AUTHORISED HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE TOURS AROUND EUROPE - SPAIN II - THE PICOS

Something a little different for our final motorcycle tour sees us in and around the fabulous Picos de Europa mountains of Northern Spain. With daily runs out over mountain passes and spectacular gorges, leisurely stops and reasonable daily mileages. This part of Spain is an area of outstanding beauty with loads of wildlife, full of quaint towns & villages and rich in Spanish history from the start of Christianity.

Day 1. Wednesday September 23.
Ferry - Portsmouth to Santander Departing from Portsmouth we take an overnight ferry to Santander in Northern Spain. Ferry departs at 11.00am and arrive 12.00noon on Thursday.

Day 2. Thursday, September 24. Santander to Cervera (approx. 120 miles)
Stopping along the coast and then heading via the Deva Gorge to Potes, then over the high pass to Cervera where the Parador sits in national parkland with great mountain scenery. We stop here for the next two nights and dinner with wine is included both nights.

Day 3. Friday, September 25. Cervera and return (approx. 80 miles)
A run out around the lake of Aguilar de Campo and up high to the lake at Riano before returning to Cervera. Or if you prefer, stay around the Parador or pop down to nearby Cervera for a spot of lunch. Dinner with wine is included tonight.

Day 4. Saturday September 26. Cervera to Cosgaya (approx. 100 miles)
Another great mountain pass and great views as we head to Potes and a stay at the Hotel Oso, a lovely traditional hotel on the outskirts of Potes and ideally placed amongst rugged mountains. We stay here for the next three nights and dinner with wine is included each night.

Day 5. Sunday September 27. Day off or have a ride out. The next two days are free and you could venture to Fuente De and take the cable car up into the mountains, or drop into Potes and explore the tiny streets of this mountain hide away. Or take a ride out on the fabulous roads getting you back in time each night to relax before dinner.
Day 6. Monday September 28. Day off or have a ride out.

Day 7. Tuesday September 29. Cosgaya to Cangas de Onis (approx. 60 miles)
Today we ride the Deva and Gargantas Gorges to Covadonga - burial place of Spain's first King and also the birthplace of Christianity in Spain. This is now a centre of pilgrimage. This historic place is hidden away in the mountain and has an eerie serenity. From here it's a short ride to Cangas de Onis and our next hotel. The 5 star Parador de Cangas was formerly a 12th century Monastery and is now a protected building.

Day 8. Wednesday September 30. Cangas de Onis to Santander (approx. 85 miles)
Coast bound today via charming Santillana del Mar. Our final hotel of the tour is on the beach at Sardinero - the posh end of Santander! Tonight you are free to eat out, so why not do what the Spanish do and take a promenade along the beach before you stop for dinner.

Day 9. Thursday October 1. A relaxing morning before heading back to the ferry. Ferry departs at 3.00pm

Day 10. Friday October 2. Arrive in Plymouth at approx. 9.30am.

PLEASE NOTE:
1. Evening meals will be traditional regional menus and meat based (inc. lamb, beef, veal & pork). There may be one fish based dinner during the stay. Vegetarians can be catered for, however please be aware that menus will be very limited.
2. The Spanish generally dine later than we do and the earliest you will eat is at 9.00pm.
3. Although wine is included and plentiful there is not an unlimited supply.
4. Paradores traditionally have very few rooms with double beds. Please be aware that you may be allocated a room with twin beds.

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