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4
moderate to challenging
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

ON SALE

£920 GBP

8 Days£874GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: CMN

Trip highlights

  • Walking the Camino Norte from San Sebastian to Bilbao through Basque country
  • Visiting swish seaside San Sebastian / Donostia, a 'foodie' paradise
  • Stunning scenery - from the coast to mountain villages
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims
  • Bilbao and its great art and architecture

'El Camino del Norte' originates from the 9th Century and was one of the original Camino routes for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela. Sheltered from the rest of the Muslim dominated Iberian Peninsula by the Picos de Europa and Cordillera Cantabrica, it was considered the safest route for Christian pilgrims making their way to the tomb of St James. The full route starts in Irun near the French border and joins the French route at Arzua. This second stage, from chic, gastronomic San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque) follows the Camino Norte through picturesque fishing villages and fertile valleys to the bustling city of Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy a variety of landscapes and architecture, both ancient and modern, while staying in small hotels with local character. The dramatic coastline of the Bay of Biscay and mountain paths make the northern way both challenging and rewarding, whilst the quieter trails offer a great alternative to the more popular French route.

The Camino Norte traditionally starts at Irun and this option is available on request.

Countries:

Spain

Starting Point:

San Sebastian

Finishing Point:

Bilbao

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

One of Spain's most attractive and sophisticated cities, San Sebastian/Donostia (in Basque) has a lot to offer. Situated on the Bay of Biscay, the beaches of La Concha and Ondaretta are a main attraction. In the old town, you’ll find several churches and the Baroque balcony-lined Plaza de la Constitucion. Bar hop for some of the best pintxos (Basque tapas) in this multi-Michelin-starred city. Option: Start in Irun/Hondaribbia - adds 1 day to the itinerary - please request at time of booking, supplement applies. The stage Irun-San Sebastian is approx 7hrs, 27km/16.8mi, elevation gain 290m.

Meals:  Nil

Your first day is a beautiful and quite challenging stage. From Playa de la Concha, head towards Mount Iguelda (approx 2km uphill) and on to Orio. From here there are a couple of smaller climbs before you descend to Zarautz. Continue along the seaside promenade to the charming fishing village of Getaria, the birthplace of couturier Balenciaga. This was once a whaling town, like many others along the coast. Enjoy great views from San Anton or relax with a glass of the local sparkling wine txakolis downtown. Distance: 28km/17.5mi, elevation gain approx 310m

Meals:  B

A demanding stage as you walk along the undulating coast and inland via the shrine of Santa Maria de Itziar, a mandatory stop on the Camino Norte. Descend to Deba with its beautiful beach and views of the Cantabrian coast. Distance: 18km/11.1mi, elevation gain 290m

Meals:  B

Leave the coast today and head to the Arnoate mountains. There are continuous ascents and descents, including a steep ascent to the Alto de Arno after passing the Valle de Olatz. This stage offers typical landscapes of the Basque region - valleys, farmhouses, forests, meadows... rural life in its purest form! Walk along paths and country lanes, passing through villages on this beautiful stage to the town of Markina. Distance: 24km/15mi, elevation gain 490m

Meals:  B

Today’s walk is initially along a country lane and across a river, before the path climbs through woodland. There are continuous gradients along the well trodden paths. After Bolibar there is an ascent to the Monastery of Zenarruza (Ziortza). Later, a sharp descent leads to a river and the town of Gernika (Guernica) in the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai. Distance: 26km/16.1mi, elevation gain max 360m

Meals:  B

This stage continues away from the coast, traversing the interior of Biscay, with its mountains and valleys. It is a demanding stage to Goikolexea through forests, farmhouses, and meadows, with constant elevation changes. The most challenging ascent early today is at Mount Billikario (300m in 3km). The final section between Goikolexea and Lezama is almost flat. Distance: 20km/12.5mi, elevation gain max 340m

Meals:  B

Today’s walk is quite short but quite challenging. There is a long, progressive ascent to Mount Avril following the route of a medieval road. You will be rewarded with fabulous views of Bilbao and the valley ahead. The descent passes the Basílica de Begoña and ends in the historic centre of Bilbao. Finish your Camino Norte at the Plaza de Unamuno in the old quarter of Bilbao. Host to some of Spain’s best art exhibitions, don’t miss the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. Distance: 12km/8.7mi, max elevation gain 330m

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights, or you can continue on the next stage to Santander.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
  • 7 nights in a combination of hotels & farmhouse B&Bs on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to San Sebastian/Donostia and from Bilbao
  • Optional: add a day and start in Irun or Hondarribia - supplement applies, includes: accommodation, breakfast and luggage transfer.
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Tourist tax - if applicable
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

GRADE 4 - Daily walks are between 12 and 28km / 7.5 and 17.5mi on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to coastal rocky to mountainous. On most days there are some ascents and descents, as the path skirts the northern coast of Spain - especially on the first few days. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 31 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 23 Mar to 21 Apr and 1 Jul to 30 Sep. Supplement applies for high season departures.
Note:
Trip subject to availability and supplements may apply during local festivals and events. Due to limited accommodation, return transfers may need to be booked to other overnight locations at an additional cost.
Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking).
Note:
Option available to start in Irun or Hondarribia (ie, a 9 day trip - supplement applies, please ask our consultants.

Priceper person from

£874GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Irun supplement - pp twinshare (1 night B&B and luggage transfer)GBP£100
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£100
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight) starting IrunGBP£120
  • Irun supplement - single (1 night B&B and luggage transfer)GBP£190
  • Irun supplement - single traveller (1 night B&B and luggage transfer)GBP£190
  • Single supplement - low seasonGBP£390
  • Solo traveller supplement - low seasonGBP£420
  • Single supplement - high season (season surcharge also applies)GBP£450
  • Solo traveller supplement – high season (season surcharge also applies)GBP£510
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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