12 night driving tour
Sunday 10 October
Join the tour at Plymouth docks for the mid afternoon sailing to Santander. The Brittany Ferries cruise ship is very comfortable and good accommodation is reserved to ensure you enjoy a relaxing break onboard.
Monday 11 October
The ship arrives into Santander at 1230h and we have an attractive run planned through the Picos de Europa mountains towards Lèon where we have our overnight stay at a luxury 5 star monastery. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Tuesday 12 October
After breakfast at the hotel we travel to one of Spain’s most beautiful cities - Salamanca. As it is a reasonably relaxed day’s driving we will arrive in good time to explore this remarkable city on foot. Tonight dinner is included at the Parador, which has a swimming pool and magnificent views of the old city. The restaurant offers many Castilian specialities and excellent wines.
Wednesday 13 October
Today we continue to Merida where the remains of an amphitheatre still stand and gladiators once fought. Again we shall arrive in good time to appreciate the sights of this historic town. The hotel is a four star luxury 14th century palace where we will have dinner.
Thursday 14 October
After breakfast at the hotel we travel into Andalucía and the capital of the region Seville. This evening we have a typical Spanish evening of tapas planned and perhaps a spot of flamenco later on!
Friday 15 October
Today we make our way across into Portugal and to the resort of Alvor where we stay for three nights. This evening we will have a welcome cocktail at the hotel to meet everyone having arrived that day by air. Then the evening is free to enjoy as you wish.
Saturday 16 October
Qualifying and practice sessions. Today you have the option to take our organised coach transfer into the circuit or to make your own way there with your own car. We will provide the necessary passes and directions
Sunday 17 October
Race day. You can expect to see many of the Masters racing series including 70’s F1, Pre ‘66 GT and Sports racing, HGPCA Vintage sports, Motor Racing Legends, etc. Today lunch is included at the circuit.
Monday 18 October
Today we head north into mid Portugal via pleasant coffee stop for an overnight stay in a former castle, convent and palace! Built in different periods and situated in a the quiet village of Crato it makes a serene stopover point before we head back into Spain Dinner this evening is included.
Tuesday 19 October
Today we will drive north out of Portugal and through the mountains into Spain and across the Castilian plains to the historic city of Zamora. Here the Parador is located in the heart of the historic quarter in a fine 15th century Castilian palace with a magnificent central courtyard and fine public spaces. There is a swimming pool and outside terrace. On fine evenings there is a chance to wander the medieval streets after dinner.
Wednesday 20 October
Today we have some splendid mountain driving after we leave the sultry plains around León - and head into the high Picos de Europa mountains with rivers with great dams and waterfalls and eagles soaring around the summits. Tonight we stay in the highest area of the mountains at the Parador of Fuente Dé with an opportunity to take a cable car ride to the nearest peak.
Thursday 21 October
An opportunity to have a leisurely morning, perhaps with lunch on the Cantabrian coast around Comillas or at picturesque Santillana del Mar where there are world famous prehistoric cave paintings. It is a relaxed drive back to Santander where we arrive at 1430h for the 1500h crossing to Plymouth.
Friday 22 October
The ferry arrives in Plymouth at 0930h.
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