John Penny says...
The itinerary was good. I thought it was sensible to split the first and last days in two. Going from the start in France to Roncesvalles in one day, ...
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From the 9th Century, pilgrims have been travelling along the Camino de Santiago, traditionally making the journey from their homes across Europe, towards the final resting place of St James the Apostle. 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!
Your accommodation has been carefully chosen and will be a variety of small family run hotels or simple pilgrim hostels. 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 whilst in Pamplona, the restaurant choices are huge, so it's your choice where to eat on those evenings. 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.
Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended. Pick up your Pilgrim's Passport at the Pilgrim's Office in St Jean Pied de Port, or from your accommodation.
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 (breakfast included)
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 Hotel 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 (breakfast included)
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 Hotel Roncesvalles, a resting place for visiting clerics and pilgrims from the 18th century, the hotel has been completely refurbished and serves delicious and traditional Pyrenean fare.
You stay at the Hotel Roncesvalles (breakfast and evening meal)
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 (breakfast and evening meal)
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 (breakfast included)
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 (breakfast and evening meal)
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 (breakfast and evening meal)
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 (breakfast and evening meal)
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 (breakfast and evening meal)
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 (breakfast included)
Enjoy a morning stroll through Logrono before your transfer back to the airport or train station. Alternatively, stay on for extra nights to explore this beautiful historic city.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
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This small and traditional hosteria has been offering pilgrims Navarran hospitality for many years. A quiet and popular stopping point on the Camino Frances, this charming hosteria will be a welcome break for you, and offers a warm dining room with fireplace, a library and TV room for its guests. There is also a small bar area so you can relax after a long day of walking and enjoy the company of fellow pilgrims over a delicious glass of wine or a beer. The rooms are simply furnished but all are en suite and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel for guests. A traditional breakfast using local produce is served, and the evening meal is typically Navarrean fare, with selected wines from the region.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
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Find out more on the hotel website.
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Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Biarritz airport at 09:15.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
The itinerary was good. I thought it was sensible to split the first and last days in two. Going from the start in France to Roncesvalles in one day, whilst doable would have been tough given the amount of ascent required. Equally stopping in Viana rather than going all the way to Logrono was sensible, given the heat and distance. The entrance to Logrono isn't particularly interesting and to put that at the end of a long day would have been dispiriting. The signage along the way was very good apart from the last section coming into Estella, where a series of new cycle tracks has made things confusing. A stone arrow on the ground helped, but it could be easily missed. As it happens I chose the right option.
We had a lovely time walking the Camino - very helpful staff and everything went as it should have done. Helpful walking notes.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 10 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All continental breakfast and 6 evening meals
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
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30th Sep 2023 | US$1879 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1879 Single supp: US$524 |
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3rd Oct 2023 | US$1879 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1879 Single supp: US$524 |
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2nd Apr 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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1st Jun 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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3rd Aug 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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31st Aug 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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3rd Sep 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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7th Sep 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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24th Sep 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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28th Sep 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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1st Oct 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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5th Oct 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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19th Oct 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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22nd Oct 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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26th Oct 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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29th Oct 2024 | US$1999 | US$524 | Tour only: US$1999 Single supp: US$524 |
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Minimum group sizes
No minimum group size, however transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Daily from 30th Sep 2023 to 29th Oct 2024, for 10 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All continental breakfast and 6 evening meals
Other details
This holiday is based on a minimum of 2 passengers.
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Biarritz airport at 09:15.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.