After two highly successful Club-organised Tours to the north of Scotland in 2023, and to the Alps in 2024, we are now delighted to announce our 2025 Tour which will take in the splendid roads of Northern Spain and then head over to the Douro Valley in Portugal. The scenery in this greener part of Spain and Portugal is spectacular and the usually excellent road surfaces make for superb driving country – as a bonus the local food is mouth-watering. And for the wine officianados, the Vinho Verde of the Douro valley isn’t too shabby either. What’s not to like!
Based on the overnight stop schedule below, we aim to keep the point-to-point driving time to no more than five to six hours, with some shorter days to allow time for leisurely on-route stops and to take in the magnificent views.
The objective is to create a relaxed tour for all participants, with everyone being able to choose the speed at which they wish to travel.
Our accommodation will comprise a mix of elegant 3-4 Star Paradors and hotels across the region, all of which have been tried and tested over the years and which are used to hosting car tours.
In addition, the Tours team is working with Andre de Araujo, the Club AR for Iberia who lives in the Douro region, to lay on a couple of non-driving activities for those not wishing to spend every day behind the wheel.
Personally, a group of Seveners from the Midlands toured Northern Spain and the Picos back in 2018 and I can therefore vouch from first hand experience that this hidden corner of Europe is an absolute gem..... the picture above is just a taster! Note the lack of traffic.
Travel dates and overnight stops are as follows:
OUT: Monday 08/09/25 leaving Portsmouth at 21.30 arriving in Santander at 08.00 on Wednesday 10/0925.
BACK: Wednesday 17/09/25 leaving Santander at 14.00 arriving in Portsmouth at 20.00 on Thursday 18/09/25.
From 10/09/25 1 night in Parador de Cervera de Pisuerga.
From 11/09/25 1 night in Exe Sao Lazaro, Braganca
From 12/09/25 2 nights in Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa
From 14/09/25 1 night in Parador de Ribadeo.
From 15/09/25 2 nights in Hotel Zalle Don Fernando
Prices are as follows:
Double / twin occupancy room - £2768.00 per couple (in one car)
Single occupancy room - £2740.00 individual (in one car)
The above prices include:
1. Crossings are as 1 or 2 adults with a standard size car, in an inside cabin for 1 or 2 adults outbound and return.
2. 7 nights in Paradors and hotels half board
The above prices do not include :
Any accommodation costs in the UK for those wishing to stay near Portsmouth before the sailing
Meals on board the ferry in both directions. (Group meal deals are available. Once exact numbers and preferences are known, appropriate arrangements can be made)
Please note: half board does not include drinks in Pousada de Braganca and Parador de Ribadeo.
Travel insurance (inc. for cancellation), breakdown and recovery, fuel and incidentals / activities during the day
Activities
Deposits and payments:
We have a total of 19 rooms / car spaces available on the trip and accordingly we believe there will be a lot of interest.
To ensure you do not miss out on what promises to be a fantastic tour, please email me directly at
[email protected].
Places will then be allocated on a first come first served basis and shortly thereafter a non- refundable £300 deposit will be required. Full payment details and a link to a Club webstore page with full Booking Conditions will be individually emailed to the first 19 names.
In the event of an excess of demand, we will operate a reserve list.
So please check your 2025 calendars and secure your place as quickly as you can.
Any individual questions can be sent to:
[email protected]
Event details
