Camino Groups

June 2022 – St Jean to Los Arcos

Update – SOLD OUT

Waiting list only – contact us if you wish to be included (or to receive updates on further trips),

What many consider to be the first section of the Camino Francés is both a challenge and a wonder.

While not for the walker with no preparation done, it’s still well within the reach of anyone starting from scratch – as long as they have trained!

But what a reward! 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?

We have only one fear. You might never again have as rewarding a Camino experience as this.

Rue de la Citadelle in St Jean
  • June 4th – 11th. (Saturday – Saturday)
  • €685 pps (not including flight).
  • Single Supplement €200.

All our escorted walks are with an Irish guide – the emphasis is on having fun while experiencing the Camino at your own pace!

  • 7 nights’ accommodation in ensuite rooms on a B&B basis.
  • Airport transfers from Biarritz airport to St Jean Pied de Port and from Los Arcos to Bilbao airport for the return flight to Dublin.
  • Bag transfer each day.
  • Pilgrim Passport (Issued by Camino Society Ireland – the only official Irish pilgrim passport).
  • Your Camino Groups host will accompany the group for the week.
  • A one-off Camino Groups walking top – to celebrate the Año Santo of 2022.
  • Detailed walking notes and accommodation maps.

Note:

  • Flights are not included in the prices, but as a licensed and bonded travel agency, we can book your flights separately for you if required. Tip – the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be.
  • We recommend that you have adequate travel insurance in place for your trip. We can provide this separately if required.
Saturday, June 4th, Day 1
  • Fly from Dublin to Biarritz. Upon arrival, you are provided with a private transfer to St Jean Pied de Port. Stroll along the Rue de la Citadelle and experience the giddy anticipation of pilgrims from all over the world getting ready to start their journey!
Sunday, June 5th, Day 2
  • 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. What a challenge but what an incredible experience!
Monday, June 6th, 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!)
Tuesday, June 7th, 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.
Wednesday, June 8th, 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 really pretty in its own right without ever considering the magnificent arched bridge at the end of the town!
Thursday, June 9th, 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!
Friday, June 10th, 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!
Saturday, June 11th, Day 8
  • Transfer to Bilbao for flight to Dublin.

Interested? Get in touch