Camino - Pyrenees St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono

Name: Camino - Pyrenees St Jean Pied de Port to Logrono
Brand: UTracks
SKU: CT3
Rating: 5.00 (7 reviews)

Pilgrims crossing the Pyrenees near Roncesvalles | Gesine Cheung

Signposts on the Compostela Trail | Gaby Dean

Compostela Trail - pretty Puente la Reina | Jac Lofts

Crossing the French Spanish border on the Compostela Trail, Pyrenees | Helen Denman

Pamplona tapas street | Andreas Holland

Pilgrims crossing the Pyrenees near Roncesvalles | Gesine Cheung

Signposts on the Compostela Trail | Gaby Dean

Compostela Trail - pretty Puente la Reina | Jac Lofts

Crossing the French Spanish border on the Compostela Trail, Pyrenees | Helen Denman

Pamplona tapas street | Andreas Holland

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moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

9 nights in guesthouses & 2-3 star hotels

Meals

6 Dinners
9 Breakfasts

10 Days£1140GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: CT3

Trip highlights

Walk through stunning scenery, visiting mountain villages
Experience the history of the trail marked by crosses, statues and grain silos
Explore the old city of Pamplona
Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims
View the historical highlights of Puente la Reina, Santa Marina Hermitage and the Monastery of Roncesvalles

Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of the Camino. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle St James was unearthed in Compostela. The site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France, and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This journey, also known as the ‘Way of St James’ winds its way across borders, following in the footsteps of thousands of medieval pilgrims through the beautiful Sierras of Navarre and Aragon. The route passes a multitude of churches and monasteries, resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art. Four stages of this historic trail are included in our self-guided walking programs.

In the foothills of the Pyrenees in medieval times, the locals were well organised in greeting the pilgrims who had made the dangerous crossing from France. Numerous churches and monasteries mark the Compostela Trail and bring to life the unique history of this fascinating route. This walking journey explores sections of the trail and the isolated monasteries and churches that remain inaccessible to the majority of travellers.

Countries:

France and Spain

Starting Point:

St Jean Pied de Port

Finishing Point:

Logroño

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrival in St Jean Pied de Port (France)

Make your own way to St Jean Pied de Port, the capital of the Basse-Navarre and the Pays de Aze. It is also one of the three remaining French provinces of the old Kingdom of Navarre. There is time in the afternoon to take a stroll along the cobbled streets and up to the town lookout. You can also explore the many arts and craft shops. We recommend that you purchase supplies for lunch tomorrow as you will only pass one café/bar on the route.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Enter Spain, cross 3 passes to Roncesvalles or Burguete (7 or 8hrs)

The Camino begins with crossing the old Roman bridge over the River Nive. Today's walk is quite impressive as you climb towards the Franco-Spanish border. The first section you will be hiking through pastoral lands with impressive views of the Pyrenees. You will cross three cols today, and this is quite an exposed stage so remember your hats, sunscreen and water. Arrive in Roncesvalles with its historic monastery, or continue to Burguete (dependent on availability). An optional return transfer is available if you're booked at Burguete - please ask for our rates. We recommend an early start as today is quite long. Distance: 22 or 25km/13.7 or 15.5mi

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Through typical Basque country to Zubiri or Akarreta (5 or 6hrs)

The trail crosses undulating green hills and passes through typical Basque country villages. These villages are quite small surrounded by cultivated fields, animal barns and meadows. You will walk through lovely wooded areas consisting of beech, oak, maple, hazel and holly trees. Continue to Zubiri or, dependent on availability, further along the trail through the town of Larrasoana to Akerreta. Distance: 22 or 27km /13.7 or 16.8mi

Meals: B,D

Day 4
Enter Navarre and walk to Pamplona (3-4hrs)

The walk consists of a few ups and downs however there is a shorter distance to cover. Pass through Zuriain then up the side of Mount Narval to reach the Santa Marina Hermitage in Arleta. From the old town of Buriin, a village that disappeared in the 14th Century, there is a steep descent into Villave. The route then connects to Burlada and leads you to the final climb into Pamplona – a wonderful walk into this truly historic city. Distance: 16 or 20km/10 or 12.5mi

Meals: B

Day 5
Rest day Pamplona

A day to enjoy the sights of Pamplona and have a rest from the trail.

Meals: B

Day 6
Walk to the medieval city of Puente la Reina (6hrs)

Leaving Pamplona you make your way to the Jacobite city of Puente la Reina, a city of museums. From the main square you will be able to see the Camino signs to navigate your way out of the city. The route takes you from the old town to walk through parks in the modern part of the city before the landscape opens out. You can take a short detour that will allow you to view the octagonal chapel of Eucate, one of the Roman jewels of the trail of Aragon. A steep climb passing the wind farms of Zariquiegui takes you out of the Pamplona basin. You will then descend to your hotel in Puente la Reina. Distance: 22km/13.7mi

Meals: B,D

Day 7
To Estella (5hrs)

On this stage you will walk through the countryside with olive, almond and oak trees. The route follows the banks for the Agra River where you can see the township of Bargota which was inhabited until the 11th Century by the mission of the Orden del Temple and later, the Hospital of St John. From here you follow a sheltered path to Maneur through an agricultural landscape of crop fields, vineyards and wooded areas before arriving in Estella. Distance: 21km/13mi

Meals: B,D

Day 8
Walk through vineyards to Los Arcos (5hrs)

This stage allows a detour to discover the imposing Irache Monastery and its ‘wine fountain’ – choose to fill your water bottles with either wine or water! Today’s walk is mainly through open fields, you will not pass through any villages reaching Los Arcos early in the afternoon. This is a very small town with a couple of cafes/bars. Distance: 22km/13.7mi

Meals: B,D

Day 9
Cross into La Rioja and on to Logroño (7hrs)

Your last day's walk passes many places of historic interest as you walk from Navarre to the well-known wine centre of Rioja. Not far into the walk you will reach the village of Sansol where you can stop to buy some refreshments or lunch before crossing the San Pedro River and continuing through farmlands and onto Logroño. You will walk around the town before descending to the stone bridge which leads the way into Logroño. It is a beautiful city with a lively tapas district. Distance: 27km/16.8mi

Meals: B,D

Day 10
Trip concludes Logroño

Trip concludes after breakfast (or continue on to Burgos)

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

9 breakfasts, 6 dinners: breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
9 nights in guesthouses and 2-3 star hotels, generally with private facilities. Occasionally facilities may be shared with one or two other rooms.
Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Pilgrim Passport
Emergency Hotline

What's not included

Travel to St Jean Pied de Port and from Logroño
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance
Guide – this is a self guided walking trip
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, optional return transfer between Roncesvalles and Burguete
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

Daily walks are between 16-27km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. Some of the route is on paved surfaces – you should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straightforward (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. Taxi and bus services operate between towns in the event that you are unable to walk on a particular day.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 15 Nov

Notes

Note:

Price for departures during San Fermin, the running of the bulls in Pamplona (5-14 July) on application.

Note:

IMPORTANT: On the first walking day (day 2), due to rain, wind and snow, and especially in winter, it is compulsory to take the Valcarlos Gorge Route as the Route of Napoleon is closed from 1 November to 31 March. The Route of Napoleon crosses the Pyrenees at the highest pass, where the highest point is at Lepoeder at an altitude of 1,430 metres, before descending to Roncesvalles, at 950 metres above sea level. The Route of Valcarlos is through a valley with many stretches on a road which pilgrims share with car traffic - caution is required.

Priceper person from

£1140GBP

Options & Supplements*

Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£90
Single SupplementGBP£410
Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£490

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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Personal Experience

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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.

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