Walking across the Pyrenees on the Camino Frances
Experience Overview
The Camino Frances, starting from St Jean Pied de Port in France and ending in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, has featured on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1993, a total distance of 790km / 490 miles. Known as one of the most challenging sections of the pilgrimage, many see this section as also the most rewarding, with pilgrims traversing the Pyrenees from France into Spain, a dramatic and incomparable landscape.
During this stage of the Camino Frances, you will visit the ancient medieval towns of St Jean Pied de Port, Roncesvalles and Puente la Reina, experience the challenging, scenically stunning walk across the Pyrenees and wander through the beautiful countryside, passing through towns and villages, each with a long history intertwined with this most famous pilgrimage. The cities of Pamplona and Logrono are filled with places of interest to visit, examples of Gothic and medieval architecture, cathedrals and palaces. Logrono is the capital of the Rioja wine region, so be sure to take in some wine tasting here, but don't forget to collect your stamp for your Pilgrim Passport!
Profile
10 nights in a mix of 2 star and 3 star hotels, all rooms en suiteRoute directions and mapsLuggage transfers between hotelsWalking transfers
At a Glance
10 nights in a mix of 2 star and 3 star hotels, all rooms en suiteRoute directions and mapsLuggage transfers between hotelsWalking transfers
Trip For You
This is a moderate walking holiday because of the distance covered each day rather than the altitude change or the terrain. There is lots of classic Galician countryside to enjoy, rural paths and hamlets with cafes and restaurants for pilgrims along the route. Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking days are approximately 5-6 hours with ascents up to 700m (2400feet) and may involve some scrambling. You should be used to walking all day.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts and six dinners included.
We've included breakfast each day, with your evening meals provided in the quieter locations. Picnic lunches are easy to organise or if you prefer, stop off for some lunch in one of the many eateries along the way. At the start and end of your trip, and in Pamplona, the restaurant choices are huge, so we have left your evening meal up to you. With the route clearly marked along your way, you can relax and truly immerse yourself in the pilgrimage experience, enjoying the wonderful camaraderie of your fellow pilgrims and the incredible scenery along the way of this unique journey.
Transportation
Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel by our local agent while you are walking the Camino.
Joining Instructions
The tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in St Jean Pied de Port on Day 2 of the itinerary.
Flights:
We can also book flights for you if you wish. The standard flights we usually use are with Easyjet from to Biarritz usually departing at 06:30 arriving 09:15. Then the transfer to the hotel is about 50 minutes. On the return we recommend train from Logrono to Madrid 07:30 / 10:50 and then Easyjet from Madrid back to the UK.
Please note that the standard flights/trains may occasionally change throughout the season so please enquire for up-to-date details.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Transfer Details
We have included transfers after breakfast on the first two walking days, after which you’ll walk all the way to Logrono.
Weather Information
In April and October expect temperatures in the 40-60°F/5-15°C with high chance of rain showers though it could also be simply partly cloudy and more temperate. Temperatures in May, June and September tend to be about 10°F/5°C warmer than April and October. Expect a combination of sun, showers and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm (60-80°F/15-25°C). Occasionally in summer there can be hot days so it is always important to make sure you have enough water.
Spending Money
Lunch is not included in the itinerary and some dinners are left open where there are good restaurant choices, please allow some spending money for this. We recommend approximately €5-15 (US$4.50-13) per lunch and €20-30 (US$18-27) for dinner.
Highlights
— Walk along one of the most famous UNESCO pilgrimage routes in the world — Begin your walk on the world-famous Camino Frances by crossing the Pyrenees from France into Spain — Explore the medieval towns of St Jean Pied de Port and Roncesvalles and visit the historic cities of Pamplona and Logrono — Travel through spectacular scenery of forests and mountains to reach the heart of the Rioja wine region
Trip Details
Product Code: 22739
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: e Camino.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: W10CF
Starts: St Jean Pied de Port, Camino de Santiago
Finishes: St Jean Pied de Port, Camino de Santiago
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— All accommodation (see accommodation section) — All continental breakfasts and 6 evening mealsRoute directions and mapsLuggage transfers between hotelsWalking transfersAccommodation
HotelsYour accommodation has been carefully chosen and will be a variety of small family run hotels or simple pilgrim hostels. Room Upgrades: Room upgrades may be available on request for a supplement – please enquire at the time of booking for further details and prices. Upgrades available at select hotels only (not for the entire duration of the tour). All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,330 ($212 /day)
Itinerary
Arrival into St Jean Pied de Port. Spend some time relaxing in this historic town before starting out on your voyage of discovery along the Camino Frances. With plenty of restaurants and cafes on your doorstep, we have left tonight's dining choice up to you. You stay at the Hotel Itzalpea
Begin your day with a visit to the old town and ramparts of this beautiful town, not forgetting to pick up your Pilgrim Passport at the Pilgrim Office. Founded in the 12th Century and situated on the River Nixe, the town has long been important for trade and pilgrims alike and definitely deserves some of your time, to appreciate the historic buildings, cobbles streets and numerous shops and eateries. You pause today at the Refuge Orisson before your transfer back to St Jean Pied de Port for your second night at the Hôtel Itzalpea. Enjoy the variety of restaurants near your hotel and try the local traditional food including wood pigeon stew, sheep's cheese and a wonderful trout dish. You stay at the Hotel Itzalpea
Transfer back to Refuge Orisson and complete the climb through the Basque Country with stunning panoramic views, arriving at Roncesvalles in the afternoon. Surrounded by lush forests and meadows this is where many pilgrims begin their journey. The town has a famous church with many interesting artifacts and the largest medieval hospice in the region (built in the same architectural style as Notre Dame). Enjoy a relaxing overnight stay at the Hôtel Roncesvalles, a resting place for visiting clerics and pilgrims since the 18th century, the hotel has been completely refurbished and serves delicious and traditional Pyrenean fare. You stay at the Hotel Roncesvalles
Crossing two mountain passes, your journey continues through the quiet villages of the Pyrenean Navarre. You will venture through an ancient forest of beech and oak to arrive at Zubiri, whose romantic bridge has provided a crossing for pilgrims for centuries. Known locally as the 'Bridge of Rage' it was once believed to have supernatural properties, as it contains the remains of a saint who was said to protect animals from rabies! Spend the night at the family run, cosy Hosteria de Zubiri and enjoy a traditional meal of the Navarre region. You stay at the Hosteria de Zubiri
Continue onto Pamplona, famous for its bull running festival and capital city of the Navarre region. A popular stopping point for pilgrims, visit the Gothic cathedral and explore the medieval old town with its markets and plentiful places to sample the local produce. Your evening meal is for you to decide as there are a wealth of options in this lively and bustling city. A favourite haunt of the American writer Hemingway, Pamplona features heavily in his most famous novel, 'The Sun Also Rises'. You stay at the Hotel Alda Centro
Leaving behind the bustling city, today you will walk to the medieval town of Puente la Reina where all the pilgrim routes of Europe meet. There are many historic buildings of interest, including the churches of Santiago El Mayoe and of Crucifijo, founded by the Knights Templar in the 14th century. You stay at the Hotel Jakue
Meandering through farmland, part of which is old Roman road, you will arrive in Estella, also known as the ' Toledo of the North'. The medieval old town has much to see, including the Palace of the Kings of Navarre and many examples of Gothic architecture. At the centre of the city you will find the Plaza de los Fueros, which still holds a medieval market with the stallholders in traditional period dress. You stay at Hotel Yerri
Passing through Irache with its monastery and famous wine fountain offering pilgrims a free beverage since 1991, (choose water or red wine). You will later arrive at Los Arcos and your hotel for this evening. You stay at the Hotel Monaco
Pass through the first of many vineyards and olive groves on your way to Viana, the historical location of many battles during the Middle Ages between Castile and Navarre. Visit the town square with its fortified medieval walls and the church of Santa Maria, final resting place of Caesar Borgia, the inspiration for Machiavelli's' most famous works, 'The Prince'. You stay at Hotel Palacio de Pujadas
The end of your journey is the town of Logrono, the heart of the Rioja region. Entering via the Puente de Piedra, cobbled streets lead you to the historic centre of the city, with plentiful places of interest including the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Museum of La Rioja. Collect your Pilgrim Passport stamp and enjoy an evening at leisure sampling the rich wines and produce of the area. You stay at the Hotel Murrieta
Enjoy a morning stroll through Logroño before your transfer back to the airport or train station. Alternatively, stay on for extra nights to explore this beautiful historic city.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
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