Go West!
30 Sept—11 Oct 2026
We have long thought that much of the best driving in Spain is West of Madrid, so we’re setting out on an adventure to capture the best of it. After our luxury ferry from Plymouth we start with a run to Segovia, take the motorway or two great mountain passes, one called the ‘Best road on the planet’ by an enthusiastic previous participant. Next we’re going to Ciudad Rodrigo for their Medieval Fiesta weekend, we were there recently and all the locals dress up so bring your doublet and hose!. The drive down to Merida crosses the end of the Gredos Mountains with a super descent to Caceres and then on to this lovely town full of antiquities With two nights a drive out to the best of Extramadura is a must. A loop north next and into Portugal with its virtually empty roads on to Belmonte. Great
Driving and at the hotel, great views and great food, people love it. We re-enter Spain to go to bustling Leon and then throw ourselves into the Picos de Europa bound for Santillana del Mar before we head to Bilbao along the coastal motorway with super views, for the Ferry home
Good company, historic hotels and the best driving in Europe!
| Wed 30 Sep | Afternoon departure from Plymouth on Brittany Ferries Pont Aven |
| Thurs 1 Oct | Arrive in Santander, then drive 220 miles to Segovia to stay in the Parador – The Aqueduct, the Cathedral and the Alcazar dominate the view and we have two days to take it all in |
| Sat 3 Oct | Drive 165 miles to Ciudad Rodrigo and stay in the Parador/Castle in the centre of town. Two nights here to enjoy the medieval fair and fiesta, or escape to Salamanca just up the road |
| Mon 5 Oct | Drive 150 miles to Merida. Stopping at Caceres or Trujillo will showcase some of the wealth acquired by people from this area as they followed Columbus to the New World and acquired riches, lands or, in the case of Pisaro, Peru |
| Tues 6 Oct | It’s a free day in Merida, but if you want a drive out do a loop to Guadalupe and Navalmoral de la Mata—200 miles, but a great loop! |
| Wed 7 Oct | 180 miles into Portugal, looping past Badajoz and Portalegre to head North on the very quiet Portuguese roads to Belmonte, a C14th convent converted to a hotel and just the most peaceful place |
| Thur 8 Oct | Leon next—- Go up through Portugal to Braganca and then cut over to Leon, or go past Salamanca—it’s about 230 miles either way but the Portugal route will give better driving, if a lttlle slower. Enjoy Leon—walk into town and look for the bronze Lion |
| Fri 9 Oct | We’re going to Santillana del Mar which isn’t on the sea(!) It’s 145 miles over the Picos de Europa with some truly excellent driving. The pass into Cantabria is great with a carpark at the summit so you can enjoy the view. Santillana? Spanish people love it! |
| Sat 10 Oct | It’s 80 miles to Bilbao for lunchtime departure to Portsmouth |
| Sun 11 Oct | Evening arrival at Portsmouth |
Tour Booking & Information
Special prices for solo drivers and those not wishing to use the ferry and some ferry cabin upgrades available
To book contact Jasper
Tel:+44 (0) 1442 842542
Mob: 07831 327727
Email: info@driveespana.com
2-14 Sept 2026
1492 was the start of Spain’s Golden Era – discover Spain’s rich history including Segovia, Salamanca, Merida, Mazagon and Cordoba
10-22 June 2026
2026 is all about the Spanish Atlantic coast and we have stops along all of it from the border with France to the border with Portugal.
25 May-3 Jun 2026
Superdeportivos Cantabria is the biggest Supercar event in Spain every year.