Route 1

On both sides of the Pyrenees

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PAMPLONA

Welcome to the historic capital of Navarre and the starting point of this route full of flavor and culture. We begin our gourmet experience in the vibrant city of Pamplona. Enjoy a gastronomic-cultural tour of the city, whether during the San Fermín festival season or any other time of the year. It is the perfect start to a route filled with flavor, culture, and Basque-Navarrese tradition.

Activities of the Day

  • Guided walk through the old town (Accessible).

  • Visit to the Pamplona Cathedral Museum (Accessible).

  • Pintxos and wine route or dinner in the historic center.

Gastronomic Selection in Pamplona

  • Establishments with accessibility: Bar El Bosquecillo, Mesón de la Tortilla, Bar La Granja, Txirrintxa, Bar Gaucho, La Mandarra de La Ramos, Katuzarra, Baserriberri.

  • Classics and Tradition: Bar Fitero, Bar El Txoko, La Tasca de Don José, Bar El Kiosko, Bar Baviera, Café Iruña, Fika Café, Casa Otano, La Vieja Iruña.

  • Top-Tier Restaurants: Restaurante Alhambra, Castillo de Javier, Bar La Antigua Farmacia, Restaurante Txoko del Sadar, Restaurante El Colegio, Restaurante Iruña, Restaurante Enekorri, Restaurante Rodero, Restaurante Tubal.

Gastronomic Experiences in the Surrounding Area

  • Bodega Otazu (Echauri): A wine tourism experience blending art and wine, just 30 minutes from the city.

  • Casa Amezqueta (Iz): Local flavors in collaboration with regional artisans (oils, cold cuts, cheeses).

  • Amalia Herse: Artisanal pastries and traditional sweet treats made with local ingredients.

  • Haute Cuisine: Molino de Urdániz (Sabor a Banda S.L.U.).

Recommended Accommodations

  • City (Accessible): Hotel La Perla, Hotel Tres Reyes, Hotel Albret, Hotel Andía, Hotel Maisonnave, Hotel Iruña Park, Hotel Pamplona Catedral, Hotel Europa, Hotel Yoldi.

  • Natural Surroundings: Castillo de Gorraiz Hotel & Spa, Hotel Luze El Toro, Agroturismo Mari Cruz, Basoa Suites (treehouse cabins).

DAY 2: PAMPLONA – ULTZAMA VALLEY

Nature, rural experiences, golf, and gastronomy less than an hour from the capital. An ideal day to enjoy the green landscapes of the north, combining relaxation, sports, and local flavor.

Suggested Schedule

  • Transfer: Pamplona to Ultzama Valley (35–40 min).

  • Ultzama Farm School: Experience with farm animals, milking, and a dairy products workshop.

  • Walk through the Orgi Oak Forest: A route through an ancient forest (Accessible).

  • Golf Option: Ulzama Golf Club, an 18-hole course surrounded by oak groves.

  • Lunch: Restaurante Thius Navarra (Mirador de la Ultzama), specializing in local products (Accessible).

DAY 3: ULTZAMA – BAZTAN VALLEY – URDAX

Explore the cultural and mystical heart of northern Navarre.

Route Highlights

  • Elizondo: Guided walking tour through the administrative and cultural center of the valley.

  • Arizcun: Introduction to the history of the Agotes and a visit to the Santxotena Museum (Temporarily closed).

  • Amaiur: Tour of the Castle with a local guide and a visit to the interpretation center.

  • Zugarramurdi: Visit to the Witch Museum and Caves, a site full of Pyrenean legends.

  • Urdax: Short stop at the Monastery of Urdax.

  • DAY 4: URDAX – AINHOA – ESPELETTE – SARE

    Cross the border into the French Basque Country and its most picturesque villages.

    Route Highlights

    • Ainhoa: Walk through one of the most beautiful villages in France and visit the Maison du Patrimoine (150° immersive cinema).

    • Espelette: Visit to the traditional Wednesday market (dating back to the 17th century) and tasting of the famous local peppers.

    • Gastronomy: Lunch specializing in cuisine featuring Espelette pepper at Restaurante Euzkadi.

DAY 5: SARE – SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ – BIARRITZ

Coastal tradition, spectacular views, and live show cooking.

Route Highlights

  • La Rhune Train: Ascent on a 1924 rack railway train up to an altitude of 905 meters to look out over the Bay of Biscay.

  • Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Guided tour of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church and Les Halles covered market.

  • Biarritz: Walking tour through the old fishermen’s quarters, Port Vieux, and Rue Mazagran.

  • Technical Tasting: Ossau-Iraty cheese, Bayonne ham, piperade, and Irouléguy wines or Basque cider (sagardoa).

DAY 6: BIARRITZ – BAYONNE

The historical and gastronomic essence of the French Basque Country.

Route Highlights

  • Historical Visit: Saint-Mary’s Cathedral, the Old Castle (Château-Vieux), and the Town Hall.

  • Local Immersion: Exploration of the Les Halles central market to taste Bayonne ham and Basque cake.

  • Free Time: Enjoy the atmosphere along the banks of the Adour River at your own pace.

  • DAY 7: BAYONNE – SALIES-DE-BÉARN – NAVARRENX – OLORON

    The elegance of Béarn in every bite.

    Route Highlights

    • Salies-de-Béarn: The city of salt, famous for its medieval houses on stilts and its saltwater spring.

    • Navarrenx: The only village in Béarn on the list of the most beautiful villages in France, highlighting its 16th-century walls.

    • Oloron-Sainte-Marie: Visit to the Cathedral and tasting of macarons béarnais and their regional version of the gâteau basque.

  • Oloron-Sainte-Marie: Visita a la Catedral y degustación de macarons béarnais y su versión del gâteaux basque.

DAY 8: OLORON-SAINTE-MARIE – PAU

Historic vineyards and royal residences.

Route Highlights

  • “Soupçons en Jurançon” Experience: A fun adventure in the vineyards solving mysteries, including winery visits and tastings with winegrowers.

  • Pau: Walk along the Boulevard des Pyrénées with views of the mountain range.

  • Culture: Visit to the National Museum and Chateau of Pau, the birthplace of Henry IV.

DAY 9: PAU

Departure day.

Route Highlights

  • Transfer: Transfer to Pau Airport (22 min) and end of the itinerary.

SUMMARY OF ATTRACTIONS BY AREA

  • Pamplona and Surrounding Area: Cathedral of Santa María, medieval walls, the Running of the Bulls route, and Santo Domingo Market.

  • Navarrese Pyrenees: Urdax Caves, the Witch Museum of Zugarramurdi, and the Santxotena Museum in Arizcun.

  • French Coast and North: Fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Rocher de la Vierge (Rock of the Virgin) in Biarritz, and Bayonne Cathedral (UNESCO).

  • Béarn and Vineyards: Thermal town of Salies-de-Béarn, fortified city of Navarrenx, and the Royal Chateau of Pau.

HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS CALENDAR 2025

Navarre

  • Sanfermines: July 6th to 14th.

  • Croquette Week (Semana de la Croqueta): May 23rd to June 1st.

  • Feast of San Saturnino: November 29th.

French Basque Country

  • Fêtes de la Saint-Jean (Saint-Jean-de-Luz): June 19th to 23rd.

  • Fêtes de Bayonne: Late July (dates to be confirmed).

  • Pepper Festival (Fête du Piment – Espelette): October 25th and 26th.

Béarn

  • Verdets Festivals (Oloron): June 22nd and 23rd.

  • Foire de Pau: September (dates to be confirmed).

CONNECTIONS AND LINKED ITINERARIES

  • Baztan Way (Camino Baztanés): Official variant linking Bayonne with Pamplona, connecting to the French Way (Camino Francés).

  • Route of the Three Walled Cities: Joint project between Bayonne, Hondarribia, and Pamplona.

  • Witch Hunt Route: Itinerary through museums and caves linked to the transborder history of witchcraft.

Cross-Border Route

Concurso de perro pastor
Caserios
3. Amaiur (Valle Baztan)
4. Ainhoa
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6.San_juan_de_luz_drone_01