BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

Sierras of Northern Spain

Date: 30 May - 08 June 2010
Type of Tour: Mountains & Lakes, Easy Riding, Historical Interest

How do I book?

Telephone: 08446 623913 or +44 208 607 3917 if outside the UK.
Click here to enquire online
Fax: 0208 607 3901
E-mail: bmw@worldofbmw.com

Tours to Spain have been a favourite with World of BMW riders for many years. This year we are concentrating on the picturesque Sierras of the north, and on three major centres, giving people the opportunity to explore this fascinating region at their leisure. The mileages have been kept short, making this a relaxing tour which will appeal to couples and solos.

Day 1 (30 May) - Plymouth ferry

The tour will leave Plymouth on an overnight sailing to Santander. En suite cabins have been reserved for everyone. Solo riders will usually share twin berth cabins but upgrades and sole occupancy are available, subject to availability and a surcharge. There are a range of dining options on board and, before arrival in Spain, the tour leader will give a detailed briefing of the tour ahead.

Day 2 (31 May) - Santander to Burgos

The ferry arrives in Spain at approximately 12.30hrs. Once ashore, we will head south across Cantabria, seeking out some excellent riding roads towards the city of Burgos. Accommodation has been arranged for the next two nights in a centrally located four star hotel. As this is the first night on Spanish soil, dinner will be a group affair in the hotel. (Mileage; 110)

Day 3 (01 June) - Free day

Burgos is a historic city founded in 884AD and was home to El Cid, whose tomb lies in the Gothic cathedral. The guide books are full of sights to see, but for those wishing to explore outside the city, there will be an organised ride-out into the surrounding mountains: the Sierra de la Demanda. Dinner tonight will be at the restaurant of your choice.

Day 4 (02 June) - Burgos to Segovia

Today we continue our ride south, seeking out more great riding roads. Our base for the next three nights will be the city of Segovia to the north of Madrid. It is probably best known for its lofty Roman aqueduct and ship-shaped Alcazar. Accommodation has been arranged at a four star hotel in the centre of the city. (Mileage; 175)

Day 5 (03 June) - Free day

Today you will have the choice of sight seeing or exploring the local countryside. The guide books will take you through the city and your Tour Leader will take you riding in the surrounding countryside. This time it will be another organised ride to explore the Sierra de Guadarrama which lies between Segovia and the capital, Madrid.

Day 6 (04 June) - Free day

Today you will have the opportunity to take the short ride south to Madrid and spend some time in this dramatic and inspiring city, with enough galleries, museums, shops and avenues to fill many a day. For those intent on more riding, there will be a planned ride-out to the Sierra de Gredos, situated to the south of Avila. Tonight you are free to seek out a restaurant of your choice.

Day 7 (05 June) - Segovia to Leon

Time to head back north, past Valladolid and on to the city of Leon, south of the Picos de Europa. The two principal reasons most people come to Leon are to see the stained glass cathedral windows and the frescoes of the Basilica of San Isidoro, both of which will take your breath away. Leon was also once the base of the Roman Vll Legion, from which it gets its name. Again, we plan to stay here two nights in another four star, centrally located hotel, giving you the opportunity to sightsee or ride around the nearby countryside. (Mileage; 175)

Day 8 (06 June) - Free day

Today there will be an optional ride-out to Sierra de Cabrera in the south-west, towards the Portuguese border, before returning to Leon for the evening. As this is the last night in Spain, the tour party will dine together in the hotel.

Day 9 (07 June) - Leon to Santander

Today we return to the port of Santander to catch the afternoon ferry back to Portsmouth. Once again, cabins have been reserved and, as this is our last night together, we will have dinner in the buffet restaurant to re-live the tour before retiring. (Mileage; 165)

Day 10 (08 June) - Portsmouth

Arrival back in Portsmouth is at approximately 17.00hrs, ready for the ride home.

Rider Price: £1,275
Couple Price: £1,695

Tour includes: return ferry to Spain with cabin accommodation and dinner on the return sailing; halfboard in Burgos and Leon, B&B in Burgos, Segovia & Leon; the tour programme as described; all the necessary maps; route details; travel pack; local overnight parking charges; a World of BMW Tour Leader to accompany the group; and VAT

Not included are: fuel; meals other than those specified; drinks; local entertainment not included in the programme; tolls and travel insurance.