Baztanese Camino

  • Starting Point
    Bayonne
  • Next Date
    18th Sep, 2023
    18th Sep, 2023 9th Oct, 2023 6th May, 2024 3rd Jun, 2024
  • Trip Type
  • Activities
  • Group Size (max.)
    16 pax
From 2.950 €

Walking: 109 km / 68 miles

Trip Enquiry
Trip Code :CT-BC
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THE SAINT JAMES WAY THROUGH THE VALLEY OF BAZTAN

A magnificent walking experience and also, a cultural and gastronomic thrill.   The Saint James Way through the Baztán Valley is one of the oldest Jacobean routes. During the Middle Ages, it was a very busy route for pilgrims and merchants from Northern Europe who chose it for the effortless passage of the Pyrenees. The Baztanese Camino, forgotten for decades, has resurfaced strongly in recent years for its itinerary and the natural beauty of its landscapes with meadows and impressive oak and beech forests.   Basque in this exciting Camino, discovering the history and ancient traditions of this land, preserved and transmitted by its inhabitants; their sports, such as Jai Alai or those whose origins are the daily activities carry out at the baserri, Basque farmhouse; also, the popular architecture of its picturesque towns and villages with farms carved in reddish stone. Not forgetting the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque churches, medieval bridges, towers, palaces and ethnographic vestiges, all of them witnesses of an important past. Finally, indulge yourself savoring the fabulous gastronomy of this area, a plus on this trip.   The Baztanese Camino begins at the cathedral of Bayonne, in the French Basque Country, where three Caminos, Northern, French and Baztanese, converge. With our boots on and the credential stamped, we follow the banks of the Nive river. Crossing the Atlantic Pyrenees, the Camino reaches the magical Valley of Baztán where we discover its mysterious witchcraft legends. The Baztán river is the backbone of this valley, gives its name to it and also to this Camino. After 109 kilometers/68 miles walked, we reach the city of Pamplona joining the French Way.

Walking: 109 km / 68 miles

Itineraries

Day 1

BAYONNE (French Basque Country)

In the afternoon, we meet at our hotel in Bayonne to enjoy a welcome meeting. After reviewing all the details of our tour, we stroll through the magnificent old town, the Jewish quarter, the Cathedral, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, and other main places of the city. Our day ends with an early dinner, a gastronomic experience in a typical Basque restaurant

- Accommodation: Bayonne / D /

Day 2

BAYONA – USTARITZ

With our boots on and the credential stamped, we´ll wish each other Buen Camino!! the greeting exchanged by pilgrims. Our first stage begins at the gates of the beautiful Cathedral of Bayonne, built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Crossing the Rue d'Espagne, we will follow the banks of the Nive River and begin to enjoy the smooth orography and sceneries of the French-Basque rural area. Our stage ends at the main door of the Ustaritz church. This is a short and comfortable stage dotted with mild hills where we discover beautiful landscapes and start connecting with the soul of this amazing Camino.

- Walking: 14,3 km/8.8 miles

- Accommodation: Itxassou / B, D /

Day 3

USTARITZ – URDAX

Leaving behind the banks of the Nive river, the hills alternate with forests of oaks, chestnut trees and meadows of great beauty. Following the "Voie du Baztán" signs, we cross the charming villages of Souraïde and Aïnhoa, producing area of the famous red peppers, qualified denomination of origin, so appreciated in gastronomy. Once we cross the Pyrenees, we enter Spain and following the famous yellow arrows, we reach Urdax, a milestone on this Camino and the end of our stage.

- Walking: 21,2 km / 13.2 miles

- Accommodation: Urdax / B, D /

Day 4

URDAX – ELIZONDO

Today we cross the Baztán Valley, which gives its name to this Camino. Ascending to the misty pass of Otsondo, passage of armies, caravans of merchants and also of kings in the Middle Ages, to descend on a gorgeous walk towards Amaiur-Maya, a village with a wonderful popular architecture. The Camino continues along old roads and bridges until reaching the hermitage of Santiago and, shortly after, Arizkun, with an impressive baroque convent. In the final part of our stage, and following a parallel walk to the Baztán River, we reach Elizondo, capital of the valley and devoted to Saint James. Here, we discover not only its many palaces and stately reddish stone houses but also, its famous chocolates, a good reward for our effort!!

- Walking: 18,8 km /11.7 miles

- Accommodation: Arizkun / B, D /

Day 5

ELIZONDO–VENTA DE SAN BLAS

Today, we say goodbye to Elizondo and following its main street we cross over the Baztan River, heading towards Irurita, a village with magnificent civil architecture. Ascending to a viewpoint, we enjoy amazing views of the valley. After walking through several forests and meadows dotted with "metas", fern piled on a beech stick that once dry was used as a bed for cattle, we arrive at the Venta de San Blas, which preserves the spirit of the old pilgrim hospitals, our end of stage.

- Walking: 15 km / 9,5 miles

- Accommodation: Almandoz-Arizkun /B, D /

Day 6

VENTA DE SAN BLAS –ETULAIN

We start walking through a beautiful beech forest and observing stone huts for cattle. An old Roman road take us to another hermitage devoted to Santiago. Shortly after, we leave the Baztan Valley behind to discover the Ultzama Valley. Through magical forests we reach the 12th century hospital of Santa Maria de Belate and shortly after, Lantz, well-know for its ancient ethnographic carnival and beautiful houses. This village has never exceeded 300 inhabitants, like most of the villages of these valleys. Blackthorns border the path that leads us to a forest of oaks and beech trees through which we reach Etulain.

- Walking: 19,2 km / 12 miles

- Accommodation: Urdax / B, D /

Day 7

ETULAIN–PAMPLONA

Only 16 kilometers separate us from the medieval bridge of Trinidad, where the Baztanese Camino connects with the French Camino, and 20km to reach our final destination: Pamplona. Today, the valleys of Obieta, Olaibar and Ezkabarte are waiting for us to discover pine and boxwood forests, tiny towns with 16th-century houses, Romanesque and Gothic churches and medieval bridges, before arriving at the walls of the bastion of Our Lady of Guadalupe. After crossing its drawbridge and the Portal de Francia, the Gateway of France, we reach the Cathedral of Pamplona, where our Baztanese Camino converge the French Camino. This is the time to say, Congratulations, well-done!! After checking in our hotel we have time to relax or wander the city. The old town of Pamplona awaits us with its bars full of ´pintxos´or ´tapas´ and magnificent Navarran wines, a well-deserved reward for your effort!!
Tonight we enjoy a Farewell dinner in a great atmosphere restaurant.

- Walking: 20,9 km / 13 miles

- Accommodation: Pamplona /B, D/ *Farewell dinner

Day 8

PAMPLONA

Pamplona, founded by the Roman General Pompey in the year 74 BC, is one of the main stops on the French Camino de Santiago. Pamplona is a city rich in history, with an architecture that reflects this past and several buildings considered "Asset of Cultural Interest". Life flows through lively streets full of shops, restaurants and bars. After breakfast, we enjoy a guided tour of the city, famous throughout the world for the running of the bulls. Unfortunately, this visit will be the end of our services, see you soon!

- Walking: No long distance walking

- Services: Breakfast and guided tour in Pamplona

  • Two bilingual guides
  • Charming and comfortable accommodations
  • All breakfasts and dinners
  • Support vehicle along the Camino
  • Daily transportation of your luggage
  • Daily information about the stage to walk
  • Guided tour in Pamplona
Groups of less than 8 people, will be accompany by only one guide. The possibility of walking a shorter distance will be available at the points where the stage allow it. It will be explained daily. If you have a “private group”, just tell us your ideas and we will tailor a tour that will suit all your interests and needs.   The tour price for 2022 is approximate.  The necessary adjustments will be made in early 2022.
  • Airfare to and from Spain and luggage surplus charges
  • Visa fees, airport taxes and departure fees.
  • Transport to tour starting point and onward from tour ending point
  • Personal car rental
  • Medical expenses
  • Laundry service expenses.
  • Any kind of tips
  • Phone calls and/or faxes expenses
  • Personal bar bills, or items consumed via room service or from hotel minibar refrigerators.
  • Entrance charges for any museums or other organized activities which are not specified as included costs in tour itinerary
  • Any charges in excess of those covered by the prepaid packages.
baztanese camino
baztanese camino
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