34 nights of warmth, exploration & relaxation
Enjoy touring in lesser known areas of Spain as we search out many of its real gems.
This tour has been designed to involve just one international border crossing to minimise any Covid requirements, as we make use of the direct ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Santander on board Brittany Ferries new ship Galicia.
The tour mixes coastal stays with visits to some of Spain’s best classical cities, whilst interspersing these with stops in wonderful rural locations; not least the Monfrague National Park, the Pueblo Blanco’s (white villages) and rural Andalusia.
With many group meals included in the tour, much of Spain’s regional cuisines will be sampled as we complete a relaxed circular route through Spain.
Enjoy relaxed touring in your own motorhome at a time of year when great Spanish weather can be expected.
Day 1 – Monday 6 September 2021
Today we meet in a campsite near Portsmouth ready for our ferry to Spain tomorrow morning. This evening the Tour Directors will host a welcome drinks reception and tour briefing outside their motorhome. An opportunity to meet fellow travel companions and learn more about the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Tuesday 07 September 2021
We take the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander. On board is included en-suite inside cabins, dinner this evening and breakfast tomorrow morning. Drinks and other meals are payable.
Day 3
Arriving in Santander this afternoon we are now on Spain’s Costa Verde (Green Coast). After disembarking the ferry, we have just a short journey to our campsite, where we stay for 3 nights. This evening the Tour Directors will host a welcome to Spain drinks reception at their motorhome. 15 miles
Day 4 & 5
2 free days. Our campsite is just a couple of minutes walk from the beach and coast with lots of opportunities for relaxing and strolling. Take the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque surrounding. Additionally, longer coastal walks out to the headland and lighthouse are possible. On one of the evenings we have a group dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 6
Today we begin travelling south to the world heritage city of Burgos. Our campsite is a pleasant 45-minute riverside walk from the historical centre. Join with the Tour Directors late afternoon as they take a walk into town for a chance to see this city and its Cathedral. Alternatively to walking, local buses leave from the campsite to the centre or a taxi can be used. 120 miles
Day 7 – Sunday 12 September
We continue south with an easy drive to arrive in the historic university city of Salamanca, a city home to two Cathedrals. From our campsite buses run direct to the city centre. This evening we have a group dinner in the campsites’ own hotel restaurant. 110 miles
Day 8
This morning join with the Tour Directors as they make their way into the city by local bus, not too early however after last night. Following seeing the historical sights why not stay in town, maybe choose to enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant, do a little shopping or wander in the old streets, the choice is yours. In your own time make your way back to the campsite using the local bus.
Day 9
Moving further south we make a short journey to our next campsite located on the edge of the Monfrague National Park. 90 miles
Day 10
This morning is time for an excursion into the Monfrague National Park. We travel in small groups by 4×4 vehicles accompanied by Park Guides who are able to help explain the history of the area, its wildlife and its biodiversity. Some species to look out for are the Griffin Vultures, Black Vultures and the Short-toed Eagles. Back at the campsite this evening we have a simple group dinner in their own restaurant and an opportunity to recall events of the day.
Day 11
A short drive to Merida, where our campsite is around 2km from the centre. Merida hosts Spain’s largest and best preserved collection of Roman remains including amphitheatres and its impressive 64 arch viaduct. 60 miles
Day 12
With our drive today we are in Spain’s real south, as we arrive in the Moorish city of Seville. We park overnight at a basic secure city centre Camper Stop, perfectly located for seeing the cities beautiful architecture. Join with the Tour Directors this afternoon/evening as they take a walk into the city. 120 miles
Day 13
A short journey today to Spain Costa de Luz (Coast of Light). Our campsite, where we stay for a week, is ideally located close to the beach, supermarket and town centre. It boasts high quality facilities for relaxing and catching up on chores. 75 miles
Day 14 (Sunday 19 September 2021) to Day 19
6 free days, however don’t expect to get bored. The lovely ancient port city of Cadiz is easily reached using the boat bus from near our campsite. The historic sherry town of Jerez is just as easily reached using the local train. The Tour Directors will be visiting both and you are welcome to join with them. During our stay we have two group meals arranged and on Tuesday spend time exploring the local street market, a very colourful sight. The beach is right outside our campsite for relaxation in the sun and alongside this runs the coastal walking/cycling path for picturesque exercise.
Day 20
We leave the coast to spend time in Andalucía and an opportunity to explore its more rural areas. Today with a stunning drive through a part of the Sierra de Grazalema national park we arrive in the Pueblo Blanco (White Village) of Ronda. This evening we have a group dinner in the campsites own restaurant. 100 miles
Day 21 – Sunday 26 September 2021
Located in a stunning gorge setting Ronda is a truly beautiful place. Join with the Tour Directors today as they walk into town and explore the many great views this ‘White Village’ offers.
Day 22
A free day. Relax around our peaceful campsite or maybe return to town to once again take in the wonderful location of Ronda; also stop off for some tapas in a local bar, there are plenty to choose from.
Day 23
Another scenic drive today as we continue across rural Andalucía. With not far to go there is plenty of time for stopping off on route. 70 miles
Day 24 and 25
Two free days to enjoy the rural surroundings close to our camping. On one of the days we will enjoy a traditional late and long Spanish lunch in a local restaurant.
Day 26
We leave rural Andalucía today to arrive at the city of Granada, home to the Alhambra Palace.
Day 27
From near to our campsite buses travel into the city. Granada is one of Spain’s must see places, not least for including a visit to the Alhambra. Join with the Tour Directors for travelling into the city, who will also assist you in arranging a visit to the Alhambra.
Day 28 – Sunday 3 October
Travelling north today we arrive in Spain’s capital Madrid. A longer drive but being Sunday expect quieter roads. 270 miles
Day 29 and 30
An opportunity to join with the Tour Directors on one of the days for a visit to Spain’s capital city. Public transport runs from nearby our campsite to the city centre, home to the Prada Museum, the Royal Palace plus many great parks and plazas.
Day 31
Continue making our way north to the town of Haro, in the centre of the Rioja wine region. 180 miles
Day 32
This morning it’s just a short walk to one of the most prestigious Bodegas of the Rioja Region. We have a guided tour of the cellars, including of course a tasting. Following our tour, we will be served a traditional Spanish lunch in the Cellar’s own Dining Room. There will be free time in the afternoon for staying in town for sightseeing.
Day 33
Today we complete the full circle as we return to Santander in preparation for our return ferry to the UK tomorrow. This evening we go out for a ‘Farewell Dinner’ in a local restaurant. 120 miles
Day 34
A short drive to the port of Santander for our mid-afternoon ferry. On board is included inside en-suite cabins, dinner this evening and breakfast tomorrow morning. Drinks and any other meals are payable.
Day 35
Our tour comes to an end as we arrive back at Portsmouth this evening.
PRICE
Motorhome with 2 people = £0000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £0000
Ferry Supplement of £000 per metre or part metre over 6mtr
Tour Deposit £000 – Balance 6 weeks prior to start of tour.
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- 31 Campsite nights with electric hook-ups
- 2 nights on ferry
- 1 overnight camper stop
- Welcome to tour drinks reception
- Return Portsmouth/Santander ferry with inside en-suite cabins, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast
- Welcome to Spain drinks reception
- Monfrague National Park 4×4 excursion
- Tour of Rioja bodega with tastings
- 9 group meals with wine (mix of lunches and dinners) *
- Tour information pack with suggested routes and GPS Co-ordinates
- Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome throughout the tour
* Meals will be arranged in accordance with any social distancing regulations/recommendations at the time.
Option to join with the Tour Directors for visits to
- Burgos
- Salamanca
- Seville
- Cadiz
- Jerez
- Ronda
- Granada
- Madrid
You are welcome to join with the Tour Directors for these visits, local transport fees are payable as personally incurred.