WHAT IS IT?

Following the success of the first Pilgrimage in 2023, which took a route through Spain, into Andorra and then through France to the Alps, this sequel is all set in Spain, taking a back road adventure on the trail of the legendary 11th century knight, El Cid. 

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From arrival in Santander in the north, to the desert landscape south, visiting Tabernas where the spaghetti westerns were filmed, this will be a journey of back road Spain, avoiding motorways and navigating by winding valley roads and through long open plain expanses, this is the place for a motorcyclist to roam.

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Distances will be manageable. There'll be chance to get off and the bike and explore. Even opportunity to take a dip in the ocean. We'll stay at the medieval strongholds of Soria and Albaraccin, before moving on to Valencia, for a walking tour of the winding streets. South through rural Spain, taking the most serpentine roads we can find, before finding our way to the shores of the med for two nights recoup in the fabulous Moon Hotel and Spa, right on the marina of Aguadulce. 
 

​​We then begin our journey back north, taking in a rural hotel allowing you to dress up a knight of the realm, before the walled city of Avila follows, then onto Burgos for the final night before catching the ferry.

 

Full itinerary below. The tour will be joined by author and guide Duncan Gough, known for his knowledge of Spanish history and roads.
 

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HOW IT WORKS

 

Meet at the ferry terminal in Plymouth in good time to catch the overnight ferry to Santander, with bed in a twin room cabin included (single bookings and couples will have their own room).

 

Arriving the next day we'll then begin our adventure, with designated accommodation stops and suggested routes for each day, allowing riders to choose to ride with the pack or head off and do their own thing. The pace will be a general legal road pace. If you're a particularly slow or fast rider then you will be encouraged to self-navigate but usually most riders ride to a similar pace.

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You will need a road legal bike, enough tyre wear for 1700 miles, not to mention quality breakdown cover and travel insurance that covers you for cancellation, accident and repatriation. Riders will not be allowed to travel without showing proof of suitable travel insurance.

 

WHO IS IT FOR?
 

This tour is for the motorcyclist who wants to ride some of the best back roads of Spain in the comfort of a laid back, easy going group who will make for a great adventure. Riders don't need to be overly experienced, but if you haven't been riding long or never ridden in Europe please get in touch before booking to chat things through. The main thing is that at all times you ride to your ability and be realistic of what those abilities are. 

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WHO IS IT NOT FOR?
 

This tour is not for those who want to race off at high speed and do big miles each day. There are more suitable tours for such riders. It is also not for those who are wanting a full guided experience, riding between a front and rear rider at all times. Riders will be expected to make their own decisions, on whether they ride with the group or self navigate. If riders want to spend longer in bed and set off later in the morning, no problem. Just make your own way to where we're going. Or if you want to stop for a long lunch, or a short swim in a river, then that is entirely encouraged.

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

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The price includes the return overnight ferry from Plymouth to Santander including a bed in a shared cabin. Accommodation on route is also included on a twin share basis, inclusive of breakfast with a single room supplement available for an additional £700. Pillions passengers are more than welcome for an additional £1000.
 

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

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The price does not include food, fuel and drink, other than when in hotels with breakfast included.

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WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Firstly, you need a well serviced and road legal bike that is travel ready for a trip of about 1700 miles. Make sure tyres are up to it!

 

You will need decent riding kit including waterproofs. Passport will need at the least six months of term in it, and if you have pre existing medical conditions or of retirement age, please consult your travel insurance company before booking.

TO BOOK
To book please click on the register button below and secure your place with a £75 deposit

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ITINERARY

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Day One
Distance: 43 miles

We start with a short ride, just over an hour, that’ll take us out from the port and up through the hills – directly or take the hairpin bends through Vega de Pas – until we land at our first hotel of the trip in the village of Quintanaentello. Dinner is included for the first night, with chance for everyone to unwind and soak in the atmosphere of this traditional Spanish hotel.

Day Two
Distance: 150 miles

Today, we’re heading for the medieval streets of Soria, with an early stop at the castle at Poza de la Sal along the way. Twisting mountain roads follow, with a great day’s riding as we head for our Parador accommodation, set on a forested hilltop overlooking Soria, with a twenty-minute walk to the Santo Domingo Church in the centre of town. Soria is on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and marks our descent into the heartlands of Spain.

Day Three
Distance: 150
Resurrected from near abandonment over the last 60 years, the pink-hued medieval houses of Albarracín are our destination tonight, our hotel just a short walk to the dramatic old town, carved from the rock overlooking the Río Guadalaviar. Some great riding first, as we weave through empty forested roads and out through sandy deserts. Manageable distances will give us time to stop and take in the sights of rural Spain.

Day Four
Distance: 115

We head for the bright lights of the big city today, destination Valencia as we spend the night in Spain’s third largest city, a placed El Cid would regularly frequent. We’ve option for a walking tour of the main sights of the old town that evening, with a short ride in the day allowing us to make a good afternoon and evening of this legendary city.

Day Five
Distance: 190

Back to rural life today as we head south-west in the direction of two forested national parks where the roads will be empty and entertaining. We’re in a small Spanish village tonight, eating local food, meeting local people. There might even be chance for a swim in one of the mountain rivers along the way.

Day Six and Seven
Distance: 175
We aim to touch the sea today and make base for a couple of nights at the harbourside hotel in Almeria. We pass through the network of roads used by manufacturers to launch their new bikes, so expect twisting mountain roads aplenty. We’ll also pass Tabernas, the town where a thousand spaghetti westerns were filmed, with option on our day off to explore the old film sets and see for ourselves how the west was won! Or if you don’t fancy the ride, just stay in the spa and relax.

Day Eight
Distance: 220 miles
Dress as a knight tonight, as we aim for this splendid hotel that could be twinned with Camelot. It’s our longest day so we’ll try and make an earlier start, bidding farewell to our harbour retreat before finding more twisting mountain roads as we begin our return journey to port, but not without some iconic sights along the way.

Day Nine
Distance: 180

Avila is a walled citadel, with our accommodation right on the edge of it.
 

Day Ten
Distance: 170

Our first journey today will be to the Valley of the Fallen, where a giant cross pays respect to those fallen in the Spanish civil war. We’ll skirt Madrid as we carry on north, calling off at the famous Sad Hill Cemetery, famous location for the filming of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, before pushing onto Burgos to stay in the aptly named Crisol Mesón del Cid. Fantastic views of the old cathedral outside our window, and a last night’s meal in the warm open air before ferry bound the following day. Pilgrimage Part 2 is over.


 

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