Pyrenees Explorer, Epic Roads and Classic Cities.
Spain, France
Pyrenees Explorer, Epic Roads and Classic Cities.
Spain, France
Ride some of the best roads in the Pyrenees as voted by local bikers, and visit the classical cities of Pamplona and Andorra.
2021 departure led by: Mark Holroyd
2022 & 2023 departures led by: TBC.
Find out more about Magellan Guides
2022 & 2023 departures led by: TBC.
Find out more about Magellan Guides
The mountains which separate France and Spain have long harboured some of the best biking roads in Europe. Amazing views, empty twisty roads galore, great food, and the chance to explore the tiny principality of Andorra and the classical fortified Roman city of Pamplona. Join us for the ultimate 8 day Pyrenean adventure, you know you want to!
Meet up with your fellow Magellanites and your guide in Plymouth for the overnight ferry cruise to Santander. Arriving in Sunny Spain in the afternoon we have a leisurely ride to our hotel base outside the city of Pamplona.
The next morning our adventure begins, riding a series of roads voted by local bikers as the best in the country as we make our way east towards the principality of Andorra. Sweeping bends, long straights, short tunnels and then an afternoon of exceptional roads and small villages are order of the day as we climb high into the Pyrenees.
Mark, Magellan Guide
Riding the Pyrenees is a totally different experience to other areas in Spain or France, they have a unique character all of their own...In fact they really feel like they were created just to ride a motorcycle around. Get away on this tour and you’ll see what we mean!
After a good night’s sleep, the morning is free to explore Andorra, nestled high on the border with France and Spain. If you have space in your bags it's well worth taking advantage of the endless duty-free shopping possibilities while you're here! We hit the road again in the afternoon to ride the legendary N260 which winds its way through the valleys and over the passes of the high Pyrenees affording some spectacular views.
After spending the night in an out-of-season ski resort, we set off in the morning to ride the high passes over the border into France for lunch. Then more super twisty roads and high passes in the afternoon to bring us back over the border into Spain and to our hotel in King Juan Carlos’ favourite ski resort.
Amazing views in the Pyrenees
Amazing views in the Pyrenees
The beautiful Roman city of Pamplona
The next morning sees us again following the local bikers favourite routes crossing into France and then more epic roads to the picture-perfect French town of Saint-Jean Pied-du-Port. In the afternoon we loop back into Spain and descend from the high Pyrenees to the Roman city of Pamplona, arriving in time to begin exploring.
Our last morning in Spain is free to explore the lovely city of Pamplona, famous for its Roman ruins and annual bull run, before setting off after lunch to catch the evening ferry for our overnight crossing back to the UK.
The Pyrenees harbour some of the best and quietest biking roads in the whole of Europe, so why not escape the British weather and join us to explore the high passes of the Basque country?
Tour highlights
Explore the legendary Pyrenees on some of the best biking roads, as voted by local bikers.
Visit the tiny, fiercely independent, principality of Andorra, perched high in the mountains between France and Spain.
Cross the natural barrier between France and Spain on the high passes, with their breath-taking views and spectacular empty roads.
'How amazing is the Pyranees?! Truly, that's what! Seeing Spain and France is magical, but when you add the high passes and roads that the 'locals' try to keep to themselves, it makes for a magical biking holiday. 'Stephen
Explore the classical fortified city of Pamplona. Founded by the Romans and famous for its annual bull run festival.
Sample the unique cuisine and culture of the Basque region.
Escape the British autumn weather!
Tour Map / Itinerary
Full Itinerary
Day 1
Meet up with your fellow Magellanites and your guide in Plymouth for the overnight ferry cruise to Santander in sunny Spain. Accommodation in an en-suite cabin included.
Day 2 165 Miles
Leaving the ferry at Santander, cruise through the Spanish countryside to your hotel on the outskirts of Pamplona.
Day 3 258 Miles
Into the mountains proper on some of the best biking roads in Europe, as you parallel the French border and head to the tiny independent principality of Andorra.
Day 4 106 Miles
Explore beautiful Andorra in the morning, and then ride the fantastic N260 with its sublime curves and breath-taking views to Castejon de Sos in the high Pyrenees.
Day 5 157 Miles
Ride the high passes and cross the border into France and then back into Spain in the afternoon to your hotel in the ski resort favoured by King Juan Carlos.
Day 6 146 Miles
Another day in the high passes, crossing into France for lunch and then heading back to Spain in the afternoon to your hotel in the Roman city of Pamplona.
Day 7 158 Miles
After a morning exploring Pamplona, head back to Santander for the overnight ferry back to the UK.
Day 8
Arrive in UK for your final ride home.
What's included
Ferry crossings with cabins Plymouth – Santander on the way out and Santander – Portsmouth on the return leg (if Plymouth isn’t convenient for you do please get in touch as other crossings can be arranged see Q&A at the bottom of this page).
7 Nights accommodation in good quality hotels (inc 2 nights ferry cabin accommodation).
Excellent breakfast each morning.
Full use of all hotels’ leisure facilities.
Detailed route plans and maps.
GPS routes (Garmin / Tom Tom).
Detailed daily itinerary including sights and suggested coffee / lunch stops.
Fully guided and supported by an experienced Magellan tour guide throughout.
What's not
Fuel.
Toll Charges.
Occasional hotel parking charges.
Meals and drinks other than specified above.
Travel/Breakdown insurance covering repatriation back to the UK.
Common questions about this trip
Can I get a different crossing on this trip?
Of course, while the crossing from Plymouth on the way out and returning to Portsmouth on the way back allows you to fit the tour into 8 days and arrive at a sensible time we know that Plymouth doesn’t suit everyone. If you would like to make your own arrangements to get over to Spain and meet the group at the hotel on the first night near Santander just let us know in the comments section of your booking form and we will deduct the cost of the included crossing from your booking.
What’s the weather like on this tour?
We pick the date of this trip to get the best mix of riding conditions on the different elevations we cover. As you go over the top of the Pyrenees it can be chilly briefly while the days over the plains can be quite warm, a sensible mix of vented kit and waterproofs with some base layers should cover all eventualities.
Is what I hear about the Spanish not eating until 10pm correct?
The Spanish do indeed eat late, in fact it’s not unusual for people to go out for dinner at 11pm or later. We’ve tailored the trip to take in English sensibilities and rumbling bellys after a long day’s ride though and normally eat between 8 – 8.30pm
More information
For general information on planning and preparing for motorcycle trips including what to pack please see our Prepare for your trip section.
Magellan Hub
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