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Duration
5 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 4 nights in guesthouses or 2-3 star hotels
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 4 Breakfasts

Price

$790USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: CTP

Trip highlights


  • Walk through stunning scenery, visiting mountain villages
  • Experience the history of the trail marked by crosses, statues and grain silos
  • Explore the old city of Pamplona
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims

Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of the Camino. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle 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. Four stages of this historic trail are included in our self-guided walking programs.

In the foothills of the Pyrenees in medieval times, the locals were well organised in greeting the Camino pilgrims who had made the dangerous crossing from France. Numerous churches and monasteries mark the Camino Trail and bring to life the unique history of this fascinating route. This short section crosses the Pyrenees, explores sections of the trail with isolated monasteries and churches that remain inaccessible to the majority of travellers, before ending in the historical and fascinating city of Pamplona.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your own way to St 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.

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. 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 hats, sunscreen and water. Arrive in Roncevalles with its historic monastery, or continue to Burguete (dependent on availability). An optional return transfer is available if you're booked at Burguete - please ask for our rates. We recommend an early start as today is quite long. Distance: 22 or 25km/13.7 or 15.5mi

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 consisting of beech, oak, maple, hazel and holly trees. Continue through the Esteribar Valley past the local quarry and the town of Larrasoana before arriving at Zubiri or further along the trail to Akerreta. Distance: 25 or 27km /15.5 or 16.8mi

Meals:  B,D

The walk consists of a few ups and downs 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, 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. Distance: 16 or 20km/10 or 12.5mi

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast.

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

  • 4 breakfasts, 2 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.
  • 4 nights in guesthouses or 2-3 star hotels, on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities. Occasionally facilities may be shared with one or two other rooms.
  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Pilgrim's Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to St Jean de Pied de Port and from Pamplona
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • 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 by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Optional return transfer between Roncesvalles and Burguete
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

Daily walks are between 16-27km 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 1 Nov

Notes

Note:
Price for departures during San Fermin, the running of the bulls in Pamplona (5-14 July) on application.
Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking)
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

$790USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$60
  • Single SupplementUSD$270
  • Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$310
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 14 and 24km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (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.

There are many bars and cafes at various points along the trail where you can stop and fill up on a slice of Spanish Tortilla, or a bocadillo. These spots will also have facilities you can use if you're buying something, and will often be happy to refill your water bottle.

Card is accepted is most places, but please be aware that some individual bars or cafes may be cash only. You will also find along the way some special stamps offered for donations - it is worthwhile having some coins handy for these.

In order to secure your place on the trip we recommend you book as soon as you are ready. Bookings open for the following year in mid September.

We are able to cater for gluten free diets, however at times, choices are limited. Breakfasts served at the hotels are generally continental style and we suggest bringing your own gluten free breads or cereals. We also recommend bringing your own snacks. Generally in Europe it is quite easy to purchase gluten free foods from supermarkets and shops, but can be harder in restaurants.

This trip can be booked from 1 February to 15 November. The summer months tend to be busy months on the Camino Trail and the weather can be quite hot. In our experience starting the trip in late April or May, or from September to early October, is the best time to travel. The trail is less busy and the weather is cooler. Galicia experiences rain year round.

The Pilgrim's Passport or 'Credencial' is included on this trip and you will receive one locally. The Pilgrim's Passport makes a great souvenir and way to track your walk. You can ask to have your Pilgrim's Passport stamped at churches, your hotels and many other places along the route.

The Compostela is a certificate of completion of the Camino de Santiago and you must walk at least the last 100km into Santiago to receive it. As such you would not receive the certificate at the conclusion of this trip, however you should absolutely still fill your Pilgrim's Passport with stamps as this will become a great memory of your trip.

The Camino Trail is exceptionally well waymarked, with yellow arrows and markers used frequently throughout the route. It is nearly impossible to get lost on this walk.

It is possible to book an extra night at any of the hotels we use which would allow you to have a rest day. However, this does need to be advised at the time of booking.


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. 

Videos

Walking the Camino de Santiago with UTracks

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