A taste of the fabulous Iberian peninsular. Some of the most breathtaking scenery can be found in this part of Spain and Portugal you will ride some of the best roads in Europe. The scenery of the mountains and sleepy villages from the Picos De Europa, across to Galicia and Portugal and then the rugged Atlantic coast is varied and beautiful. You'll visit the regions of Cantabria, Asturia, Galicia as well as the Portuguese regions of Tras-os-Montes and the Douro valley.

Accommodation is first class and the traditional menus each night are hard to beat - an amazing adventure and a chance to experience 'real' Spain & Portugal. We will visit the spectacular gorges and mountains of the Picos de Europa, beautiful National park lands and remote unspoilt medieval villages and towns. Many areas of Northern Spain are mostly untouched by the hustle of today's modern life and in many of the small sleepy villages you feel that time has passed them by.

The ferry leaves from Plymouth and a cabin is included for both crossings.

Day 1. Wednesday September 3. Ferry - Plymouth to Santander Departing from Plymouth we take an overnight ferry (18 hours) to Santander in Northern Spain. Ferry departs at 12.00noon.

Day 2. Thursday September 4. Santander to Gijon (approx. 140 miles).
After disembarking we leave Santander and follow the coast west, crossing the causeway of the Maga Bridge at San Vicente, which local legend says, if you hold your breath while you cross it, your wishes will come true! We then make our way to the Picos de Europa and follow the magnificent Gargantas Gorge to Cangas de Onis - known for the start of Christianity in Spain. From here we return to the coast via Villaviciosa, set in the lovely, rolling green hills of Asturia, known as the apple capital of Spain. We arrive in Gijon, a seaside town completely rebuilt after the civil war. Our hotel for tonight is the modern 4-star Silken Ciudad, which is centrally located and within easy walking distance of many good restaurants so you will be free to eat out tonight.

Day 3. Friday September 5. Gijon to Santo Estevo (approx. 190 miles).
Today we cross the lush high hills of the Sierra de Ranadoiro - a vast unspoilt area, sparsely inhabited and offering spectacular views with every mile. Tonight we stay in the four-star Parador de Santo Estevo, which was once a Benedictine monastery and stands in a natural space where the rivers Mino and Sil meet. References to its existence can be traced back to the 10th century although it origins appear to date back further. Dinner with wine is included tonight.

Day 4. Saturday September 6. Santo Estevo to Baiona (approx. 100 miles).
Continuing cross-country we head towards the rugged west coast of Galicia and the beautiful coastal resort of Baiona and its 4 star Parador de Conde de Gondomar. Originally a castle this Parador is surrounded by the sea on three sides and occupies a prime position overlooking the bay and out to the Atlantic. You will be free to eat out tonight in this quaint old town from where Christopher Columbus landed after his return from the Americas in 1493.

Day 5. Sunday September 7.Today is a day off, so just relax by the pool, use the gym, stroll around the castle walls and pop into Baiona for a long lunch. Dinner with wine is included for tonight.

Day 6. Monday September 8. Baiona to Braganca (approx. 160 miles). This morning we start by hugging the rugged coast road, we then cross the River Minho into Portugal where we will stop in Porte de Lima - a delightful place whose old town centre has an air of sleepy indifference to the wider world. From here we turn west via Lindos, an attractive little village where life is still very traditional. We then head southwest to Chaves, only 8 miles from the Spanish border and founded by the Romans in 78AD. From here it's on to our stop in Braganca and the Pousada which stands on top of the hill of Sao Bartolomeu overlooking the city and it's beautiful medieval castle - one of the most memorable sights in Portugal. Tonight you are free to eat out.

Day 7. Tuesday September 9. Braganca to Benavente (approx. 100 miles). Today we say farewell to Portugal as he head North through the National Park of the Montesinho region, dropping in to some quaint old villages along the way. Once over the border we will take lunch in Puebla de Sanabria the first town we hit in Spain. After lunch we head east across the Cabera Hills to the 4-star Parador de Benavente a 12th century Renaissance style Castle-Palace. A swimming pool awaits, as does dinner with wine.

Day 8. Wednesday September 10. Benavente to Fuente De (approx. 150 miles).
Back to the Picos de Europa, crossing the mountains at the San Gloria pass and then down to Potes, a quaint old town whose tower dates back to the 13th century. From here it's 15 miles uphill to Fuente De, so called because of a debate over its name - no one could decide if was to be called Fuente de Deva or Fuenta de Eva so it's simply called Fuente De! Our Parador tonight stands at the base of a stunning sheer 900metre mountain and you can take a cable car to the top if you wish. Dinner with wine is included tonight.

Day 9. Thursday September 11. Fuente De to Santander (approx. 90 miles). Back to Santander through the gorges of the River Deva, an amazing last ride. The ferry leaves for Plymouth at 3.00pm.

Day 10. Friday September 12. Arrive UK 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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