Aston Martin Pyrenees Party
18-31 May 2027
After our coastal adventure of 2026, in 2027 we’re going to the Pyrenees, with a special couple of days at the end. There will be great driving, some spectacular mountain passes and castles and palaces on the itinerary. We start with the Plymouth to Santander Ferry, now on a Tuesday but still only one night at sea. We immediately head for San Sebastian, on the coast with the Pyrenees just behind. We have a hilltop hotel which used to be the casino with just the best sea views. We’re doing this two night stop bed and breakfast as San Sebastian is famous for its Pinxto (large tapas) bars and they’re a real experience. The restaurants are all superb and the whole city feels like it’s having a party—so we’re joining in.
We then head high into the Pyrenees to Vielha in the Aran valley; there are a myriad of tunnels on the way and Vielha has a view to France. Next we have a truly spectacular road to Cardona, a mountaintop fastness with a second century tower among other fortifications. It’s a stunning drive. We are there for two nights and both Barcelona and Andorra are within easy reach.
How can you lose a mountain? Our next stop at Bielsa is in the shadow of Monte Perdido, the lost mountain. A great wild place with torrents, waterfalls and snow melt from the tops. If you like a hike, this is the place!
Next we descend to the foothills and Sos del Rey Catolico. Still on a hilltop but now in Aragorn. A lovely peaceful spot with a close connection to Berkhamsted—but what? We leave the Pyrenees in style with two nights at the Estacion de Canfranc. Here trains from France terminated and passengers transferred to Spanish trains. A great centre of spying and intrigue during WW2, it closed and fell into disrepair and dereliction in the ‘70s. No more! It is an amazing restoration and so close to France. It’s a great spot so we have two nights here as well.
With a flourish we then return to Santander for a real party—two nights at a strategically chosen hotel on the Sardinero and on Friday night a Black Tie(ish) dinner at the Palacio de la Magdalena—we are joining in for a short time with Superdeportivos Cantabria—Spain’s number one Supercar Party. On Saturday there is a car show with up to 150 cars, a drive out past our hotel and lunch at a seafood restaurant walking distance away. In the evening, dinner and dancing at the Casino before the Sunday Ferry back to Portsmouth and recovery time!
| Tues 18 May | Late afternoon departure from Plymouth on Brittany Ferries Pont Aven |
| Wed 19 May | Arrive in Santander and then drive 125 miles along the coast to Hotel Monte Igueldo in San Sebastian. Great views, a quick cab ride into town and a two night stop to explore the city, visit the Pinxto bars, or just chill—it’s lovely |
| Fri 21 May | Drive 220 miles through the foothills past Pamplona and then into the mountains and tunnels that lead to Vielha. There should still be snow on the tops! |
| Sat 22 May | A great drive today—it’s only 124 miles, but incredibly spectacular though the mountains and past the ski resorts before descending to Cardona and its fairytale castle where we stay for two nights |
| Mon 24 May | 160 Miles to Bielsa—through the mountains again, or loop around, but Bielsa is at the end of a long cul-de-sac. A truly mountainous retreat with just the sound of the streams and the cowbells |
| Tues 25 May | 128 miles to Sos del Rey Catolico for our last one night stop. Sos is built on a hilltop with views back to the Pyrenees, and towards the west. It’s built with the bar and restaurant at the top and has always been a favourite stop |
| Wed 26 May | One of the best hotels of the trip—Canfranc with its amazing restoration. It’s 70 miles, or 120 if you do a diversion to visit Pamplona. You’ll have time as we have two nights at Canfranc and there are plenty of drive out opportunities |
| Fri 28 May | Santander—it’s 230 miles back to the Hotel Santemar on the Sardinero, at the heart of the Superdeportivos event. With a flat entry underground car park your car will be fine whilst you enjoy dinner at the Palacio de la Magdalena |
| Sat 29 May | We start with a car show at the sports centre two miles from the hotel. There’s a VIP area for us and then we go on the city parade, all escorted and marshalled by the organisers and their friends in the local police. We park at our hotel and go for lunch at Mar Mondo—a few hundred yards and overlooking the beach. Opposite is the Casino where we have dinner and dancing in the evening |
| Sun 30 May | Lunchtime departure from Santander on Brittany Ferries Santona |
| Mon 31 May | Late afternoon arrival at Portsmouth |
Tour Booking & Information
Price £4850 for car and two occupants
– Return ferry with outside twin cabin
– Dinner bed and breakfast at all hotels except Monte Igueldo
– Participation in Superdeportivos Cantabria
– Map and roadbook.
– Experienced Tour Leader.
To book contact Jasper
Tel:+44 (0) 1442 842542
Mob: 07831 327727
Email: info@driveespana.com
18-31 May 2027
IN 2027 we’re going to the Pyrenees and then for a couple of nights at Superdeportivos Cantabra.
24 May-1 Jun 2027
Superdeportivos Cantabria is the biggest Supercar event in Spain every year.
8-20 June 2027
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.