Getting There & Back
How do I get to the Chapter 1 – The Beginning Tour starting point?
Pamplona, Spain is the official starting point of the Chapter 1: Camino de Santiago tour and can be reached via train, or bus. Traveling from either Madrid or Barcelona, one can choose between the train (RENFE) or the bus (ALSA). For a sample of prices and timetables, please see:
RENFE Train – Madrid to Pamplona & Barcelona to Pamplona
ALSA Bus – Madrid to Pamplona & Barcelona to Pamplona
How can I purchase my bus or train tickets beforehand?
The RENFE website can be a bit temperamental. Therefore, we recommend Omio website for purchasing tickets. Omio is a travel booking platform with more than 1,000 trusted partners across trains, buses, and airport transfers. Search, compare and book all in one place so you can focus on the journey.
Keep in mind, the sale of train tickets depends on RENFE’s scheduling and some routes cannot be purchased until approximately 30 to 60 days prior to departure – please be patient. Schedules and availability are also subject to change based on train maintenance needs.
How do I get from Logroño to Madrid and other cities?
There are now RENFE trains that will get you from Logroño to Madrid in less than 4 hours. While routes and availability may vary upon time of booking, there are several daily trains from Logroño to Madrid.
How do I get from Madrid Airport to the city center?
If your flight flies into Madrid’s T-4 (Aeropuerto T-4) terminal, you have a local Cercanias train that will get you from the airport to the Atocha and Chamartín train station in 25-30 minutes. These trains leave the T-4 station more or less every half an hour. For more information, please visit RENFE Train.
In addition, there is an express bus that services all terminals at the airport with the Atocha Train Station.
On the Road
What is the weather like on Chapter 1 – The Beginning Tour?
Fresco Tours Chapter 1: Camino de Santiago Tour covers the first 144 km of the Camino Frances. Here we enjoy a more temperate climate, and it is generally cooler than other parts of the Camino de Santiago and Spain in the summer.
Visit these links for current and average monthly temperatures of Pamplona and Logroño.
What is a typical day like on Chapter 1 – The Beginning Tour?
After breakfast, we lace up and get the blood going with a walk for a couple hours, where we will do a check point to make sure that everything is OK. You then continue along the Camino for another 1-2 hours where you will come across a complete gourmet picnic prepared with the freshest local ingredients. On some days, we continue for 1-2 hours more after lunch to burn off dessert.
In the afternoon, we go to our hotels, where we take a shower, siesta and just relax! We finish our day with a glass of tinto and a feast of the local gastronomy. We then retire for the night and get ready to do it again! On some afternoons, we have planned excursions, such as a visit to an ancient monastery or perhaps a massage!
Does the group stop for breaks on Chapter 1 – The Beginning Tour?
The great thing about the Camino is that it is very well-marked and we encourage people to walk at a pace that is comfortable for them – this is not a race! We want you to enjoy the route and we also like to stop with our clients for a coffee or cerveza along the way and take everything in!
What is the terrain like on Chapter 1 – The Beginning Tour?
On this part of the Camino, the terrain will have some descents and climbs, combined with stretches of flat ground. The trail is a combination of compact dirt and stone footpaths and small country roads.
What is the change in elevation on Chapter 1 – The Beginning Tour?
We will be walking from Roncesvalles to Logroño, the first 144 km of the Camino de Santiago. For a detailed map of the distances between towns along the Camino and their respective altitudes, please click here.
How many kilometers are walked each day on Chapter 1 – The Beginning Tour?
The number of kilometers scheduled for each day ranges from 14 km to 22 km. We have designed this tour to allow the possibility to walk the first 144 km from Roncesvalles. However, the walks are accompanied by a support vehicle and options for less (or more!) km’s are possible on a daily basis. We can tailor the Camino to suit your needs!
Will I be able to do laundry on Chapter 1 – The Beginning Tour?
On Chapter 1 – the Beginning Tour we offer a Fresco Tours laundry service roughly halfway through the trip where you can send your clothes to the laundromat to have them washed and dried. In addition, some hotels will have the capability to do laundry on the premises or you can use local laundromats whenever you’d like. We also recommend that you bring quick-drying clothes that you can handwash and dry overnight at the hotel if all else fails!
Before You Go / Preparing
What type of shoes do I need to walk Chapter 1 – The Beginning Tour?
Footwear is a very personal question – depending on how active you are and how much support you will need. Since we will be walking on a daily basis on the Camino de Santiago, I believe that comfort is key – you do not want to get blisters. You probably won’t need a full high boot that covers your ankle (unless you need this support), but rather light trail walkers or even running shoes if you are used to walking. In the spring, there may be mud and water along the trail, so keep that in mind. Most important: Make sure that they are well broken in!
What sort of conditioning do I need to undertake before Chapter 1 – The Beginning Tour?
We encourage you to walk before and be prepared for your own enjoyment. However, this is your vacation and not boot camp! During your walk, one of the two guides will be on the trail with the group to ensure that all is well. Additionally, we have planned check points along the way with our support van to make sure you have plenty of water, offer you need a change of shoes, or if you just feel like taking a break. In most cases, you will see the van at a minimum every couple of hours.
