Crossing the Pyrenees

8 Days / 7 Nights

Duration

114 km

Distance

Challenging

Grade

Guided and Selfguided

The curtain rises on the famous French Camino. Your journey begins in the French walled village of Saint Jean Pied de Port and ends in the lovely Basque town of Estella, via the majestic Pyrenees and the evocative city of Pamplona. These are some of the most beautiful, and at times demanding, stages of the entire Camino, showcasing a spectacular landscape and numerous points of artistic, cultural and gastronomic interest.

STAGES	Saint Jean Pied de Port—Roncesvalles (25 km) Roncesvalles—Zubiri (22 km) Zubiri—Pamplona (21 km) Pamplona—Puente la Reina (24 km) Puente la Reina—Estella (22 km)
INCLUDES	En suite hotel accommodation Breakfast Daily luggage transfer Pilgrim’s kit (passport and shell) Detailed information prior to start 24/7 support telephone number Evening dinners (guided) Two experienced guides (guided) All transfers to and from airport (guided) Flights not included
HIGHLIGHTS	Feeling the excitement as you walk through Saint Jean Pied de Port, the traditional starting point of the Camino Hiking across the stunning slopes and valleys of the Pyrenees Soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Pamplona Reflecting on your journey in the beautifully preserved medieval town of Estella Feeling the excitement as you walk through Saint Jean Pied de Port, the traditional starting point of the French Camino

JuanChat with one of our Camino experts

DonalChat with one of our Camino experts

Day 1. Arrival in Saint Jean Pied de Port

Your journey starts in a place with a special atmosphere, where pilgrims from all over the world gather and prepare themselves for tackling the Camino to Santiago. Relax and enjoy the vibe in this beautiful walled village.

Overnight: Saint Jean Pied de Port

Day 2. Saint Jean Pied de Port—Roncesvalles (25 km)

A challenging but spectacular opening foray across the Pyrenees. The initial uphill stretch eases after seven kilometres, providing breathtaking views of soaring mountains and alpine meadows. The stage ends with a descent through a beautiful forest to Roncesvalles.

Overnight: Roncesvalles

Day 3. Roncesvalles—Zubiri (22 km)

Depart Roncesvalles and walk through forests and villages that have preserved their essence over the centuries. Cross two mountain passes, enjoying magnificent views of the Pyrenees as you go along, before a downhill section takes you to Zubiri.

Overnight: Zubiri

Day 4. Zubiri—Pamplona (21 km)

During this stage, you will cross several oak and pine forests as well as beautiful medieval bridges over the Arga river, before entering the first great city of the Camino, Pamplona, famous for the running of the bulls during the San Fermín festival.

Overnight: Pamplona

Day 5. Pamplona—Puente la Reina (24 km)

Today you undertake a long but gentle climb to the Alto del Perdón (Summit of Forgiveness). During the downhill sections, you will enjoy wonderful views of hilly farmlands nestling charming villages. Your day ends in the medieval town of Puente la Reina, which gets its name from the beautiful 11^th-century bridge over the Arga river, which was built to facilitate the passage of pilgrims bound for Santiago.

Overnight: Puente la Reina

Day 6. Puente la Reina—Estella (22 km)

Vineyards cover a landscape dotted with pretty historic settlements. This stretch follows one of the few well-preserved sections of Roman road along the Camino. The land here is dominated by cropfields, olive groves and vineyards.

Overnight: Estella

Day 7. Free day in Estella

Time to relax and get lost in the medieval streets of Estella, a town of major historical importance. Visit Estella’s Romanesque churches and palaces; enjoy great local cuisine at any of the restaurants in the Plaza de los Fueros in the heart of the old town.