High Sierras and High Cities: Spain

A castle said to have inspired Disney’s own fairytale silhouette opens the ride, then a cathedral holding the tomb of El Cid, Spain’s most legendary knight – nine nights through the high cities and mountain roads of northern Spain.

From£2,595pp

Duration9 days

StyleGuided

Best suited toExperienced riders

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An independent Stradora pick. Details from the operator's published information, last checked 28 Oct 2026. Stradora DiscoveryChosen independently by our editors because we think it's worth the drive. We're not partnered with this operator: dates, prices and booking are handled by them, and we last checked their published details on 28 Oct 2026.

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9 nights through Spain

Nine nights through northern Spain at low mileage, built around four cities and the sierras between them, with the overnight ferry from Plymouth at each end. Own bike or a hired BMW.

Burgos comes first for two nights, founded in 884 and holding the tomb of El Cid inside a Gothic cathedral that is UNESCO listed in its own right, on the pilgrim road to Santiago. Segovia follows through the northern sierras, where the Roman aqueduct still stands on more than 160 arches without mortar, and the Alcazar, shaped like the prow of a ship, is among the castles said to have influenced Disney. The Sierra de Guadarrama is an optional ride from there.

Salamanca is next, reached either directly or the long way over the Sierra de Gredos, which is the better choice: twisty mountain roads and villages that see almost nobody. Two nights there cover the UNESCO listed old town and the Plaza Mayor, among the finest squares in Spain.

Leon follows by way of Valladolid for two more nights, former base of the Roman Seventh Legion, with the stained glass of the cathedral, the frescoes and royal pantheon at San Isidoro, Gaudi’s Casa Botines and the Convento de San Marcos. The ride home crosses the Picos de Europa to the ferry. Hotels, breakfasts, three dinners, the return ferry, maps and GPS routes are included, with fuel and other meals separate. The price is quoted per person. Three two-night stays in nine make this a tour for riders who want the cities as much as the roads.

Style

Guided

Duration

A week or so (7-10 nights)

Region

Europe

Vehicle provision

Bring your own vehicle

Departures

September

Starts/ends

Plymouth, United Kingdom