Global Motorcycle Tours

TOUR INFORMATION

In order to fit with the ferry schedule the tour itinerary below is based on departing Plymouth on a Wednesday and arriving back in the UK on a Tuesday 14 days later. Other crossings are available but may mean spending two night onboard the ferry on the outbound crossing. If the Wednesday crossing is not an option for you then please contact us for more details.

This tour gets underway as soon as you leave the ferry port at Santander. Soon you will be enjoying the almost traffic free roads of the Iberian Mountains. This theme continues as we follow the mountains and plains across the Castilla y León, Extremadura and the Cantabrian regions of Spain.

The accommodation is no less outstanding with five Parador hotels included in the tour. The Parador hotels are a chain of luxury hotels which were founded by Alfonso XIII as a means to promote tourism in Spain. Owned by the state the hotels are mostly located in adapted castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and other historic buildings.

This tour does contain some challenging rural and mountain roads therefore would be best suited to experienced riders or competent first timers who are used to covering this type of terrain and understand and accept the above. Filled with amazing biking roads, incredible scenery and superb accommodation this stunning self-guided tour offers a unique touring experience.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Plymouth – Santander
Your tour starts in Plymouth as you board Brittany ferries Pont Aven for the overnight sailing to Santander. On board you will find a fine dining area plus several cafes and bars. Unless otherwise requested and for your added comfort we we would reserve a four berth cabin for 2 people and a 2 berth cabin for a single rider. Cabin updates are available on request ie. outside, deluxe, club etc.

Day 2: 130 Miles
Your early afternoon arrival in Santander allows you plenty of time to enjoy today’s route. With the Picos visible in the distance we are soon passing the jagged peaks and deep valleys of the Cantabrian Mountains. Clear of the mountains the route now continues through the open plains of the Castilla Y Leon region. Travelling through numerous small Spanish towns you eventually arrive at our hotel which is a former monastery located on the Santiago pilgrimage trail.

Day 3: 180 Miles
Today you head for the Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park and one of the major Mountain ranges in Spain. This area consists of a vast and complex series of high and rugged mountain chains and massifs. Set on a hilltop and surrounded by forests your first Parador hotel enjoys wonderful panoramic views over the city and the Duero Valley.
 
Day 4: 155 Miles 
Today is a day to sit back and watch the world go by as you cross the arid flatlands of the Castilla y León region. Your route gets more interesting as you skirt the Sierra de Ayllón and Sierra Norte de Guadarrama national parks. Your destination is the Romanesque town of Segovia whose Roman aqueduct has stood for over 2000 years and dominates the centre of the town. Segovia is steeped in history and your early afternoon arrival will allow plenty of time to explore one of Spain’s most beautiful cities.
 
Day 5: 98 Miles

Today is a ride or rest day where you can choose to explore this ancient town or take the supplied ride-out which takes you deep into the surrounding forests and the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountain range.

Day 6: 150 Miles
Today you hit the ground running as you climb into the forested Sierra Norte de Guadarrama national park on your way to the Gredos Mountains. The Gredos Mountains which are part of the Sistema Central chain of mountains cuts across the centre of Spain and will be your gateway to the Extremadura region. Nestled in pine forests your second Parador is located on an elevated area known as the Alto del Risquillo and offers panoramic views of the Tormes Valley and Sierra de Piedrahita Mountains.
 
Day 7: 130 Miles
Your route today takes you through an ever changing landscape of twisty forested mountains and open sweeping rolling hills. You are heading into the heart of old Spain and the often overlooked Extremadura region. The Extremadura is steeped in history with fascinating cities, castles and palaces built by the Goths, Romans and the Arabs. Your destination today is the town of Guadelupe which is famous for the Monastery of Santa Maria which was the most important monastery in Spain for more than four centuries. Your third Parador hotel which was converted from a former hospital built in the 15th century offers an outdoor swimming pool and extensive garden in which to sit back and relax.
 
Day 8:
Today is a rest day allowing you the freedom to explore the town and its many museums and attractions.
 
Day 9: 165 Miles
Suitably refreshed you take to the sweeping rural roads as you now head north to the more Mountainous and challenging Castilla y León region. En-route you pass through the Las Batuecas and El Rebollar national parks which are known for their deep green valleys, lakes and rivers and are home to Ibex, vultures and wildcats. Set on a hilltop with a steep drop to the valley floor your hotel is a converted 14th-century ivy-covered castle which has a dramatic setting overlooking the valley of the River Águeda.
 
Day 10: 165 Miles
Today you cross into Portugal for a short time and ride the incredible N221. Bikers  have said that “The road which carves its way majestically through the Douro Valley is quite possibly the best stretch of tarmac they have ever ridden”. Eventually you leave Portugal behind and re-enter Spain via the Serra de Montesinho national park. You are heading for the small town of Puebla de Sanabria and your final Parador hotel of the tour.
 
Day 11: 190 Miles
Today you are heading to an area that requires little introduction to most bikers, the Pico de Europa National Park. With soaring jagged peaks, deep glacial gorges and almost traffic free roads the scenery and riding in the Picos is fantastic. Situated in the heart of the Liébana valley your final hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and fantastic restaurant.

 
Day 12: Ride-Out - 100 Miles

Today is a ride or rest day where you can choose to explore the local village, ride to the top of the mountain on the nearby cable car, relax by the pool or take the supplied ride-out which takes you around the famous Pico de Europa 'Pots & Pans' route.

Day 13: 90 Miles
Although this is your last riding day you still have the fabulous Hermida Gorge to ride before arriving in Santander for your overnight ferry back to Plymouth.
 
Day 14:
Arrive Plymouth – 14.00 pm

INSURANCE
It is recommended that all clients take out appropriate Personal Travel, Accident and Breakdown cover. This is essential for repatriation of yourself and your motorcycle in the event of an accident or medical emergency.

"Just wanted to thank you for yet another great tour my sixth and counting !! As I have come to expect from Global Tours the roads, scenery, hotels and  food  were of the highest standard which was further complemented by a great bunch of riders which made the social aspect very memorable"
Thanks once again Pete  ~ Spain & Portugal

"Ever so many thanks again for a superb tour - lovely roads, lovely places to stay and perhaps most importantly, lovely company!! I’ve just made deposit payment for the Italian Lakes trip next year and am so looking forward to that"

All the best, Dave ~ Spain & Pyrenees