24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
Duration
23 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 22 nights in 2-3 star hotels, farmhouse B&Bs and guesthouses
Meals
  • 20 Dinners
  • 22 Breakfasts

Price

SPECIAL OFFER

$3150USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: CTQ

Trip highlights


  • Cross the Pyrenees from France into Spain
  • Walk through stunning scenery, visiting mountain villages
  • Experience the history of the trail marked by crosses, statues and grain silos
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims

Traverse the centuries of time as well as Northern Spain on the medieval Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail. This trip offers a chance to walk a section of the Spanish Camino from St Jean Pied de Port in France, across the Pyrenees and onwards to the city of Leon. Known as 'The Way of St James' in France, this fascinating stage of the Camino de Santiago winds its way across borders, passing a multitude of churches and monasteries and through villages, towns and cities including Pamplona, Burgos and Logrono, with their vast cultural, historical and architectural heritage. Immerse yourself in the tradition of the Camino, which resembles a travelling museum of Romanesque art.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your own way to 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 recommend that you purchase supplies for lunch tomorrow as you will only pass one café/bar on the route. You should also collect your pilgrims stamp from the Pilgrim Office or Tourist Office.

Meals:  Nil

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. On the first section you will be hiking through pastoral lands with impressive views of the Pyrenees. You will cross three cols today, and this is quite an exposed stage so remember your hat, sunscreen and water. Arrive in Roncesvalles with its historic monastery. We recommend an early start as today is quite long. Distance 22km/13.7mi

Meals:  B,D

The trail crosses undulating green hills and passes through typical Basque country villages. These villages are quite small, surrounded by cultivated fields, animal barns and meadows. You will walk through lovely wooded areas with beech, oak, maple, hazel and holly trees. Continue to Zubiri or, dependent on availability, further along the trail through the town of Larrasoana to Akerreta. Distance 22 or 27km/13.7 or 16.7mi

Meals:  B,D

There are a few ups and downs today however there is a shorter distance to cover. Pass through Zuriain then up the side of Mount Narval to reach the Santa Marina Hermitage in Arleta. From the old town of Buriin 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 you are free to sample the local pinxtos (tapas). Distance 16km/9.9mi

Meals:  B

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 modern part of the 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 trail of Aragon. A steep climb passing the wind farms of Zariquiegui takes you out of the Pamplona basin. You will then descend to your hotel in Puente la Reina. Distance 22km/13.7mi

Meals:  B,D

On this stage you will walk through countryside with olive, almond and oak trees. The route follows the banks of the Arga River and you can see the township of Bargota which was inhabited until the 11th Century by the Knights Templar 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. Distance 21km/13mi

Meals:  B,D

This stage allows a detour to discover the imposing Irache Monastery and its ‘wine fountain’ – 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 before reaching Los Arcos early in the afternoon. This is a very small town with a couple of cafes/bars. Distance 22km/13.7mi

Meals:  B,D

Today you'll pass 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 reach 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 Logroño. To enter Logrono you will walk around the town before descending to the stone bridge which leads the way into the centre. Logroño is in the centre of the Rioja wine region. It is a beautiful city with a lively tapas district. Distance 27km/16.8mi

Meals:  B,D

Today you will start your walk on the historic Rúa Vieja road out of Logroño, and continue through the park of La Grajera to the village of Naverrete and the ruins of the 12th century San Juan de Acre pilgrim hospital. The route then takes you via the Monte de San Antón to Nájera. Distance 30km/18.6mi

Meals:  B,D

From the Monastery of Santa Maria la Real, the trail continues to the hilltop town of Azofra, in the centre of the Cañas valley. After this it is an easy walk to the historic town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where you can learn about the legend of the rooster and the hen. Distance 21km/13mi

Meals:  B,D

This stage of the walk is on fairly flat terrain. Grañón, Redecilla del Camino and Castildelgado are just a few of the villages you will find along the way to Belorado. Distance 23km/14.3mi

Meals:  B,D

Today's walk is long and requires a considerable ascent to the Montes de Oca, but once there you will enjoy unbeatable views. Walk to San Juan de Ortega where you stay tonight. Distance 27km/16.7mi

Meals:  B,D

From San Juan de Ortega or Atapuerca you will pass through a series of villages to reach Burgos, with its impressive Gothic cathedral and the Monastery of Las Huelgas. Your accommodation is in a central hotel just a stone's throw from Burgos' many attractions. (*If you walked to Atapuerca yesterday, your day will start with a transfer from Burgos back to Atapuerca to continue walking). Distance 23km/14.3mi

Meals:  B,D

The next stage of the Camino takes you from Burgos to the rural Meseta landscape, through fields of wheat, barley and oats to Hornillos. In the afternoon, a short 2km transfer (included) will take you to your overnight accommodation in Isar, or alternatively you can walk to Isar. Distance 21km/13mi

Meals:  B,D

A morning transfer (included) will take you back to Hornillos to continue your Camino. Today the walk leads you through wheat fields as far as Hontanas. On the way, you will pass the Convent of San Antón. Just under 5km along a flat stretch will see you arriving at the pretty village of Castrojeriz. Distance 20km/12.4mi

Meals:  B,D

On leaving Castrojeriz the path leads you uphill to the Alto de Mostelares, from where you will descend towards the river Piserga. The last part of today's walk is along the Canal de Castilla into the historic town of Frómista. Distance 27km/16.8mi

Meals:  B,D

The first part of this stage will lead you towards Villalcázar de Sirga and its beautiful 13th century church. Shortly afterwards you will reach Carrión de los Condes and its impressive collection of monuments. Distance 19km/11.8mi

Meals:  B,D

This stage is short, so you can make the most of your time in Carrion de los Condes before starting your walk to the small village of Calzadilla de la Cueza. Distance 16km/9.9mi

Meals:  B,D

From Calzadilla de la Cueza the first couple of kilometres are uphill. You will then walk through Lédigos, Terradillo de Templarios and Moratinos, before arriving at one of this journey's most interesting villages, Sahagún. The Church of San Lorenzo dating from the 12th and 13th centuries and built in the Mudéjar style is interesting. Distance 22km/13.7

Meals:  B,D

You will leave Sahagún by crossing the bridge over the river Cea. Once you arrive at Calzada del Coto, the Camino divides into two paths. Follow the path to the left through Bercianos del Camino to reach El Burgo Ranero (just off the main route). At 3pm you transfer back to Sahagún for overnight accommodation. Distance 18km/11.2mi

Meals:  B,D

At 8:30am you have a transfer back to El Burgo Ranero. This stage leads you to Mansilla de las Mulas, not far from León. You will come across very few villages on today's walk. Mansilla is where the two branches of the walk reunite. Distance 19km/11.8mi

Meals:  B,D

Cross the bridge over the river Esla to leave Mansilla, and then the river Porma in Villarente. From the Alto del Portillo you will enjoy great views over the city of León, dominated by its cathedral. A short and steep descent will lead you into the city centre. Leon is one of the most historic towns of Old Castile, a large province bordered by Galicia, Asturias, Palencia and Zamora. There is evidence of Roman occupation as well as the Moors; however it was the Knights Templar who built the castles and fortifications in the Middle Ages. Ensure you take the time to visit the old city. One of Leon’s glories is without doubt the Cathedral. Constructed from the 13th Century for a period of 200 years the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro houses an impressive collection of early manuscripts. The Town Walls are of Roman and medieval construction. Overnight in Leon. Distance 18.6km/11.5mi

Meals:  B,D

The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request - please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 22 breakfasts, 20 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 a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes. Dinner is not included in Pamplona.
  • 22 nights in 2-3 star hotels, farmhouse B&Bs and guesthouses on a twin share basis generally with private facilities. Occasionally facilities may be shared with one or two other rooms.
  • Digital information pack including navigational app with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Transfers as noted between Hornillos and Isar, Sahagun and El Burgo Ranero
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to St Jean de Pied de Port and from Leon
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance fees
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking trip
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

Daily walks are between 16-30km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. Some of the route is on paved surfaces – you should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straightforward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Taxi and bus services operate between towns in the event that you are unable to walk on a particular day.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 15 Nov

Notes

Note:
Price for departures during San Fermin, the running of the bulls in Pamplona (5-14 July) on application.
Note:
IMPORTANT: On the first walking day (day 2), due to rain, wind and snow, and especially in winter, it is compulsory to take the Valcarlos Gorge Route as the Route of Napoleon is closed from 1 November to 31 March. The Route of Napoleon crosses the Pyrenees at the highest pass, where the highest point is at Lepoeder at an altitude of 1,430 metres, before descending to Roncesvalles, at 950 metres above sea level. The Route of Valcarlos is through a valley with many stretches on a road which pilgrims share with car traffic - caution is required.

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Priceper person from

$3150USD

Options & Supplements*
  • excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$300
  • Single SupplementUSD$890
  • Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$1090
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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