Camino Francés Stage 1

Your journey starts in St Jean Pied de Port, which straddles the French and Spanish border. Your first day, crossing the Pyrenees, will undoubtedly be the toughest day of the whole Camino. Whilst graced with stunning views the climb up to Roncesvalles is steep and demanding. Leaving Roncesvalles you cross mountain passes through beech and oak woods along the River Arga. The high mountains and deep valleys of the Pyrenees soon give way to the undulating plain that surrounds the fortress town of Pamplona. From there you will pass through olive trees and small towns and, as you approach your destination Los Arcos.

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Highlights

The Basque market town of St. Jean Port de Pied
The stunning views as you cross the Pyrenees
The historic town of Pamplona – avoid the running of the bulls in July!
The camaraderie of fellow walkers
Excellent local food and wine

What is Included

Return flights Dublin/Biarritz – Bilbao/Dublin (This trip is based on a specific airfare. A surcharge may apply if the fare is unavailable when booking)
Airport taxes
One carry on bag per person max 10 kg
7 nights B&B in basic en suite hotels/pensions while walking
Luggage transfers throughout - 1 piece of luggage (max 15 kg)
Services of local English speaking agent (emergencies only!)

What is Not Included

Single room supplement €195.00
Checked in bag max 15 kg €70.00 (currently)
Travel insurance €38.00 (+66 years double premium applies)
Pilgrim passport €12.00
Transfer Biarritz/St. Jean Pied de Port and Los Arcos/Bilbao €185.00 per person – minimum 2 people

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – St Jean Pied de Port. Depart Dublin on direct flight to Biarritz. On arrival make your own way by public transport to St. Jean or take our private transfer to St. Jean Pied de Port.

Day 2 – St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles (21.8 km)

Day 3 – Roncesvalles to Zubiri (20.7 km)

Day 4 – Zubiri to Pamplona (23.5 km)

Day 5 – Walk Pamplona to Puente la Reina (22 km)

Day 6 – Walk Puente la Reina to Estella (21 km)

Day 7 – Estella to Los Arcos (27 km)

Day 8 - Transfer (optional) from Los Arcos to Bilbao airport

Accommodation

Your accommodation will be in 2/3* hotels/pensions while walking. Your en suite room will be simple, basic and clean. Facilities generally consist of a reception area and a breakfast room. Some have restaurant facilities. Breakfast is usually of the continental variety: coffee and croissants – anything else is bonus! As we use a wide range of accommodations in the various overnight locations you will be advised of names of all accommodation with your travel documents.

Proposed Flights

Carrier	From / To	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Ryanair	Dublin / Biarritz	11.45 hrs	14.50 hrs.
Aer Lingus	Bilbao / Dublin	17.10 hrs	18.15 hrs.

Dates & Prices

2018

Start Date	End Date	Price PPS
Sat 07 Apr	Sat 14 Apr	€699.00
Sat 21 Apr	Sat 28 Apr	€699.00
Sat 12 May	Sat 19 May	€735.00
Sat 09 Jun	Sat 16 Jun	€725.00
Sat 14 Jul	Sat 21 Jul	€769.00
Sat 18 Aug	Sat 25 Aug	€769.00
Sat 15 Sep	Sat 22 Sep	€735.00

Other departures can be organized on request from April to October

Important Information

Walking grade: Strenuous (particularly at the start) to moderate
Walking each day: you are “independent” which means you have maximum flexibility – set off walking in the morning whenever you are ready, walk at your own pace, choose when and where to stop for lunch en route and plan the day around your own agenda. You simply leave your packed luggage at reception and it will be awaiting you on arrival in your next accommodation!
If you cannot continue walking? – have no worries, public transport and/or taxis are available. Simply call our local partner in Spain who will be happy to assist – he speaks fluent English.
We can tailor-make your Camino to suit your personal preferences – pick your own dates, decide how many days walking you would like and even add in rest days along the way.

How to reserve a place(s): a completed booking form with deposit of €250.00 per person (payment by cash/cheque /debit or credit card) should be sent directly to MAP Travel. The balance will be due 10 weeks prior to departure – payment by cash/cheque or debit card. A 2% surcharge applies only to balances paid by credit card.