, before climbing toward the highest summit in Southern Corsica, Monte Renosu (2,352 m).
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An airy descent brings us to the breathtaking Pozzi Plateau, with its winding streams and lush green basins.
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Night in a lodge.
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Evening: writing prompt exple — “What the mountains teach.”
Distance: ~15 km / Elevation Gain: +900 m / Elevation Loss: –1,250 m / Highest Point: 2,352 m (Monte Renosu) Highlight: One of the most beautiful stages of the entire GR20 — summit sunrise, alpine lake, peak ascent, and the magical Pozzi meadows.
Day 6: Tuesday June 16th
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Stage 3: Col de Verde → Prati Refuge → Usciolu Refuge
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We keep moving southward.
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A steady climb leads us to the Prati Refuge.
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Following an airy ridge — right on the watershed between the Taravu Valley and the eastern plain — we make our way through sculpted granite formations shaped by centuries of wind.
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To the east, the Tyrrhenian Sea accompanies us like a backdrop.
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Night at the Usciolu Refuge.
Distance: ~14 km / Elevation Gain: +950 m / Elevation Loss: –600 m / Highest Point: ~2,000 m (ridge line between Prati & Usciolu) Highlight: Constant panoramic ridge walking with the Taravo Valley on one side and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the other.
Day 7: Wednesday June 17th
Stage 4: Usciolu → Bocca l’Aghjone → Croci Shepherd Huts
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Still on an extraordinary ridge route “between sky and earth,” we follow the spine of the mountains to Bocca l’Aghjone.
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From here, the GR20 becomes gentler as we descend toward the Croci shepherd huts, surrounded by fragrant maquis and open landscapes.
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Night in the Croci/nearby refuge zone (depending on logistics).
Distance: ~12 km / Elevation Gain: +500 m / Elevation Loss: –900 m / Highest Point: ~1,800 m (ridge and Bocca l’Aghjone) Highlight: “Walking the edge of the sky” — spectacular ridge traverses and gentle descent to lush high meadows.
Day 8: Thursday June 18th
Stage 5: Croci → Monte Incudine → Asinau Valley → Aiguilles de Bavella (Alpine Variant)
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Early morning ascent of Monte Incudine (2,134 m), a major summit of southern Corsica.
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We cross the dramatic Asinau Valley, then take the alpine variant to pass through the legendary Aiguilles de Bavella — jagged spires considered one of the most iconic landscapes in all of Corsica.
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Night in the Bavella lodge.
Distance: ~13 km / Elevation Gain: +850 m / Elevation Loss: –1,050 m / Highest Point: 2,134 m (Monte Incudine) Highlight: Summit day + crossing the famous Aiguilles de Bavella via the alpine variant — unforgettable for teens.
Day 9: Friday June 19th
Stage 6: Bavella → Maquis Trails → Granite Chaos → Conca → Beach House
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We descend from Bavella into the fragrant maquis scrubland, enjoying final views over the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio.
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The trail winds through classic Corsican granite chaos before finally reaching Conca, the southern terminus of the GR20.
From here:
✔ Private transfer to Porto-Vecchio
✔ Then onward to the beach house for four nights of swimming, rest, and celebration.
Distance: ~12–13 km / Elevation Gain: +300 m / Elevation Loss: –1,000 m / Highest Point: ~1,400 m (initial ridge leaving Bavella) Highlight: Dramatic granite formations, fragrant Corsican maquis, and the triumphant arrival at Conca, the end of the GR20.
Day 10: Saturday June 20th
Beach Day + Slow Morning
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Sleep in.
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Beach time, paddle boarding, snorkeling.
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Teens cook dinner with local ingredients.
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Writing workshop
Day 11: Sunday June 21st
Exploration Day
Choose depending on weather and mood:
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Coastal hike
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Boat excursion
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Visit Bonnifacio or Sartène
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Gelato + local crafts
Evening: games + sunset photoshoot
Day 12: Monday June 22nd
Adventure Activity - TBD
Evening: reflection circle + writing time.
Day 13: Tuesday June 23rd
Final full day
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Slow breakfast, pack & organize.
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Final swim + group photos.
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Writing workshop.
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Celebration dinner.
Day 14: Wednesday June 24th
Return home
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Transfer to Figari Airport (FSC).
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Flights back to Boise — same-day arrival depending on routing.
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Teens return home proud, tired, stronger, and changed.
Starts in Vizzanova
Group of 9 minimum
$5700 all inclusive
What is included? *
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Roundtrip international flights from Boise to Ajaccio and return from Figari to Boise
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All ground transportation in Corsica, including airport transfers and trail transfers
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2 nights in Ajaccio (hotel) at the start of the trip
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6-day guided trek on the GR20 South, with two certified mountain guides
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All accommodations on the trek (mountain refuges, gîtes, or tents depending on stage)
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4 nights in a beach house near Porto-Vecchio at the end of the trek
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Most meals, including all breakfasts, trail lunches, and dinners during the trek
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Cultural activities in Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio, and mountain villages
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Writing workshops and daily journaling prompts integrated into the program
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Leadership support from Hortense (French native, former elite endurance athlete, wilderness first aid certified) and Lauren (experienced mountain bike and outdoor leader)
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Safety equipment, all required trekking permits, and refuge reservations
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Luggage transfers when available (note: some items must be carried by participants)
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Travel and emergency medical insurance, including evacuation coverage
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Pre-departure support, packing list, group orientation, and communication with families
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On-the-ground coordination and 24/7 supervision throughout the trip
More questions? email me at hortense.everett@gmail.com
*Not included: personal expenses.
**Excursions and cultural activities are subject to change depending on availabilities.
***All excursions and cultural activities are included in the cost and are mandatory.