Global Motorcycle Tours

TOUR INFORMATION

This tour gets underway as soon as you leave the ferry port at Santander. Within the hour you will be enjoying the traffic free roads of the Picos de Europa National Park and begin experiencing some of the best roads you have ever ridden. This theme continues over the next eight days as you cross the regions of Cantabria, Asturias Galicia and Castilla y León in Spain and Braga, Porto, Guarda and Braganca in Portugal.

This tour contains no particular high mileage days and therefore would be suitable for anyone. The riding as always can be challenging but if you are an experienced rider or if you are a competent first timer this tour should not present a problem. Filled with amazing biking roads, incredible scenery and superb accommodation this tour offers a unique touring experience.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1:

The tour begins in Plymouth as you board the flagship of the Brittany ferries fleet, the Pont Aven. With an la carte restaurant, cocktail and lounge bars and cinema this is the perfect place to relax before the tour. 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: 62 Miles
Your afternoon arrival in Santander allows you plenty of time to enjoy today’s route as you follow the Bay of Biscay towards the Picos Mountains which soon become visible in the distance. Before long you are enjoying the northern stretch of the ‘Pots and Pans' route (more of this later) en-route to your first overnight hotel which is located in the center of a small village and overlooked by the surrounding Mountains. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and and is just yards from local tapas bars and restaurants. .

Day 3: 210 Miles
Immediately you leave the hotel you are transported into a motorcyclist vision of heaven. The southerly side of the Picos is just mile after mile of stunning roads and scenery. The road which surrounds the Picos du Europa National Park is fondly referred to as the ‘Pots and Pans’ due to the two towns which lie along the route, Potes on the east side and Panes at the northern tip. Safe in the knowledge that you will be returning to this area you head west into the Mampodre National Game Reserve. Your journey continues through miles of scenic back roads to your next port of call, the beautiful town of Ponferreda.

Day 4: 190 Miles
Today you continue your journey and enter the Galicia region of Spain. Galicia is known as the ‘land of the 1000 rivers’ and it is not difficult to see why as you travel through stunning mountains and valleys before entering Portugal via the Da-Peneda-Geres National Park. The town of Guimarães is your next destination and tonight you will explore this historic town with its numerous bars and restaurants. As the first capital of Portugal and birthplace of the nation's first king, Guimarães is one of Portugal’s most historic cities and its medieval streets and well preserved monuments make it one of the most attractive places to visit in Portugal.

Day 5: 185 Miles
Today the tour heads further south into the wine growing region of the Duoro valley. Riding on the ridge overlooking the river and the numerous vineyards, the landscape is spectacular. The Serra da Estrela National Park is located in central Portugal and is a place of surprising contrast. From heavily forested mountains and valleys to lunar landscapes this in an awesome place to ride your bike.

Day 6: 100 Miles
Today’s supplied ride-out sees you riding through some of the lesser known back roads of the Estrela national park and can include a visit to the Torre monument that marks the highest point of mainland Portugal.

Day 7: 230 Miles
Today you leave the Estrela behind and begin your journey north. Your route takes you back to the Duoro as you follow the river along the valley which separates Portugal from Spain. Continuing on you cross the Sierra de la Culebra hunting reserve which is located at the southern fringes of the Cantabrian Mountains.

Day 8: 140 Miles
The day starts as you cross the province of León which is characterized by rolling countryside, round mountains covered in forests and picturesque villages. As you head further north back towards the Cantabrian Mountains you can take a break by the Lake at Riano. The lake with its backdrop of mountains surrounding its shores has to be one of the most spectacular landscapes anywhere. You re-enter the Picos de Europa national park via the eastern section of the ‘Pots and Pans’ route and make your way to your final hotel situated in the heart of the Liébana valley.

Day 9: 85 Miles
Although this is your last riding day before reaching the ferry it is anything but a dash. The scenery and great roads just keep coming as we ride the fantastic Hermida Gorge on your way back to Santander and the overnight ferry to Plymouth.

Day 10:
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.

"The hotel accommodation was excellent, the riding routes were well planned and your combined local knowledge made mine and fellow bikers experience memorable. I would highly recommend Global Tours to anyone"  

David ~ Southern Spain & Portugal 2014

"Just wanted to say we enjoyed the northern Spain & Portugal tour immensely. You really put in maximum effort to ensure everyone is looked after. Routes, Hotels, food, company was first class"
Neil & Dianne ~ Northern Spain & Portugal 2021