Europe

Pure Bulls

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Where else in the world does a modern cities major tradition consist of deconstructing most rules, putting on a huge city-wide street party, partying all night and then releasing angry bulls into a street circuit that winds up through the old-town into the bullring- chasing local Basques and tourist alike?

Whilst the bull run is certainly the most internationally renowned event of the festival of San Fermin, there is much more to San Fermin than running bulls. The festival of San Fermin has been an annual event since the middle-ages and was originally intended to celebrate the patron saint of Pamplona. Nowadays, despite the preservation of traditions such as the opening day procession, San Fermin represents a wild Basque celebration of 750 000 revelers manifested in red-wine, ‘Kalimotxo’, the mandatory white t-shirt and red bandana and daily traditions dating back hundreds of years.

Our accommodation is located 10 mins from the centre of Pamplona city. Every night at the campsite features a live band and a rocking party of 3000 other students and backpackers alike from all over the world…and then of course there is Europe’s largest city festival buzzing along just 10 mins down the road. You just can’t help but get swept up by these ancient celebrations. Tents and Mattresses are set-up and ready for your arrival.

The entire crowd lifts their red scarves in unison and goes crazy. Happy times!

Day 1
Morning Pick-up from either San Sebastian @ 09:30 AM (seaside resort city 1 hr away) or Pamplona Bus Sation 10:30 AM. Arrive at the S-Trip campsite in time for a BBQ, a siesta and a tour of the bull-run concourse. Party that night at the campsite with 3000 other students and backpackers with a live-band. Unlimited Beer & Sangria is available at the campsite for 5 Euro/day.

Day 2
06:00 AM Dig into a huge breakfast in preparation for the day ahead. It’s an early rise today as the bull-run commences at 08:00 AM. Whether you’re observing or participating it’s good to get in there early to get the best-spots. You’ll either return to the campsite swimming pool in the afternoon or party on throughout the day and familiarize yourself with Pamplona’s magic. With your guides, check out the town hall celebration, the giant-man street procession and the statue diving.

Day 3
Take-it easy this morning and prepare yourself for the all-night party ahead. Fire-works commence in the main park at 11:00 PM. There will be champagne and sangria raining all-over, a kind of flour and corn meal thrown everywhere and any of the 750,000 partyers are your best friend.

Day 4
Recuperation day. Afternoon drop-off available for San Sebastian or Pamplona so that you can get to you next destination....or you can perk up and party on in Pamplona for extra nights.
*This is a suggested Itinerary. Bull-runs take place everyday and the party is equally amazing each night for 9 consecutive nights.

Trip includes
Daily all-you-can-eat breakfasts. Camping Accommodation set up for your arrival. BBQ dinner every second day. Expert local guiding. A festival within a festival atmosphere and international crowd. Un-limited Beer & Sangria for 5 euros/day! Surf Camp nearby (see Beaches and Bulls Tour). Contact the S-Trip crew directly for information on Pick-ups from Barcelona.

Highlights
Interaction
***
Culture-Shock
****
Experience
*****
Nightlife
*****
Trip Info
  • Trip Dates
    Your trip can start any day from 05 Jul 2009 - 09 Jul 2009
  • Duration
    4
  • Starting Price
    $260
  • Countries Visited
    Basque Country
  • Language
    Spanish, Euskera (Basque)
  • Currency
    Euro
  • Travel Time to Starting Point
    From Vancouver: About 9 hrs to London and 1.5 hrs from London to start,
    From Toronto: About 7 hrs to London and 1.5 hrs from London to start
  • Climate
    Temperate. Summer - 17-30 degrees Celsius.
  • Transportation
    Highway Coach
  • Accommodation Type
    Twin share tents/w mattresses in campground
  • Group Size (Maximum/Minimum)
    NA
  • Starting Point
    Pickup from San Sebastian or Pamplona
  • Finishing Point
    Drop off in San Sebastian or Pamplona
Travel Info
  • Passport
    A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to travel on this itinerary. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.
  • Visas
    Please note that visas are not required for those traveling on a Canadian Passport for this trip. This visa information is correct at the time of writing however, visa requirements can change and you should check with the relevant visa office before departure.
  • Health Insurance
    Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been provided.
  • Additional Information
    This trip is for the adventurous independent traveller, to fully experience the festival you must be prepared to immerse yourself in the local traditions.