Aragones

LOURDES TO PAMPLONA
VIA TOLOSANA AND CAMINO ARAGONES
22 June - 7 July 2019

NB: This route requires a higher level of fitness than the Camino routes.

We are thrilled to be able to offer this stunningly beautiful walk - a route less travelled through majestic landscapes and historic villages.

We will meet in the pilgrimage town of Lourdes in the south of France, visiting the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the shrine of Bernadette, and take part in a candlelight procession.

We will walk to Betharram, Arudy and Oloron Ste Marie on the Via Tolosana, after which we turn south to Sarrance, Borce and the Somport Pass. [1640m ]

Camino Aragones vs Camino Frances
This stunningly beautiful Camino route, crossing the lush green forests of the French Pyrenean hills and the drier, rugged landscapes of Northern Aragon, is suitable for the fit and adventurous.
The Camino Aragones is more demanding than the Camino Frances. At times there is more like ‘hiking’ than walking and experienced hikers will definitely have an advantage. As with the Camino Frances the paths can be muddy or rocky in parts requiring concentration plus mental and physical effort. In a few places you might have to cross a stream or a ditch. Then again, if you choose the road option, which you can do in places, you need to be aware of traffic as you may be on main roads with narrow or no shoulder, and you might also experience the effects on your feet of walking on hard road surfaces.
Passing through remote areas it is less populated and even though this is also an ancient trail it is less well developed. You have fewer options for coffee and eating stops, often nothing at all along the way, (supply your own), and sometimes only one option for the evening meal.
The routes are less well marked, and you are unlikely to encounter anyone if you need to ask the way. In general you encounter far fewer pilgrims and little or no litter. The contrasting landscapes, superb monasteries and outstanding museums on this route make it well worthwhile the effort of walking it, but you will need a good level of fitness and endurance in order to enjoy it.

Excursions:

From Jaca we will visit the mystical monastery of San Juan de la Pena, tucked into the mountain under an enormous overhanging rock. This was the home of the Holy Grail until it was transferred to Valencia in the 15th century.
We spend a night in Leyre where we can visit the Monastery, one of the most attractive and enchanting monuments in Navarre. It is the tomb of many ancient monarchs of Navarre.
On the way to Sanguesa we will visit the birthplace/castle/museum/church of St. Francis Xavier

OUR WALK INFORMATION

Limited to 12 people
Group accommodation is limited, therefore we might have to share twin rooms in some of the places. Although we walk to Artieda in Spain, we will taxi the group to Leyre (on the alternative route) and will spend a night there. The next day we will walk to Sanguesa.

The walk starts with welcome and orientation get together in Lourdes.  This group will be accompanied by a Group Leader for the duration of the walk.

Cost: from €1295 (2018 price - if any hotels increase prices or tax in January 2019 we will have to pass this on).
It includes 15 nights accommodation in shared rooms, visits to the famous station at Canfrance de Estacion and by taxi to San Juan de la Pena; a Spanish credencial, luggage tags, and amaWalkers guide book.
If you want a single room [where they are available] a single supplement will be charged.

Luggage transfers are optional - approximately €105.

Not included:

Flights to Europe: Your flights to France or Spain. Getting to the start, travel insurance (essential), food and drinks.

Daily spending:   You can budget on €30 - €40 per day for food, drinks, snacks, entrance to museums etc.
Allow ± €25 per day for food: €3 - €5 for breakfast, €5 - €10 for lunch and €12 - €15 for dinner and a drink (wine, water and bread is generally provided with a meal). If you choose the A La Carte menu, your meals could cost more.
Allow ± €10 per day for incidentals such as entrance fees to museums or cathedrals, alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Taxis usually charge €1 to €1.2 per km.

Getting there:
From the UK, fly to Lourdes
From other countries, fly to Toulouse or Pau. Train or bus to Lourdes.

There are two buses a day from Toulouse, the first is Flexibus which departs from the Toulouse Gare Routiere at 07h00, has a change at Tarbes arriving in Lourdes at 09.38 costing €11.90.   The other is direct on Ouibus departing from Toulouse Blvd. Pierre Semard at 8.15 am that arrives in Lourdes at 11h30 costing €12.00

From South Africa:
Fly Iberia Johannesburg to Toulouse, returning from Madrid to Johannesburg. (Approx. R9500)

PROVISIONAL STAGES
Lourdes to Bertharram    17 km
Arudy 23.4km
Oloron Ste Marie 23.5 km
Sarrance 22 km
Borce 22 km
Somport Pass 16.4km
Villanua 23 km
Jaca 15 km
Santa Cruz 15.2 km
Puente la Reina de Jaca 13km
Artieda 21.7 km
[taxi to Leyre]
Sangüesa 17 km
Abinzano 17 km
Guerendiáin 17 km
Puente la Reina 22 km
Bus to Pamplona
Total km   290

To go on the waiting list, please send us the contact form below

As we have to work in Euros, but pay from our South African Rand (ZAR), all costs are listed in Euros. Rate of exchange is €/ZAR

Click on each photograph below for large views