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From Yukon to Newfoundland: Must-Visit Locations on Northern Lights Canada Tours

Are you an avid traveler seeking a unique and breathtaking experience? Look no further than Northern Lights Canada tours. Witnessing the spectacular natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis is on many people’s bucket lists, and Canada offers some of the best opportunities to witness this awe-inspiring display of lights. From the vast wilderness of Yukon to the rugged beauty of Newfoundland, here are some must-visit locations on Northern Lights Canada tours.

Yukon: A Wilderness Wonderland

When it comes to Northern Lights Canada tours, Yukon is often at the top of the list. With its pristine wilderness and minimal light pollution, this Canadian territory offers an optimal viewing experience. The capital city of Whitehorse is a popular starting point for many tours, providing easy access to various viewing locations.

One of the most renowned spots in Yukon for witnessing the Northern Lights is Tombstone Territorial Park. This remote park boasts stunning landscapes that serve as a perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Additionally, Kluane National Park and Reserve offer not only fantastic Aurora viewing opportunities but also activities like dog sledding and ice fishing.

Alberta: A Blend of Nature and Culture

While Alberta may be famous for its majestic Rocky Mountains, it also offers excellent opportunities for experiencing the Northern Lights in Canada. Jasper National Park, located in western Alberta, provides unparalleled views of both starry skies and dancing lights.

In addition to its natural wonders, Alberta is home to several Indigenous communities that have rich cultural traditions associated with the Northern Lights. Visitors can immerse themselves in these vibrant cultures through guided tours and storytelling sessions that provide deeper insights into the significance of this celestial spectacle.

Northwest Territories: A Land of Legends

The Northwest Territories are synonymous with pristine wilderness and captivating legends surrounding the Aurora Borealis. Yellowknife, its capital city, is a popular destination for Northern Lights Canada tours. With its unique blend of urban conveniences and untouched natural beauty, Yellowknife provides an ideal base for travelers seeking to witness the dancing lights.

Head to the nearby Wood Buffalo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a chance to see the Northern Lights in all their glory. The remote location and minimal light pollution make this park an excellent spot for experiencing this celestial phenomenon up close and personal.

Newfoundland: A Coastal Delight

Located on Canada’s eastern coast, Newfoundland is not only known for its rugged landscapes but also its vibrant culture and warm hospitality. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a different kind of Northern Lights Canada tour experience.

The town of St. John’s, with its charming coastal charm, serves as a gateway to witnessing the Aurora Borealis in Newfoundland. Cape Spear, North America’s easternmost point, offers breathtaking views of the night sky illuminated by shimmering lights. For a more immersive experience, consider staying in one of the cozy cabins or lodges dotted along Newfoundland’s coastline.

In conclusion, embarking on Northern Lights Canada tours is an extraordinary way to witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles. From Yukon’s wilderness wonderland to Alberta’s blend of nature and culture, from Northwest Territories’ land of legends to Newfoundland’s coastal delight – these must-visit locations offer unforgettable experiences that will leave you in awe of the beauty that dances across the night sky. So pack your bags and get ready to chase the Northern Lights across Canada.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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Northern Green Spain Motorcycle Tour

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Skill Level: Advanced

Touring Roads: 30%

Challenging Roads: 70%

History / Culture:

Riding Time: 6 to 8 hours

Paved Roads

How our rating system works →

IMTBIKE ROUTE rating

It is essential to know the different skill levels needed to participate in the IMTBIKE TOURS that are offered to you. IMTBIKE makes sure that it offers different tours for all riding styles and levels. The IMTBIKE team always works diligently in designing our routes. This is a laborious process which entails reviewing all road choices before selecting the best option for an IMTBIKE tour.

The most experienced motorcyclists looks for roads that require technical skill; narrow twisty roads with little traffic and endless curves. But these same roads would be too difficult for a less experienced rider.

The local driving habits, the amount of traffic, the asphalt quality and the radius of the curves vary considerably from country to country and even in different regions of the same country. They will also vary depending on the season of the year. All of these factors have been studied by IMTBIKE and have been taken into consideration when rating our tours.

IMTBIKE thinks it is also important to know about the different types of roads you will be enjoying on your tour. To understand the road types easier, IMTBIKE has divided them into two categories, and we have calculated an approximate percentage of each on all of our tours.

• TOURING ROADS: These are wider roads comprised mainly of larger radius sweepers. They are still curvy roads but not tight mountainous twisty curves. Please remember that you will ride very few straight roads on IMTBIKE tours!
• CHALLENGING ROADS: These are roads that are tight twisty turns which require more technical skill. Many times they will be narrower roads without a shoulder and sometimes with steep inclines or descents. Normally they will be mountainous roads accompanied by spectacular sceneries.

If you have never ridden a motorcycle outside of your country, or if you have little experience riding on mountain roads with many curves, we recommend that you choose a tour rated moderate or intermediate. If you have any questions or doubts please do not hesitate to call or email us. We are always happy to answer your questions to make sure that you choose the best tour for your riding level.

This route offers wider sweeping turns that are easy to maneuver. This route may have some tighter turns in a few places but this will be the exception. Regardless, even on moderate tours you must be able to ride a large cylinder motorcycle in any condition. Never plan to learn how to ride a motorcycle on an IMTBIKE tour. We recommend having a minimum of 8.000 km (5.000 miles) of experience riding a large cylinder motorcycle to participate on a MODERATE rated IMTBIKE Tour and you should ride a motorcycle on a regular basis at home.

Intermediate

This route rating can have sections of very twisty curves on narrow roads with no center line to divide the road. There will also wider radius curves on these routes. Traffic conditions can be intense at times in some urban environments and the local driving habits may seem aggressive and unpredictable to you. It is imperative that you are an experienced motorcyclist. We recommend that you have a minimum of 12.000 km (7500 miles) of large cylinder motorcycle experience to participate on a INTERMEDIATE rated IMTBIKE Tour and you should ride a motorcycle on a regular basis at home.

This route rating has long sections of technical narrow twisty roads and sometimes single lane roads. These twisty roads will often be in mountains where steep inclines and descents will be commonplace. Some riding days can be long and challenging. Traffic conditions can be intense at times in some urban environments and the local driving habits may seem aggressive and unpredictable to you. It is imperative that you are a very experienced motorcyclist on a large cylinder motorcycle. We recommend that you have a minimum of 16.000 km (10.000 miles) of large cylinder motorcycle experience on an ADVANCE rated IMTBIKE Tour and of course you should ride a motorcycle on a regular basis at home.

IMTBIKE Average Daily Riding Hours

5 to 7 hours 6 to 8 hours 7 to 9 hours

How many hours a day you ride on a tour is important information in helping you decide on the right IMTBIKE tour for you. Some tour members want to ride as many hours as possible everyday, while others prefer to stop more frequently and dedicate more time to enjoying the scenery, visiting cultural sights and arrive at the hotel earlier to relax before dinner. The daily riding hours are calculated including the coffee breaks and photo stops but they do not include the time taken for lunch.

Normally we’ll start our riding day at 9:30am and we will take about a one hour lunch break sometime between 1pm and 2pm. So if the daily riding hours for a given tour are 5-7, then you will arrive at the hotel between 3:30pm- 5:30pm depending on the average speed of the group.

Discover the elegance of Northern Spain

May. 31 — jun. 15, 2024 14 spots left, from: € 7125.

This Northern Green Spain Motorcycle Tou r starts in Bilbao, a lively city in the heart of the Basque Country, famous for its Guggenheim Museum designed by architect Frank Gehry. This motorcycle adventure will trace the footsteps of the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage to Galicia before returning to the Basque Country for our farewells.

The north of Spain is well-known for its verdant rolling mountains, rugged coastline and abundance of excellent seafood. During the Northern Green Spain Motorcycle Tour , you will explore the regions of the Basque Country, Asturias, Cantabria and Galicia and experience a perfect blend of Northern Spain’s breathtaking coastline and the majestic “Picos de Europa” Mountains.

On this motorcycle tour you will spend extra nights in three of the most famous cities in the north of Spain: the elegant San Sebastián, the charming Oviedo and the historic Santiago de Compostela. You will have enough time to enjoy pintxos and txakoli (Basque tapas and white wine), and relax on the Playa de la Concha (Shell Beach) in San Sebastian; stroll cobblestone streets and savor “cidra and cabrales” in Oviedo; and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the pilgrims who finish the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage, in Santiago.

Everyday will be a new discovery of impressive mountains, little-known landscapes and seascapes of breathtaking beauty, excellent little-known roads and some of the finest hotels Northern Spain has to offer. Mark this one on your bucket list as one of the greatest motorcycle adventures you will ever have!

Make this a Self-Guided Tour →

• Start / End Bilbao Total Distance 1.986 miles / 3.196 km
• Total Time 16 Days Riding Days 14 Days
• Rest Days 3 San Sebastián, Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela Breakfast 15 Included Breakfasts
• Dinners 12 Dinners Daily Mileage 160-220 miles / 250-350 km
• Hotel Overnights 15 Nights Riding Season Early Summer
• Highlights:  San Sebastián, Cantabrian Coast, Oviedo, Rías Baixas, Santiago de Compostela, Costa da Morte, Costa Verde, Picos de Europa Mountains. We stay in some of best Parador hotels in Spain Accommodations:  Amazing hotels. First-class historical Paradors and a few specially selected boutique hotels with local flair. Paradors are Castles, Palaces & Fortresses converted into charming hotels. *All IMTBIKE lodgings are hand-picked for their quality of service, local charm and strategic locations.

Start your Self-guided Tour →

Northern Spain & Pyrenees Motorcycle Tours gallery

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: arrival bilbao, day 2: bilbao – san sebastián, day 3: san sebastián – rest day, day 4: san sebastián - vitoria, day 5: vitoria – palentine mountains, day 6: palentine mountains - oviedo, day 7: oviedo - rest day, day 8: oviedo - ribeira sacra, day 9: ribeira sacra - rías baixas, day 10: rías baixas - santiago de compostela, day 11: santiago de compostela – rest day, day 12: santiago de compostela – costa verde, day 13: costa verde – picos de europa, day 14: picos de europa – santillana del mar, day 15: santillana del mar – bilbao, day 16: flight back home.

Transfer included from the Airport to the hotel on the first day of the tour. Then you will have the rest of the day to relax or take a walk through the beautiful center of the city before the welcome meeting in the hotel. Then we will have dinner together in a traditional restaurant where we will toast the beginning of our trip. Depending on the country you are flying from, you may have to leave a day early. Please book your flights accordingly!

The first day of our route takes us directly to the rugged Basque coast. A coastline full of secluded beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Forests roads will lead us to cliffs where the smell of ocean salt mixes with aromas of the mountain. Our route will take us following the sea until we arrive in San Sebastián.

On this rest day you can enjoy the beautiful city of Donostia (San Sebastian), its cozy La Concha Bay and its promenade, the fishing port and its restaurants, sample famous pintxos in the old city ... But you can also ride in the morning, on a beautiful route in the mountains that approach the northernmost Pyrenees Mountains.

Today we will head to the Basque capital, Vitoria, a small city with a lot of charm. We will ride some of the most beautiful little-known mountain passes in the Basque Country with verdant forests and incredible aromas, and then ride through the Natural Park Urkiola before arriving in Vitoria.

Today we will make our journey westward crossing mountain range after mountain range, valley after valley. This is a little-known sparsely populated part of Spain, but precisely for this reason full of pristine beauty. Several Natural Parks in the Cantabrian Mountains and the Eastern Picos de Europa will pass under our wheels before reaching the Palencia Mountains.

Today we will ride along the banks of several reservoirs included the most famous, Riaño. We will enjoy incredible sweepers at the foot of the Pico de Europa Mountains and cross Asturias before arriving in the monumental city of Oviedo with its famous cathedral.

We have a rest day today and can discover all the charms of the beautiful city of Oviedo. But we can also go to the western Asturian coast to visit the picturesque fishing village of Cudillero. There we can enjoy fresh fish at an outdoor restaurant contemplating the sea and the daily life of its locals. We have prepared a nice curvy route to get there.

Today we arrive in Galicia, but first a spectacular mountain riding day awaits us. We will ride through the Asturian Mountains in search of the Somiedo Natural Park. Then we will continue traveling through the westernmost part of the Cantabrian Mountains, to finally reach the Ribeira Sacra, famous for its wines and spectacular landscapes.

Today we will enter one of the most spectacular landscapes in the interior of Galicia, the Sil Gorges. An impressive depression created over millions of years by the course of the Sil River. We will ride through small roads that border these canyons that belong to the so-called Ribeira Sacra, where they make excellent wines. Then we will continue our journey along solitary roads surrounded by lush forests, until we reach the very heart of the Rías Baixas.

On this day one of the most enchanting landscapes in Galicia awaits us: Costa da Morte. We will faithfully ride this rugged coastline until we reach Finesterre. Along the way we will find myriad fishing villages. Finisterre is where the Romans thought the world ended, and it is from where we head to Santiago de Compostela by little traveled local roads.

A rest day in Santiago de Compostela is almost mandatory to meander its old streets full of history and legends. This will mix nicely with the joy of happy pilgrims who are finishing their adventures on the Camino de Santiago (Saint James Way). Feel free to talk to them to hear their stories, they come from all over the world.

After resting in Santiago, we will leave for the Galician north coast, to enjoy the spectacular greenery that surrounds the Rías Altas area. We will ride the roads closest to the coast and enjoy the magnificent coastline full of beautiful fishing villages, steep rocky, cliffs and green meadows that reach the very edge of the sea.

The return to Asturias brings us promises of nature in its purest state as we immerse ourselves in the Navia Valley. We’ll enjoy a road with little traffic and full of curves that enters the heart of the Asturian Mountains and highlights its small villages. Later we will go to the foot of the Picos de Europa.

Today we will reach the very heart of the immense Picos de Europa Mountains, where we can take a cable car that will take us to the summit, riding between rugged mountains and narrow canyons, and then return us to the coast. We will enter the Cantabria region, passing through villas of great beauty and historical significance, until we reach Santillana del Mar, a perfectly preserved medieval town.

Today we will arrive back in Euskadi (Basque Country), but first we will enjoy the calm of the Cantabrian Mountains, crossing mountain after mountain by curvy roads, surrounded by infinite greenery and an unrepeatable atmosphere until, almost without realizing it, we reach Bilbao. Our adventure through the North of Spain ends here. Green Spain!

Today you will say your goodbyes to the guides and the other tour members (now your new friends) as you make your way to the airport to fly home. Until our next motorcycle adventure together! Hasta Luego!

Northern Green Spain Motorcycle Tour Pricing

The base price of every tour is calculated for a single rider on a BMW G310R and sharing a double room

Add passenger

+ € 5445

Single Room Supplement

+ € 1350

+ € 360

+ € 550

BMW R1250RS

+ € 780

BMW R1250GS

BMW R1250GS ADV

+ € 940

BMW R1250RT

BMW K1600GT

+ € 1340

€ 7125

Included in tour:.

• Airport pickup on the first day of the tour.
• Overnight accommodations in high quality hotels
• A gourmet dinner every night (except on rest days).
• Complete buffet breakfast every morning.
• New model BMW motorcycle fully equipped with 3 BMW cases.
• Tour handbook (normally about 70 pages-very comprehensive) and highlighted map.
• Expert multilingual guide on a motorcycle.
• Multilingual guide in support vehicle which will carry your luggage, any oversized purchases you make; or even a passenger or two.
• Tour Souvenirs.

Not included in Tour:

• Air ticket, lunches, gasoline, drinks, tolls, personal spending and tips

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• Trans Pyrénées Tour
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Motorcycle tour in northern Spain, in Asturias, Cantabria and Aragon

Best of Northern Spain : Asturias & Picos de Europa

Mileage :   1680 km / 1044 miles

Tour highlights  :  Picos de Europa, mirador del Fito, Basque county coastal road, Burgos old town, historical village of Frias, St  Juan de Gaztelugatxe chapel, Bilbao Guggenheim museum, Bufones of Pria, Bardenas Reales natural reserve, 

Arrival in Hendaye. Check in at the hotel. Dinner and group briefing.

We start along the coastal road of the Basco country. After a stop in Guernika, sadly knowned for its bombing we will reach the chapel of St Jean Gaztelugatxe perched on its rocky outcrop. Then we will cross Bilbao by the famous Unesco listed transporter bridge to reach our stopover in the mountains.

We’ll start by the mountains of Cantabria before we can reach the sea and the coast of Asturias considered as one of the most beautiful in Spain. If the sea and the wind are united we can admire the Bufones of Pria creating impressive geysers of sea. Then after riding in the cave of Cuevona de Cuevas del Agua. Then we will reach Cangas de Onis in the heart of the Picos of Europa.

We head towards the town of Oviedo to discover the countless historical monuments and then we will return to the coast and its beautiful harbors, such as Cudillero or Lastres. We’ll end the day with one of the most beautiful views on the Picos at the Mirador del Fito.

Today we go to the assault of the best roads of the Picos d'Europa and its many overlook points that will allow you to contemplate its majesty and beauty. We will cross the typical villages of Asturias and their granaries so emblematic of the region, like Carmona or Argueso.

We leave Asturias province for Castille and Leon and will reach Burgos by the most beautiful villages of the province: Frias or Orbaneja del Castillo. The rest of the afternoon will be spent discovering the historic center of Burgos and its imposing Cathedral housing the tomb of the Cid.

We cross the steep mountains of the Sierra of Demanda to reach the plains of Navarre and Aragon. We will take the opportunity to visit some isolated villages full of charm.

We start the day with the sunrise over the Bardenas Reales Natural Park. An arid desert with rocky spurs reminiscent of the American West. Then we take the direction of the medieval castle of Loarre and Los Mallos mountains and their impressive eroded rocks. It is along the lake of Yesa that we will reach Pampelona, the capital of Navarre province, an important stopover on the Santiago trail.

The provinces of Northern Spain are far from the usual clichés of this country because their roots plunge more into the celtic culture than the iberian. For sure if the highlight of this trip are the majestic Picos de Europa , the highest Cantabrian mountain chain, this motorcycle tour will also take you to the most beautiful sites and motorcycle roads of these regions too little known: Asturias and its unspoiled nature and wild coasts reminiscent of Brittany, Cantabria and its peaks of the Picos National Park, Burgos and its medieval architecture, Euskadia , Spanish Basque Country, so attached to its culture and its traditions and finally Navarre and its famous Wild West landscapes of the Bardenas Reales . You will fall in love with the diversity and beauty of these regions so appropriate to motorcycle tourism. You will end this motorcycle journey where it started, on the wild coasts of the French Basque Country.

Day 1 ARRIVAL IN HENDAYE Day 2 HENDAYE - BALMASEDA (230 km / 143 miles) Day 3 BALMASEDA - CANGAS DE ONIS (260 km / 161 miles)  Day 4 LOOP RIDE AROUND CANGAS DE ONIS (270 km / 167 miles) Day 5 CANGAS DE ONIS - REINOSA (222 km / 138 miles) Day 6 REINOSA - BURGOS (176 km / 109 miles) Day 7 BURGOS - TUDELA (260 km / 161 miles) Day 8 TUDELA - PAMPELUNA (263 km / 163 miles) Day 9 DEPARTURE FROM PAMPELUNA

Motorcycles available in category A : BMW R 1200 RT / BMW LC 1200 GS / BMW LC 1250 GS Motorcycles available in category B : BMW F 700 GS / BMW F 750 GS / Moto Guzzi V85TT Motorcycles available in category C (quote on request) : Yamaha MT07 Tracer / Honda 750 NCX

All motorcycles comes with side panniers and top case box Lower seat and lower frame version available on request.

This motorcycle tour in Asturias, Aragon and Bardenas is also available in self-guided tour.

Rates in guided tour formula (in € PP) :

  * This is the prices category when riders join the tour with their own bikes

Our price of this guided motorcycle tour includes :

• Transfer from San Sebastian or Biarritz airport on arrival
• Motorcycle with insurance and unlimited mileage (formula with rental bike)
• A professional bilingual guide on motorcycle leading the group
• 8 nights in 3 and 4 stars hotels with breakfast
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• Information kit and road book and GPX files

Not included in the price of this guided motorcycle tour :

• any other meal than those included in the tour
• Drink and personal expenses
• Fuel, parking and toll
• Riding equipment (helmet, jacket, gloves)
• All excursions not included in the package 

Rates in self-guided tour formula (in € PP) :

• GPX files to be inserted in GPS device or smartphone
• Information kit and road book

If you want to include a rental motorcycle in this tour contact-us for a quote.

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7 day tour on motorbike of northern spain - Spain Forum

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Hi everyone,

Here is a good website to find some recommend bike rides.

http://www.bestbikingroads.com/motorcycle-roads/motorbike-rides-in-spain-/spain-__1474.html

Accommodation.

That is harder to suggest.

I suppose you will want some private parking which ensures some security for the bike. If so then accommodation out of towns and cities would be your best bet. Here we have Casa Rurals.

I will give you a link to the websites covering the areas in the North of Spain

http://www.infoasturias.com/

http://turismodecantabria.com/descubrela/elige-destino

http://www.turgalicia.es/portada

I think the choices are going to be overwhelming.

Maybe choose some destinations, perhaps using the first website I have linked to then hopefully the answers about accommodation can be honed down.

Many thanks

What mountains?

Here is a map of the locations of all petrol stations, it gives prices and opening times too.

http://geoportalgasolineras.es/

If you have a navigation device this will also show you where filling stations are located.

http://geoportalgasolineras.es/descargas.do?tipoBusqueda=0#

How was it for you?

Enjoy your trip, I will soon be planning for the next journey.

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6 unmissable roads to ride in Northern Spain and Portugal

Just a day’s ferry crossing away from England’s south-coast lies a riding paradise. Blessed with sun from early spring to late autumn, it has become a pilgrimage for many British motorcyclists. We’re of course talking about motorcycling in northern Spain and Portugal.

I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks riding around the Iberian peninsula last year where I enjoyed some of the best riding of my life through the likes of the Picos de Europa, the Pyrenees, and beyond. It was an incredible journey and one I’d highly recommend to any biker with a thirst of adventure.

If you fancy riding in Spain and Portugal yourself, make sure you don’t miss out on the seven mind-blowing roads listed below that are all within reach of those handy ferry ports . I also got in touch with local expert Brian Watson of McTours Ltd , who has spent months based in the region riding every road he could find to build the perfect tour.

With years of knowledge under his belt Brian has pointed out some deviations from these busier roads that I’ll certainly take next time I head over, these are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

BP1103, BP1121: The road to the monastery at Montserrat

While most people will take the train or a tour bus, the steep ascent, coupled with typical billiard-table smooth Spanish blacktop, makes for a great road for motorcyclists. Parking for bikers at the top is also free for 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to snap some photos of the stunning views before heading back down and towards the Pyrenees.

Brian’s tip:  While the views from the top are great, you can be unlucky and encounter tour buses while on this road. If you’re in the area, on your way back down from the Monastery the BV-1122 is a lovely, narrow stretch of road with no solid white lines and relatively little traffic that just begs to be ridden.

N260: From Biescas heading East through the Pyrenees

Whittling down the list of brilliant roads I’d ridden during my time in the Pyrenees was pretty hard, but one stood out amongst the many, the N260.

Perhaps it’s because I virtually had the road to myself when I rode it, or perhaps because of the peaceful, yet awe-inspiring scenery that I managed to capture in the photo above. Either way, it is a fantastic road and a must-ride if you’re in the region.

As I rose and fell through the hills and valleys, I found myself sandwiched in between steep cliffs to one side and long drops covered in sprawling forestry to the other, while constantly in the shadow of the Pyrenees mountains. I felt that I’d stumbled across one of the best roads in the world. Simply epic.

Brian’s tip: The N260 is a long road, with many great parts, a stand-out favourite is the section from Ripoll towards Llivia. Brian will deviate off the N260 on his tours; both the LV-5134 and the L-511 prove popular with his clients.

LV/BV-4241: A squiggle through the Catalonian countryside.

When designing roads linking small villages in the Catalonian countryside, I’m convinced Spain’s chief road planner (should they exist) left their map briefly unsupervised, giving their toddler enough time to sneak in and scribble a wiggly line across the page. Not noticing this had occurred, the map was sent off, the roads were built and the BV-4241 came into existence.

Perhaps I’m letting my imagination run wild, but the BV-4241 is so unrelentingly twisty that it almost defies logic. It writhes through the hills, a never-ending succession of hairpins, undulating dips, twists and humps, before spitting you out above the town of Berga.

Not one for the fainthearted, it’s a white-knuckle ride that should be taken at a comfortable pace. With so much focus required on the road, I honestly couldn’t tell you too much about the surrounding countryside or views, an indication that this is one for the riding purists.

Brian’s tip: A great, twisty ride, while the more technical B-400 running just north of this road competes for the title of best road in this region.

N621: The Potes Triangle

The magnificent Picos de Europa mountain range needs no introduction, but the N621 might. Part of the Potes Triangle (named after the small town of Potes which is a great place to base yourself on a tour), it’s a phenomenal road to ride into the heart of the Picos, with great viewpoints throughout.

Ask any local biker for advice on where to ride in the area, and chances are they’ll tell you to follow the ‘Triangle’ for a day’s ride. Starting on the N621, you’ll go up past a statue of an ibex and a turning to a monument of a white bear. Stick on the road for a while, before taking a right at Riaño onto the N625, before looping back around to Potes on the AS114.

If you fancy something even more exhilarating, after taking the right at Riaño onto the N625, take the first left onto the CL-635. Continue on this road, staying right at the fork, and enjoy the numerous tight hairpins as you begin your descent. Follow the road to its end, and you’ll find yourself close to Gijón, a nice stop on the coast.

Brian’s tip: A well-known and popular route, the 15-mile stretch south of Potes is bound to excite but you can improve the ‘triangle with’ deviations onto the quieter LE-2703.

N222: Douro Valley

Named the Best Road in the World in 2015 by car rental firm Avis, the N222 is an absolute must when visiting Portugal, or even the Picos. It’s also not too far from some of our other roads, starting half a day’s ride from the beautiful town of Salamanca in Western Spain.

The road takes you through 17.5 miles of the wine region of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It largely sticks to the course of the Douro river, allowing you to follow its smooth contours as it flows amid the hillsides and terraced vineyards rising above you.

You’ll come out near Porto, an absolutely beautiful city and one I’d thoroughly recommend staying a night or two in.

Brian’s tip:  A picturesque route, but his tours will take some of the minor roads that climb higher to command a better view of the valley stretching ahead of you, ideal to catch that perfect photo.

N232: Over the mountains from Manteigas

Finally, we have the N232 in the Serra de Estrela National Park, in central Portugal. Ok, we may have strayed further afield from the ferry port by this point, but it’s yet another memorable road that you’ll be sure to tell your mates about when you get back home.

This brilliant stretch of tarmac rapidly climbs into the mountains, bringing you out at around 1,500 m above sea level. It’s a glorious collection of tight, blind hairpins and switchbacks that keep you fully focussed at all times. At one point while riding, I stole a quick glance to my right and was rewarded with a perfect memory, a bird’s eye view of the tarmac weaving its way back down to the town of Manteigas below.

Brian’s tip: The section around Manteigas is a great ride, although once up and over the mountains you’ll want to turn off before the route opens up for more of a challenge.

Ride these roads for yourself

If you fancy riding any of the roads, get in touch with Brian at McTours Ltd .

With an almost unparalleled wealth of local knowledge and experience Brian had me kicking myself as he suggested some lovely alternative routes that I missed out on. Although, I suppose, it’s just a great excuse to head over again to make sure I tick them off!

With a number of upcoming tours to get you motorcycling in northern Spain and Portugal, you’ll be sure to find a tour that Brian is offering that’s right for you. And with bespoke options for those who want to fine-tune their holidays, there’s no reason you can’t tick off all six this summer. Safe riding!

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North of Spain - Pyrenees - 6 days

Self-guided motorcycle tour.

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• The motorcycling paradise of the Pyrenees and the unique routes over the mountain passes between Spain and France .
• Reach Andorra via the Port d'Envalira, the highest pass road in Europe at 2409 m. altitude , that is accessible all year round.
• The Aran Valley with its splendid routes over the Port de Bonaigua, motorcycling pleasure at its finest 
• Monte Perdido National Park with the Añisclo Gorge and Alquezar , one of the most beautiful villages in Spain
• Follow the path of the Tour de France race and ride the classic roads of Col du Tourmalet , Col de Aubisque and Col de Aspin on your motorbike.
• Roda de Isábena, the smallest village in the world (37 inhabitants) with a cathedral in the main square and the fantastic routes around the mighty rock of the Pedraforca face
• The nature park in Montserrat , the icon and symbol of Barcelona.
• Visit Barcelona, the metropolis on the Mediterranean

• Stage destination: Tena Valley
• Distance: 270 km
• Highlights: 8 mountain passes of the Tour de France

Day 4 - The Añisclo Gorge, Alquezar and Ainsa

Your days starts today with a ride to the Cañón de Añisclo, a narrow gorge cut through the mountains by the Bellos River. The gorge is part of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. From here, you ride to picturesque Aínsa and down to Alquézar, both included by National Geographic in its list of Spain's most beautiful villages. On the way back north, you cross the Sierra de Guara Nature Reserve and watch the buzzards glide up the Vero Canyon gorge.

• Destination: Ainsa
• Highlights: Cañón de Añisclo, Aínsa and Alquézar

Day 5 - Spectacular scenery and Peramola

Today you ride all day through spectacular roads and landscapes. You travel again along the legendary N-260 and get from Aragon back to Catalonia over mountain passes and through forests. At the end of the day, you'll take a dream route around the Rialb reservoir before spending the night in Peramola.

• Destination: Peramola
• Mileage: 300 km
• Highlights: Rialb reservoir, mountain passes

Day 6 - The south face of Pedraforca and returning to Barcelona

Starting at the Oliana reservoir, you leave the main road over the Segre River Bridge to reach one of the most beautiful parts of your tour: The road around the south face of the Pedraforca mountain is an absolute highlight for motorcyclists. You ride through the Cadí-Moixeró National Park to the Montserrat Nature Reserve with its famous monastery, the most important pilgrimage site in Spain after Santiago de Compostela. The last winding section of this tour takes you into and over the Collserola hills to the viewpoint at Tibidabo. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city of Barcelona before returning to Hispania Tours.

• Destination: Barcelona
• Distance: 300 km
• Highlights: Oliana reservoir, Cadí-Moixeró National Park, Montserrat Monastery

If you are already accommodated locally, or your flight departs late enough to finish the tour (in the afternoon from 17.00), you can remove today's overnight stay from the included services during the booking process.

Departure day

We say goodbye and hope to see you again soon on one of our other motorbike adventures! 

Please note: We reserve the right to make minor changes to the tour schedule.

Tour dates and book your tour from Barcelona

This self-guided tour in the Pyrenees can be done from May to October. When booking the tour, please choose your start date, which is the same as the arrival date of the tour itinerary above.

Make your reservation

Included services

Included services .

• Hispania Tours rental motorbike  (additional equipment and gear can be booked on request)
• Sat nav on the motorbike with the daily routes loaded
• Tour briefing and instructions for each day's ride 
• Road book + maps
• Airport transfer for tours from Málaga

Accommodation and Meals 

• Accommodation in 3* and 4* star hotels as well as small, typical boutique hotels
• Daily breakfast during the tour is included in the tour price

Not included 

• Flight, fuel, drinks, dinner, snacks, travel insurance
• Everything that is not explicitly listed in the included services

A motorcycle tour of northern Spain is on many a biker’s bucket list and with good reason, as Ollie Rooke has found over two weeks’ exploring the region on his BMW F650GS.

Perfect tarmac, more bends than a plate of spaghetti and almost guaranteed sun. It’s no surprise that Spain remains a bucket list destination for bikers from across the world. 

For anyone travelling down from northern Europe, the northernmost regions of Spain feature the spectacular mountains of Picos de Europa and the Pyrenees, where you can explore some of the best motorcycling available anywhere in the world. Let’s tuck in.

WHERE TO GO

In many ways, the best way to travel the Picos and the Pyrenees is without a plan. Simply let yourself discover the roads the regions have to offer, there aren’t many bad ones! But with that in mind, below are a few roads or routes that in my opinion should not be missed, perhaps a base to build your own trip from.

The Pyrenees

If you’re landing in Bilbao the temptation is to turn West and head straight to the Picos. But, if you’re blessed with time or happier sticking out longer days in the saddle, the Pyrenees lie about half a day to the East. While the Picos grab the headlines, the riding in the Pyrenees is almost as good and much, much quieter, leaving you with miles of empty tarmac to yourself.

Head to Jaca on the main roads and take the N-240 at the earliest opportunity. Continue on this road past Jaca (where it turns into the N330) and turn off onto the N260 (towards France) near Sabiñánigo. At this point you have a choice of two options. Firstly, you can take the road as it turns into the A-136 up over the mountains and into France. I camped in a small town called Laruns and turned back the next day due to bad weather, which led me to the second option…

Following the N260 in the direction of Torla. The road snakes its way through luscious green hills, with stunning views over the valley. You’re almost guaranteed a serene ride, without another car or bike around. Take a left turn into Torla for a photo opportunity, but turn back rather than head into the national park (the road is terrible and doesn’t go much further in). At this point, you can continue your journey further along the border with France, towards Andorra, or turn back in the direction of the Picos.

The N621 needs no introduction. The famous pass takes you into Potes, a beautiful little town and a great place to base yourself for a few nights with plenty of options to rest your head, before snaking it’s way up and over the mountains. Take it slowly though; you don’t want to miss turning off into one of the many viewpoints.

If you’re up for a bit more of a challenge though, why not take a turn off this famous route and tackle one of the more challenging roads in the region. Just before reaching the famous Riano viaduct take a right onto the N-625 from Potes to Riano (should take about an hour, but make that two with stops for photos!). Follow this road until you get to the first left turning, onto the CL635. Continue to follow this quiet pass as it rises through the mountains until you reach a fork in a small village; take the right-hand fork, signposted AS-117, and prepare to descend into the valley quickly, down tight switchbacks.

Once you arrive in San Martin de Rey Aurelio you can loop back around the mountains, and aim for the viewpoint Mirador Del Fito. Doing this will reward you with simply stunning views of the mountains you’ve just conquered and the far off coastline, before returning to your base in the Picos or a night on the coast (Llanes is lovely) for a well-earned cerveza.

Alternatively, another fantastic pass that can begin or end in Potes is the CA-184, leading onto the CL-627. This route will take you further inland, and I stumbled upon it after going cross country after my first week exploring the Pyrenees.

Further afield, if you have the time…

With more time on your hands, once you’ve explored the Picos and Pyrenees, head to Barcelona… I know, a city on a bike tour?! Hear me out on this one though. 

I approached Barcelona, as I do all cities with a fully loaded tourer, with a sense of trepidation. But I needn’t have worried. The one-way system, sometimes with up to five lanes of traffic, just seems to work. In fact, it doesn’t just work, it’s actually a blast to ride. Bikes filter to the front of the queues and then take off in drag race fashion as all the lights go green at the same time. 

The city is bike mad, and I felt safe parking my bike on the street with a small disc lock (although you should bring panniers and luggage into your accommodation with you).

When heading through Catalonia from the Pyrenees, be sure to make room in your plan to ride the BV-4241. The road cuts across from one small Catalonian town to another, linking Cambrils and Berga. It’s a challenging ride, combining blind twists and hairpins with rapid changes in altitude, but is fantastic and rewards you with incredible views when you reach occasional breaks in the surrounding forest.

If you’re near Barcelona, also consider visiting the Monastery at Mont Serrat. While most tourists take the train or bus up, the roads to the summit are fabulous and the views at the top are a fitting reward for your efforts.

GETTING THERE AND WHEN TO GO

There are two clear options when getting yourself and your bike down to Northern Spain; getting one of the ferries from Portsmouth/Plymouth to Santander/Bilbao or hopping the Channel and biking down through France.

Now neither is going to save you a heap of money either way; after running the maths both come out at a similar cost. Undoubtedly a ride through France can be lovely, but if you’re tight on time are you prepared to endure some iron butt days and squared-off tyres?

Ultimately, most opt for the ferry. You’ll have a chance to rest and relax on the way there and back, and once you land the fun begins, no need for motorway miles! Some words of advice though; stock up on food beforehand (there are microwaves onboard) and check the forecast for your sailing, discovering you get seasick with nothing to take for it at the beginning of a two-night boat trip is not enjoyable…

My tour was during September and early October, which seems like an ideal time to visit. It’s still hot and dry, but the heat is pleasant rather than oppressive and easily manageable in a vented suit. The mornings can feel slightly chillier at this time of year, partly due to the late sunrise, but by 10-11am you’ll be down to a t-shirt in the sun. You’ll also beat the majority of the summer holiday crowds and be able to catch some rays while Britain welcomes in a rainy autumn. To avoid the heat and crowds, late Spring would also be a good time to go.

October is also when the Colombres Rally takes part in a small village not far from Potes, another good reason to go at this time of year. You can read about my visit to this year’s rally here .

WHERE TO STAY?

Northern Spain offers a variety of options for a place to lay your head, depending on your budget. Naturally, the area is awash with hotels and guesthouses; these offer a bed, a meal and breakfast for around 20-30 euros a night. For more budget-conscious travellers campsites are easy to find, although for a similar price you’re likely to find an ‘albergue’ or hostel almost anywhere on the Camino de Santiago route. These offer cheap beds in dorms with the pilgrims walking the trail, so tend to be much quieter than hostels you may find closer to towns or cities. Wild camping is illegal in Spain and I’ve heard rumours of €300 fines for those caught, so I’d advise against it.

As previously mentioned, Potes really is an ideal place to stay and is very popular with motorcycle tourers. A firm favourite for camping in the area would be Camping La Viorna , which lies just outside the town. The campsite is lovely, boasts a seriously cheap onsite restaurant/bar and was popular with British bikers when I visited.

HOW MUCH WILL I SPEND?

Accommodation and food per day can range from about 20-50 euros, depending on what you’re willing to spend. You can keep costs down by grabbing some chorizo/ham, cheese and bread from local stores in the morning and making a quick lunch on the go; you’ll find plenty of picnic stops to soak up the sun while doing so too.

In terms of daily mileage for those happy to ride from morning to afternoon I’d aim for around 200-300 miles a day on the mountain roads, so around a tank to a tank and a half for most bikes. Petrol is reasonably priced too, at the time of writing, 1 litre is around €1.30 (£1.12, $1.44). You can check the latest fuel price here .

Driving standards, roads and speeding

Speed limits in spain:.

Toll Motorway 120kmh/ 75mph

Dual Carriageway 110kmh/ 68mph

Other Roads 90kmh/ 56mph

Built-up Areas 50kmh/ 31mph

It’s no surprise that in an area well-known with bikers and drivers there are plenty of speed cameras in Northern Spain. These tend to be positioned on popular rat runs, rather than smaller roads, and are always very well signposted. But beware, the cameras themselves are deceptive, not because they’re deliberately hidden. Instead, they’re housed in simple white boxes by the sides of the road that are quite easy to miss. As a rule of thumb, if you see a ‘radar’ sign, slow down. A camera won’t be far along after.

Spanish drivers are pretty conscious of motorcycles, although on the mountain roads drivers tend to cross the white line regularly when approaching corners. 

As always with roads you don’t know, it’s best to keep your speed down on blind bends. You’re also almost guaranteed to encounter cows, goats or the stuff that comes out of their ‘exhausts’ on the roads. Unfortunately, cows don’t appreciate a decent apex in the same way we do, so once again keep your eyes out and take it easy.

Tip: If you get any rain while on your trip take the roads very carefully. The white painted arrows are just downright treacherous, and even normal tarmac seems to take on an icy characteristic in the lightest of rain. In the dry though, the tarmac quality is second to none, a welcome change from back home.

So there we have it! A motorcycle tour of northern Spain is an absolute must-do, and an easy one to tick off your bucket list. See you on the ferry!

Follow Ollie on tour:

Ollie is touring Spain and Portugal throughout October and November 2019. For daily updates and photos follow his travels:  @a2adventurer  

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Don't read this if you work in the motorcycle insurance industry

Ollie Rooke

When I was about 9 years old I remember pulling something in my neck playing football. I don’t really remember if I was milking it or not (I probably was) but I do remember spending the day in front of the TV obsessively working my way through ‘The Long Way Round’ boxset. By the time Charlie and Ewan made it to New York I was hooked, I’d discovered my dream. Since then motorcycling to me has always been about adventure: living on the road, everything you need strapped to two wheels and an engine, camping in the wild and travelling to places most people will never go. Years later, in 2016 at the age of 21, I passed my CBT and started a passion that I doubt I’ll ever willingly give up. Since then I’ve upgraded to an A2 licence and will eventually go back to complete my MOD1 and MOD2 again to finally ride unrestricted. In the two years since passing my A2 test I’ve travelled to 14 countries between my old Honda CBF500 or my current pride and joy, a bright orange BMW F650GS Twin. 11 of those were covered in one ill-fated trip that took me to the top of Norway and down through the Baltics until it was all brought to an end after 8 weeks with a crash in Latvia. But it hasn’t stopped me, if anything it’s made me want to travel more. The dream is to one day travel around the world my motorbike, but for now I’m planning to tick off the entirety of Mainland Europe by bike. I aim to focus my writing on all things touring, whether it be tips on preparing for a trip, country specific guides or general motivation I’d like to encourage everyone to make even just one overseas trip by bike. I can be found on a new Instagram, where I can post constantly about bikes and touring without irritating my friends: a2adventurer. I also have a sparsely populated blog, https://rookieriderlondon.wordpress.com/

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El CAMINO Tour

This long-haul tour will give you the opportunity to ride one of the BMWs in our fleet for 14 days throughout the roads of northern Spain; the cultural and historical birthplace of the country.

• Start / End Santiago / Santiago Santiago / Santiago Total duration 14 days
• Total distance 2930 km Reviews 0/5 1

• Landscapes 4/5 History 5/5 Gastronomy 5/5
• Daily stages

The  Northern Spain Motorcycle Tour will give you the opportunity to ride one of the BMWs in our fleet for 14 days throughout the roads of northern Spain; the cultural and historical birthplace of the country.

The first week we’ll ride from the Northwest end of the peninsula up to almost the border with France. More than 1000 km on mountain roads with the sea on the clutch side as a companion. The stages corresponding to these days go through the midst of the greenest part of Spain, the perfect place for those who enjoy the landscapes that nature provides. The ones we’ve chosen for you to ride are by far the best motorcycle routes in Northern Spain .

Once this route is done, great food and the beach await us! We will have a day of rest in the Basque country. There we will enjoy the local cuisine, the world-famous "pintxos". Additionally, the region is located at a strategic geographical point from which our guides will be happy to improvise an extra trip, for example, to one of the French villages close to the border.

Once the first half of the trip is complete, the trail after which this tour is named begins. The Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), which together when combined with a two-wheeler makes for an ultimate experience.

During the second week there will be a motorbike pilgrimage of sorts, through a series of stages that will take us to Compostela.

This part is also intended, to introduce to you to some of Spain’s cultural relics from the middle ages. The gothic cathedrals in Castile and Leon, as well as the surrounding cities, are an architectural treasure worthy of admiration.

Just before reaching the Galician Region, we will race through and area full of valleys. The green landscapes of the North will appear again before our eyes.

The highlight of our expedition, after traveling the route that leads to Santiago, will be our arrival to the Plaza del Obradoiro. The starting point of the Camino, the place where the Cathedral and the remains of the Apostle lie, is the last step before the Pilgrim's Mass and witnessing how the giant botafumeiro spreads incense through the interior of the temple. It is place of peace that will allow us to mentally review every moment of the journey.

• Airport pick-up and transportation to the hotel the first day of the tour
• Briefing: route, tour and security
• Highest quality hotels with full breakfast
• Latest fully equipped BMW models with original cases included
• Travel manual and map marked with the tour route.
• Bilingual guide on a motorcycle
• Support vehicle with luggage transport and escort (for those who prefer to travel on 4 wheels)
• Welcome pack
• Haute cuisine dinners (except for rest days)
• Plane ticket
• Gratuities for guides
• Personal expenses
• Valid passport or national identity card
• Valid motorcycle driver's license; at least 2 years
• Credit card
• International driving license for non-EU members

Stages of the route

Once your plane has landed, our guide service you will pick up at the airport. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area and see the sight around the city. There will be a welcome orientation that will allow you to meet the rest of the people who will take part in this motorcycle adventure, as well as reviewing the tour's details. And as a final event, there will a welcome dinner.

First day on the road. After a good night's rest and a hearty breakfast, the Northern Spain Motorcycle Tour begins with our well-packed luggage and a full tank. On this first leg of the journey we head for the northern part of Galicia. Curves, cliffs and more curves will take us to Estaca de Bares, the northernmost point of the peninsula, where the waters of the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay meet. An endless mass of water can be seen from the lighthouse, making it one of the best places of our trip to get an award-winning photo. We then head towards the south, to the village of Ribadeo. The end of this stage is at the border with Asturias, where we will continue the journey the next day.

On this second day we'll head into the Region of Asturias, one of the green havens in Spain. With a third of its territory occupied by vegetation, this area will be a favorite for nature lovers. The motorcycle route mapped by our guides will cover the ancient Kingdom of Don Pelayo from west to east. Our final destination will be Covadonga, on the edge of the National Park of Picos de Europa. The region is known for being the place where the Reconquista began, a seven-century struggle between Christians and Muslims for Spain’s territory.

After a highland stage, we will go back down to sea level. The Picos de Europa will be the highlight of the first part of the journey. Later, we will continue riding towards Cantabria on the road that runs along the coast. Expect a second leg full of curves and stretches overlooking the sea.

Fourth day on the road. After a good night's sleep, we get back on our BMW bike once more. This stage will take us to the Basque Country, a mountainous stronghold that maintains its pre-Roman culture in aspects such as language and traditions. We will make a mandatory stop to eat in Bilbao. We'll, afterwards, resume the ride towards San Sebastian. Tire and road will be one covering the distance between Bilbao and the Beach of la Concha.

Our first day of rest will be in Donostia, San Sebastian in Basque. This city was named European Capital of Culture in 2016. The place offers a wide variety of leisure possibilities such as its famous cuisine and beach. It is located in a bay, La Concha, which is more than a beach, it is the soul of the city. After our visit, the old town is the perfect place to recharge. The most representative local and traditional cuisine is the "pintxos". If you’re the restless type, our guides will be happy to organize an extra trip to France, for example, on this day of rest.

On this stage we begin to move towards the west, Santiago awaits us! You will have the luxury, once again, of exploring this part of the country on top of your ride. Before the end of the day we will have had the opportunity to glimpse a new group of mountains. Following the trail of our guides, who remain determined to avoid straight lines that connect the stages, we’ll be able to enjoy the Natural Parks of the province of Burgos. Once again, you will be riding around one of the best motorcycle routes in Northern Spain and Europe as well.

The day begins. The anticipation of knowing that we return to the Picos de Europa is made palpable. A route that ends on a high point, on of those challenges we like, awaits us. This third day, through the green mountains of the North, will provide us with a new series of natural landscapes and quality roads for our eyes and motorcycles.

We'll rest on the highland of the Picos de Europa. This day of rest will allow us to team build, share our impressions and experiences with each other and, above all, rest and get ready for the end of the journey. There is also a trip planned to the caves of el Soplao.

Good morning! Orange juice, toast, coffee, gas and back to riding. On this stage we'll be going down the slope, the best time to enjoy the mountainside. After a few small villages, the road breaks through with plenty of curves ahead. At the end of the journey, we'll reach León. Such is the cultural importance of this city that our usual tourist visit will be longer than usual.

The penultimate stage, the last bend in the road. We'll make this mountainous natural border between Asturias and León our own playground. Almost reaching our starting point, close to the natural landscapes that we saw on the first kilometers of our tour, is the border between "old" Castile and Galicia, known for its traditional cuisine, based on cattle farming and hunting.

Our pilgrimage ends here... We’ll begin the day, for the last time, crossing the border of the Region of Galician. We have come to the end of the road. Two weeks of pilgrimage have gone by, from the mountains to Castilla. We will ride on, through the same countryside that the pilgrims have travelled throughout history. Finally, we’ll arrive in Santiago, thus reaching the climax of this adventure. The entrance to St. James’ City, the resting point for all pilgrims, the Plaza del Obradoiro. Serenity reigns in the air.

After two weeks of riding together, it's time to say our goodbyes. The group will split up and everyone will get back to their points of origin. Needless to say, you can count on Beebiker to be at our clients’ service until the last moment to help them get to the airport or train station. We hope to see you soon on board with us. Have a look at our calendar of motorcycle tours and ride again with us.

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The Delights of Green Spain

€ 2.650

€2,650 on a GS750  | Model upgrade possible | 8 Days of Adventure  | 6 Days of Riding

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Tour Description

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The Unforgettable Journey Around Northern Spain

This tour starts in Santiago de Compostela, a Galician city famous for the “Camino de Santiago” (St. James Way) pilgrimage. Galicia is renowned  for its beautiful countryside and seafood rich coast. You will ride through the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country and experience the perfect blend of Northern Spain’s rugged coastline and the majestic “Pico de Europa” Mountains. Your accommodation is a collection of  Paradors or elegant boutique hotels allowing you the opportunity to enjoy your holidays to the maximum . Beautiful scenery , amazing biking roads and fantastic local cuisine  add together to create, in every sense a premium tour.

Day 1. Arrival day

We collect you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where you can relax  or go exploring the city.The early evening tour briefing gives everybody a chance to meet the other tour participants and arrange the bike allocation. Later over dinner we can  discuss the details of the days to come.

Day 2. Santiago de Compostela – Corias

We start the day heading north, direction La Coruña through green rolling hills. Hugging the rocky coast with steep cliffs and quaint of fishing villages of northern Galicia, After lunch we head south into the mountains to our destination for the night , the beautiful Parador placed in the ancient monastery of Corias.

parador de Corias

Day 3. Corias – Santillana del Mar

Today we explore Asturias, known as Spain´s natural paradise. We start the day on incredible curve-filled roads through the Asturian´s mountains. We turn towards the coast and head for Santillana del Mar, known as the jewel of Cantabria, . Santillana del Mar,is one of the highlights of this tour, is an “alive museum” of a medieval village developed around the “Santa Juliana” collegiate church, although most of the houses were built between the XIV century and the XVIII century. The whole of Santillana can only be visited on foot.

Day 4. Santillana del Mar – Picos de Europa

Today we spend a day discovering the natural beauty of the Picos de Europa.You will need to divide your attention between the breathtaking scenery and narrow twisty mountain roads.If you are lucky, you might spot one of the biggest habitant of the Picos, the brown bear. If you feel adventurous, you can catch a cable car up to the Aliva viewing point.Make sure you are back on time for a lovely dinner in the Parador.

Day 5. Picos de Europa – Ponferrada

We can still see the Picos in our mirror, as we head south west. Today is another bikers dream day on both twisty mountain and sweeping country roads, with hills and lakes and beautiful scenery along the day. We stop for lunch in Ponferrada and make a quick visit to the old Templar castle, and then continue to Villafranca del Bierzo, town of churches, monasteries, convents and fine buildings, to our Parador, surrounded by mountains covered with cherry and fig trees, slopes dotted with chestnuts, poplars and small farms. The building is clad in stone and slate, in the vernacular style of the region.

Day 6. Ponferrada– Santo Estevo

Today we head to one of the highlight destinations of this tour.In the heart of the Ribeira Sacra region, a uniquely beautiful natural area in inland Galicia that is home to the Miño and Sil rivers, concealed within a great cloak of green woods, stands Santo Estevo Monastery, which has been converted into a beautiful Parador. The monastery’s origins are believed to date back to the 6th and 7th centuries.  Its beauty and historical features led the building to be declared a historic-artistic site in 1923.We will arrive early enough to enjoy this wonderful place.

Day 7. Santo Estevo – Santiago de Compostela

.We head west to the coast, for a visit and lunch in the beautiful fishing port of Cambados. The town is  famous for its seafood and also Albariño white wine , also called“the wine of the sea”, because of its coastal vineyards and its compatibility with seafood . From there we take very enjoyable ride back to Santiago de Compostela for the last night and a good-bye dinner.

Day 8. Santiago de Compostela

Unless you booked some extra nights in Santiago, after a lovely breakfast in the hotel, we arrange a transfer to the airport for you

Should you require additional info or didn’t find suitable date, please, contact us!

parador de Santo Estevo

Unless you booked some extra nights in Santiago, after a lovely breakfast in the hotel, we arrange a transfer to the airport

• Accommodation in high quality hotels, Riads & Paradors
• Rental of a BMW motorcycle
• Motorcycle insurance
• All Breakfasts
• All Dinners (apart of rest days)
• Ferries – when applicable
• Multilingual Guide on a motorcycle
• Support vehicle if group of more than 4 motorbikes

Not Included

• Personal Expenses
• Medical and accident insurance
• Anything else not listed as included

10 reviews for The Delights of Green Spain

MAURICE – October 28, 2017

If I could, I’d give this six star. I’ve done a few tours with Hana and David but this for me is the pinnacle. If you want a tour that combines good roads, good food, good wine and good – and often really interesting – accommodation this is it.

It’s the perfect combination of riding and relaxing. I’ve toured on my own up around here but David has found parts which are very special, not full of hordes of other bikers and tours and it just is very special.

I’m very happy to give reviews for the tours I’ve done with them as I’ve never had a bad one and I think they deserve the praise they get. Very relaxed, low-key but very competent at what they do combined with a strong sense of humour. It’s probably why they attract the type of riders they do, who are very similar.

Jim & Connie Korb – November 6, 2017

Thank you so much for sharing this past week with us and giving us a ride of a lifetime. Truly a ¨Holiday ¨ we will never forget Jim & Connie

Sheila & Rodney Cubbage – November 6, 2017

Dear Hana & David, Rondey and I can´t begin to tell you how much we have enjoyed spending the past week with you!Our travels through Northern Spain have been so much more then we have ever imagined.The roads were spectacular and the scenery was absolutely breath-taking. It was truly a Moto-Adventure!The food was fantastic, accommodation was fabulous, not to mention your hospitality, which was second to none. We can´t wait to book our next trip with you! Sheila & Rodney Cubbage(USA) Green Spain May 2017

Brian & Viv Coles – November 6, 2017

Green Spain May 2016 Brian and Viv Coles(UK) Hana and David organised a wonderful tour for us. They led us through breathtaking mountains and forests on fabulous twisty roads which all seemed brand new and with hardly any other traffic. Plenty of stops for coffee, cake and chats and chances to photograph the stunning mountains. All the accommodation was superb with tons of character and good food. Northern Spain and the Picos Mountains are beautiful and as good as anything in the world, in my opinion. The weather was dry and blue skies and the temperature just right for biking (around 18-20 degrees C.) The company we had was great and Hana and David were delightful hosts. Well done and thank you. Brian and Viv Coles

Tom Brennan – November 7, 2017

Green Spain is a fantastic tour. Hana and David, the owners, provide top of the line equipment in the best mechanical condition. The roads travel go through some of the most beautiful country in Europe. If you like twisty mountain roads you will like this ride. And when they say green, they mean it. Green valleys, green forests greeen mountains. Every thing is made ready and easy for the rider from the first meeting hotel until the final dinner. The hotels and inns included in the costs are top of the line, from monastery’s to paradors. And the food is to die for. I really enjoyed my second trip with Motoadventures. Give them a try and you won’t regret it

duncan – November 19, 2017

The Green Spain tour was my Third under the Hana’s Guidance.Probably the most enjoyable and least exhausting. The Day’s riding Length reflected the Concentration require to negotiate hairpin bends, ascents, descents, gorges,mountain passes and spectacular scenery.The North of Spain reminds me of parts of The Rockies in Canada….but with better roads and better food!. No Golf Courses,No unsightly or unfinished Tower blocks just beautiful towns and villages connected by little used Roads. Pilgrims, completing their Camino to Santiago de Compostela were the only visitors apart from ourselves.Santiago,was the perfect start and finish place.I was so impressive I’ve been back since. The Cathedral with its Swinging Fumar, Wine cellars and Tapas Bars is the Perfect place to start and finish this trip. Take and extra day here, if you can.The Accommodation David chose also was a clever mix of Biker friendly Monasteries! If you want to use your own bike the Ferry to Santander makes this an option.Either way DO IT!

Denise and Philippe from Ontario Canada (verified owner) – October 4, 2022

Philippe and I had a marvelous vacation with Hana and David and a great group of riders this September. The scenery around every twist and turn was breathtaking! The roads we travelled were mostly absent of any other traffic – except once a big tour bus coming toward me in a tight hairpin turn – and the accommodations were beautiful paradores set in wonderful little towns each with their special attraction. As usual, with Hana and David, all meals were delicious and we had great conversations around the meal table! We truly appreciate the planning details that go into every trip we have taken with MotoAdventours… we are never disappointed. If I could choose 6 stars, that would be my choice!

Anne and Patrice (verified owner) – October 4, 2022

What a fantastic tour! We had an amazing time with Hana and David and the scenery is just incredible over there (along with nice twisty roads and good food/wine/company). We just love doing their motorcycle tours!

Colleen & Dan – October 4, 2022

This is our second tour with Hana and David and – once again – we are not disappointed. While “Green Spain” is a different beast than our previous “Cape Town to Kruger” tour with them, it was no less satisfying. Our expectations were high and they were met with aplomb. We could have made this tour ourselves, but we knew that Hana and David would have everything planned out to a “T”. They know the best roads, the most interesting and beautiful accommodations, and the most amazing restaurants. Best of all, however, is that they know how to make you feel like part of a family. I can whole heartedly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to explore the beauty of northern Spain.

Richard Cholette – October 10, 2022

Green Spain, another wonderful guided tour with Hana at the helm. Fabulous accommodations and the food was even better. But the real reason we all do these trips is to see a part of the world, on a BMW motorcycle, very few will ever see. The mountains, twisty roads and gorges made this vacation worth every €. Always fun with David & Hana.

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