White Rose ToursPortugal and Spain
Tour Details
Duration
13 Nights
Tour Area
Portugal and N. Spain
Type
Escorted (E)
Accommodation
Paradors, Pousadas & 4 star Hotels
Mileage
150-200 miles per day
Tour Mileage
1500 miles
Roads
Combination of Motorway, A, B and Mountain Roads
Skills
Suitable for experienced rider who has ridden on the continent before
Fantastic roads, scenery and excellent accommodation
Portugal and Spain has become an annual pilgrimage for us, and is a firm favourite with our customers, so we are always happy to return whenever possible. This year we are spending more time in the north of Spain, known as 'Green Spain' which encompasses the lovely regions of Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia.
The tour uses the Brittany Plymouth to Santander ferry return which considerably reduces our travelling time. (see travel choice). On arrival we head westwards along the top of Spain before turning south to enter Portugal. Our first stop in Portugal will be a 2 night stop in the the medieval city of Guimaraes. Suitable relaxed we pass through the Douro wine region to Viseu a historic city which gives us easy access to Portugal's highest roads in the Serra da Estrela Mountains. This 3 night stop gives us the opportunity to enjoy the views and ride the fantastic mountain roads of the mountains. We enter back into Spain via the roads of the lovely Douro River valley, stopping just over the border, before completing our tour with a further 3 night stop in the Picos de Europa.
See previous tour pictures to Spain and Portugal in our website gallery.
This is an Escorted Tour which means that although the guide will be with you, you are responsible for doing your own navigation. We provide a Tour Pack which will include a full itinerary, suggested route directions, Gpx waypoints and hotel location. This system suits many people, as it allows them to ride at their own pace and style, either alone or in small groups. However, if you prefer, you may ride with the guide, who will act as your escort throughout the tour.
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Tour prices are inclusive of the following |
| * Plymouth - Santander return with 2/4 berth en-suite cabin (for two) both ways |
| *11 Nights' en-suite accommodation at Paradors, Pousadas & hotels |
| * 3 Evening meals (see note 1) |
| * 11 Regional breakfasts |
| * Full use of the hotels' leisure facilities |
| * Route notes as appropriate - Gpx satnav routes |
| * Guided Day tours |
| * Services of experienced Tour Guides (Chris, Dave & John) |
| Not included |
| * Meals onboard ferry |
| * Evening meals as indicated |
| * Parking charges where applicable |
Accommodation
Those of you who have travelled in Spain and Portugal before will no doubt be aware that the Pardaors and Pousadas offer some of the finest accommodation available. Many of these hotels are converted palaces, castles, convents or monasteries. All hotel bedrooms are en-suite with the usual facilities, such as TV, telephone and hairdryer. Many have Air-Conditioning, fridges, balconies, and Wi-Fi access. It would take too long to itemise the entire different hotels' facilities, however items such as fitness rooms, spa, sauna and swimming pools where available, are all included, so we suggest you take your swimming gear. All other hotels will be of 4 star quality, maintaining the standards you have come to expect from us.
Note 1. In Spain and Portugal, it is the normal practice to eat quite late - evening meals will be traditional regional menus and mainly meat-based. Although we will do our best to obtain an alternative, vegetarians should be aware that the choice can be very limited. We have purposely not included dinner some nights, as it gives you more time to explore and I know you like to enjoy the ambience of the local restaurants and bars.
The tour itinerary is based on Brittany Ferries Plymouth to Santander crossing. (See travel choice)
Wednesday 11th September: Today we board the Pont Aven, Brittany's flagship ferry from Plymouth to Santander. (note:1545hrs departure).
Thursday 12th September (120 miles): on arrival we follow the coastline through Cantabria to our first nights destination in Oviedo, the capital city of Asturias. The hotel facilities include a swimming pool and is located just a 10 minute walk from the historic centre. 4 star Hotel, Dinner, B&B
Friday 13th September (200 miles): continuing southwards we pass through the Montes de Leon. There is the opportunity to visit the 'Templars Castle' at Ponferrada. Built in the 12th century it was named after the Knights of the Templar who protected the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Entering Galicia we stay the night in a former 17th century Benedictine Monastery which enjoys unrivalled views across the countryside. 4 star Parador, Dinner B&B.
Saturday 14th September (150 miles): we start the day with a visit to the Canyon de Sil. Stretching some 35 kilometres and containing the river Sil its vertical walls rise up over the water, reaching a height of almost five hundred metres at some points. These slopes guide the river round wide bends and meanders, offering some of Galicia’s most magical spots. Riding the roads of the Serra da Peneda-Geres NP we enter Portugal and end our day in the beautiful city of Guimaraes. We leave you to dine out in one of the many restaurants. 4 star Pousada, B&B.
Sunday 15th September (free day): Guimarães is known for its rich history including a magnificent Gothic monastery, a heavily fortified castle and an elegant 15th-century palace. Between these monuments lies a maze of cobbled streets and charming plazas, lined with traditional houses and family-run shops. Should you wish to visit, both Braga and Porto are a short ride away. Again we dine in the city. 4 star Pousada, B&B.
Monday 16th September (150 miles): Not a great mileage today, but we enjoy a scenic journey down to the Douro River before climbing towards Portugal’s highest mountain range Serra da Estrela. Unlike previous years we will not be staying up the mountain but this time at the foot of it, in the ancient city of Viseu. We should arrive in plenty of time to explore before dining out in this lovely city. 4 star Pousada, B&B.
Tuesday 17th & Wed 18th September (free days): We have 3 nights 2 days to enjoy the city that is constantly voted as the best city to live in Portugal. Enjoy wandering the medieval streets, see the historic quarter and visit the iconic cathedral. Perhaps more importantly for us the city is ideally placed for riding the Serra da Estrela Mountains. The combination of well surfaced, traffic free, twisting roads make this a bikers paradise and our customers constantly tell us they are the best they have ever ridden. To the southwest are the mountains of Serra do Caramulo and the Atlantic coastline is just 60 miles away. Both nights we eat out in the city. 4 star Pousada, B&B.
Thursday 19th September (200 miles): Some great roads today as we leave Videu and pick up the roads of the Douro River as they twist and turn towards Spain. Crossing the border we stop for the night at a Parador overlooking the towns medieval castle. 4 star Parador Dinner, B&B.
Friday 20th September (200 miles): Today we take a cross country route past Leon and into the Picos de Europa National Park. Our hotel for the next 3 nights is new to us, but in the area we love. This 4 star hotel has modern, soundproofed rooms, flat-screen satellite TV and garden views and is just a 5 minute walk from the town centre. Whilst here we dine out at one of the towns many restaurants. 4 star hotel, B&B.
Saturday 21st & Sun 22nd September (free days): Our stay allows us time to explore the wonderful National Park of the Picos de Europa and is ideally placed for riding some fabulous roads through the valleys and mountain ranges of the Pico's. Our location is also ideal for visiting the beautiful Asturias coastline. 4 star hotel, B&B.
Monday 23rd September (90 miles): Although only a short distance to Santander, the ferry is not due to sail until 1830 hrs so we have all day to further enjoy the area before making our way to Santander, where we catch the Brittany ferries flag ship, 'Cap Finistere'. With bike stowed, there is time to relax over a drink or two and reflect on the tour's events, before taking advantage of the on-board dining options. A 4 berth en-suite cabin (for two persons) is included in the package.
Tuesday 24th September: We arrive back in Plymouth at 1530 hrs, from where we make our way home.
See pictures from previous Spain & Portugal Tours - Gallery
Travel Choice : The tour itinerary is based on a Plymouth to Santander return ferry. Although this saves time and mileage we understand that ferries are not for everyone, so there is the option to make your own arrangements and join and leave the group at the first and last night's hotel. Costs will be reduced accordingly.
Prices are based on two people sharing a 2/4 berth cabin, should you wish an alternative please advise us asap. These will be subject to availability and priced accordingly.
Personal Travel and Breakdown Assistance Cover
On all European tours (including Southern Ireland) we require clients to take-out some form of Personal Travel and Accident/Breakdown cover. This is essential for repatriation of yourself and your motorcycle in the event of an accident or medical emergency. If you have an existing policy you should check that your company would repatriate your bike, even if undamaged, should you be unable to ride it (many do not!)
We also strongly urge you to take out insurance prior to paying your balance that includes cancellation cover in the event of circumstances which may cause you to cancel. Ideally this should also include cover for all Covid related incidents, either before or during the tour.
| Tour Cost | Plymouth - Santander return |
| 1 bike, 2 persons, sharing a room | £1755 each |
| 1 bike, 1 person, sharing a room | £1935 |
| 1 bike, 1 person, own room | £2530 * |
| Deposit £100 per person | *(based on single hotel room & cabin share on ferry) |