Spain Guided Motorcycle Tour

Thirteen nights across Spain, guided, from the Santander ferry and staying in Parador hotels throughout, with riders on their own bikes.

The Paradors are the distinguishing feature: a state-run chain of converted castles, monasteries and palaces, which is an unusual standard of accommodation for a motorcycle tour and the reason a good many people book this one. The ferry also saves two days of riding through France at either end, which is the other argument for it.

The Picos de Europa come first off the boat, limestone peaks rising close behind the north coast, then Castile and Leon by way of Salamanca, and Extremadura through the Sierra de Francia. Andalusia follows, with Cordoba optional and a free day for the ride to Ronda, which sits either side of a gorge and has been called the city of dreams since well before the tourist boards got hold of the phrase. The Sierras de Cazorla come next, then Castilla-La Mancha and Toledo by way of the Consuegra windmills, and the Picos again before the return crossing.

Eleven nights of bed and breakfast at Parador standard, eleven evening meals, hotel parking and the GPX routes are included; the ferry, fuel, admissions and tolls are not. Fourteen days with three free days in it is a fair balance for a country this size, and the mountain riding in the Picos and the Cazorla is the best of it. Spring and autumn are the seasons, since Andalusia in high summer is punishing on a bike and the Picos can hold snow into May.