Global Motorcycle Tours

TOUR INFORMATION

In order to align perfectly with the Brittany Ferries sailing schedule, the tour itinerary below is based on departing Plymouth on a Sunday afternoon and arriving back in the UK on a Thursday 12 days later. While alternative crossings are available (such as Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao), these involve a longer two-night passage on the outbound crossing. Plymouth to Santander remains our recommended and preferred option.

This tour contains no excessively high-mileage transit legs, making it ideal for a wide range of riders. While the mountain roads offer rewarding, technical riding, competent first-timers and seasoned touring veterans alike will find this route comfortable and deeply satisfying. Filled with incredible biking roads, stunning scenery, and hand-picked high-quality accommodation, this tour offers a truly memorable self-guided experience.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Plymouth to Santander (Ferry Crossing)

This outstanding self-guided tour begins in Plymouth as you board the flagship of the Brittany Ferries fleet, the Pont-Aven. Featuring an à la carte restaurant, lounge bars, and an on-board cinema, it provides the perfect environment to relax and unwind as you sail overnight across the Bay of Biscay to Santander.

Day 2: 85 miles

Your afternoon arrival in Santander allows plenty of time to enjoy a beautiful opening ride. Soon after clearing the port, you take to sweeping mountain passes bordered by the Picos de Europa and Saja-Besaya Natural Parks. Tonight’s Parador hotel is equally impressive, set in an elevated position overlooking the Fuentes Carrionas Natural Park, the quiet waters of the Ruesga reservoir, and the towering limestone peaks of the Picos.

Day 3: 180 miles

Today’s ride takes on a more relaxed feel as you cross the rolling hills and open plains of the Castilla y León region. Later in the day, the tarmac becomes more adventurous as you carve through the Sierra de la Culebra and Montesinho Natural Parks before crossing into Portugal. Set in the Nogueira mountain range, your Pousada hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool alongside panoramic views of a medieval walled city and castle. A short stroll into town brings you to authentic local restaurants for a superb Portuguese dinner.

Day 4: 155 miles

Suitably refreshed, your journey continues through the mountain roads of the Montesinho range before joining the famous N221, which traces the border between Spain and Portugal. Featuring endless smooth twisties, this road is widely regarded as one of the finest motorcycle routes in Iberia. The great tarmac continues as you reach your hotel, located on the edge of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.

Day 5: 150 miles

Today you ride west across Portugal toward the iconic wine-producing city of Porto, beginning with a fantastic climb through the northern section of the Serra da Estrela. Crossing the Trás-os-Montes region, the landscape shifts between granite peaks, deep valleys, and terraced slopes. Joining the Douro River, the valley guides you directly into Porto (Oporto). With roots dating back to Roman times, Portugal's second city is celebrated for its historic districts, Port wine cellars, and vibrant riverfront. Your hotel for the next two nights is ideally situated near the main promenade and the famous Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Day 6: Rest Day (Porto)

Today is a dedicated rest day, giving you time off the bike to relax, explore the narrow cobbled streets of the Ribeira district, take a river cruise along the Douro, or sample world-famous Port in the historic cellars.

Day 7: 180 miles

Leaving Porto, a brief autoroute leg quickly clears the city before you head north through the Peneda-Gerês and Serra do Xurés National Parks. Your destination today is Santiago de Compostela—the final stop for millions of travellers who have walked the ancient Camino de Santiago (the Pilgrim's Trail). The historic city converges on the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, resting place of St James the Apostle. Your hotel tonight is an excellently located 5-star property situated close to the cathedral and medieval old town.

Day 8: Ride or Rest Day (Optional Route: 130 miles)

Today is a ride or rest day. An optional circular ride-out is provided that takes you out to explore the dramatic estuaries and rugged Atlantic coast of Galicia. Alternatively, you can spend the day exploring Santiago’s historic squares and tapas bars on foot.

Day 9: 155 miles

Expect to see pilgrims retracing their steps today as you head east along the route of the Camino. Today's ride blends two distinct environments, transitioning from long, sweeping roads into the remote, unspoiled wilderness of the Somiedo Natural Park in Asturias. Home to brown bears, wolves, and wild deer, this region is as pristine as it is beautiful. Please ensure you refuel before entering the reserve, as petrol stations do not exist within the park boundaries. At the end of an exceptional day’s riding, your hotel is a spectacular Parador housed within a converted 11th-century monastery.

Day 10: 120 miles

Departing the monastery, more superb motorcycle roads await as you head back toward the iconic Picos de Europa National Park. Meaning "Peaks of Europe," the park lives up to its reputation with towering limestone crags, deep gorges, and lush green valleys. Nestled in a quiet mountain village, your hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and is just yards from traditional local tapas bars.

Day 11: 70 miles

Today’s lower mileage allows for a leisurely ride, highlighting the contrast between the high limestone summits of the Picos and the scenic coast of the Bay of Biscay. Your final destination is the ferry port of Santander for your Brittany Ferries crossing back to the UK.

Day 12

Arrive 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 say that once again we had an excellent trip. Excellent routes, roads and hotels. As always much appreciated

We’ll be in touch for next year"  

Mehul ~ Spain & Portugal SG Tour 2023

"Just a short email to say thank you for arranging our tour for us.

Once again you exceeded expectation, fantastic routes and hotels."
Nigel ~ Picos de Europa SG Tour 2023