2010 www.motorbike-tours.co.uk
www.motorbike-tours.co.uk
Contents
Overview………………3 Andalucia Tour…...........4 Heartland Tour………..15 Valle del Jerte Tour…...24 The Last Word………...32
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Overview Anyone who has been on one of our tours will tell you that the emphasis is laid fairly and squarely on having a good time. Although the tours are thoroughly researched before they are released, schedules are not strictly adhered to. We’re on holiday, not a military manoeuvre. As it says on the website ‘If you don’t go home happy, we won’t’, and these aren’t just idle words; I really do want people to have a great time, and the best way to make that happen is to create a happy, relaxed atmosphere as soon as possible; in this, I believe we’ve been successful. I am often asked, ‘What kind of people come on the tours?’ Well, the answer to that is… bikers. Young ones, more senior ones (careful), ladies and one or two gentlemen, but whatever their age or background, they’re all hewn from the same seam. They all, like me, love to be on the open road with the sun on their back. We have folk who have recently passed their test, through to more experienced riders. We don’t race; these are bike tours, not time trials. We generally ride to the speed limit, not beyond. The tours begin in Santander, but that doesn’t mean you have to travel to Spain on the ferry. Many bikers ride down through France and join us at a convenient point, whilst others are taking their first bike journey on foreign soil, and prefer to meet us at the ferry terminal. Some of you will be asking ‘Why not just go it alone?’ There’s absolutely nothing wrong with making your own arrangements, but some people don’t have the time to research the route, hotels, places of interest etc. etc. I can say, hand on 3
heart, that if you come with us, you will see places that would never find if you ‘go it alone’. I’m quite excited about the 2010 tours; as some of you will have noticed, we don’t offer dozens of tours; we prefer to perfect the ones we have, rather than go for quantity. At the moment, we’re concentrating on Spain. We know the country and speak the language, so we’re sticking to what we’re good at. The ever popular Heartland Tour remains in the portfolio, but is joined by two more mouth watering tours. The Valle del Jerte Tour is based in an area which is surrounded by three national parks and is also close to the Spanish Classic Motorcycle Museum. The Andalucia Tour is a ten night tour based on the South Coast of Spain, and includes some really exciting destinations, not least, the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the Wolf Park near Antequera. This tour is the direct replacement to the ‘Grand Tour’, but has six nights in one location. We decided after last year that having a base was the best way to go. Whilst the Heartland Tour remains hotel based, on the Valle del Jerte Tour and Andalucia Tour, we stay in bungalows on campsites that enjoy a wide range of facilities such as swimming pool (in season), restaurants and bars, although both tours have an element of hotel accommodation, as you will see as you read on. Anyway, enough from me; enjoy the brochure and hopefully we’ll see you soon. Alan
The Andalucia Tour This is a ten night tour. On route to Andalucia, we stay over in the atmospheric city of Salamanca and then the ancient Roman city of Merida, before reaching the southern coast of Spain on the third day. Once we reach Torre del Mar, we stay in bungalows. A swimming pool is available on the campsite, as is a restaurant and minimarket. The campsite lies close to the beach at the very edge of the town and there are many bars and restaurants nearby. This tour will take in the wondrous Alhambra Palace in Granada, Nerja Caves, El Chorro Lakes, The surreal landscape of El Torcal, The Wolf Park and White Villages of Andalucia. The roads in this area are superb for biking. Over the weekend period, you will notice the increase in bike traffic as the Spanish come out to play. The first and second nights are spent in hotels in Salamanca and Merida respectively, and the penultimate and ultimate nights are spent in hotels in the province of Ciudad Real and the city of Valladolid respectively. As mentioned earlier, for the other six nights, we stay in bungalows in Torre del Mar.
The site in Torre del Mar is very close to numerous restaurants, bars and shops. 4
This tour is the natural successor to the Grand Tour, but rather than stay at a different hotel every night, we feel it is much more comfortable to leave your luggage behind and return to familiar surroundings after a great day out.
Advantages of using a base for a tour; You don’t have to carry your luggage every day. If you need a rest, you can have a day off to sit by the pool. Familiarity with the best restaurants, bars etc. Click here to see prices for this tour The summer months in Andalucia are incredibly hot, hence we have scheculed our tours to avoid the hottest months. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Prices are for two people sharing. Please note; admission fees are not included in the tour price.
The Andalucia Tour Day 1 Santander to Salamanca We meet near the ferry terminal in Santander. Of course you don't have to travel from Plymouth, you may like to make your own way through France before joining us. Those of you who wish to relax on the Pont Aven can see booking information at http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/
From Santander, we take the ‘Ruta de Plata’ (The Silver Route) to the beautiful city of Salamanca (225 miles), arriving in time to enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants around the world famous Plaza Mayor. Our hotel is just ten minutes walk (even if you walk slowly) to the historic centre of Salamanca. Salamanca is considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Through the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow that has given Salamanca the nickname La Ciudad Dorada, the golden city. This golden glow is unique in Spain and is due to the "Villamayor Stone", a type of sandstone coming from a quarry situated in Villamayor, a village close by.
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The city is large enough (180.000 inhabitants) to be able to offer the advantages of a real city, but at the same time it keeps the intimacy of a village. In Salamanca, the inhabitants speak the "purest" Spanish in Spain Castilian. For this reason Salamanca is enormously popular with people all over the world who want to learn Spanish. The Plaza Mayor, one of the finest squares in Spain and known as the living room of the Salamantinos (Salamancans) and is particularly atmospheric after sundown. You can eat in a fancy restaurant or simply enjoy a beer and a snack. The choice of restaurants and bars is endless.
Underground secure parking is available immediately below our hotel for anyone not wishing to leave their bike on the streets. The cost of seven euros can be shared by placing two or more bikes in one parking space. Breakfast can be taken in the hotel or if you prefer, you can pop out to a nearby café. No meals, including breakfasts are included in the tour price. Although the journey to Salamanca is almost all main highway, the scenery is fantastic. Those of you with small petrol tanks need not worry, we will be stopping frequently to refuel our bikes and ourselves.
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The Andalucia Tour
too.
Day 2 Salamanca to Merida After breakfast in Salamanca, we travel 170 miles on to Merida. The capital of Extremadura and the ancient capital of Lusitania, Merida was one of the most famous Roman cities of the Iberian Peninsula, and features some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Europe. Extremadura was held to be the
traditional boundary between Moorish and Christian Spain. Merida itself was passed between Christian, Moorish, and even Portuguese control. It's a fabulous place to walk. Like Rome (only much smaller!) archaeology pops up in the strangest corners, and the Moorish influence adds a grace of its own to the town. The best preserved ruins in Spain are testament to Merida once being the largest Roman city in Iberia. Most of the main sights are within easy walking distance of the beautiful Plaza de Espa単a in the centre of town. As one of the strongholds of the Roman Empire, the town of Merida has many tales to tell in its buildings and architecture. Indeed, with it being so close to the Portuguese border, its history has found the town being in the control of not only Rome, but Portugal 6
Since it is such a peaceful town, far away from the usual holidaymaking hordes who occupy the beaches of some coastal areas, Merida allows you to explore its vast history at your own leisure. And what a history it has. One of the major landmarks of the town is its Roman amphitheatre, which dates back to before the birth of Christ, and was built by the famous architect, Agrippa. Such is the condition of it today that there are still plays held there every summer during the popular Festival of Merida which takes place annually in July and August attracting many visitors. As well as classic plays it consists mainly of music and dance events staged not only in the amphitheatre but in the Roman theatre itself.
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The Andalucia Tour Day 3 Merida to Torre del Mar 270 miles today will see us arrive at our home for the next 6 nights. Torre del Mar is a delightful coastal town, as yet undiscovered by the Northern European masses. There are countless bars and restaurants to choose from, so there
access to the beautiful Andalucian mountains and countryside. Both on the sea front and the back streets, there are numerous bars and I know of at least three Chinese restaurants, a couple of Italian, Indian, Thai, Mexican and of course, an abundance of Spanish restaurants. This is a working Spanish town and as such, doesn’t become deserted outside the months of July and August.
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should be something to suit everyone. The Paseo Maritimo (promenade) in Torre del Mar is one of the finest in Spain. You can walk the whole length of the town to the fishing port of La Caleta, stopping off on the way in one of the many chiringuitos (beach bar) for a refreshing beer. Here in Torre del Mar we stay in bungalows. A good-sized swimming pool is available on the campsite, as is a restaurant and mini-market. The campsite lies at the edge of the town and is close to many bars and restaurants. Torre del Mar is ideally placed for touring Andalucia and has the added benefit of a temperate coastal climate. It is situated to the east of Malaga city, which means less traffic and easy 7
The Andalucia Tour Day 4 Nerja Caves, La Herradura and Lake Bermejales What a great day this. Our first port of call is the Nerja Caves system. Ask anyone who has visited the caves and they'll tell you just how impressive they are.
These are breathtakingly beautiful caves, some of the best in Europe and officially recognised as an historical and artistic monument, Nerja Caves are one of the most important Prehistoric archaeological sites on the western Mediterranean. Dating back some five
From the coast, we head inland to the Bermejales lake and then return via the mountain road through Zaffaraya Pass........just brilliant, a winding mountain road with fabulous scenery (picture left). Lake Bermejales is a place of natural beauty, where the water is electric blue due to the lake having a sand bottom that reflects the suns rays. It is often likened to the Caribbean Sea. The lake has a contrast of rocky alcoves and miles of fine sandy beach (an inland beach.) The lake is surrounded by towering Mediterranean black pine trees with a backdrop of photogenic mountains. It also opens up to a vast gorge where you can watch Eagles in their natural habitat.
million years, they are notable for the large chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and the immense length, over 4,000 metres.
After the caves, we take one of the best biking roads you will ever find. The new motorway between Nerja and Almunecar has left the old coast road, which winds its way around the cliffs, almost deserted. We arrive in La Herradura for refreshments/lunch, and a chance to talk about the road we’ve just ridden. 8
From coast to mountains to lake in one day, and what a day. See dates and prices
The Andalucia Tour Day 5 El Torcal and The Wolf Park We’re really into the tour now and loving every minute. By now we should be familiar with each other and enjoying a laugh or three. But we’re not going to take our foot of the laughing gas just yet. Torcal Park Nature Reserve is known for it's unusual limestone rock formations. Within El Torcal Park's 17 square km are some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe. The whole area was under sea until one hundred million years ago
probably as close as humans can safely get to untamed wolves. Antequera is overlooked by an enormous crag of limestone, 880 metres high, called La Peña de los Enamorados, or "The Lovers' Leap". The name comes from a local legend about an impossible love affair between a young Christian man from Antequera and a beautiful Moorish girl from nearby Archidona, who were driven to the top of the cliff by the Moorish soldiers, where, rather than renounce their love, they chose to hurl themselves into the abyss. We will stop to take photos of the incredible headshaped mountain.
When the violent movements of the Earth's crust forced upward to form hills and mountains 1.300 metres above sea level, the limestone still kept its layered horizontal formation. Over the millions of years the rain and wind have been able to chisel away at these layers to form incredible shapes The Wolf Park features four different wolf sub species: Canadian Timber, European, Alaskan Tundra and native Iberian that have been given a home. An incredible place, circled by the El Torcal mountain range and it’s 9
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The Andalucia Tour Day 6 El Chorro and the Spanish Lake District Another memorable day. Imagine three stunningly beautiful, turquoise coloured lakes bordered by pine forests. Now imagine riding your bike through this scene.......Mmmmm
shortcut so the workers would not have to climb down the mountain on one side and climb back up on the other. Now a century later, the walkway has fallen into a state of serious disrepair. Many parts of the walkway have completely collapsed, leaving nothing but a metal beam and a wire between you and 700 feet of nothing. If you fancy walking the narrow path, you're going by yourself, and whatever you do, don't look down! See the video here‌.if you dare, then email me and
Around the lakes lie many typical Spanish villages, so they'll be no danger of running dry while we're out and about. Some of the restaurants and cafes in this area enjoy spectacular views.
The area generally boasts stunning views and is surrounded by vast pine forests and soaring limestone cliffs. In 1989 it was proclaimed a natural reserve by the Junta de Andalucia. El Caminito del Rey (English: The King’s pathway) is a walkway or via ferrata, now fallen into disrepair, pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro. The name is often shortened to El Camino del Rey. It was built in 1901 to allow local workers the ability to cross between two nearby waterfalls, Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls. It served as a 10
tell me what you think. The danger doesn't seem to stop people from climbing it. This walkway serves as a time-saving approach to Makinodromo, the name of a famous climbing sector of El Chorro. Since the walkway is just as much a shortcut today as it was one hundred years ago, people risk their lives on a daily basis despite its illegal status. Also in this area is the railway bridge that provided the setting for one of the final scenes in 'Von Ryan's Express'. See dates and prices
The Andalucia Tour
Spanish village life, today will suit you down to the ground……..and up to the sky.
Day 7 The Village in the Sky Today we take a chill pill and cruise around some of the white villages in the local area, including Comares, the village in the sky. There will be plenty of time for coffee and listening to some of the jokes I've been saving up for you. Let’s not forget the roads between these villages; sometimes, the only living thing you’ll see will be goats, but we will return via lake Vinuela on the 356, widely regarded as one of the very best biking roads in the country. Lake Vinuela is another stunning area, dominated by Mount Maroma, the highest peak in Malaga Province. See dates and prices As we make our way up the winding road, we will see the village literally hanging on to the mountainside. Comares is famous for its local Malaga sweet wine and almonds, which can often be purchased from the villagers. A walking route has been marked out in the shape of footprints impressed into the narrow streets. You will also be able to visit one of the highest grave yards you’ll ever come across; it is of course, the dead centre of Comares. After we leave Comares, we will embark on a tour of some typical Andalucian White Villages. These aren’t the touristy villages geared up to sell souvenirs and postcards, these are real places with real people. If you think you’d enjoy a brief taste of 11
The Andalucia Tour
Granada’s Cathedral is also well worth visiting, this too is close to the Alhambra.
Day 8 The Alhambra Palace, Granada
We will return to base once again via Zaffaraya mountain pass.
The Alhambra, The Red One, was once the residence of the Muslim rulers of Granada and their court. It is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions exhibiting the country's most famous Islamic architecture, together with Christian 16th century and later buildings. Its gardens are world famous. On July 7 2007, the New Seven Wonders of the World were announced. One of the nominees was the Alhambra. Unfortunately, it didn't make the final seven, but it came pretty close. Entrance tickets to the Alhambra are not included in the tour price, but can be obtained by us in advance. Quite close to the Alhambra lies the Albaicin. This is the old part of Granada and is undistinguishable from parts of Morocco.
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Granada city is a great alternative for those who prefer it. Fortunately, the city and the Alhambra are very close together. See dates and prices
The Andalucia Tour Day 9
eleven remain. Four of these - Sancho, Rucio, Bolero and Espartero completely conserve their machinery, or a large part of it.
Torre del Mar to the Province of Ciudad Real 230 miles today to the province of Ciudad Real, as we begin our journey north through Spain, stopping along the way for refreshments/lunch and fuel.
As we continue to move northwards, you will notice how the landscape changes from the rugged mountains of Granada Province to the plains of Spanish folklore. In Granada, you could forget that you were on a main highway as the mountains provide a constant backdrop to our journey.
Made popular by the adventures of Don Quixote, windmills are one of the most popular and internationally recognised symbols in the landscape of La Mancha and of Spain. Before they fell into decline, around the middle of the 19th century - due the arrival of American, Australian and Russian grain on the European cereals market -, the whole peninsula was covered with mills. The low flow of Spanish rivers, by comparison with rivers in the rest of Europe, meant that the most common model was powered by wind. Next to Cerro Calderico, in Consuegra stands an impressive group of La Mancha-style windmills. Although, in their day, there were thirteen windmills on top of the hill, nowadays only
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The Andalucia Tour Day 10 The Province of Ciudad Real to Valladolid 240 miles through the middle of Spain, passing by Madrid and arriving in Valladolid with plenty of time to look around.
It’s our last night together (I’m filling up as I write this), and a time to exchange email addresses and reflect on what has been the trip of a lifetime. We’ll celebrate the success of the tour in the exciting city of Valladolid
The Andalucia Tour Day 11
Valladolid was captured from the Moors in the tenth century. It was then a small village which was later improved by Count Pedro Ansúrez. In 1469, Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon were married in the city and by the fifteenth century it was the residence of the kings of Castile and remained the capital of the Kingdom of Spain until 1561, when Philip II moved the capital to Madrid. Christopher Columbus died in Valladolid in 1506 in a house which is now a Museum dedicated to him. It was made the capital of the kingdom again between 1601 and 1606 by Philip III. It was in that period when Cervantes published his first edition of Don Quixote in 1604.
Valladolid to Santander Just 153 Santander.
miles
back
to
Those of you who are going home with Brittany Ferries will be escorted to the gates of the Ferry Terminal. Hopefully we’ll see you all again soon. Bon Voyage.
As you'd expect of a city with a 400,000-strong population, there are plenty of tapas bars and restaurants to choose from. See dates and prices
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today,
The Heartland Tour
Another great day out is the crossing of the Puerto Piqueras See the Puerto Piqueras video here
This is a seven night, one base tour. We stay at an hotel where Castilla y Leon meets Aragon and La Rioja. From here we can explore our scenic surroundings. The area is renowned for its pure, clean air derived from its forests and lack of industry. Castilla y Leon is the biggest region in Spain and also one of the most picturesque, whilst La Rioja is world famous for its wines. Soria is one of the undiscovered jewels of Spain. Pine trees and mountains abound and the roads are pretty much deserted most of the time.
Add to this, the Black Lagoon, the impressive Fortress of Gormaz and the Roman ruins at Tiemes, and we have ourselves a great tour. As I mentioned at the outset, the routes aren’t set in stone and there’s always room for a little flexibility, to suit our particular group.
The first and last days have an element of autovia riding, in order to reach our destination at a reasonable time, but the rest of the tour is pretty much devoted to mountain passes and sleepy villages. One of the highlights of this tour is the trip to El Monasterio de Piedra. The monastery itself is worthy of a visit, but the waterfalls and cascades within the grounds are out of this world. I’d like to point out here, that there is a fair amount of walking involved during this visit, but it’s well worth the effort. See the Monasterio de Piedra video here 15
The Heartland Tour was extremely popular in 2009, and with a limited number of tours and places, it’s advisable to reserve your place early.
The Heartland Tour Day 1 Santander to Soria We meet at the ferry terminal in Santander. As always, you don't have to travel from Plymouth, you may like to make your own way through France before joining us. Those of you who wish to relax on the Pont Aven can see booking information at http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/
As we leave the motorway, you’ll notice the landscape change. You’ll begin to smell the pine trees and the mountain air that’s going to be ours for the seven nights.
We make the 220 mile journey to our hotel, stopping along the way to take refreshment and get to know each other. This journey alone is a fantastic day out.
Although a large part of the journey is on the autovia, the scenery is wonderful as we cross the mountains of Northern Spain. Visitors from Britain will notice the absence of traffic once we leave the bustle of Santander. .
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The Heartland Tour Day 2 Green Pines, Red Earth and a Black Lagoon The whole of the Parque Natural is impressive, with fantastically shaped rocks.
During the day, we will take regular refreshment breaks
First stop is the impressive 'Black Lagoon’. At 1780 metres above sea level, this lake of glacial origins will live long in your memory.
Almost all the roads in this area are great biking roads and used by weekend bikers from Madrid and Barcelona. Then we move on to the mediaeval village of Calatanazor where a decisive battle took place in 1002, between the invading Muslims and the forces of the Christian armies of Castile led by Count Sanco Garcia ,and Leon led by Alfonso V. This small village is considered to be the most mediaeval of this mediaeval province. And to Wolf River Canyon, with its hidden 'ermita' (chapel) tucked away deep in the canyon. We then ride to the top of the canyon to enjoy the stunning panoramic views and look down on the soaring eagles.
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At the end of a great day, we return to our base for a well-earned beer.
The Heartland Tour Day 3
Today we'll cover around 150 miles of fantastic biking roads during the round trip. Don’t worry, we return home via a different route, so the scenery will be continue to be full of surprises.
El Monasterio de Piedra It took 23 years to build the Monastery (1195 – 1218), a remarkably short time if one considers its size, though the builders did not need to quarry or dress the stone as it was all taken directly from the old Moorish wall and castle. Alfonso II called on people from Catalonia, Navarra and Valencia, areas
You will notice difference in the
a remarkable landscape and
climate, as we leave the mountains and ride the Iberian Plains. There can be a lot of walking involved today, but it’s well worth the effort to see the cascading waters of the Monasterio de Piedra.
which had already be converted to Christianity, to come and build the monastery and create a new community together with the monks. The best part of the visit is the green, exotic park where cascading water helps us unwind, if we haven't already done so. The waters of the River Piedra have shaped the landscape into lakes, grottos and waterfalls. Here we will see such magnificent sights as the 'Mirror Lake' and the 50 metre high 'Horse's Tail' waterfall. See the video here See dates and prices Also in the grounds is a cafe/restaurant, so we'll be well fed ready for our journey back. 18
The Heartland Tour Day 4 Sierra de Cebollera and the Puerto Piqueras A two and a half kilometre tunnel has taken the traffic away from the Puerto Piqueras and turned it into heaven for bikers. The road, which rises to over 1700 metres, is wide, twisting and deserted. The surface is beautifully smooth and the views are absolutely stunning. The rest of the Sierra Cebollera isn't bad either. The villages here are unspoilt, friendly places. Often, a local will approach and enquire about your bike, or ask you where you are from. It's fun to use sign language to communicate, but if you're really struggling, your Spanish speaking guide will assist you.
See a video of the Puerto Piqueras here One of the best things about riding through the mountains, apart from the wonderful scenery, is stopping in small, typically Spanish villages for coffee etc. Every village seems to have its own character and identity, and the locals are usually really friendly.
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In the Sierra de Cebollera, the scenery changes quickly. It is remarkable for its rocky outcrops and resemblance to cowboy country, but the one constant is the lack of traffic.
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If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email at alan@motorbike-tours.co.uk If you prefer to discuss matters directly, please call me on 0121 288 4922. Leave a message and I’ll call you back
The Heartland Tour Day 5 Picos de Urbion Today we take the high road again, and what a spectacular place this is! If you like winding, mountain roads, this is the place for you. I never tire of crossing these peaks; it's always an exhilarating experience. I don't know if
most beautiful in Spain, if not Europe. The scenery is nothing short of humbling. I can't wait to get back there. We call at numerous villages including Upper Vinegar, Lower Vinegar and Vinegar (don’t ask). Montenegro de Cameros is a really picturesque mountain village; we stop here for a chance to take photos.
it's the pure, clean air, or the smell of the pine trees continues to excite me, Semi wild horses roam the peaks and it's not unusual to round a bend and meet a cow sitting in the middle of the road. Eagles are commonplace in these parts, and quite often circle close above our heads.
As we leave the Vinegars, we ride along side a huge lake that seems to go on forever, until we eventually reach Quintanar de la Sierra. If time allows, we will call at the Necropolis de Cuyacabras and enjoy the mirador which looks out above the tree canopy.
This area is without doubt, one of the
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The Heartland Tour Day 6 Numancia, Burgo de Osma, Tiermes and Gormaz Today we begin the day with the short ride to the ruins of the Roman city of Numancia, Then we head to the enchanting city of Burgo de Osma. More Roman ruins follow, before we go to the fortress of Gormaz, which enjoys spectacular views over the River Duero and the distant landscape.
Burgo de Osma is the place we stop at for refreshments. This ancient, walled town is steeped in history and wonderful to stroll through,
The patchwork of fields on the plain below is a memory that will surely stick with you.
The ruins of Tiermes are little known outside Soria and we’ll probably find that we are alone as we view the Roman swimming pool and remains of the theatre. One of the features of today is the fabulous, sweeping roads‌.and only us to enjoy them. Just imagine riding your bike and seeing the road rolled out before you, twisting into the horizon.
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The Heartland Tour Day 7 Riding in the Sierras
Today is a leisurely day exploring local villages and enjoying plenty of refreshments and photo opportunities. Again we head high and inhale the clear mountain air in the villages of Santa Cruz de Yanguas, Villar del Rio and San Pedro Manrique amongst others.
If we’re lucky, we’ll spot some amazing wildlife during our ride today. I was really lucky to snap this photo (above) near the village of Villar del Rio.
Spain’s Jurassic park Ichnite (fossil footprints) sites in Spain are amongst the world's most important for the quantity, quality and variety of the tracks to be found. They represent almost all the different types and sizes of animals - footprints that have served to reveal, for the first time, certain species and trails that are rarely seen in other places.
This is a day of relaxation and reflection on a great week.
It’s getting near the end of the tour now, and hopefully some of you will be close to tears, but don’t worry, you can come back next year. Let’s get you back to the hotel for a drink.
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The Heartland Tour Day 8 Back to Santander Sadly it's time to bid farewell, but not before we have enjoyed the journey back to Santander. This time, as we pass through the Sierra de Cebollera, we take the two and a half kilometre tunnel that passed over when we rode the Puerto Piqueras. Hopefully, it'll not be long before we see you again. Alan
routes are subject to change
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Valle del Jerte Tour This is a seven night tour. On route to the Valle de Jerte, we stay over in the atmospheric city of Salamanca. Once we reach the village of Jerte, we stay in bungalows. A swimming pool is available on the campsite, as is a restaurant and mini-market. The campsite lies at the entrance to the magnificent Garganta de los Infiernos. (Hell's Gorge)
The Valle del Jerte is famous for its Cherry Trees, Gorges and Rivers and is regarded as a national treasure by the people of Spain.
The Valle del Jerte sits between three national parks, Monfrague, Sierra de Gredos and Sierra de Francia. It is also perfectly located to visit the Classic Motorcycle Museum, the biggest and best motorcycle museum in Spain.
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The Sierra de Gredos has long been a favourite with bikers from the whole of Europe and beyond, but the lesser known Sierra de Francia and the Monfrague Parque Nacional are just as impressive, if not more so and lie within easy reach of our chosen base. We have to thank Juan Gil Moreno for giving life to the Classic Motorcycle Museum of Spain. I wonder if he imagined at the outset, that his dream would develop into what it is today.
Please note that entrance fees are not included in the cost of the tour. See dates and prices
Valle del Jerte Tour Day 1 Santander to Salamanca
exquisite golden glow that has given Salamanca the nickname La Ciudad Dorada, the golden city. This golden glow is unique in Spain and is due to the "Villamayor Stone", a type of sandstone coming from a quarry
We meet near the ferry terminal in Santander. As I’ve mentioned before, you don't have to travel from Plymouth, you may like to make your own way through France before joining us. Those of you who wish to relax on the Pont Aven can see booking information at http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ situated in Villamayor, a village close by.
From Santander, we make the 225 mile journey to the beautiful city of Salamanca, arriving in time to enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants around the world famous Plaza Mayor. Our hotel is just ten minutes walk (even if you walk slowly) to the historic centre of Salamanca.
$Salamanca is considered one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe. Through the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an 25
Underground secure parking is available immediately below our hotel for anyone not wishing to leave their bike on the streets. The cost of seven euros can be shared by placing two or more bikes in one parking space.
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Valle del Jerte Tour Day 2 Salamanca to Jerte After a leisurely breakfast in Salamanca, we have more time to explore the city before we travel 70 miles on to Jerte, allowing plenty of time to settle in to our impressive surroundings. Now would be a good time to enjoy a drink in the sunshine, and prepare ourselves for exciting times ahead. By the way, anyone who lasts the whole week without laughing at one of my jokes, wins a coconut, or a beer.
The bungalows are designed for two people, one in a bedroom and one on a sofa/bed, but if you wish you can pay the single supplement and have one to yourself. If you are travelling alone and wish to share, we will do our best to find a partner for you, but we can’t make promises regarding this.
Our home for the next six nights is at the entrance to the Garganta de Los Infiernos; Hell’s Gorge in English, but believe me, it’s more like heaven. Our bungalows are shaded by mature trees. The campsite has a swimming pool (in season), restaurant/bar and shop. The bungalows are well equipped and modern. Kitchen facilities are useful for those wishing to cater for themselves whilst on tour. You can bring a sleeping bag or hire bedding for just 2 Euros (one payment).
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There are bungalows, advised.
a limited number of so early booking is
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Valle del Jerte Tour
villages with their little stone houses surrounded by the rugged landscape.
Day 3 Sierra de Gredos A ride in the Sierras beckons today. The Sierra de Gredos is one of the three national parks which surround the Valle del Jerte.
The writer/philosopher, Miguel de Unamuno described this area as ‘The Stone Heart of Spain’. Lakes, crags, rivers, gorges and giant walls of stone all form part of the Sierra de Gredos Mountains. The highest peak reaches 2,592 metres.
The Gredos mountains is an area of Spain that is overlooked by most visitors to the country, which suits us just fine. The Park covers some 86,236 hectares; a beautiful mountain range with peaks reaching up to nearly 2600ms, starting at the Cerro de Guisando in the East and stretching some 135 kms to the West.
As is our way, we’ll take plenty of refreshment breaks. Photo opportunities abound; it would be a shame to ride through this beautiful landscape without capturing the moments to drool over during those UK winter months.
Of course, we won’t cover the whole of the 86,000 hectares, but we will do quite a few cafes along the way. Mombeltran Castle is also on the agenda (pictured above). The colossal peaks of the Sierra de Gredos Mountains lie in the south of the region of Castile y León, some 170 kilometres from Madrid. These giant granite rocks will leave a lasting impression, and it’s easy to see why this is a favourite haunt for bikers. You will be fascinated by the picturesque 27
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The most significant feature in Hervรกs' historical heritage is the Jewish quarter. Its narrow, steep streets are
Day 4 The Classic Motorcycle Museum and Hervas
The Classic Motorcycle Museum of Spain is a story apart. It was born of the idea of just one man, Juan Gil Moreno, who used his free time and money to build what has become the finest collection of motorcycles in Spain.
The museum itself is a work of art, its eight exhibition halls are arranged in circles and sweeping curves that are so easy on the eye. With more than 300 examples of classic bikes, cars, hearses and much, much more, we are assured of a great day out. After we've had our fill of the museum (which may take some time), we stop in the historic village of Hervas.
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lined with houses clustering together like grapes, which were made with adobe and chestnut-wood frameworks, their roofs plastered with Arab tiles to shield the wind. The architectural heritage includes remarkable civil buildings such as the palace of Dรกvila, a large house from the middle of the 18th century, which at present houses a stately home-museum, and a public library. The infirmary of the Franciscan monks, from the 18th century, is currently home to the City Hall and the Municipal Police.
Valle del Jerte Tour
plenty of photo opportunities and refreshment stops.
Day 5
The roads here are brilliant for biking too. I’m sure that you’ll remember this day for a long, long time.
Monfrague Parque Nacional Monfrague National Park is home to a variety of birds of prey including Griffon Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, Peregrine Falcons and Golden Eagles. A variety of Harriers and Kites also feature amongst the estimated 175 different types of birds that frequent the park.
I have to say, that this is my favourite National Park, maybe because the mighty River Tagus with its high banks, never fails to take away my breath as it cuts through the heart of the park. Our first call will be at the Cardenal bridge, which dates back to medieval times, and the little village of Villarreal de San Carlos which offers a piece of modern history with its 28 inhabitants who act as guardians of the Cardenal Bridge. Time permitting, we will visit Jaraiz de la Vera and see its natural swimming pool. It's a long day, but there will be
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Despite the fact that the Monfrague National Park is best known for its bird life, there is plenty more wildlife to look out for. Some of the other types of animals that we’ll encounter on our journey through the park include wild boar, otters as well as Iberian lynxes, which are very rare. There are also wild cats and a mix of red, fallow and roe deer.
Valle del Jerte Tour Day 6 Plasencia Today we take the short trip to the walled market town of Plasencia to relax in the cafes and catch up on a little shopping. Liying on the banks of the River Jerte, Plasencia has an historic quarter that is a consequence of the city's strategic location along the Silver Route, or Ruta de la Plata. Since the 15th century, the noblemen of the region began to move to Plasencia, defining its current appearance. Palaces, ancestral homes and significant religious buildings make up a unique old quarter.
Coming to Plasencia doesn’t mean we’re going to miss out on our biking…Oh no. During our return journey, we’ll be using some fantastic biking roads.
We’ll be back at base camp in good time to enjoy a hearty meal and a few beers.
See dates and prices The Plaza Mayor in Plasencia is a wonderful place to sit and watch the world go by. Plasencia retains a unique atmosphere; its narrow streets are crammed with restaurants, bars and shops, all within a short distance of the main square.
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Valle del Jerte Tour Day 7 Sierra de Francia One of the Sierra de Francia's greatest features is the diversity of the wonderful scenery, from granite, slate and quartzite which support the varied wild vegetation, to forests of oaks, chestnut trees, pine trees, walnut trees, apple trees and almond groves.
limit of Las Hurdes, the legendary Extremaduran comarca. The Sierra de Francia consists of a quite regular succession of peaks of moderate height, of which the Pico de La Hastiala (1.735 m) is the highest. At the top of the Peña de Francia (1723 m) stands one of the highest Virgin Mary shrines of the world, as well as a RTVE antenna. Other summits worth mentioning are the Mesa del Francés (1.638 m) and the Pico Robledo (1.614 m). All these peaks are usually covered with snow in the winter season. Among the rivers that cut valleys in the sierra, the most famous is the Río Francia, which gives the mountain chain its name, as well as the Alagón.
We visit Alberca, formerly known as Valdelaguna. This village is 1084 metres above sea level on the Northern slopes of 'la Sierra de Francia' (the French Mountains'). Its unusual houses and streets make it a definite photo opportunity. Once again, there will be plenty of refreshment stops. The Sierra de Francia is one of the mountain ranges belonging to the Sistema Central. Its forested mountain slopes (alder, oak, pine and ash) rise over the Northern Castilian Plateau, marking the geographical limit of its southwestern plains (Llanura Salmantina). From its southern side this mountain chain marks the northern
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The last Word (I promise)
Day 8
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this brochure and it inspires you to join us during the coming year.
Jerte to Santander Early start today as we take the 298 mile journey back to Santander. It’s a long way, but it’s all been worth while; great memories, great friends. See you again soon. Those of you travelling back to Britain by ferry will be escorted to the terminal gates in Santander. routes are subject to change
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I can’t emphasise enough that the tours are open to all levels of riding skills and experience. Whether you’ve been riding for more years than you’d care to remember, or you’re new to the world of bikes, you’re welcome with us. It would be nice to see a few more ladies too, so come on girls, have a word with your friends and come and join us. One of the changes we’ve made this year is the use of bungalows on campsites (not Heartland Tour). Because these bungalows have fully equipped kitchens, we have the luxury of being able to make ourselves a nice cup of tea just when we like, or supply our own breakfast etc. You may have noticed ‘routes are subject to change’ written at the end of each tour. Don’t let this alarm you; it’s just that sometimes the clouds come down on the mountains and we have to swap the days around, or find an alternative route. I dare say, you could take pictures of clouds at home. At times during our tours, we discover something that’s worth adding to the itinerary, so we include it in the next tour. These tours are my babies, and I love to see them grow and develop.
Bye, see you soon I hope. Alan 32