We’ll be using the Brittany Ferries crossing from Portsmouth to Santander to get us onto the Iberian peninsula. We will embark on the evening of 28th September, arriving in Santander on the morning of the 30th.
On the return journey we will embark on the ferry from Santander on the afternoon of
September 11th, arriving in Portsmouth late evening on the 12th.
After disembarkation we’ll head out from Santander, using a mixture of main roads and scenic routes to our first hotel of the trip in the region of León.
Our journey today takes us to Portugal via some wonderful routes through the National Parks of Northern Portugal. Our hotel for 5 nights here, not far from Braga, will be the perfect base with which to explore the area with the bags unpacked and the cars unloaded. This will give you time for some downtime if you wish, making the most of the excellent spa facilities of the hotel, and maybe exploring the beautiful town of Braga for evening walks and meals.
A circular trip to the Peneda-Gerês National Park to explore the mountain routes there. Think mountains, forests, rivers, and waterfalls and some fantastic driving. Highlights include the idyllic Mata de Albergaria, which is directly connected to the Via Nova Roman Road, and the underwater town of Vilarinho da Furna.
We have a great route planned for you today, and there is also the option to visit the fantastic city of Porto. Known for its stately bridges and port wine production, this is a city of narrow cobbled streets and beautiful buildings. You could explore the historic Ribeira district, stroll along the Douro River, visit the famous Dom Luís I Bridge, and enjoy port wine tasting at cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Our route today will take us east on a fantastic route to Bragança, with stunning views from the city’s citadel and castle. We’ll explore the Montesinho Natural Park to the north along the winding roads that wind through the park’s diverse landscape of marshlands, valleys and charming villages
Today we’ll tackle the iconic N222 road west to east. This a ‘must-do’ drive of the area, with impressive and beautiful vineyard landscapes in Douro Valley region, and is widely considered by locals as the ‘world’s best driving road’. A day absolutely packed with spectacular vistas, pretty villages and the majestic Douro River.
We’ll be moving on today, heading south for the Centro region of Portugal. Known for its diverse
landscapes, rich history, and authentic Portuguese culture, this region offers a mix of coastal beauty, mountainous interiors, and charming towns. It’s a region where you can find everything from the Serra da Estrela mountains and the Aveiro Lagoon to historic cities, surfing havens, and peaceful villages. We’ll be staying in our hotel here for 3 nights.
Our next two days will be focusing on the Parque Natural de Serra Estrela. This is the largest mountain range in Portugal, with the highest point at just under 2000 metres asl. The area is known for its dramatic glacial valleys and high altitude roads, and we will be exploring the very best of them!
Today we’ll be heading back to Spain and León, where we’ll spend a further two nights. Enroute today there are some excellent routes, and you can stop in the university city of Salamanca. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often called the “Golden City” due to its golden sandstone buildings.
Our last full day of the trip will be taken up in conquering the Picos de Europa. This is a stunning mountain range known for its dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges and diverse wildlife. Driving through the Picos de Europa offers a thrilling experience with narrow, winding roads that carve through stunning mountain scenery and deep gorges.
One last route today on the way to our ferry in Santander. The road will take us around the Parque Natural Montaña Palentina. Alternatively if you prefer you could head straight for Santander and take a look around before we embark.
Your Tour Package
Our tour packages provide nearly everything you need to enjoy your tour:
Fantastic 4-5 Star Hotels Including Breakfast
Safe Overnight Parking
Return ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Santander
Lead & Rear Car
Experienced Tour Guides
Full-Colour Tour Handbook
Two-Way Radio for Each Vehicle
Action Camera & Drone Footage
Pre-Programmed Sat-Nav
Optional Sat-Nav Integration with Android Auto or Apple Car Play
Extra Costs
You will need to fund certain costs on your trip, which would include:
Fuel
Other Road Tolls
Parking (except at hotels)
Food & Drink
Entrance Fees
ETIAS and Visa fees if required
Vehicle Emissions Stickers
Personal and Vehicle Insurances
Room Upgrades
Cabin Upgrades (Ferries)
Vehicle Breakdown Policy
Personal Purchases
If you need further details on the rough costs involved, please do get in touch and we can advise you.
Pricing
£2999 per person, based on 2 people and 1 vehicle, sharing a room.
Single Occupancy
£5599
Prices are based upon you driving your own car. For other combinations of cars/hotel rooms or for group bookings, please contact us for a quote.
This Road Trip will run with a minimum of 7 vehicles. Places limited to 13 vehicles.
Only £599 per person deposit required to secure your place!
Deposit payment required to secure your booking.
Final balance due by 28th of June 2026.
Disclaimer
We have planned this trip based on the ferry information we currently have available. In the unlikely event that Brittany Ferries changes their sailing schedule, we may have to adjust the schedule of this trip. This could include changing the times and routing of the crossings, or in an extreme situation, moving the trip by a day earlier/later.