Spanish Pyrenees

For those travelling from the UK leave Portsmouth on the overnight Brittany Ferries sailing to Bilbao. There is plenty to do on board with a variety of restaurants and a cinema.

125 Miles

Arrive in Bilbao. Drive south to Vitoria then over the Balcon de Rioja with its beautiful views of the plain below, to Laguardia. Head to our fabulous and unique hotel, near Tudela, where you will spend two nights. The hotel has won numerous architectural and design awards and is renowned for its food, which is locally grown. This is a place where there is a wonderful light all year round, and the star and moon-gazing is incredible.

Visit the historic town of Tudela. Then explore the sensational landscape of the Parque Naturale Bardenas Reale with its dessert rock formations, which is Europe’s largest desert. Or spend a day relaxing in this amazing landscape, drinking in the views.

144 Miles

First stop of the day is at the very scenic to the small town of Olite, which boasts a magnificent castle, once the most sumptuous royal residence in Europe. Explore the medieval rambling streets and sample some local cuisine. Then head on to pretty Ujue, a small hilltop village that is well worth a stroll around. There are sensational views all around during today’s drive, including the amazing Los Mallos de Riglos rock formations.

Drive east, surrounded by beautiful views, to visit the impressive Castillo de Loarre, which is set well into the rock and is virtually impossible to see until very nearby. It is then a short drive to the Sierra de Guara, an area of sculpted gorges, painted prehistoric caves and appealing villages. Stay overnight at a lovely small hotel and enjoy dinner in the restaurant.

137 Miles

Drive some superb roads today, winding around mountains, through canyons and gorges, across high cols, and along river valleys, to the lovely town of Solsona. Once again the views are spectacular and the roads are fun to drive.

Stay overnight in a wonderful hotel that has been in the same family for over 80 years, and has been subject to a recent, outstanding refurbishment to create a very special place with fantastic flair. There is also a spa with hot tub, sauna, steam room. and other facilities. There is a choice of restaurants in the hotel: a formal dining room, or a more relaxed tapas bar.

93 Miles

Leave Solsona and head across to Berga, and then Ripoll. Drive along yet more excellent mountain roads, passing Spain’s oldest ski resort, La Molina, and then descend into the lovely town of Puigcerda, located in a wide valley, adjacent to the French border, and just to the south of Andorra. Stay for two nights in a superb hotel in the centre of town, with underground parking, with views across the lake and mountains. The hotel also offers a superb spa for those wishing to relax.

A day off to relax or explore the area. Puigcerda is very pleasant for a stroll, with a number of cafes to soak up the sun and atmosphere, or there are a couple of golf courses in the vicinity. For water lovers there are many rivers nearby for fishing, rafting or canoeing or the coast is only an hour away.

Alternatively, enjoy a drive to France and Andorra, over the beautiful mountain drive, and see the Moto Museum.

104 Miles

A wonderful drive across mountain passes and along pretty valleys, surrounded by breath-taking scenery.  Stay in a lovely private alpine hotel in the Vall d’Aran, surrounded by mountains, and located in a very pretty village.  There is also a spa with sauna, an indoor swimming pool and Turkish baths. The excellent restaurant serves a range of Pyrenean specialities and modern dishes in a warm atmosphere.

135 Miles

Another day of stunning driving on wonderful, meandering roads through canyons and across mountains. The scenery is captivating and dotted with untouched villages built from local stone. Stay for the next two nights just south of the French border, in the Valley de Tena, at a gorgeous, character hotel, with its own spa.

Enjoy another day of relaxation. This is a wonderful spot to walk in the mountains, visit the nearby villages, or the local wildlife area. There are a number of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.

189 Miles

Cross the border into France, over the Col du Portalet and wind along the northern side of the Pyrenees, visiting charming towns such as St Jean Pied de Port. Climb back over the Pyrenees, into Spain again over the Col d’Ispeguy. Wind across the mountains to the fashionable sea-side resort of San Sebastian. Stay for the next two nights in a superb luxury hotel, in the centre of town, overlooking La Concha Bay. San Sebastian is renowned for its many fabulous places to dine.

Spend the day exploring San Sebastian. The hotel overlooks the beach, and is very close to the old part of town. San Sebastian is the summer capital of Spain: it is here where the  Belle Epoque lives on, with its blend of cosmopolitan style and old-world ambience. San Sebastian is famous for its food and the hotel is surrounded by great tapas bars and world-class gastronomic restaurants.

74 Miles

This morning it is a shortish drive to Bilbao for the final night to stay in a luxury hotel in the city centre, overlooking the Guggenheim Museum. Spend the afternoon enjoying the delights of Bilbao or visit the Guggenheim Museum.

12 Miles

For those heading back to the UK, drive to Bilbao for the overnight ferry. The ferry departs at 10.30am so most of the day will be spent onboard, relaxing at the end of the tour.

Arrive in Portsmouth and depart for home.