El Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage in France and Spain

Arrive in the sophisticated coastal town of Biarritz, located in southwestern France, where you will meet your local guides and prepare for your unique pilgrimage along the historic El Camino de Santiago ahead. Take advantage of this relaxing day as you take a stroll along the fantastic beach, stopping at the outcrop of Rocher de la Vierge for incredible views. Continue your stroll down to the main beach of Grande Plage and soak up some sun as you mentally prepare for the journey ahead!

Rise early for breakfast and an hour-long drive to Saint Jean Pied de Port where you will begin your pilgrimage at the starting point of the Camino Frances. Spend the first part of the morning exploring the historic cobblestone streets and unique ancient houses as you make your way to the Pilgrim’s Office to get your Camino passport. Soak up the enthusiastic atmosphere from other pilgrims from all over the world before you officially embark on this enlightening journey across the Camino and just over the border to Spain. The journey officially begins once you arrive from Saint Jean Pied de Port on a 25 km trek to the next stop of Roncesvalles.

Wake early for breakfast after a restful sleep following the excitement of the first day’s trek and head out to explore Roncesvalles, located in the beautiful Navarra forest. Learn the history of the defeat of the French army in the Battle of Roncesvalles in the 11th century while visiting the monument to the fallen. Make a stop at the famous Collegiate Church for the novel “blessing of the pilgrim” ceremony before setting off on today’s journey. Get ready for the 22 km odyssey ahead taking you to your next stop, Zubiri! 

Enjoy an early breakfast before heading into the small village of Zubiri to take a walk across the famous medieval bridge over the Arga River to connect and share stories with other pilgrims. Enjoy some local tapas in the village before making your final crossing over to Pamplona, a distance of 21 km. Upon reaching Pamplona, earn your stamp in your Camino passport from Cathedral de Santa Maria and get checked in to your accommodation for the night. Think you were going to take it easy? Head out with the group for a celebratory toast and world-famous cuisine as a reward in completing your 69 km pilgrimage and meet other pilgrims on their journey.

Explore the charming, historical town of Pamplona, which is renowned for the Running of the Bulls festival, aka the Fiesta de San Fermín. Enjoy the relaxed pace of life here as you explore its medieval walls and narrow streets, stopping for tapas along the way. Catch a reenactment of battle scenes at the town’s fortress and learn about the history of this charming Spanish town. Immerse yourself in the local social life in Plaza del Castillo, the city’s main square, as you partake in an intercambio, or language exchange and make new lifelong friends. 

Today, head to the charming port city of Bilbao, which is surrounded by lush mountains and landscapes in the far north of Spain. Explore this industrial city’s art district as you marvel at the incredible works housed at the Guggenheim Museum. After getting your dose of art, eat your way through Bilbao’s plentiful pintxos bars that are spread out all over the city and are world renowned. Take your time wandering the streets of the Old Town known as Casco Viejo as you make your way to the Plaza Nueva and churches of San Anton and San Nicolas. Don’t miss the sunset with a view at the top of Mount Artxanda for breathtaking panoramas. 

Enjoy one final breakfast and stroll through the lively city of Bilbao before being transported to the airport to catch your return flight home. ¡Buen Viaje!