Walking across the Pyrenees on the Camino Frances

New

11 Days from

CAD 2,475

incl. Taxes

Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

3 out of 7 - Moderate

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

W10CF

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!

Highlights

Walk along one of the most famous UNESCO pilgrimage routes in the world
Begin your walk on the world-famous Camino Frances by crossing the Pyrenees from France into Spain
Explore the medieval towns of St Jean Pied de Port and Roncesvalles and visit the historic cities of Pamplona and Logrono
Travel through spectacular scenery of forests and mountains to reach the heart of the Rioja wine region

Key Information

10 nights in a mix of 2 star and 3 star hotels, all rooms en suite
Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers

Countries visited: France

What's Included

All accommodation (see accommodation section)
All continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals
Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Visas or vaccinations
Travel to the start and from the end point

9 Days of Walking & Trekking

Terrain:

Walks on this holiday are on village streets, country lanes, farm tracks and rural paths. Walking boots are essential. Walking poles are recommended.

Day 2

8 km / 5 miles

Day 3

19 km / 11.8 miles

Day 4

22 km / 13.7 miles

Day 5

21 km / 13 miles

Day 6

24 km / 14.9 miles

Day 7

23 km / 14.3 miles

Day 8

21 km / 13 miles

Day 9

18 km / 11.2 miles

Day 10

11 km / 6.8 miles

Itinerary

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

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

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