9 Days & 8 Nights

4.8

Camino Stage 1 - St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Logroño

Begin at the official start point of the Camino Frances, St Jean Pied de Port in France
Hike across The Pyrenees and the French/Spanish border to Roncesvalles
Discover the famous fortress town of Pamplona, with its stunning colorful buildings
Finish hiking surrounded by vineyards in the town of Logroño - the capital of Rioja Spanish Wine
Experience the comradery of the Camino and share stories with fellow pilgrims along the route

Hike the first stage of the Camino de Santiago, from St Jean which straddles the French and Spanish border, to Logroño in the famous wine-growing region of Rioja. Undoubtedly the toughest stage of the whole Camino de Santiago, but one filled with rewards. Walk through the high mountains and deep valleys of the Pyrenees, before crossing through undulating plains and olive groves. Added to this are overnight stays in a couple of Northern Spain’s most beguiling cities and towns, including Pamplona and Logrono.

From $1,430.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in St. Jean Pied de Port & Overnight

The charming town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies at the foot of the majestic Pyrenees – the starting point of the famous Way of St. James. Stroll through its narrow, cobbled streets, passing traditional stone houses and lively cafés. Soak up the special energy of this historic pilgrimage site, which has welcomed travellers from all over the world for centuries. Savour the excitement of setting off on your journey to Santiago de Compostela. Your unforgettable journey begins here.

Overnight St Jean Pied de Port

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Central | 3 Star | Hotel

The hotel stands out in the town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port with its pink sandstone façade from the Basque Country, on the banks of the Nive, in the town centre. Once through the door, you will be charmed by the recent renovations (dating back to 2015), modern equipment, contemporary-style decoration and old elements such as the monumental oak staircase and the floor of the hall in cement tiles.

Maison Simonenia | Hotel

The guesthouse is the result of a family project. You will be welcomed in a house entirely designed by the family, where the welcome and the well-being of the guests is a priority. Each room is individually designed and furnished with great taste by the lady of the house.

Hotel Restaurant des Remparts | Hotel

Nestled in a Navarrese house dating back to 1643, Hôtel des Remparts welcomes you at the start of the Camino de Santiago. This centrally located hotel offers a warm, family-style atmosphere where historic charm meets modern comfort, with en-suite rooms featuring TV and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy city or river views from your window.

Day 2 St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles 15 miles / 24 km

The first major ascent of the Camino takes you through the majestic silence of the Pyrenees, offering a challenging yet deeply moving experience for body and mind. On the 'Ruta Imperial', you hike above the clouds, enjoying spectacular panoramic views and the sight of grazing horses, while experiencing a sense of boundless freedom. You then reach Spain, immersing yourself in the mystical atmosphere of Roncesvalles, which is dominated by the venerable collegiate church. Those who prefer a gentler start can follow the green Valcarlos Valley, where rushing streams and tranquil woodlands line the route. Whether you hike high up or take it easy through the valley, the Camino begins to change you.

Ruta Imperial: Ascent: 1,330m (4,364ft) / Descent: 543m (1,782ft)
Valcarlos Route: Ascent: 1,185m (3,888ft) / Descent: 409m (1,342ft)

Overnight Roncesvalles

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Roncesvalles | Hotel

The building, now a hotel and apartments, was built in 1725 as the "house of the Beneficiaries", clerics who helped the canons in their ecclesiastical work. Its interior has recently been completely restored as a hotel, an ambitious project led by the Príncipe de Viana Institution, responsible for the conservation of Navarre's cultural heritage. As a result, Hotel Roncesvalles offers the highest levels of comfort in an architectural setting full of art, history and nature.

La Posada de Roncesvalles | Pension

This Hostal is recommended in the Michelin Guide. It is a 16^th century mansion which has been completely renovated to accommodate pilgrims on their walk. The restaurant provides local Basque cuisine and can sit up to 130 people.

Casa Sabina

Warm rooms, some with balconies & mountain views, in an informal inn offering dining & a bar.

Day 3 Roncesvalles to Akerreta 17 miles / 27 km

Once you have crossed the Pyrenees, the trail becomes gentler, offering a pleasant undulating route through the final foothills of the mountains. You will hike through tranquil beech and oak forests, accompanied by the sounds of trickling streams and the scent of damp earth. Gradually, the landscape opens up as you approach the fertile plains of Navarre. The path leads you through small villages and over ancient bridges to Akerreta, where your cosy rural accommodation awaits. It's a day to breathe deeply and enjoy.

Ascent: 446m (1,463ft) / Descent: 857m (2,812ft)

Overnight Akerreta

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Akerreta | Country Hotel

Hotel Akerreta is a small family run bed and breakfast. The stone walled house still has many of its original features with its bread ovens and enormous wooden oak beams.

Casa Rural Txantxorena | Hotel

This traditional house has three floors, two of which have been recently renovated. All rooms are spacious and bright, with wooden floors and stone walls, and have a private bathroom. There is a common area with a fireplace, TV and a fully equipped kitchen. There is also a private garden for guests.

Albergue El Palo de Avellano | Guest House

Low-key rooms & dorms with a rustic vibe in a relaxed hostel with a casual restaurant & a lounge. Large and comfortable living room with fireplace, free Wi-Fi, and public garden at the back of the building.

Day 4 Akerreta to Pamplona 9 miles / 14 km

Accompanied by the Arga River, the trail winds through green valleys, past old bridges, dense forests and picturesque villages. The landscape widens and civilisation becomes more noticeable, finally announcing the arrival of Pamplona with its towers and narrow streets. The capital of Navarre captivates visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine. Ernest Hemingway fell in love with the city and immortalised it in his novel The Sun Also Rises. After days spent in nature, Pamplona offers an exciting contrast, brimming with energy, culture and the spirit of the Camino.

Ascent: 94m (308ft) / Descent: 170m (558ft)

Overnight Pamplona

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Maisonnave Pamplona | 4 Star | Hotel

The Hotel Maisonnave is a comfortable 4-star hotel with a long-standing tradition in the city of Pamplona. Comfort, quality and a highly personalised style, which has evolved in step with industry trends, are the hallmarks of the Hotel Maisonnave, which has succeeded in making its guests feel as though the rooms are their own.

Hotel Tres Reyes | 4 Star | Hotel

Set within the gardens of Taconera Park, Hotel Tres Reyes is a modern retreat in the heart of Pamplona. It offers excellent facilities, including a summer swimming pool, garden, and access to Ulzama Golf Club. Close to the historic centre and cultural attractions, guests can also unwind with a drink in the hotel’s elegant piano bar.

Hotel Alda Centro Pamplona | Bed and breakfast

Charismatic hotel with more than 50 years of history in the historic centre of the city, next to the city walls. The hotel, which is characterised by its simplicity, offers modern and comfortable rooms.

Day 5 Pamplona to Puente La Reina 15 miles / 25 km

After passing through the lively city of Pamplona, you will once again immerse yourself in the vastness and tranquillity of Navarre's rural landscape. The route winds through rolling hills, fields and small villages, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and breathe in the fresh air. A worthwhile detour will take you to the magically situated Church of Santa María de Eunate, a Romanesque gem nestled in the heart of the fields. Finally, you will reach Puente de la Reina, named after the impressive medieval bridge spanning the Arga River with its six arches. This is a place where history, spirituality and scenic beauty converge.

Ascent: 403m (1,322ft) / Descent: 507m (1,663ft)

Overnight Puenta la Reina

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Jakue | Hotel

This bright and spacious hotel is ideal for pilgrims with en-suite facilities, plasma TVs and air conditioning.

Hotel Rural El Cerco | Hotel

This old thirteenth century tower, completely refurbished and decorated with rural and modern elements, offers the chance to rest and discover the culture, history, and gastronomy of Navarre.

Hotel Rural Bidean | Hotel

This beautifully restored 17th century house offers comfortable accommodation for travellers. Care has been taken to retain the noble materials such as wood, stone and old bricks to create a rustic and personalised style.

Day 6 Puente La Reina to Estella 14 miles / 22 km

Today's stage takes you through open farmland and wide fields of sun-drenched vineyards. Shade is scarce here, so remember to bring sunscreen. En route from Cirauqui to Lorca, you will walk over the well-preserved remains of Roman roads, bringing a piece of history to life beneath your feet. There are several short but steep climbs through traditional mountain villages, offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. After that, the route descends into the charming town of Estella, which is steeped in history and pilgrimage tradition and has a lively atmosphere.

Ascent: 336m (1,102ft) / Descent: 237m (778ft)

Overnight Estella

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Hospederia Chapitel | Hotel

A four-star accommodation that devotes care and attention to the small details to provide a unique artistic environment that give a classic look with a unique service that will meet your highest expectations.

Hotel Yerri | Hotel

Located in the beautiful town of Estella, and a stop on the Camino de Santiago and surrounded by a privileged natural and historical environment, at Hotel Yerri they offer a quality stay with personalised service.

Hostal El Volante | Pension

A friendly, family run hotel on the outskirts of Estella.

Day 7 Estella to Los Arcos 13 miles / 21 km

After Villamayor de Monjardín, the trail becomes quieter and you find yourself immersed in a lonely, expansive landscape with no villages or distractions. For around 12 kilometres, you are accompanied only by the sound of your footsteps crunching on the ground, the wind rustling through the bushes and the light dancing over the fields and hills. Olive groves, vineyards and dry earth now dominate the landscape, offering a glimpse of the heart of Spain. This vastness invites you to pause and walk mindfully. Finally, you reach the peaceful town of Los Arcos.

Ascent: 338m (1,109ft) / Descent: 314m (1,030ft)

Overnight Los Arcos

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Monaco | Hotel

Monaco Hotel is a small friendly family business. It has been catering for pilgrims for over 40 years and provides a lounge where you can swap stories with other pilgrims or just relax before the next days walking.

Hostal Suetxe | Hotel

The Hostal Suetxe is a small hotel which offers rustic charm and clean, comfortable accommodation.

Pension Los Arcos | Hotel

This property offers rooms with a flat-screen TV and fan. Some rooms have a balcony or terrace. All rooms have a private bathroom with free toiletries, bath or shower and hairdryer. Free WiFi is also offered throughout the property.

Day 8 Los Arcos to Logroño 17 miles / 28 km

Wander through La Rioja, a traditional wine region surrounded by rolling hills, endless vineyards and fragrant fields. You will soon reach Logroño, a modern, lively city with strong links to the history of the Camino de Santiago. Here, pilgrim culture and joie de vivre converge, which is particularly noticeable in the charming old town, with its tapas bars and historic squares. With a population of around 120,000, Logroño offers an exciting contrast to the rural tranquillity of previous days. It's the perfect place to finish the first stage of your pilgrimage in style.

Ascent: 350m (1,148ft) / Descent: 418m (1,371ft)

Overnight Logroño

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Condes de Haro | Hotel

The hotel was recently renovated and it is really close to the city centre. Its magnificent location means that that in a matter minutes you can reach the historical centre of the city, where its famous bars and restaurants are located, as well as the shopping area, and the main roads in and out of the city.

Hotel Los Bracos | Hotel

The four-star Husa Bracos hotel, is located in the heart of Logroño's old town, next to the city's shopping area and Logroño's most symbolic spot - its famous Calle Laurel, a must-visit street for savouring the region's tapas and wines.

Hotel Ciudad de Logrono | 3 Star | Hotel

The hotel's location offers all the amenities you need: the train station, the bus station, the old town, the best shopping in the city and, of course, the famous Calle Laurel, which is just 700 metres away. The spacious rooms and the tranquillity of the park in front of the hotel will guarantee you a refreshing rest.

Day 9 Onward travel/Departure

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

This is the most difficult stage of the Camino Frances, crossing the Pyrenees from St Jean Pied de Port to Logroño. This itinerary is ideal if you are looking for a challenge or are on the start of your Camino journey with 7 days of consecutive hiking. You have the benefit of overnighting in the famous Spanish town of Pamplona and ending in the Rioja wine region of Logroño. We recommend adding extra nights in these towns if you wish!

Tour Type:

Pilgrimages | For those looking to follow a path of self-discovery. Our Pilgrimage and Camino routes take you on a journey through diverse landscapes and local flavours, while meeting like-minded adventurers along the way.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Activity Level & Terrain

This stage of the Camino is graded moderate overall and includes daily walks of 14-27km. You will follow a mixture of farm/dirt tracks, minor roads and footpaths. Section 1 from St Jean Pied de Port is the most strenuous part of the walk with some steep inclines/declines as you travel through The Pyrenees and it should be noted that the grading of this day in particular is Moderate-Strenuous.

Experience & Fitness

Although the route mostly leads along wide, relatively easy-to-walk paths, the unpaved sections and the daily distances of between 9 and 30 kilometres require a good basic level of fitness and a certain amount of hiking experience. The first section from St Jean-Pied-de-Port with steep ascents and descents in the Pyrenees is the most difficult. The entire Way of St James naturally requires a great deal of stamina. But the longer you are on the road, the fitter you will become. Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos and León are fascinating cities that you must visit and the smaller towns are also very charming and often offer wonderful regional delicacies.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Accommodation in small rural hotels and hostels, twin/double rooms with en-suite W/C
Daily Breakfast
Baggage Transfers
Any transfer(s) listed in the standard itinerary (if applicable)
Pilgrim Passport and shell
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
24/7 Emergency support

Excluded

Return travel to France/Spain.
Lunches, dinners (optional), snacks or drinks.
Travel Insurance.
Personal Equipment.
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.
Local Taxes

Extras

Additional nights’ accommodation

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

The best place to fly into to get to St Jean is Biarritz airport. You can get here easily from the London and Manchester with Ryanair or if you are travelling internationally it is often a good idea to fly into Paris and either take the train down to Bayonne with SNCF, or to take an internal flight with Air France or Easyjet to get to Biarritz. From Biarritz, you simply take the bus from outside the airport to Bayonne rail station (20 mins) and then from there take the mountain railway up to St Jean (1.5 hours) which you can book in advance with SNCF.

We can also arrange private transfers from Biarittz Airport straight to St Jean for a hassle-free start to your journey!

Getting from the End

If you are starting or finishing your Pilgrimage in Logrono (La Rioja wine region) then the best way to reach here is to get the train from either Madrid (3hrs 20) or Barcelona (4hrs) or the bus from Madrid (4hrs) or Barcelona (6hrs). The closest airports are San Sebastian which you can reach by local bus (2hrs 15 mins) : (Check La Estellesa) and also Bilbao airport which you can reach by bus (2hrs). (Check Termibus). Please note that on these websites it is often the case that tickets cannot be reserved until it’s at least less than 3 months, or sometimes even 1 month, before your departure.

Luggage Transfer

Baggage transfers are included (max 20kg/44lbs per person). Your main bag will be transferred each day between your overnight accommodation so that you only need to walk with a day pack.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Info & FAQ

General Information

Extra Nights

There is so much to do and discover on the Way of St. James that many of our customers plan extra nights, either as rest days or to get to know the region even better.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Pilgrim Passport

Your Pilgrim Passport (Credencial del Peregrino) and scallop shell will be waiting at your first accommodation. The Passport isn’t just practical—it’s a beautiful record of your Camino journey, officially issued by the Church of St. James. Along the route, you'll collect stamps (sellos) from albergues, churches, cafes, and more. Each stamp is a colorful reminder of your journey. To earn your Compostela Certificate in Santiago, you must walk at least the final 100 km, with your stamps serving as proof of this accomplishment.

Local / City taxes

Local taxes may apply in some places. Where ever possible, we will pay there taxes in advance for you. It is not always possible to pay the taxes in advance and you will have to pay it directly at your accomodation.

Extra charge

On some days there may be some extra charges on the tour price due to public holiday.

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Equipment

Your Trip Info has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, lightweight clothes, waterproofs, walking poles (recommended) and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you secure adequate travel insurance.