What many consider to be the first section of the Camino Francés is both a challenge and a wonder. It requires preparation and training in advance, but the rewards are huge!
From your first day in the Pyrenees to the delights of Pamplona, every day brings its own delights. The iconic Alto del Perdón and the famous bridges of Puente La Reina and Zubiri, the condors of the Pyrenees and the plaza in Estella. Did we mention the Basque country and the wines of La Rioja?
The level of difficulty is challenging at times and average for other parts – the first day in the Pyrenees is tough going, the descent into Zubiri is difficult too - and there are plenty of other climbs and descents during the week.
WHAT IS Included
7 nights’ accommodation in ensuite rooms on a B&B basis
1 x evening meal (Roncesvalles on the first night)
Airport transfers: Biarritz airport to St Jean and Los Arcos to Bilbao airport
Internal transfers: Roncesvalles to St Jean
Bag transfer each day – one bag per person
Pilgrim Passport (Issued by Camino Society Ireland – the only official Irish pilgrim passport)
A Camino Groups gift (small gift!) – TBC…
Detailed walking notes and accommodation maps
The group is accompanied for the week. The emphasis will be on people having the freedom to walk at their own pace; please note that it is your own responsibility to make it to your end point each day
Not Included
Flights
Meals not listed above
Dates & Flights
18th - 25th September 2025
Below are the suggested flight details
Ryanair, Dublin to Biarritz, September 18th, 12:40 - 15:45
Aer Lingus, Bilbao to Dublin, September 25th, 18:10 - 19:15
Price
€855 per person sharing
Single Supplement €270
Deposit €150pp
Note: flights are not included and will cost extra.
Itinerary
September 18th, Day 1
● Fly from Dublin to Biarritz.
● Upon arrival, you are provided with a private transfer to Roncesvalles.
● Evening meal in Hotel Roncesvalles included.
Sept 19th, Day 2
● After breakfast, we transfer to St Jean where we can get our pilgrim passport stamped before setting off into the mountains.
● Walk 24 km from St Jean to Roncesvalles. Sometimes words can’t capture the majesty of a day on the Camino – this is the ultimate!
● Climb steadily uphill into the Pyrenees before reaching the plateau where you pass from France into Spain. A sharp descent into the hamlet of Roncesvalles, with its majestic monastery, finishes off your day.
Sept 20th, Day 3
● Walk 21 km from Roncesvalles to Zubiri. You are in Navarre now and you really get a sense of being in Basque country – from the architecture to the placenames. Hemingway made Burguete his home for a while and it’s easy to understand its draw!
● Got rabies? Then cross the bridge into Zubiri 3 times and you’ll be cured! (Actually, it was believed to cure rabies in animals, but “people” sounds a lot more dramatic!)
Sept 21st, Day 4
● Walk 19km from Zubiri to Pamplona. Our advice here is simple – get to Pamplona as early in the day as you can! Famous for the festival of San Fermín and the running of the bulls, from the moment you enter the city through the arch in the city walls, you’ll realise you’re somewhere special.
● In the evening, we will walk to the area of Pamplona famous for its “pintxos” – the same idea as tapas!
Sept 22nd, Day 5
● Walk 25km from Pamplona to Puente La Reina. Today’s a day of two Camino iconic landmarks. The first half of the day sees you climb uphill to Alto del Perdón and the famous pilgrim statue(s). From here, you can see for miles around you – including the villages of Uterga, Muruzabal and Obanos spread out before you, leading the way to Puente La Reina.
● Puente la Reina is pretty in its own right without ever considering the magnificent arched bridge at the end of the town!
Sept 23rd, Day 6
● Walk 24km from Puente la Reina to Estella. While the brief climb into Mañeru will knock the wind out of you for a few minutes, it’s Cirauqui that really catches your breath. A village set on a hilltop, it’s like stepping into a different time!
● Estella is one of those Spanish towns where you will want to sit out in the plaza and watch the world go by. Try some ajoarriero (a local cod and olive oil broth) if you can find it!
Sept 24th, Day 7
● Walk 24km from Estella to Los Arcos. Named after the archway leading out of the beautiful little plaza, you’ll have earned your rest in Los Arcos!
● Villamayor de Monjardín marks an obvious stopping point today – a pretty village that makes you want to stay for hours!
Sept 25th, Day 8.
● Free morning in Los Arcos before returning to Bilbao airport for the return flight to Dublin.
HOW TO BOOK
For more information or to book, please email CaminoGroups and quote our reference to book this trip
Email - steps@caminogroups.ie
Reference Code - 25CAM117 Porto Rory
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TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Through booking an RTC offer you agree to the travel agent's terms & conditions.
- Flights are not included in the prices, your flight is Dublin to Santiago de Compostela with
Aer Lingus (return).
- You are advised to have adequate travel insurance in place from the time of booking.
- Lunches, snacks and evening meals (other than as included above) are at your own
discretion.