Walking across the Pyrenees on the Camino Frances
Walking across the Pyrenees on the Camino Frances
Walking across the Pyrenees on the Camino Frances
11 Days Starting in St Jean Pied de Port and ending in Logrono
Visiting: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Roncesvalles, Zubiri, Pamplona, Puente La Reina – Gares, Estella
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W10CF
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
12-99
Tour 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!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In St Jean Pied De Port
Location: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
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
Day 2 : St Jean Pied De Port To Refuge Orisson
Location: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Day 3 : St Jean Pied De Port To Roncesvalles
Location: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Day 4 : Roncesvalles To Zubiri
Location: Roncesvalles
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Day 5 : Zubiri - Pamplona
Location: Zubiri
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Day 6 : Pamplona To Puente La Reina
Location: Pamplona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Day 7 : Puente La Reina To Estella
Location: Puente La Reina – Gares
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Day 8 : Estella To Los Arcos
Location: Estella
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Day 9 : Los Arcos To Viana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Day 10 : Viana To Logroño
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Day 11 : Leave Logroño
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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All accommodation (see accommodation section)
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All continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals Route directions and maps Luggage transfers between hotels Walking transfers
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
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Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel to the start and from the end point
Food
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.
Accommodation
Your 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.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes walking transfers and luggage transfers between hotels. Travel to the start and from the end point is not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The accommodation will be a variety of small family-run hotels or simple pilgrim hostels. Room upgrades may be available on request for a supplement at select hotels only.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, all continental breakfasts and six evening meals are included. The evening meals are provided in quieter locations, while in places with more dining options, such as Pamplona, you can choose your own dining experience.
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Is there a luggage transfer service available during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour package.
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What is the significance of the Pilgrim Passport on this tour?
The Pilgrim Passport is an important part of the Camino Frances experience. You can pick it up at the Pilgrim Office in St Jean Pied de Port, and it allows you to collect stamps at various points along the route, marking your journey.
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What are some of the historical sites I will visit during the tour?
You will visit several historical sites including the medieval towns of St Jean Pied de Port and Roncesvalles, the Gothic cathedral in Pamplona, the churches of Santiago El Mayoe and Crucifijo in Puente la Reina, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Logrono.
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What unique experiences does the tour offer?
The tour offers unique experiences such as crossing the Pyrenees, exploring medieval towns, walking through ancient forests, and visiting a wine fountain at Irache that offers free wine to pilgrims.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.