After thoroughly exploring the Old Town section of San Sebastian, we return to the tour bus, pausing for ice creams on the way. The bus then transports us to our accommodation for two nights: the Parador de Argomaniz.

The Parador's bedrooms are located in modern buildings sympathetically added to an elegant 16th-Century Renaissance palace in a rural village. There are views over the surrounding countryside - and the hotel is next to a cherry orchard.

 

Today we visit Pamplona, the location of the famous bull-run that takes place every year in July during the  San Fermin fiestas. A major part of the bull-run is along the Calle de la Estafeta and ends at the bullring (right) the third largest (after Madrid and Mexico City) in the world.

Pamplona is the capital of Navarre, one of Spain's 19 autonomous communities/cities. It has its own Police Force (the Policia Foral - left). The city's largest square is the Plaza del Castillo (above and right) where one of Ernest Hemingway's haunts (the Cafe Iruna) is situated - which we visit twice in the day, first for coffee and later for pinchos (tapas).

Statue of Ernest Hemingway in the Cafe Iruna.

Pilgrims, such as the one below, are guided on their route by a profusion of 'scallop shell' signs.

Pamplona's City Hall (left) is one of its many fine buildings, some of which boast splendid balconies that provide excellent viewpoints during the bull runs.