March 2024 ~ Camino De Santiago (Francés) Guided *Trek*

St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles Day 1 on the Camino Frances is approximately 25km and will take 7 to 9 hours depending on your fitness level. It is the most challenging day of the Camino (Frances). Saint Jean Pied de Port is a beautiful, bustling French market town in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The Pyrenees is a mountain range that creates a natural border between France and Spain. This is the traditional starting point for the Camino Frances (for all non-Spaniards who traditionally start at Roncesvalles).  Although the walk up the Pyrenees is difficult, it is immensely rewarding. The peace and silence are a precursor of the times ahead on the Meseta. The views are stunning, it is worth getting up early, as the views in the morning sun are spectacular as you look down on the clouds floating below in the valleys. In the first Pilgrim’s Guide, written by the French monk Aymeric Picaud in about 1130, he refers to Saint Jean Pied de Port as a place where evil tax collectors with clubs attack Pilgrims intending to collect extortionate taxes. This a stark warning that a pilgrimage was not easy 900 years ago especially compared to our easy comforts today. Napoleon Route  This route is the traditional way when safe to do so (weather conditions); your body is probably not accustomed to walking all day carrying a backpack; if you have packed more than 10% of your body weight, you will feel it. If required, we can forward your pack/luggage via courier, included in your package. The route from Saint Jean is steep up quiet tarmac country lanes climbing from 200m above sea level to just above 1,400m, then descending steeply back down again into Roncesvalles at 900m, which can be hard going on your hips, knees and shins; however, we will show you how to minimize the pain ensuring your experience is enjoyable. Valcarlos Route  FYI - the Napoleon Route can be treacherous during the winter or even spring due to snow and other hazardous weather conditions at these times, it is recommended that pilgrims use the Valcarlos Route. The Valcarlos Route is suitable for all cyclists, whereas the Napoleon is only suitable for mountain bikes, and even then, it is difficult. Distance: 25km Elevation Gain: 1200m Estimated Moving Time: 7h

Day 2 on the Camino Frances is approximately 24.8km and will take 6 hours; the second part of the Camino Frances (or the first part for many Spanish pilgrims) takes us from the village of Roncesvalles to the village of Larrasoaña. Before departing for your journey, we will visit the Chapel of St James or the Royal Collegiate Church of Saint Mary in Roncesvalles. On this day we will cross two mountain passes: Alto de Mezquiriz and Alto de Erro before descending to the village of Zubiri and from there walking four more kilometres to Larrasoaña. Traditionally pilgrims opt to stop in the village of Zubiri due to the tiring first day, starting the next day from there early getting into Pamplona in the afternoon for Tapas and wine. Distance: 44.65km Elevation Gain: 748m Estimated Moving Time: 11h

Zubiri to Pamplona Day 3 on the Camino Frances is approximately 19.1km and will take 4 hours (lots of time to explore Pamplona). The mildness of yesterday’s stage and the peacefulness of Zubiri and the Arga River will have helped us to regain our strength for today’s stage on the Camino de Santiago. The main element of today’s stage are the bridges. We will start the day by crossing the “Rabies” bridge and will finish by crossing the La Magdalena bridge, at the entrance to Pamplona. Today’s stage will offer us a shorter route with gentle hills. This allows us to save our energy and enjoy the first city on the French Way, Pamplona, where we’ll find numerous cultural attractions and exquisite food: Good Friday Parade Tapas & Wine Historical  Cathedral (must see) Along the way, we will have the option to follow the original Jacobean route, which runs a bit further away from the Arga River, or we can follow a pleasant walkway to Pamplona along the riverbank (rocky path however lovely).