Arrival in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Own arrival into Saint-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 do
recommend that you purchase supplies for lunch tomorrow as you will
only pass one café/bar on the route.
Enter Spain, cross 3 passes to Roncevaux or Burguete (7 hrs, 26
or 29kms)
The Camino begins with crossing the old roman bridge over the River
Nive. Today 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,
Lzandoore and Lepoeder (1375m) and Roncevaux (1057m). This is
quite an exposed stage so remember your hats, sunscreen and water.
On arrival at Roncevaux you will walk through the monastery grounds
before arriving at your nights accommodation. We recommend an
early start as today is quite long.
To Zubiri (19 or 16km/4 to 5 hrs)
The trail crosses undulating green hills and passes through typical
Basque country villages. You will walk through lovely wooded areas
consisting of beech, oak, maple, hazel and holly trees. These villages
are quite small surrounded by cultivated fields, animal barns and
meadows. You will make your way down into the Esteribar Valley before
crossing the bridge and arriving at Zubiri.
To Pamplona (20km/5 to 7 hrs)
The walk consists of a few ups and downs. From the local quarry the
trail takes you through woodlands and the town of Larrasoana before
arriving in Zuriain. You will continue walking up the side of Mount
Narval until reaching 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. Dinner is not included tonight so take a stroll
through the cobbled streets where there are many restaurants or
tapas bars to choose from.
Note:
It is possible to arrange an additional night in Pamplona (or
elsewhere during the walk) which is highly recommended if you want to
enjoy the sights of these towns. Ask your consultant for cost details.
This must be booked when you make your original reservation as you
cannot change arrangements once booked.
To Puente la Reina (25km/6 to 7 hrs)
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 new 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 "chemin aragonias" (trail of Aragon). A steep climb
passing the wind farms of Zariquiegui takes you out of the Pamplona
basin. You will then descend to Puente la Reina for your nights
accommodation.
To Estella (21km/5 to 6 hrs)
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.
To Los Arcos (21km/5 to 6 hrs)
This short stage allows a detour to discover the imposing Irache
Monastery and its 'wine spring' - 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.
To Logrono (29km/7 to 8 hrs)
Your last days 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 arrive in 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 Logrono. You will walk around
the town before descending to the stone bridge which leads the way
into Logrono. Trip concludes on arrival.
Note
Accommodation is not included in Logrono. We highly
recommend that you book this nights accommodation with us before departure.
- 7 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 either a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
- 7 nights in guesthouse or hotel, generally with private facilities
- 1 walking guide, 1 map holder, 1 detailed day-by-day description of the itinerary for each room booked
- Visitor tax
- Organisation and booking fees
- Baggage transportation (max 15kgs per person)
Daily from 1 April to 10 November
SAVE 20% OFF YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE INSTANTLY SIMPLY BY CLICKING ON THE TRAVELLERS ASSISTANCE LOGO ANYWHERE YOU SEE IT AND BOOKING ONLINE
Travelling Fit is an authorised representative of the Licensee, Travellers Assistance Travel Insurance. We can arrange a competitive quote for your travel insurance. Ask us for details. Please refer to the Travellers Assistance Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision on whether to purchase travel insurance. Click on the Travellers Assistance logo for more details.
|
Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of Compostela. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostel 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.