Culture, cuisine, scenery & great motorcycling along empty roads – The Iberian Peninsula has it all..
10 Days / 11 Nights | Bilbao to Málaga – Where Europe Feels Different
They called it Iberia—a land at the edge of the known world. The Ancient Greeks named it for its earliest inhabitants, the Iberians; the Romans later called it Hispania. Today, the name still carries a sense of mystery and independence. Here, Europe feels different. Cultures evolved apart. Languages predate Latin. Borders shifted, yet identities endured. Spain and Portugal share a peninsula—and centuries of intertwined history shaped by both rivalry and alliance.
This is more than a tour. It’s a journey across landscapes and legacies that define the soul of the Iberian Peninsula.
Beginning in vibrant Bilbao, in Spain’s fiercely proud Basque Country, we travel southward through some of the most spectacular and lesser-known regions of Spain and Portugal—ending in sun-drenched Málaga on the Costa del Sol.
Along the way, you’ll experience:
🏔️🏍️ Dramatic mountain ranges and empty, winding roads
🏛️✨ UNESCO World Heritage treasures
🏰 Walled medieval towns and Roman ruins
🍇🌿 Vineyards climbing river valleys
💃🎶 Flamenco rhythms and Moorish echoes
🍽️🍷 Remarkable cuisine and world-class wines
Northern Spain: Basque Country & the Picos de Europa. Our adventure begins in the Basque region—an autonomous community known for its distinct language (Euskara), celebrated gastronomy, and strong cultural traditions. From there, we ride into the breathtaking Picos de Europa in Asturias. Towering limestone peaks, emerald valleys, and quiet mountain roads make this one of Spain’s most exhilarating regions.
Portugal’s River Valleys & Natural Wonders. As we trace the sinuous Douro River along the Spain–Portugal border, terraced vineyards cascade toward the water—home to Portugal’s legendary wines. We enter Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s first natural park, where rugged peaks and vast horizons create a feeling of total freedom. In Covilhã, admire 12th-century town walls and wander atmospheric streets shaped by centuries of history.
Extremadura. Back in Spain, we journey through Extremadura—an untamed region of reservoirs, wetlands, and expansive skies. With nearly 2,000 km of interior shoreline, its vast waters and quiet roads feel wonderfully undiscovered.
Andalusia: Flamenco, Marble & Moorish Echoes. Heading into Andalusia, the landscape warms and the architecture shifts—whitewashed villages, marble-adorned towns, and echoes of Moorish artistry. In Seville, the legendary capital of flamenco, history lives in its plazas and palaces. Roman ruins, medieval fortresses, and Renaissance treasures punctuate our route as we continue toward the Mediterranean. Our journey concludes in Málaga, where sea breezes and golden light provide a perfect finale.
Highlights at a Glance
Basque Country & Northern Spain
Picos de Europa Mountains
Douro Valley wine region
Serra da Estrela Natural Park
Extremadura’s vast landscapes
Andalucía’s historic towns & Roman heritage
Finish in Málaga on the Mediterranean
Why This Tour?
✔ Culture that feels distinctly Iberian
✔ Cuisine & wines among Europe’s finest
✔ Spectacular scenery at every turn
✔ Quiet, exhilarating roads perfect for riding
✔ A seamless blend of Spain and Portugal
Culture. Cuisine. Scenery. Great motorcycling. The Iberian Peninsula has it all.
Join us on this unforgettable 10-day / 11-night journey from Bilbao to Málaga—where every mile tells a story centuries in the making.
Our experienced team will be on hand throughout the journey, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience from start to finish.
Please contact the office before booking flights so we can confirm timings and logistics with you.
Flight InformationArrival: Sunday 24th May – Bilbao
The Aer Lingus mid-afternoon is recommended.
Please note: your first night’s accommodation will be in Bilbao
Depart: Thursday 4th June – Málaga
Flights may be booked at any time that suits you.
Ryanair and Aer Lingus both offer suitable routes.
We aim to provide a comprehensive, well-supported touring experience so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
Return motorcycle transport from our base in Gorey, Co. Wexford to Bilabo, Spain
Bed & Breakfast accommodation in quality 3–4 star hotels (or best available in remote areas)
4 evening meals
Experienced tour guide(s)
Detailed route maps and full itinerary, allowing flexibility for self-guided riding if preferred
To ensure transparency, the following items are not included in the tour price:
Flights and travel costs to/from the tour start and finish points
Personal travel, accident and medical insurance (including repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, loss or damage to property)
Motorcycle insurance, breakdown cover or recovery costs
Entrance fees to sights, parks and optional excursions (unless specifically stated)
Lunches and snacks (unless stated)
Evening meals on rest days or optional ride-out days
Personal spending money, tips, souvenirs and incidental expenses
Personal documentation (passport, visas), vaccinations, taxes, border fees and motorcycle paperwork
Motorcycle repairs (parts and labour), tyres
Fuel, oil and other motorcycle consumables
Toll road charges, traffic fines or any legal penalties
Any item not specifically listed under “What’s Included”
If you have any questions about what is or isn’t covered, please contact the office — we’re happy to clarify any details before you book.
Carefully Selected Hotels for Comfort & Character
We believe that where you stay is an essential part of your journey. That’s why, on all of our guided tours, we carefully select high-quality 3- and 4-star hotels that enhance your overall travel experience — not just places to sleep, but places that add to the story of your adventure.
Over many years of operating tours across the globe, we have built an extensive portfolio of trusted, tried-and-tested properties. Each hotel is chosen with care, based not simply on its official star rating, but on what truly matters to our guests: comfort, atmosphere, location and, above all, consistently high standards of service.
Understanding Global Hotel Standards
Hotel classification systems vary widely from country to country. A 4-star hotel in Africa or South America, for example, may differ in style and facilities from a 4-star property in Europe.
For this reason, we look beyond the rating itself. Our focus is on the overall guest experience — ensuring every hotel we use meets our expectations for:
Cleanliness and comfort
Professional and welcoming service
Convenient location
Good facilities appropriate to the destination
Our goal is consistency in quality, wherever in the world you travel with us.
Authentic Stays in Unique Locations
In more remote or less developed regions, international chain hotels may not be available — and often, that is part of the charm.
In these areas, we select the very best accommodation available. This may include:
Charming family-run establishments
Boutique local hotels
Traditional properties full of regional character
Authentic accommodations that reflect local culture
While these properties may sometimes be equivalent to a strong 3-star standard, they frequently provide something far more memorable: genuine hospitality, individuality and a true sense of place.
Comfort with Character
Our aim is simple — to provide accommodation that is comfortable, welcoming and perfectly suited to the destination.
At the end of each day’s adventure, you can relax knowing that your hotel has been carefully chosen to complement your journey, allowing you to unwind in comfort and wake refreshed for the next stage of your experience.
Before departure, we provide you with comprehensive Tour Specific Information designed to help you prepare, plan and understand exactly what to expect while on tour.
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any additional queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us — we’re always happy to help.
Motorcycles & RidingWe generally recommend adventure or touring motorcycles as the most suitable for our tours.
However, sport, sport-touring and cruiser motorcycles may also be appropriate, provided:
‣ You are comfortable riding the bike for extended distances and duration
‣ The motorcycle is properly prepared and fully serviced
‣ Tyres are in good condition
We recommend that all participants are experienced touring riders, whether in Europe or further afield.
Some destinations are more demanding than others (as reflected in our difficulty ratings). If you have concerns about your suitability, please contact us for advice and bear in mind everyones perception of difficulty varies significantly.
It is your responsibility to ensure your riding skills meet the demands of the tour. Advanced riding ability enhances enjoyment and reduces risk.
No. You are never required to ride in convoy.
We offer complete flexibility — you may ride independently or with the group. Most riders choose to ride together for convenience and navigation ease.
When riding as a group, we use tried-and-tested systems such as the “drop-off” or “buddy” method (depending on country and route complexity). These allow everyone to ride at their own pace.
If you prefer to ride solo, we can provide:
‣ Detailed route info daily
‣ Route cards with hotel information etc.
‣ Recommended lunch/coffee stops
Daily departure times are proposed / agreed each evening for the following day. Our approach is flexible, with an emphasis on maximum enjoyment.
Yes. Pillion passengers should be experienced travellers and comfortable touring by motorcycle.
Groups typically range from 8–14 riders (some with passengers).
Most participants are from Ireland, though we also welcome overseas riders.
Recommended Protective Riding GearFor maximum comfort, safety and versatility on tour, we strongly recommend a layered riding system designed to perform in a wide range of temperatures — typically between 15°C and 30°C. A good layering system can be used all year round in all weather conditions.
A layering approach allows you to easily adapt to changing weather conditions throughout the day, particularly when riding through mountains, coastal regions or desert climates where temperatures can vary significantly.
Base Layer
Start with a breathable, moisture-wicking base layer (technical riding or sports fabric). This helps regulate body temperature, keeps you dry and prevents discomfort during warmer riding conditions.
Mid Layer (Optional)
A lightweight insulating layer — such as a thin fleece or softshell — provides warmth during cooler mornings or higher-altitude riding. This layer can be easily removed as temperatures rise.
Protective Outer Jacket & Trousers
Your main riding jacket and trousers should be high-quality motorcycle-specific protective gear, featuring:
CE-approved armour (shoulders, elbows, back, hips, knees)
Abrasion-resistant materials
Good ventilation panels or zip vents for airflow in warmer conditions
Removable Waterproof Outer Layer
We recommend carrying a separate, lightweight waterproof over-jacket and over-trousers that can be quickly added if needed. A removable waterproof layer offers greater flexibility than fixed waterproof linings and performs better in prolonged or heavy rain while maintaining ventilation during dry weather. This waterproof jacket can also be used around town in the evenings (but hopefully not!)
Quality full-face or modular helmet
Protective riding gloves (summer pair plus waterproof pair recommended)
Sturdy motorcycle boots with ankle protection
Neck tube or buff for wind protection
Sunglasses or tinted visor for bright conditions
By using a modular layering system, you can remain comfortable across a broad temperature range without carrying excessive bulk. Proper preparation ensures you stay dry, protected and focused on enjoying the ride — whatever the weather brings.
Documents & InsuranceYou must carry original documents:
‣ Passport
‣ Driving licence
‣ Motorcycle registration document (RF101 / log book / V5)
‣ Motorcycle insurance
‣ Valid travel/medical insurance
Passengers require a passport only.
Passports should generally be valid for at least six months after the end of the tour (requirements may vary by country/nationality).
If visas are required, you must ensure these are obtained in advance.
Yes — this is a condition of travel.
Your policy must cover:
‣ Medical expenses
‣ Emergency treatment
‣ Repatriation
‣ Motorcycle touring (as rider or passenger)
‣ Full duration of the trip
‣ All countries visited
We strongly recommend additional cover for:
‣ Cancellation and curtailment
‣ Loss/damage to belongings
‣ Travel delays
‣ Personal liability
‣ Overseas legal expenses
Please note: We cannot refund deposits due to insufficient insurance cover. Some policies exclude large capacity motorcycles or extended travel durations — always check carefully.
Weather & HealthOur tour calendar is carefully planned around optimal seasons for each destination. However, weather cannot be guaranteed and it has become more un-predictable than ever in recent years. More detailed information including suggested clothing & riding gear will be provided in the pre-trip emails.
Appropriate riding gear is essential.
You must be physically fit and take necessary health precautions.
Consult your GP or travel clinic for up-to-date advice, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
Check:
‣ Required vaccinations
‣ Official travel advice
‣ Local customs and regulations
‣ Do you have a current EHIC? (European Health Insurance Card)
‣ If you have health insurance please ensure you can access the policy details
‣ Travel Insurance with medical repatriation is essential
Minimum NumbersA minimum of 8 riders is required for this tour.
If this number is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel.
Booking & PaymentsBookings may be made:
‣ Online
‣ By telephone
‣ By email
A booking is confirmed once the required deposit has been received.
‣ 20% deposit required at time of booking
‣ Balance payable in full 60 days prior to shipment / travel date
‣ All payments and deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable if cancellation occurs within one month of shipment/tour date
‣ In the event of curtailment, no refunds will be made
‣ Amendments will be accommodated where possible
‣ Refunds (if applicable) will be processed via original payment method (cash refunds issued by cheque)
‣ Travel insurance is essential
Motorcycle Shipping (If Applicable)To ensure smooth transport, please follow these guidelines:
‣ All riding gear (boots, helmets, clothing) must be packed in one labelled kit/sports bag per person
‣ Label must include: name, motorcycle make/model, registration
‣ Loose items attached to the motorcycle will not be transported
‣ Bin liners, cardboard or plastic boxes are not accepted
‣ Motorcycle must be clean for outbound and return shipment
‣ Luggage (hard and soft panniers) should be left unlocked and removable
‣ Alarms must be switched off or set to “Ferry” mode
‣ Fuel level should be kept low (fuel stations are close to depots)
‣ Keys for motorcycle and luggage must be left with the bike
At handover, you must provide:
Signed customs declaration form (sent prior to shipment)
Photocopy of registration/log book (stapled to declaration)
These documents must be handed over in hard copy at delivery.
Do not email copies in advance.
Original log books will not be accepted.
If you require clarification on any of the above, please contact us — we are here to ensure your preparation is straightforward and stress-free.
Highlights from previous adventures.
