Portugal & Spain
Motorcycle Tour
17 Days
If you're looking for some of the best motorcycle roads in Europe, this guided motorcycle tour through Spain and Portugal delivers an unforgettable mix of spectacular scenery, legendary riding roads, great accommodation and even better company.
24th September to 10th October 2027
Small group tour. Limited spaces.
Starting in Santander on Spain's north coast, we'll leave the busy tourist routes behind and head into the mountains, crossing into Portugal via the stunning Douro region. Famous for its vineyard-covered hillsides, dramatic river gorges and endless twisting roads, the Douro Mountains offer some of the finest riding anywhere in Europe.
From here we continue south through the magnificent Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal's highest mountain range. Expect sweeping bends, mountain passes, quiet roads and breathtaking views as we explore one of Portugal's greatest riding destinations.
Our route then turns north through the beautiful Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede, where rolling countryside, historic villages and deserted roads provide mile after mile of relaxed and rewarding motorcycling.
The grand finale takes us back into Spain for two to three nights based in the legendary Picos de Europa. Frequently featured in Ride Magazine's Top European Motorcycle Rides, the Picos are a true bucket-list destination. Towering limestone peaks, deep valleys, spectacular mountain passes and endless corners make this one of the most exciting motorcycle touring regions on the continent. Staying multiple nights allows us to enjoy several of the area's best routes without constantly packing and unpacking.
This tour is designed by bikers, for bikers. There are no planned motorways and no hard riding days, with most days limited to around 5–6 hours of saddle time. The route is 99% tarmac.
Accommodation is carefully selected and ranges from charming local lodgings to spectacular luxury Spanish Paradors, offering a unique blend of comfort, character and unforgettable locations. All accommodation provides secure or safe parking for your motorcycle.
Prefer to ride independently during the day? No problem. We'll provide the route and nightly destination, allowing you to create your own tracks and ride at your own pace. Alternatively, join the group and enjoy fully guided riding with an English biker leading the way throughout the tour.
Whether you're riding a touring bike, sports tourer, adventure bike or cruiser, this Spain and Portugal motorcycle tour combines the Douro Valley, Serra da Estrela, Serra de São Mamede and the world-famous Picos de Europa into one unforgettable European motorcycle adventure.
What's included?
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Return ferry with shared cabin - Portsmouth to Bilbao/Santander.
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UK guide on a bike.
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All hotel accommodation in good quality hotels or paradors.
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All hotels with secure, garaged or private parking.
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All breakfasts in hotels.
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Tour routes, gpx files and information pack.
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Tour t-shirt.
What's not included?
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Travel insurance.
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Breakdown cover.
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Hotel parking charges.
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Petrol.
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Drinks.
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Evening meals unless listed.
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Anything not listed.
Day 1-2
Portsmouth to Bilbao/Santander ferry
– 0 miles.
Your tour will start at a pub in Portsmouth (good place to start) where you will have the opportunity to meet the rest of the team and your tour guide. Then we will board the ferry for the crossing over the channel and the Bay of Biscay. During the 30 or so hour long crossing you will have time to relax, have a few beers, go dolphin and whale watching in the Bay of Biscay, get some sleep, and chat with the group about plans and routes before reaching the Spanish coast. The ferries are convenient and easy going. Everyone will have a cabin with a shower/toilet (2 people in a 4 berth cabin). In the evening there is sometimes live music in the bar, films or sport on the big screens and several restaurants. It’ll be a great chance for everyone to get to know each other and chill. There's the option to travel from Plymouth for this holiday, give me a call to discuss if this works better for you.
Day 3
Bilbao/Santander to Zamora
– 200 miles.
The route from Santander to Zamora is the perfect start to any northern Spain motorcycle tour. Leaving the Cantabrian coast behind, the road climbs into the spectacular Cantabrian Mountains, where sweeping bends, quiet roads and stunning scenery provide an unforgettable riding experience. As the route heads south through Castilla y León, riders enjoy a mix of mountain roads, rolling countryside and traditional Spanish villages, all with minimal traffic and excellent road surfaces. Arriving in Zamora, famous for its medieval architecture and relaxed atmosphere, you'll have experienced some of the best motorcycle roads in northern Spain before continuing towards the legendary riding routes of Portugal's Douro Valley. This is motorcycle touring at its best—great roads, incredible scenery and no motorways.
Day 4
Zamora to Vila Real - Douro Valley
– 160 miles.
The motorcycle route from Zamora, Spain to Vila Real, Portugal is one of the best rides in the Iberian Peninsula, combining mountain roads, sweeping curves, stunning scenery and the world-famous Douro Valley. After leaving Zamora, the route heads towards Bragança before entering Portugal's remote Trás-os-Montes region. Quiet roads, rolling hills and traditional villages make this a perfect section for touring motorcycles and adventure bikes. The highlight is the ride through the Douro Mountains and the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley. Twisting roads descend towards the River Douro, passing terraced vineyards, dramatic viewpoints and some of the best motorcycle roads in Portugal. Riders can enjoy sections of the famous N222, often ranked among Europe's top driving and riding roads. The final climb to Vila Real delivers more flowing bends and spectacular mountain scenery before reaching one of northern Portugal's most historic cities. The Douro Valley is a must-ride destination.
Day 5
Vila Real to Góis - N222 Douro Vineyards
– 200 miles.
The spectacular N222 from Vila Real to Góis takes riders through the heart of Portugal's world-famous Douro Valley, home to the vineyards that produce the country's renowned Port wine. Leaving Vila Real, the road twists through terraced hillsides overlooking the River Douro, with breathtaking viewpoints, vineyard-lined valleys and endless sweeping bends around every corner. As the route heads south, the landscape gradually changes from the dramatic vineyard-covered slopes of the Douro Mountains to the forested hills and quiet mountain roads of central Portugal. Passing through traditional villages and some of the country's most scenic countryside, riders can enjoy excellent road surfaces, light traffic and mile after mile of flowing curves. Arriving in Góis, a favourite destination among motorcyclists, you'll have experienced some of the best motorcycle roads in Portugal, combining stunning scenery, technical riding and the unique beauty of the Douro wine region—all without the need for motorways.
Day 6
Figueres to Andorra - CONTINUE HERE
– 200 miles.
After breakfast we will head north west, following the Col route up to Andorra. This tiny principality also has the highest paved road in the Pyrenees and although there is a tunnelled road cutting through the mountain, we can take the old road up and over Port d'Envalira. More impressively, is the highest permanent motorsports circuit in the world! Although Circuit Andorra is quite a small circuit, it's famed for gokarts and motorbikes in the summer, and drift racing in the winter. But we won't stop yet, as we have the rest of the N-260 to complete. We're back in familiar territory heading back into Spain for the evening.
Day 7
Andorra to Montory
– 200 miles.
Back on the climb again but first a scenic one way valley along the Aso River. This narrow single track road follows the river twisting and winding its way for around 18 miles. The way they've cut the road into the rock is amazing. Next we're back on the Col hunt! Sitting at just under 6,000ft, Col de Pourtalet is home to a sweeping fast road across the border back into France. We're staying in a traditional French Logis tonight, where you're guaranteed a good meal and a comfortable bed.
Day 8
Montory to Jaca
– 110 miles.
Don't let a mere 110 miles fool you. We're climbing up to Puerto Larrau ski slopes then down into Spain. At Isaba, we head back into France via Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin. There are wild ponies in the road here. Very picturesque. Then back south through the Stormont Pass to Jaca, our home for the evening.
Day 9
Jaca to Calahorra
– 150 miles.
A change of scenery as we head southwards and down into the desert Badlands! Las Bardenas Reales is a desert just 70 kilometres from the Pyrenees and comes as a big surprise to most. Because it’s a geographical rarity and the landscape is just astonishing. This area of weird rock formations and deserted scrubland has been used in several wild western movies. Although there is a tarmac road running through the middle, there is the option for some light off-roading, to soak up the trails that criss-cross this barren wasteland, also known as the Badlands. Then a short ride to our comfortable hotel for tonight.
Day 10
Calahora to Potes
– 205 miles.
Run to the hills! Knock the sand out of your boots as we head north west towards the Picos de Europa. It's a practical route today but still through some spectacular hills and valleys. We're in the same accommodation for three nights to explore the Picos at our leisure.
Day 11-12
Picos de Europa
– 150 miles?
Picos de Europa! We have a full two days to explore the Picos. The roads are smooth and sweeping, down to twisty and tight. It's motorbike nirvana! We will ride the Potes Triangle, a spectacular route and maybe add some deviations as we all see fit. Our second full day in the Picos may include a quick run into north Portugal or we lap up the magnificent local roads. We are at the same hotel on nights 10, 11 and 12, allowing us to strip the luggage and ride light for these two days. Our Parador is at the foot of the mighty Picu_Urriellu, the main big mountain in the middle of the Picos de Europa.
Day 13
Potes to Bilbao/Santander to Portsmouth
– 100 miles.
We're not finished yet! A good morning's worth of riding through the Saja-Besaya Natural Park before heading to our departure port for an early afternoon ferry. The roads in this mountainous region are fantastic and it’s a great way to finish this epic motorbike tour.
Day 14
Portsmouth
– 0 miles.
We’re on the ferry for a single night crossing, with plenty of time to reminisce about your amazing motorcycle trip to the Picos and Pyrenees, arriving back in blighty in the evening.
Other Costs To Consider (for 2026/27 tours)
All accommodation, all breakfasts (excluding onboard the ferry) are included.
Additional costs you may want to allow for:
£350 - £450 for fuel (depends on how heavy wristed you are).
£550 - £650 for food and drinks that are not already included.