Spain and France: Pyrenees Explorer, Epic Roads and Classic Cities

Nine nights in the Pyrenees with the overnight ferry from Plymouth at each end, crossing between France and Spain over the high passes. Riders bring their own bike on the ferry, or rent one.

Santander lands it, with a leisurely ride to a hotel base outside Pamplona. Two days then follow on roads voted the best in the country by local riders, heading east towards Andorra, which is a principality of 80,000 people wedged in the mountains, ruled jointly by a French president and a Spanish bishop, with an overnight in Andorra la Vella and a buffet dinner above the valley.

The high passes come next, ridden on both the French and the Spanish sides, with fast-flowing valley roads and ski-lift scenery between them, and an optional rest day with lakes and a spa for anyone who wants one. An alternative foothill route offers fast twisties, a scenic gorge and the N-240 past a turquoise reservoir, which is the better choice in poor weather.

A free morning in Pamplona closes the trip, where the Roman foundations are visible and the bulls run through the streets each July, before the evening ferry home. The price is quoted per rider. The Pyrenees stay quieter than the Alps and rideable later in the year, and a single hotel base for part of the week keeps the packing down. The ferry also removes two long days of French motorway at each end, which is the part of a European tour that nobody enjoys. Nine nights also leaves room for the rest day, and anyone who has ridden a week of high passes will take it.