Fantastic roads, scenery and excellent accommodation
Spain and Portugal 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 focusing on the Rioja, Castile and León, and Asturias regions of Spain, and the Tras-os-Montes region of Portugal.
The tour is based on the use of the Brittany Plymouth to Santander ferry return which considerably reduces our travelling time (which we are no longer able to provide for you). Upon arrival we head south to a stop in the Rioja region, then head west past Madrid to a stop in the Castile and León region. Once in Portugal we have a 3 night stop in the Tras-os-Montes region. Suitable relaxed head to our stop, high in the mountains 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. 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 2 night stop in the Picos de Europa.
See previous tour pictures to Spain and Portugal on our website.
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, 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.
Tour prices are inclusive of the following:
- 12 Nights' en-suite accommodation at Paradors, Pousadas & Hotels
- 7 Evening meals (see note 1)
- 12 Regional breakfasts
- Full use of the hotels' leisure facilities
- GPX satnav routes
- Services of experienced Tour Guide (Chris)
- Parking Fees
Not included:
- Plymouth - Santander return
- 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 Paradors 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 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.
Tuesday 7th September: Today we board the Pont Aven, Brittany's flagship ferry from Plymouth to Santander. Ferry departs 1845. (Ferry no longer provided)
Wednesday 8th September: With the ferry arriving early evening (17.30), our first hotel is just 20 minutes from the ferry port. 4 star hotel, Dinner and B&B.
Thursday 9th September (110 miles): a late start in the morning means we can take a leisurely cross country crossing to our next nights destination, a lovely medieval town in the Rioja region. 4 star Parador, Dinner and B&B
Friday 10th September (235 miles): today we get to ride through the Sierra de la Demanda NP to cross north of Madrid then through the Serra Guadarrama N.P. to our stop just south of Salamanca. 4 star hotel, Dinner and B&B.
Saturday 11th September (235 miles): Great biking roads today as we continue west into Portugal and the Tras-os-Montes region. The hotel is a converted 17th century fort situated in its own extensive grounds and offers a fantastic outdoor pool, making it firm favourite with our guests. An evening meal is included. 4 star hotel, Dinner and B&B
Sunday 12th and Monday 13th September (free days): this is a great location from which to enjoy the roads in the region and explore the Serra da Peneda-Geres NP. We leave you to dine out in town which is within easy walking distance. 4 star hotel, B&B
Tuesday 14th September (160 miles): Not a great mileage today, but we enjoy a scenic journey down to the Douro River before climbing to Portugal’s highest mountain range Serra da Estrela.
Our location for tonight is a beautifully restored Pousada. Sitting in a privileged location on top of the mountains, it offers panoramic views over the Cova da Beira along with modern facilities including an indoor and outdoor pool, spa, gym and sauna. 4 star Pousada, Dinner and B&B.
Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th September (free days): the Serra da Estrela offers not only fantastic views but also some of the best roads you are likely to ride. 4 star Pousada, Dinner and B&B
Friday 17th September (200 miles): More great roads today as we leave the mountains and enjoy 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 and B&B.
Saturday 18th 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 2 nights is situated in a perfect location. 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.
Sunday 19th September (free day): 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 20th September (90 miles): Although only a short distance to Santander, the ferry is not due to sail until 1845 hrs so we have all day to further enjoy the area before making our way to Santander. 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. (Ferry no longer provided)
Tuesday 21st September: We arrive back in Plymouth at 1545 hrs, from where we make our way home.
Travel Choice: The tour itinerary is based on an outward ferry overnight from Plymouth to Santander and inward ferry from Santander to Plymouth. These ferries save on overnight stops, fuel costs, and wear and tear on your bike. Ferry reservation is not included with this tour.
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, breakdown 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 that includes cancellation cover in the event of accident, illness or redundancy when you make your booking.
| Tour Cost |
|
| Two persons, one bike, shared room |
£1695 each |
| One person, one bike, shared room |
£1695 |
| One person, one bike, own room* |
£2375* |
| Deposit £150 per person |
*(based on single hotel room) |
Note: all prices based on current VAT rates and Euro-GBP rates as of July 2026
If booking to share a room without knowing a second person, please refer to our T&C's