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Way of Saint James from Sarria in group with guide
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On foot

Way of Saint James from Roncesvalles to Logroño

SERVICES
Configurable
TYPE OF TRIP
Half distance
MODE
On your own
6 STAGES
8 DAYS
136 KM
DIF. ●●●○○
Enter the first stretch of the French Route
Start your Camino in the mythical town of Roncesvalles
Touring Navarre and La Rioja: heritage and oenology
The Camino de Santiago from Roncesvalles is, for many, the beginning of an exciting relationship with the Camino de Santiago. This is no coincidence. Roncesvalles has been, over the centuries, the main entry point of the Way in the Iberian Peninsula. The small mountain village of Roncesvalles is today a place dedicated to the Camino and oriented to pilgrims, who set out from its streets to reach Santiago de Compostela in one go (742 km in more or less 30 stages) or by doing it in sections. What we propose here is the latter: a stretch of 136 km in 6 stages that will take you to Logroño, the gateway to the Castilian plateau and capital of one of the most important wine-producing regions in Europe: La Rioja.

Services

This programme includes these services.

8-day trip through the lands of Navarre and La Rioja.
7 nights' accommodation according to the chosen category. Configure it.
Full documentation about the travel.
GPS tracks in your smartphone
Pilgrim's passport
Travel insurance with special coverage for sports activities.
24/7 telephone assistance during your trip.
VAT and other taxes

Not included services

Extras in hotels and restaurants.
Other transfers requested by you, not specified in the contract.
Any other service not specifically defined as included.

Optional Services

A whole range of optional services are at your disposal, so that you can configure your trip to suit your needs.
Luggage transport
Private transfers
Reinforced breakfasts
Half board (dinners)
Cancellation insurance

Breakfasts, half-board
Luggage transportation on route (up to 15 kg / package).
Transfers to and from Pamplona airport and stations.
Complementary activities
Cancellation insurance

Free cancellation if you book through our website

Is this trip for me?

Type of trip: Half distance
Journeys to savour slowly, with the best of each space and that indescribable sensation of overcoming your own limits.
Type of services: Configurable
You choose your category of accommodation, if you want breakfast or not, if you want us to carry your luggage, etc. You decide and we will make sure everything runs smoothly.
Travel style: On your own
Programmes designed so that you can travel the route on your own, at the pace set by your steps. Full autonomy and the peace of mind of knowing that we are with you if you need us.
Physical demands: Hiking
Routes of small or medium physical demand, of medium distance (20-30 km / day) and surfaces that facilitate walking, and that can be covered autonomously.

Itinerary


Day 1. Arrival at Roncesvalles

To do the Camino de Santiago from Roncesvalles (Orreaga), you will arrive at the starting point on your own or with our optional transport. In this wonderful Pyrenean village you will be able to enjoy not only an unparalleled natural setting, located at the foot of the Pyrenees, but also a rich and unknown architectural heritage.

It is an incredible monumental complex made up of the hospital, the chapel of Sancti Spiritus, the church of Santiago, the chapel of San Agustín, the church of the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María, the museum and the library. All designed to protect and promote the Way.

Hostel: Roncesvalles Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Sabina House or similar
Charming accommodation: Hotel Roncesvalles or similar


Day 2. Stage Roncesvalles - Zubiri

Distance: 21.6 km
Difficulty: ●●●●○○
Accommodation: Zubiri

You will begin your pilgrimage by descending to the towns of Burguete (Auritz) and Espinal (Aurizberri), then reaching the Mezkiritz pass. The itinerary of the first stage is typical of the mountains, with paths, dirt tracks and rocky stretches.

From Mezkiritz, you will begin a steep descent through small, charming villages in Navarre to the river Arga, which will accompany you on this and the following stages. At the end of the day, in Zubiri, you will cross the Gothic bridge that gives its name to the town, also known as the Bridge of Rabies - to which healing powers are attributed.

According to another legend, the body of Santa Quiteria is buried under one of its abutments. When you get to Zubiri, you can enjoy the gastronomy of Navarre through one of its best-known products: chistorra sausage.

Hostel: Second Stage Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Gau Txori Guesthouse or similar
Charming accommodation: Txantxorena Rural House or similar


Day 3. Stage Zubiri - Pamplona

Distance: 20.6 km
Difficulty: ●○○○○
Accommodation: Pamplona

In the first part of this short stage, which is not very steep, we will be accompanied by the river Arga along paths between pine and beech trees.

Of special relevance is the complex formed by the bridge and the basilica of La Trinidad de Arre, from where there are two alternatives for reaching Pamplona: the official route along the pavements of the town of Villava (Atarrabia) and Burlada (Burlata) for 3.7 km or its variant, the riverside walk along the Arga river: pleasant and shady until the bridge of La Magdalena, where you return to join the official section of 4.9 km.

On your arrival in Pamplona (Iruña), don't miss a visit to the historic quarter where you can enjoy the cathedral, the town hall and the citadel, among others. Near the Plaza del Castillo square and the streets San Nicolás, San Gregorio, Estafeta and Navarrería are the best-known places to go for pintxos (tapas).

Hostel: Casa Ibarrola Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Hotel Rodas Pamplona or similar
Charming accommodation: Hotel Europa Pamplona or similar


Day 4. Pamplona - Puente la Reina Stage

Distance: 24.2 km
Difficulty level: ●●●○○○○○
Accommodation: Puente la Reina

The orographic difficulty of this stage lies in the Sierra del Perdón. But don't worry: the climb is very gradual and only in the final part is it a little steeper, reaching 260 metres in altitude.

At the Alto del Perdón you can enjoy a magnificent viewpoint where you can appreciate the extensive Navarrese plain and the descent towards the villages of Uterga, Muruzábal and Obanos. You will reach the end of this stage, Puente La Reina (Gares) via the impressive Romanesque bridge over the river Arga.

In the afternoon we suggest you enjoy good wine in a genuine winery in the area or, if you still feel up to it, take the opportunity to discover the hidden historical heritage of the Cerco de Artajona.

Hostel: Puente Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Hostal La Plaza or similar
Charming accommodation: Hotel Rural El Cerco or similar


Day 5. Stage Puente La Reina - Estella

Distance: 21 km
Difficulty level: ●●●○○○○○
Accommodation: Estella

The fourth stage begins with the steep climb to Mañeru. Further on is Zirauki, which welcomes you with a beautiful ogival gate and offers you an authentic Roman road that crosses it until you reach the bridge, also Roman, over the Salado river.

After leaving it behind, in Villatuerta you are offered an alternative. You can continue along the signposted path - which we definitely recommend - or take the original path, known as the Montejurra (Jurramendi) variant, which does not reach the end of the stage, but goes around it. Only a few kilometres along the official route separate you from the rest area in Estella (Lizarra).

In the afternoon you can enjoy a wonderful visit to the Monastery of Nuestra Señora Real de Irache, one of the oldest pilgrims' hospitals, and its wine fountain.

Hostel: Agora Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Hostería de Curtidores or similar
Charming accommodation: Chapitel Hostelry or similar


Day 6. Stage Estella - Los Arcos

Distance: 21.3 km
Difficulty level: ●●●○○○○○
Accommodation: Los Arcos

This stage begins with a curious surprise: as soon as you leave Estella you will come across the famous wine fountain of the Monastery of Nuestra Señora Real de Irache (Iratxe). If you have not visited them the day before, we recommend that you take the time to make the visit. The monks of Irache received the pilgrims who came to the hospital with a glass of wine. Many of them arrived ill and the wine became a restorative.

Most of the stage runs along dirt tracks with a slight climb of just over a hundred metres, which takes us through cereal fields and vineyards to Villamayor de Monjardín, with its Fuente de los Moros, a 13th century cistern.

On your arrival at Los Arcos, where today's stage ends, be sure to enjoy the glazed rocks of San Blas. And if you're still in the mood for a cultural visit, don't miss the nearby Roman Villa of the Muses.

Hostel: Hostel Casa de la Abuela or similar
Standard accommodation: Suetxe Guesthouse or similar
Charming accommodation: Hotel Rural Latorrién de Ane or similar


Day 7. Stage Los Arcos - Logroño

Distance: 27.4 km
Difficulty level: ●●●○○○○○
Accommodation: Logroño

In general, this stage runs along dirt tracks and, at the entrance to Logroño, along asphalted pedestrian lanes. Your first objective will be Sansol, from where you will descend to the Linares river valley and then ascend to Torres del Río. There you should not miss the Romanesque church of Santo Sepulcro (visits 9:00-13:00h), of Templar origin and built in the 12th century.

Between this town and Viana there is a steep terrain, with some steep descents. At the end you will reach Viana among vineyards, olive groves, almond trees and uninhabited villages. The path climbs up to the old town and the church of Santa María. From this point the Camino descends to the city of Logroño, leaving the region of Navarre to enter La Rioja. You will enter Logroño by crossing the stone bridge over the river Ebro, the largest river on the French Way.

Hostel: Winederful Hostel or similar
Standard accommodation: Hotel Condes de Haro or similar
Charming accommodation: Sercotel Portales or similar


Day 8. Discover Logroño

The eighth day is a tribute to your efforts. After a night's rest and breakfast, the services of this programme come to an end. But it is worth stopping to get to know the city.

If you can spare an extra day, we recommend an extra night to make the most of the day with cultural visits. A private tour of the city with a local guide or visit one of the historic wineries of La Rioja, where some of the best wines of this fundamental designation of origin are made and aged.


The recipe for great journeys

Natural, historical and ethnographic heritage, spectacular gastronomy, good company, slow pace and time for time. These are the ingredients with which we design trips in Viando. Are you staying at home? 

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Choose dates, type of accommodation, what services you want to hire and method of payment. You are in full control

Frequently asked questions

What to expect from this tour?
Most people who walk this section of the French Way do so with the idea of reaching Santiago by joining different sections sequentially. In this way, it is not necessary to have so many days together and the adventure becomes easier. As for the technical difficulty: although this section begins in Roncesvalles, a mid-mountain village, its general profile is relatively simple, without major slopes and suitable for people of all fitness levels.
The French Way between Roncesvalles and Logroño is open all year round. Although it can be done in the middle of winter, taking into account a series of technical conditions (more information here) and the presence of snow, the most advisable time is usually spring or the first half of autumn, when the weather is milder. It can also be done in summer.
All the stages of this route can be completed on foot, so there is no need for additional transfers. If you need transport to get to Roncesvalles from Pamplona we can include it as an optional service.
Accommodation in the following categories is available on this route: hostels and standard accommodation. You can see more information about the categories of accommodation we use in Viando. in this link.

By default and compulsory, all our programmes include travel insurance with specific coverage for the Camino de Santiago. You can see the details in the section Insurance of our website. 

All our programmes include a 24-hour telephone support service, should you need help at any time during your experience. This means that you can also contact us outside office hours (when you are on pilgrimage). 

If you want to book this programme, you have the following options available a form where you can indicate the starting date, the type of accommodation and a series of optional services. The price will be updated according to the options you choose, so you have full control. Once you have configured your trip, click on "Book" to make the payment.

Once we receive your request, you will automatically receive a proof of purchase and within 48 working hours we will contact you to confirm the details of your booking and provide you with the documentation. 

In Viando we also work with tailor-made programmes (short stages, intermediate rest days, itineraries different from those proposed, etc.). If you are looking for a Camino that meets your needs/preferences, you can ask us for a quote. here.

Mode

This label indicates the intended mode of travel, based on two typologies:

In groups

These are group trips, where you are part of a small group of people who have chosen the same destination as you. Perfect for meeting like-minded people. Group trips usually have a guide who is in charge of overseeing the dynamics of the group, revealing the secrets of the destination and, in general, making sure that everything runs smoothly.

On your own

In this type of trip you have full control: you choose the dates and the pace. In addition, they are usually trips with configurable accommodation and services. It is the perfect mode for independent and experienced travellers, as well as for private groups of friends or families.

Type of trip

This label indicates the type of trip we propose to you based on the following options:

Getaways

These are trips that concentrate all their essence in two or three days. The aim is to live a series of experiences in a specific geographical area.

Half distance

These trips offer routes that take only a few days to complete and are perfect for most people who want to enjoy an active holiday without being too physically demanding.

Long distances

This type refers to long routes, which offer a great variety of natural and human spaces to visit and which require several days, usually two weeks or more. They are routes and destinations designed to really disconnect and live the experience to the fullest.

Exploration

These are trips off the beaten track and off the beaten track. They often require certain orientation skills or offer specialised guides at the destination.

Accommodation

This label indicates the type of services (mainly accommodation) we offer on each trip, based on three categories: 

Configurable

The trip offers different types of services and categories of services that you can choose from. For example, standard or premium accommodation. 

Standard

The trips in this group do not offer configurable options. The accommodations correspond to the standard category (not luxurious, but clean and in good condition).

Premium

Trips with this label offer non-configurable options. Accommodation and other services correspond to the premium category.