Global Motorcycle Tours

TOUR INFORMATION

While this itinerary features dedicated multi-night stops along the Mediterranean coast and in the Pyrenees Mountains, it also includes several longer riding days to cover distance through France and Spain. The mountain passes and coastal routes offer plenty of rewarding, technical riding, making this tour ideally suited to experienced touring riders. However, competent first-timers who are accustomed to full days in the saddle and comfortable with varying terrain will also find it well within their capabilities.

Filled with world-class biking roads, breathtaking natural scenery, and hand-picked accommodation, this tour offers an unforgettable, highly varied self-guided adventure.

As standard, this tour utilizes the Eurotunnel for a quick Channel crossing on the outward leg, returning to Plymouth via the overnight Brittany Ferries crossing from Santander. Alternative ferry routes can easily be arranged upon request to suit individual preferences.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: 240 miles
Your tour begins as you cross the English Channel via the Eurotunnel and take to the European autoroute network. Clearing the northern transit routes, the riding becomes increasingly pleasant as you head south toward the quiet countryside of the Loire Valley. Your first overnight stop is a charming hotel set in the heart of this world-famous region, renowned for its fairytale châteaux, tranquil rivers, and fine wines.

Day 2: 195 miles

Following breakfast, your journey continues south into the Limousin region towards its historic capital, Limoges. World-renowned for its fine porcelain and rich craft heritage, this ancient city dates back over 2,000 years, featuring picturesque timber-framed houses, medieval quarters, and quiet stone bridges spanning the Vienne River. En route, you take time to visit the poignant martyr village of Oradour-sur-Glane. Preserved exactly as it was left on 10th June 1944 following a devastating SS raid, the silent ruins stand as a powerful and unforgettable historical monument. Continuing on, you arrive at your hotel in Limoges for the evening.

Day 3: 140 miles

Today the tarmac becomes noticeably more twisty as you venture into the back roads of the Millevaches en Limousin Regional Natural Park. Set within the Massif Central—a region world-renowned among European motorcyclists—the route offers endless sweeping curves through dense forests and high plateaus. Entering the Midi-Pyrénées, you head toward the dramatic medieval village of Rocamadour. Clinging precariously to a sheer limestone cliff overlooking the Alzou Canyon, this famous pilgrimage site, renowned for its Black Virgin sanctuary, provides an unforgettable backdrop for your overnight stay.

Day 4: 160 miles

The sublime riding continues as you head south through the limestone gorges, deep canyons, and forested plateaus of the Causses du Quercy Natural Park. Your destination today is Carcassonne, one of the most complete and spectacular fortified medieval cities in the world. Built high on an outcrop above the River Aude, its massive double-ringed walls and 52 towers were brilliantly restored in the 19th century. Your hotel sits just a short walk from the drawbridges of the Citadel, allowing you plenty of time to explore its cobblestone alleys, vibrant plazas, and excellent local bistros.

Day 5: 130 miles

Leaving France behind, you head cross-country toward the Mediterranean coast and the Spanish border. The coastal route running from the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée reserve across the Catalan border into the Cap de Creus National Park offers a magnificent riding experience as rugged cliffs dive into turquoise waters. Your destination and base for the next three nights is a superb seafront hotel situated directly on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Days 6 & 7: Ride or Rest Days (Optional Route: 128 miles)

You have two full ride or rest days on the Catalan coast. While you may wish to unwind on the beach or enjoy coastal dining, the surrounding roads are exceptional. Nearby sits the famous GI-682 coastal highway—celebrated by motorcyclists worldwide as one of the finest, most technical stretches of tarmac in Europe, featuring over 360 sweeping bends carved into the coastal cliffs. Your tour pack includes a full circular route taking in the very best roads in the region.

Day 8: 225 miles

Leaving the coast behind, you head north through Catalonia toward the mighty mountain barrier of the Pyrenees. Stretching over 300 miles from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, this wild and unspoiled mountain range forms one of Europe’s great natural landscapes. The climbing routes deliver sweeping hairpins, deep pine forests, and breathtaking panoramic views across high alpine meadows as you reach your mountain hotel.

Day 9: Ride or Rest Day (Optional Route: 95 miles)

Today is a ride or rest day in the High Pyrenees. You can relax at the hotel or follow our suggested circular ride-out taking in iconic mountain passes made famous by the Tour de France. The route climbs over the formidable Col d'Aspin, Col de Peyresourde, and the legendary Col du Tourmalet—reaching over 2,100 metres with awe-inspiring views across the surrounding peaks.

Day 10: 165 miles

Today you experience a section of the legendary N-260—Spain’s premier motorcycle road—as it carves its way through mountain valleys and river gorges. Reaching the western reaches of the range, your route turns north, crossing back into France via the magnificent Col du Pourtalet. Your destination is a charming hotel nestled at the edge of the Aspe and Ossau valleys in the historical Béarn region. Featuring a swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub, it is an ideal spot to relax after a rewarding day in the saddle.

Day 11: 100 miles

Although the shortest riding day of the tour, today’s route remains exceptionally dramatic. Climbing the wild Puerto de Larrau pass, you re-enter Spain and descend into the Navarra region towards the historic city of Pamplona. Famous worldwide for its annual Fiesta de San Fermín (the "Running of the Bulls"), the city centres around the lively Plaza del Castillo. Located adjacent to the tranquil Taconera Park gardens, your modern 4-star hotel provides easy walking access to the historic old quarter and vibrant tapas bars.

Day 12: 155 miles

Your final riding day takes you through the sweeping mountain scenery of Navarra and the lush Basque Country toward Santander. Far from a simple transit run, the route follows scenic back roads through forested valleys before delivering you directly to the port of Santander for your afternoon Brittany Ferries crossing back to the UK.

Day 13: Arrival in Plymouth

Relax on board overnight as you cross the Bay of Biscay, arriving back at Plymouth Ferry Port in the afternoon for your onward journey home.

INSURANCE
If you have not already secured adequate travel insurance, we strongly recommend doing so as soon as possible.

Travel insurance is vital not only for your time on tour, but also to protect you beforehand against unforeseen circumstances such as personal or family illness, or tour cancellation.

MOTORCYCLE HIRE

We do not hire bikes directly but if you wish to take any of our self guided tours and require motorcycle hire click HERE for detail of companies we recommend.

"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.
Thanks once again Pete  ~ Spain & Portugal

"Ever so many thanks again for a superb tour - lovely roads and lovely places to stay. 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