Begin your adventure aboard Brittany Ferries, choosing between two departures:

1. Portsmouth: Depart on Monday 27 September at 21:45, spending two nights aboard Santoña, with Tuesday at sea.
2. Plymouth: Depart on Tuesday 28 September at 18:45, spending one night aboard Pont-Aven.

Both sailings arrive in Santander on Wednesday 29 September, ready to begin our journey through Spain and Portugal.

Arrive in Santander at 08:00 from Portsmouth or 17:30 from Plymouth. If using the Plymouth route, you will need to use the direct route to the first hotel via the motorways. For those arriving from Portsmouth, our route heads south through Cantabria, passing the reservoir near Reinosa and Aguilar de Campoo before reaching Carrión de los Condes. Our first overnight stay is in the atmospheric surroundings of a converted monastery.

Journey south through the countryside of Castile and León, following the original route through Villada, Medina de Rioseco and Toro. Arrive in Salamanca, where golden sandstone buildings, magnificent university architecture and the lively Plaza Mayor provide a memorable setting for an afternoon of exploration and dinner at leisure.

Leave Salamanca and head west towards Portugal, descending into the dramatic border landscape near La Fregeneda. Beyond the River Águeda, winding roads lead through olive groves and vineyards towards the fortified town of Almeida. Continue south to Belmonte, our base for two nights beside the Serra da Estrela mountains.

Enjoy a circular driving route through the Serra da Estrela, with sweeping mountain roads and far-reaching views. Travel through Covilhã towards Torre, mainland Portugal’s highest point, before continuing through the mountains and descending into the impressive Zêzere glacial valley. Return through Manteigas to Belmonte for a second evening together.

Head north through mountain scenery, with opportunities to explore the historic village of Linhares and the medieval walled town of Trancoso. Continue towards the Douro, crossing the Valeira dam and following scenic roads through the wine-growing landscape before descending into Pinhão for our two-night riverside stay.

Leave the cars behind for a day celebrating the Douro Valley. Travel by boat from Pinhão to Ferrão, followed by a transfer to Quinta do Crasto. Enjoy a guided winery visit and a traditional lunch accompanied by wines from the estate, before returning by boat to Pinhão.

Follow the Douro west along the N222, passing riverside vineyards and the towns of Resende and Cinfães. Cross to the northern bank and continue along the N108 towards Porto, following the river through the city to the Atlantic coast and our hotel for the next two nights.

Spend the day discovering Porto at your own pace. Explore the colourful Ribeira waterfront, visit the fabulous Conservas Pinhais & Cia sardine factory, wander the historic streets or cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for an optional visit to Graham’s or another port lodge. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed day beside the Atlantic. Dinner is at leisure.

Leave Porto for Braga, using the motorway for the first part of the journey as on the original tour. Explore the city before visiting the hilltop sanctuary of Bom Jesus and, if you wish, the archaeological remains at Citânia de Briteiros. Continue to historic Guimarães for an overnight monastery stay.

Climb towards the sanctuary of Penha before heading east through the countryside of northern Portugal. Our route continues through Fafe and Vila Pouca de Aguiar, then follows the N2 towards Chaves. From here, travel through Vinhais to Bragança, where our pousada overlooks the town’s medieval citadel.

Cross back into Spain and travel through Puebla de Sanabria before continuing towards León and the mountains beyond. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic around Riaño and on the approach to Potes, before the final climb to Fuente Dé. At approximately 223 miles, this is the tour’s longest driving day.

Depart early, descending through Potes and the Hermida gorge towards the Cantabrian coast. Follow the original coastal route through San Vicente de la Barquera, Comillas and Santillana del Mar, keeping sightseeing stops brief to allow ample time for ferry check-in. Depart Santander at 14:00 aboard Santoña, bound for Portsmouth.

Enjoy the final stretch of the crossing before arriving in Portsmouth at 17:30. Disembark and continue your journey home, bringing our adventure through northern Spain and Portugal to a close.