* Packages can be customized as long as they fall within the festival dates. ** We can provide airfare from anywhere in the world. *** Bull fight tickets and city tours also available.
Sample Itinerary:
July 7, 2010 - Depart to Pamplona Spain
July 8, 2010 - Arrival/pickup from airport and check into hotel. Day at leisure to relax and prepare for the wild parties! Balance of evening at leisure to enjoy the multitude of street parties and club/tapas bars. (Guide available all night upon request)
July 9, 2010 - Day to relax/recover! Evening again at leisure to enjoy the all night partying in Pamplona's old city center.
July 10, 2010 - Early wake up or meet/up with the guide (if you have pulled an "all-nighter") to see the running of the bulls (7am!) from the comfort of your VIP Balcony. Coffee/pastries and breakfast included as well as company guide. Day & Night at Leisure.
July 11, 2010 - Day at Leisure to relax or choose the tour of the city. Check out the fireworks at night followed by a night at leisure or choose the optional pub crawl with guide.
July 12, 2010 - Depart back home or to your next destination.
* City tours availalbe throughout your stay. Guides are available day/night. Pricing depends on nights/hours you would like a guide. Please call the office to speak to a Pamplona expert to get an exact quote and schedule as every group if different.
** You are free to participate in the running of the bulls at 7am any morning. You must be at least 18 years old and it is free of charge. Please note that you cannot be intoxiated and will be kicked out off the street by authorities if you are deemed to be intoxicated. People have been killed (including 2 people in 2008 so please take this seriously and ask TGW/Guides for tips if you would like to run with the bulls).
We are not liable nor encourage/discourage anyone from running with the bulls! This is at your own risk!!
The running of the bulls is one of the world's most famous and wildest events. It is held every July in northeastern Spain in the small city of Pamplona. It is known as the festival of "San Fermin" - the local patron saint of the city and it is Spain's largest festival drawing over one million people yearly and is a nationally televised event.
The festival involves the practice of running in front of live wild bulls that have been let loose on a half mile course of a sectioned-off subset of the town's streets. The Running of the Bulls is a celebration of Spanish tradition, bravado, and simply one HELL of a party!
Flight time: 8 hours from New York, 1 hour from London, 17 hours from Sydney.
Main Airports: Pamplona Airport (PNA) or Bilbao Airport (BIO) which is a two hour drive.
The city is also well connected via trains/buses.
When to go: During July's Festival (6 to 17th) or year round although the town is very sleepy all year long.
Toursit Attractions: World Famous San Fermin Festival, old city center.
Running of the Bulls Pictures:
Running of the Bulls Frequently Asked Questions:
How did this tradition of running with bulls begin? There are many theories as to the origins of this tradition but no clear answers. The origins of the running date back to the 1300's. According to popular belief the tradition began when cattle ranchers where transporting their cattle to sell them at local towns and markets.During this transportation, the ranchers would attempt to speed the process by hurrying their cattle using tactics of fear and excitement. (having bulls chase them). After years of this practice, the transportation and hurrying began to turn into a competition, as young adults would attempt to race in front of the bulls and make it safely to their pens without being overtaken.When the popularity of this practice increased and was noticed more and more by the expanding population of Spanish cities, a tradition was created and stands to this day. Where do the bulls run to? The purpose of this event is the transport of the bulls from the off-site corrals where they have spent the night, to the bullring where they would will be killed during the afternoon's bullfights.
How long is the course? The course is about 1/2 a mile long and winds through the old city streets.
How long does the running last? The running lasts only a few minutes early in the morning starting at 8:00am when the bulls are let loose.
How many people run with the bulls each day? This depends on the day but over 1000 runners will run on big days.
Is there a cost to run or any requirements? Running is free but you must be 18 and non intoxicated.(not a joke!) Do I have to run with the bulls to see this experience? No. You can either chose to run with the bulls (at your own risk) or you can also watch from the sidelines by sitting on fences or you can try to get a VIP balcony where you can see the running in relative comfort. If you choose to see the event from the barricades/fences you probably will have to be up all night and wait at least three hours before the event (5am) in order to get any sort of spot. We suggest balconies as it is more comfortable and practical than waiting all night to get a spot. Additionally, balconies provide a very unique way and a bird's eye view of the size of the event.
What is there to do in Pamplona if you don't want to run with the bulls? The actual running of the bulls (the endcierro as it is known) is very brief and is a minor part of the festivities even though the entire point of the festivites is to watch the "Encierros". In addition to watching the actual encierro, there are ample parties going on throughout the city day and night. Many people party on the streets and in the own town square drinking sangria day and night. Additionally, bars, clubs and restaurants are open and there are dozens upon dozens of bars/clubs to party at and "barhop."
How long should I stay in Pamplona? You can stay anywhere between two two seven nights. Most people are good with 3 days if they are visiting Pamplona as a "side trip" or "add on" to one of our Greece of Ibiza packages while others choose to stay 5 nights. In our opinion more than 5 nights is OVERKILL.
When should I book my package for Pamplona? Because hotels are very few (there are less then 3000 hotel rooms and over 1 million visitors) hotels are a big problem and booking early (6 months before) is a must!!! Hotels are not cheap and sell out quickly!! We recommend booking as soon as you can and setting up a payment plan with us.
Is running with the bulls really dangerous or it is all hype? It is dangerous! As recently as July 2009, a 27 year old Spaniard who had his jugular vein ripped open by an angry bull! This is no joke!! Overall about 20 people have died in the past 60 years. This number is not large considering the thousands of runners that run the course yearly, but ultimately the biggest risk is in getting trampled, tripping over another person who has fallen or having someone trip and fall in front of you. Additionally bulls can run astray and get aggressive, and there are also dangerous bottlenecks in the course in the sometimes very narrow streets. Many people are injured each year. Ultimately the danger lies in being at the wrong place at the wrong time so running is at your own risk!!!
All of the accommodations offered on our site have been personally inspected by Tours Gone Wild to uphold the utmost quality standards of our travelers. We base our selection on Service, Cleanliness, and Location. Tours Gone Wild offers 5 star, 4 star, & 3 star accommodations.
Star Level:4 | Location: Pamplona - City Center | Popularity: 1
This 4 star hotel was completely renovated in 2000. It is very conveniently located near the historical center of Pamplona, and it is perfect for visiting during the San Fermin Festival. This property is elegant and modern. It's avant-garde design, great service, and luxurious simplicity make it a great choice for an enjoyable visit to Pamplona.
Star Level:4 | Location: Pamplona - City Center | Popularity: 1
This modern white-fronted hotel is located one kilometer from Pamplona's cathedral, and ten minutes from the historical city center where the San Fermin Festival takes place. The 255 guestrooms have a modern décor, with blue tones and wood furniture.All offer wireless Internet access, phones, satellite tv,minibars, air-conditioning, complimentary toiletries and safety boxes. Rooms also feature a separate sitting area and room service is available.
Star Level:3 | Location: Pamplona - City Center | Popularity: 1
The Hotel Albret is a cozy 6 story hotel located in the modern district of Mendebaldea close to the University of Navarra and the international airport (about 3 miles). It features 110 stylish rooms with modern decor and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has satellite TV, two restaurants, and excellent service.
Star Level:3 | Location: Pamplona - City Center | Popularity: 1
The sophisticated, 3-star Maisonnave Hotel quietly sits in Pamplona’s historic old district. The century-old hotel graciously combines ancient charm with contemporary luxury and elegance. Rooms are lavishly adorned and warmly decorated to ensure the highest level of service and comfort.
Star Level:3 | Location: Pamplona - City Center | Popularity: 1
Suites Mirasierra Hotel has 45 spacious one and two bedroom suites all with beautiful city/country views. The hotel features very modern decor and all amenities of apartments (Kitchens, living rooms, washer dryers, cable television as well as free wireless internet). The hotel is conveniently located 2 miles from the terminus of the running of the bulls and only 3 miles from the international airport.
Please check out the additional services & activities provided during your stay in Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls.
Travel Insurance
Price: Varies on different factors ie age, trip cost, etc (CLICK HERE to price it out)
Travel Insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for anyone that travels with Tours Gone Wild. You never know what can happen before or during your trip. We partner up with the best Travel Insurance company in the industry to make sure our clients are taken care of. Examples of coverages include Trip Cancellation (Covers full cost of trip if you have to cancel because of a death in the family, medical reasons, etc). CLICK HERE to check out all of the policies.
VIP Balconies Price: Available upon Request (1 is already included in your package)
Our local guide will take the clients to selected balconies on the first or second floors of buildings located along the course of the Bull Run. Once there, and over a cup of coffee and some biscuits, the guide will provide a detailed description of the origins and history of the Bull Run as well as of the events immediately preceding the race. After the Run has passed by the balcony, the guide will explain each stage of the race while the clients watch a replay of the televised coverage of the whole event.
Standard Balconies Price: Available upon Request
The client will receive a pass to access the balcony from which the Bull Run will be viewed. Details of the address and time of the viewing will be provided. The balcony will be located along the course of the Bull Run.
Day & Nocturnal Guides Price: Available upon Request
A local guide will provide detailed explanations about the origins of the Fiesta and will take the clients to the historical areas of Pamplona including several sections of the Route to Santiago.
VIP Breakfasts Price: Available upon Request
Following the Bull Run, our guide will accompany the clients to the Nuevo Casino, where they will have private use of the Blue Room to enjoy their breakfast. Then the clients will have the opportunity to take part in the Casino’s traditional Espadrille Dance.
Bull Fights Price: Available upon Request
Tickets for the bullfights are sold out well in advance as the arena only holds 12,500 people. Every evening after the day's bullfight some tickets go on sale for the next evening's event at the 'taquillas' at the bull ring. A great way to purchase tickets is in advance so that you do not have to wait in line, buy expensive re-sold tickets or not be able to purchase once you are there.
These are some packages that you can add on to the current package. They are pretty close geographically so they are great additions if you want to stay longer and check out other parts of the world. We've also included other special events related to this package or in close proximity just in case you want to check them out.
Ibiza is the party capital of the world! The Ibiza Summer 2010 Package is a scaled down version of theIbiza Ultimate VIP Package. This package is offered the entire summer (Late May - End of September) and includes Airfare, Accommodation, Airport Transfers, Club Tickets, & Nightlife Consultation so that you go to the best parties. It is designed for travelers that can not travel on the Special Event dates or do not want the extreme VIP experience.
Ibiza is the party capital of the world! It's the perfect combination of great weather, beautiful people, incredible beaches, and the hippest, most sophisticated nightlife in the world. It's is definitely the can't miss destination of the summer. This is a great package because not only is it the Ultimate VIP Experience (24/7 staff, VIP Hosts, Bottle Service, Front of Line Access, & VIP Status) but you get to also join a cool group of people.
Greece is one of the world's top 20 most visited countries and its numerous islands are known as one of the world's hottest party destinations during the summer. The package starts in Athens for 2 nights, then you head to the party island of Mykonos for 3 nights followed by 2 nights to one of the most beautiful Greek Islands, Santorini. The Greece Package is our second offering to Europe (followed up by the great success of our Ibiza Trips) and gives our former and future clients more incredible packages for the summer months.
6538 Collins Ave #370 Miami Beach, FL 33141 Local Phone: (786) 522-3667 Toll Free: 1.877.456.WILD(9453) UK Phone: +44 20 33719356 Mon - Fri, 9:00am - 6:30pm EST
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This 4 star hotel was completely renovated in 2000. It is very conveniently located near the historical center of Pamplona, and it is perfect for visiting during the San Fermin Festival. This property is elegant and modern. It's avant-garde design, great service, and luxurious simplicity make it a great choice for an enjoyable visit to Pamplona.
This modern white-fronted hotel is located one kilometer from Pamplona's cathedral, and ten minutes from the historical city center where the San Fermin Festival takes place. The 255 guestrooms have a modern décor, with blue tones and wood furniture.All offer wireless Internet access, phones, satellite tv,minibars, air-conditioning, complimentary toiletries and safety boxes. Rooms also feature a separate sitting area and room service is available.
The Hotel Albret is a cozy 6 story hotel located in the modern district of Mendebaldea close to the University of Navarra and the international airport (about 3 miles). It features 110 stylish rooms with modern decor and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has satellite TV, two restaurants, and excellent service. 
Ibiza is the party capital of the world! The Ibiza Summer 2010 Package is a scaled down version of the 
Ibiza is the party capital of the world! It's the perfect combination of great weather, beautiful people, incredible beaches, and the hippest, most sophisticated nightlife in the world. It's is definitely the can't miss destination of the summer. This is a great package because not only is it the Ultimate VIP Experience (24/7 staff, VIP Hosts, Bottle Service, Front of Line Access, & VIP Status) but you get to also join a cool group of people. 
Greece is one of the world's top 20 most visited countries and its numerous islands are known as one of the world's hottest party destinations during the summer. The package starts in Athens for 2 nights, then you head to the party island of Mykonos for 3 nights followed by 2 nights to one of the most beautiful Greek Islands, Santorini. The Greece Package is our second offering to Europe (followed up by the great success of our Ibiza Trips) and gives our former and future clients more incredible packages for the summer months. 