Spain, Portugal and France Tour 2007

[champagnecharlie]

Planning a trip to Portugal next May will be taking ferry from Ireland to Wales and the ferry from Plymouth to Santander in Spain then we begin our 10day trip of Spain, Portugal and France. Would appreciate any suggestions of Routes, accommodation etc.

Regards,
CC

:bmw:

[meese]

Dont know much about Portugal, but a friend did take the ferry down to Spain a few years back. They wanted to be sure his bike didn't fall over, so they lashed it tight to the side of the ship. By the time they got to Spain, the entire side of the the bike was thrashed from all the rubbing. It still ran fine, but when they got home, the bike was actually totalled from cosmetic damage alone.

So be sure to take an active interest in how they tie your bike down. Other than that, sounds like a great trip.

[nelson61]

You will love portugal... Make sure you get to Porto..then head East toward the hills and vineyards (sp)? You cant go wrong !! great roads and even better food and wine ....Just be careful with the drivers They are nuts!! Let me know if there is anything that you are really looking for in Portugal I have done that place more then once.

[simoncharles]

10 days ?.
If you are planning on visiting Portugal arriving from Santander and then riding back through France you are cutting it a bit fine.
You can do it, but there would not be much relaxing on the way.
Santander - Porto 1 day
Porto to South Portugal stopping Lisbon 3 days
South Portugal - Andorra stopping for one night 2 days
Andorra - North France 1 1/2 days

[TheBigOne]

The ferry from Plymouth to Santander is one the best motorcycle friendly ferries you will get, they get motorcycles on first, put them in the lower deck and as you stop there are crew members to put the ratchet wide strap over the bike, a foam pad is placed on the seat and the bike is secured down. On board the ferry there are three or four bars, two eating areas, swimming pool, cinema,good cabins, good value shops.
The group I travel with have used this route for a few years and will use it again. We usually overnight around Exeter and travel down to the ferry in Plymouth after breakfast.
I cant give any advice for Spain or Portugal, we normally stay near Potez which is about 60 miles from Santander and do daily ride outs from there.
We have crossed from Ireland by HSS on both Scotland and Wales crossings, both similar, no problems with them, they let motorcyclists off the ferry first, very handy.
Good luck with your trip.

[axamax]

Try this site for hotels. www.accorhotels.com
They have various grades of hotel right down to the self-service Etap hotels (www.etaphotels.com) and formule one.
The Etap rooms sleep up to three people all for the same price, they clean have TV etc., and have ensuite facilities. You have to "Check In" via the machine at the door depending when you arrive. Breakfast isn' much good, you're as well getting something in the town/village en route.
The Formule one is the same as Etap but they aren't ensuite. Go with the Etap.

Etap €55 major city to €25 . Formule one normal €5 cheaper.
All brands above those two are regular hotels.
Any other questions let me know.
I have had problems finding accomodation in Southern France in the summer on occassion.