My husband and I used RunningOfTheBulls.com to book our July 2017 Pampalona experience. From the very beginning, it felt like we were the only clients of Mark. Mark and his teams responces were always detailed and prompt. 110% suggest this company to anyone from new travelers to experenced travelers. I really loved the feeling of still being "independent" during the day but for the 'major' things like finding our balcony, Mark walked the group of us right to the doors! We opted to sign up for almost everything that was offered, but never felt obligated to! Huge Plus! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that if you are going to do it...REALLY DO IT! Mark & Team provided a website & app that had our customized itinerary that had maps, addresses, overviews of everything. So helpful in a busy lively environment. I will be telling the story of the incredible experience of Pamplona for the rest of my life! Our itinerary review:•Private Car Shuttle: We had a driver waiting for us with a sign and our name in the train station - couldn't miss it! Drove the both of us in a black Mercedes to the hotel. The train stations were packed so not having to worry about finding a taxi was a relief! •Hotel: Castillo de Gorraiz - luxurious. Hotel staff very friendly and accommodating! Upon arrival, Lynette was seated in the lobby and was able to answer any of our questions about transport, tickets, balconies, meeting times etc. Hotel set out an expresso machine each morning for the folks going to the bull run since it was earlier than their breakfast. Far enough out of the city to get a good nights rest. A+!•Bull Run Route Tour: We met with Dennis, a seasoned runner. We weren't planning on running, but we knew so little about the running of the bulls that we tried to soak up all the information we could. This was great to do prior to seeing the run because you knew exactly where the bulls were housed the night before, where they were running from, what the cannons meant, etc. highly recommend even for non runners!! •Dinner & Fireworks: Dinner was a great way to meet a few fellow travelers and have some familiar faces around town. The cocktail hour/welcome drink time had a flamenco dancer and singer that was just a wonderful experience! The fireworks from the rooftop were the best place to be! Since my husband and I had a long following day we left a little early to grab the shuttle and the streets were packed! So we know from both locations - the roof is the place to be!•Balcony: WOW! What an adrenaline rush! Superior spot right at the corner of Estafeta!! Each spot had a English speaking host and ours provided coffee and pastries. •Hemingway Breakfast: DELICIOUS! Here you could talk about the run with other fellow travelers, swap videos/pictures. The run is so quick you don't have enough hands to get everything! The lines other places were SO LONG and chaotic that having something planned really helped. •Torero Training & Bull Ranch Tour: We were able to actually get in the 'ring' with baby calves and learn the techniques of the matadors. The food they provided was so bad, I ate all the sausages in sacrifice for everyone else (obviously sarcasm). This was so fun and a great way to spend the afternoon away from the party - bar scene. • Bullfighting 101: This was a last minute booking for us since I was VERY skeptical about the bullfights in general. Figured...let me prepare myself with education and knowledge and see where it takes me. This was the BEST thing I could have done to prepare for the bull fight. During this hour you learn about the religious history and what to expect. The hour long meeting with Alexander outlined the three acts of the fight, what each one symbolizes and the purpose of it. If you do anything "extra" DO THIS! • Bullfight....like I said earlier, I was VERY skeptical. I honestly didn't think I would be able to watch this. I fully expected myself to dig my eyes into my husbands shoulder and leave crying. After going to the bullfighting 101, I looked more at this event as an art (right?? a complete 180). We opted for the Palco seats because if you are going to go - why not go all out? These were great because they had actual seats to sit in, and had a bathroom for the Palco area (always a plus). You sit close to the president of the arena, so the action of the matadoras were always in your direction. Hope you find all this info helpful!!
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Running of the Bulls, Inc. has hosted over 16,500 people at the World's Largest Fiesta™. We have 35 guides on the ground to support our guests, a smartphone app to help them navigate, Pamplona, and the largest selection of balconies, bullfight tickets, hotel rooms and tours.
