Trip code: W10CF 4.8 (4 reviews)
Self-guided pilgrimage
10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
16.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
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 Hotel Itzalpea.
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The Hotel Itzalpea is located in the centre of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and is a small hotel with lovely spacious rooms and a friendly atmosphere. There is a car park on site and Wi-Fi is available throughout. There is a small cafe and a delicious breakfast will be served to start your day. All of the rooms have air conditioning and heating, a fully equipped bathroom, flat-screen TV, kettle and a view of the town or the mountains.
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 Hotel Itzalpea.
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The Hotel Itzalpea is located in the centre of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and is a small hotel with lovely spacious rooms and a friendly atmosphere. There is a car park on site and Wi-Fi is available throughout. There is a small cafe and a delicious breakfast will be served to start your day. All of the rooms have air conditioning and heating, a fully equipped bathroom, flat-screen TV, kettle and a view of the town or the mountains.
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 Hotel Roncesvalles.
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Hotel Roncesvalles occupies a historic building, the restored Medieval hospital right next to Roncesvalles Monastery. The original stone walls are still in place with the interiors now renovated in an elegant, modern style. There is a lounge bar and large terrace leading from the hotel’s rustic restaurant. A daily buffet breakfast and dinner is included. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and each room has a flat-screen TV, work desk and stylish bathroom with hairdryer. Car parking is available on site.
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 Hosteria de Zubiri.
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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.
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 Hotel Alda Centro.
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Located in the old town of Pamplona next to the city walls, this family run hotel has been offering a welcome to guests for fifty years. They offer modern and relaxing rooms, some with city views plus complimentary Wi-Fi on a bed and breakfast basis. Historic Pamplona is only a short stroll away and there are a number of great restaurants nearby.
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 Hotel Jakue.
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Located in the historic village of Puente la Reina, the Hotel Jakue has been welcoming pilgrims on the Camino for many years. Built in a typical Navarran style, the modern rooms are spacious, with air-conditioning, an en suite bathrooms and most have countryside views. There is free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, a restaurant and a bar with a terrace whilst the 24-hour reception has a tour desk and can provide packed lunches. The food served at the Jakue Restaurant is traditional Navarran cuisine, typically three courses and with some international dishes also available. Choose to sit in the restaurant, or on warmer days, the outside terrace is perfect with comfy lounge chairs and views across the countryside.
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.
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A popular choice among visiting pilgrims, the Hotel Yerri aims to make your visit relaxing and enjoyable, providing 24 hr concierge desk, a lounge and restaurant serving local and international dishes and snacks. The rooms all have flat screen TV, air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, as well as free WiFi throughout. All the sights and attractions of Estella are on your doorstep, including the Santo Sepulcro Church, which is worth a visit, and plenty of tapas restaurants if you are not too full after your 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 Hotel Monaco.
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Welcoming pilgrims on the Camino for forty years, the Monaco de Los Arcos hotel is a small family hosterie, situated in the heart of the old town of Los Arcos. The hotel has views over the Santa Maris la Real church and the main town square, where you will find charming bars and tapas. The rooms are simply furnished and all have en suite facilities, TV and free Wi-Fi throughout. There is a small bar on site, along with the restaurant and garden terrace, a peaceful location for a rest after a long day of walking.
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.
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Hotel Palacio de Pujadas is a wonderful combination of an upmarket comfortable hotel, occupying an historic 16th century building with its unique atmosphere and legacy. Situated in the centre of the city of Viana, at the foot of the Santiago pilgrim route, it provides the perfect location for a rest stop towards the end of this stage of the Camino. The hotel has 24 spacious rooms, all furnished with heating, air conditioning, high-speed access to internet (LAN), a flat screen TV, minibar and safe-deposit box. There is an arched cellar restaurant, a lively hotel bar and the main restaurant which serves Navarrean, Riojan and Basque traditional specialties and of course the famous wines of the region.
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 Hotel Murrieta.
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The Murrieta Hotel is located in the historic city centre of Logrono and is a popular place to end this section of the 'Camino de Santiago'. The hotel has a bar, lounge and cafeteria with terrace, whilst the rooms are modern with air conditioning, TV, en suite facilities and high speed Wi-Fi which is free throughout. The old town of Logrono is merely a stone's throw away and has an incredible number of tapas restaurants and a whole street famous for its 'pinchos'. Other attractions include the La Rodonda Pro-cathedral, Pilgrim's Fountain and the Market Square, all worth a visit.
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.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £382.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
This holiday is based on a minimum of 2 passengers.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Biarritz airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided pilgrimage
10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
16.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
