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3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 9 nights in guesthouses & 2-3 star hotels
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 9 Breakfasts

10 Days£1330GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: CT3

Trip highlights

  • Walking through stunning scenery, visiting mountain villages
  • Experiencing the history of the trail marked by crosses, statues and grain silos
  • Historical highlights along the way including Puente la Reina and the monasteries at Roncesvalles and Irache
  • Exploring the old cities of Pamplona and Logrono, capital of La Rioja
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims

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

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Make your own way to St Jean Pied de Port, 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 purchasing supplies for lunch tomorrow as you will only pass one café/bar on the route.

Meals:  Nil

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 (including Col Lepoeder at 1430m), and this is quite an exposed stage so remember your hat, sunscreen and water. Arrive in Roncesvalles with its historic monastery, or continue to Burguete (dependent on availability). Today is quite long - we recommend an early start. An optional return transfer is available if you are booked at Burguete - please ask for our rates. We recommend an early start as today is quite long. Distance: 25km/15.5mi (28km/17.5mi if booked at Burguete) Option: It's possible to split this stage - walk to Orisson (7.5km) or Valcarlos then transfer back to Saint Jean for overnight, transferring back in the morning to recommence walking. A supplement applies for the return transfers plus an extra night in Saint Jean is required, must be requested at time of booking.

Meals:  B,D

This stage offers Pyrenean landscapes and welcoming Navarrese villages with a Jacobean tradition. While the trail largely descends from Roncesvalles, there are two summits along the way - Alto de Mezkitirz and Alto de Erro. The villages you'll pass are quite small, surrounded by cultivated fields, animal barns and meadows, and there are lovely wooded areas of beech and oak. Continue to Zubiri, or if staying in Akerreta past the local quarry and the town of Larrasoana to your hotel. Distance: 23 or 28km /14.4 or 17.5mi

Meals:  B,D

Today's walk has a few ups and downs however there is a shorter distance to cover. Continuing through the valley you follow the course of the Arga river and pass through Zuriain and other small towns such as Irotz where the 16th century Church of San Pedro is located, and up the side of Mount Narval to reach the Santa Marina Hermitage in Arleta. From Buriin, a village that disappeared in the 14th Century, there is a steep descent into Villava. The route then connects to Burlada and leads you to the final climb into Pamplona – a wonderful walk into this historic city. Dinner is not included tonight so you are free to sample the local pinxtos (tapas). Distance: 20km or 15km/12.5 or 9.4mi

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  B

Leaving Pamplona you make your way to Puente la Reina, a city of museums. From Pamplona's main square, follow the Camino signs to navigate your way out of the city. The route takes you from the old town 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 from Zariquiegui to Sierra del Perdón past wind farms takes you out of the Pamplona basin. Continue to Uterga and on to Puente la Reina. Distance: 24km/15mi

Meals:  B,D

Leave Puente la Reina by crossing the medieval bridge. On this stage you will walk through the countryside with olive, almond and oak trees, following the Arga River. Reach the village of Mañeru and Cirauqui with its Roman road, then walk through a treeless landscape and vineyard on the way to Lorca. Continue through Villatuerta before arriving in Estella. A highlight here is the church of San Pedro de la Rúa. Distance: 21km/13mi

Meals:  B,D

This stage allows a detour to discover the imposing Irache Monastery and its ‘Fuente del Vino' (wine fountain) – choose to fill your water bottles with wine or water! Today’s walk is mainly through open fields, you will not pass through any villages. Continue to Plaza de Santa María and the Iglesia de Santa María in the centre of Los Arcos and your hotel. This is a very small town with a couple of cafes/bars. Distance 22km/13.7mi

Meals:  B,D

Your last day's walk passes many places of historic interest, leading 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 heading to Viana, crossing the San Pedro River and continuing through farmlands and on to Logroño. Walk around the town before descending to the stone bridge which leads into Logroño. It is a beautiful city with a lively tapas district. Logroño has an annual wine festival. Harvest celebrations last all week and the main event coincides with the feast of San Mateo (St Matthew) on 21 September. Distance: 28km/17.4mi Option: It's possible to split this stage and stay overnight in Viana, continuing to Logroño the following day. A supplement applies, must be requested at time of booking. Distance: approx 18km/11.2mi to Viana and 10km/6.2mi the following day.

Meals:  B,D

Trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request, or you can continue your Camino 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 with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency Hotline

  • 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 (if you are booked to stay in Burguete)
  • Excess luggage
  • Tourist tax - if applicable
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - 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 1 Nov

Notes

Note:
Price for departures during San Fermin, the running of the bulls in Pamplona (5-14 July) on application.
Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (which may require a change in the overnight towns or transfers to confirm your booking). Winter can be a magical time to experience the Camino with fewer people and more local encounters, but the walking day is shorter.
Note:
IMPORTANT: On the first walking day (day 2), due to rain, wind and snow, and especially if you choose to start in winter, it is compulsory to take the Valcarlos Gorge Route. The Route of Napoleon crosses the Pyrenees at the highest pass, Lepoeder, at 1,430m altitude, before descending to Roncesvalles, at 950m. It is closed from 1 November to 31 March. 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

£1330GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Optional transfer Orisson or Valcarlos-St Jean Pied de Port & return - 1-4pax (Napoleon route)GBP£90
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)GBP£100
  • Single SupplementGBP£500
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£570
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 14 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. 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.

There are many bars and cafes at various points along the trail where you can stop and fill up on a slice of Spanish Tortilla, or a bocadillo. These spots will also have facilities you can use if you're buying something, and will often be happy to refill your water bottle.

Card is accepted is most places, but please be aware that some individual bars or cafes may be cash only. You will also find along the way some special stamps offered for donations - it is worthwhile having some coins handy for these.

In order to secure your place on the trip we recommend you book as soon as you are ready. Bookings open for the following year in mid September.

We are able to cater for gluten free diets, however at times, choices are limited. Breakfasts served at the hotels are generally continental style and we suggest bringing your own gluten free breads or cereals. We also recommend bringing your own snacks. Generally in Europe it is quite easy to purchase gluten free foods from supermarkets and shops, but can be harder in restaurants.

This trip can be booked from 1 February to 15 November. The summer months tend to be busy months on the Camino Trail and the weather can be quite hot. In our experience starting the trip in late April or May, or from September to early October, is the best time to travel. The trail is less busy and the weather is cooler. Galicia experiences rain year round.

The Pilgrim's Passport or 'Credencial' is included on this trip and you will receive one locally. The Pilgrim's Passport makes a great souvenir and way to track your walk. You can ask to have your Pilgrim's Passport stamped at churches, your hotels and many other places along the route.

The Compostela is a certificate of completion of the Camino de Santiago and you must walk at least the last 100km into Santiago to receive it. As such you would not receive the certificate at the conclusion of this trip, however you should absolutely still fill your Pilgrim's Passport with stamps as this will become a great memory of your trip.

The Camino Trail is exceptionally well waymarked, with yellow arrows and markers used frequently throughout the route. It is nearly impossible to get lost on this walk.

It is possible to book an extra night at any of the hotels we use which would allow you to have a rest day. However, this does need to be advised at the time of booking.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.

Videos

Walking the Camino de Santiago with UTracks