Madrid sightseeing
The tour begins and ends in Madrid, a deliberate choice that makes travel easier for most participants. With numerous direct international flights arriving daily, Madrid offers one of the most accessible gateways into Spain, allowing riders to start their adventure with minimal hassle.
Our base in the city is the AC Carlton Madrid, a well-appointed hotel ideally situated near Atocha Railway Station, Madrid’s largest and oldest train station. This location offers excellent connectivity, with direct rail and coach links to the airport, making transfers smooth and efficient. The hotel's central position also makes it a perfect launchpad for exploring the vibrant capital.
Just a short stroll from the hotel are the Royal Botanical Gardens, a peaceful oasis featuring beautifully curated plant collections and historic glasshouses, so, while it's tempting to say it's a stone’s throw away, we recommend keeping the stones in your pocket! The gardens are a lovely spot for a relaxed morning walk or a quiet moment before the tour begins.
Madrid's bustling town centre is also within easy reach. Landmarks such as the Banco de España, located approximately 2 km away, showcase the city's rich architectural heritage. For those keen to see more in less time, the Open Top Bus offers a convenient hop-on-hop-off service that connects many of the city’s top attractions, including the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and the iconic Plaza Mayor.
Whether you arrive a day early or stay on after the tour, Madrid offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. From tapas bars and flamenco shows to grand boulevards and hidden alleyways, the city is a destination worth exploring in its own right.
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Madrid to Avila ~ 260km / 160 miles ~ 4.5 hours riding
This motorcycle route from Madrid to Ávila via Segovia offers a captivating blend of history, scenic beauty, and thrilling riding. As we depart our Hotel in Madrid, you quickly leave the urban bustle behind and head northwest through the Sierra de Guadarrama foothills and into Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park. The roads here are smooth and winding, ideal for bikers seeking both comfort and excitement.
Your first major stop is Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale Alcázar, and Gothic cathedral. Riding into Segovia offers stunning views of its skyline. The old town's cobbled streets and medieval charm make it a perfect place to pause and explore.
Continuing westward, the route takes you through rolling Castilian countryside dotted with stone villages and open farmland. The ride is peaceful yet engaging, with gentle curves and panoramic vistas. As you ascend slightly toward Ávila, the landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic.
The final destination, Parador de Ávila, sits within the city's iconic medieval walls. Ávila is renowned for its remarkably preserved fortifications, Romanesque churches, and tranquil plazas. The Parador itself is housed in a historic building, offering a unique blend of luxury and heritage.
Overall, this route is a perfect start to this tour especially for riders who appreciate cultural landmarks, scenic roads, and the timeless beauty of central Spain. It's a journey that balances exhilarating riding with rich historical immersion.
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Avila to Braganca ~ 305km / 190 miles ~ 5 hours riding
Leaving the medieval charm of Ávila behind, this route heads west into the heart of Castile and León, offering a rich blend of rural landscapes and cultural gems. The ride begins with gentle curves and open roads as you pass through Alaraz, a quiet village surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, ideal for a relaxed morning ride.
Soon, you reach Salamanca, one of Spain's most iconic cities. Known for its golden sandstone architecture and prestigious university, Salamanca invites a brief stop to admire its historic centre, especially the grand Plaza Mayor and twin cathedrals. The city's vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere makes it a rewarding waypoint.
Continuing northwest, the route skirts the Embalse de Almendra, a vast reservoir nestled in a rugged, sparsely populated region. The roads here are peaceful and scenic, with sweeping views of water and forested hills. It's a great stretch for uninterrupted riding and soaking in the natural beauty.
Crossing into Portugal, the terrain becomes more dramatic as you enter the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, where the Douro River carves deep gorges into the landscape. We can pause at a few of the viewpoints along the river for photographs before continuing to the next river crossing across the Rio Sabor. This then brings us to some great twisty roads to end the days ride at Bragança
Our hotel has a Michelin star restaurant, so, you are in for a culinary treat tonight!
This route is a perfect mix of historical interest, natural beauty, and engaging riding, making it a memorable leg of any Iberian motorcycle tour.
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Braganca to Santo Estevo~ 288km / 180 miles ~ 6 hours riding
Departing Bragança, the ride begins on the scenic N103, a route that winds through the rugged terrain of northern Portugal. The road offers sweeping views and gentle curves, making for an enjoyable morning ride. As you approach Chaves, the landscape softens into rolling hills and river valleys. Chaves is a charming town with Roman roots; it’s a pleasant spot to pause for light refreshments at the cafe is the corner of the square overlooking the castle.
Crossing into Spain, the route continues through quiet Galician countryside toward Maceda, a small town nestled among forested hills. The castle here is now a hotel and it is an ideal location for a relaxed lunch, other local eateries offering traditional Galician fare are available in this peaceful setting.
From Maceda, the road leads north through increasingly lush terrain toward the Monasterio de Oseira, a striking Cistercian monastery tucked into a secluded valley. The site is steeped in history dating back to the 12th century and is nestled in a peaceful valley surrounded by forested hills. It offers a serene atmosphere for an afternoon break. Its architecture and tranquil surroundings provide a welcome contrast to the day’s ride.
The final stretch loops around to the east through the green heart of Galicia and to cross another dam, Encoro dos Peares, then we follow the Rio Mino and cross the Rio Sil as we make our way to our next stop at Parador de Santo Estevo located in a former Benedictine monastery with parts dating to 10th c. yet with an avant-garde interior.
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Estevo to Leon ~ 250km / 147 miles ~ 5 hours riding
This route just offers twist and turns galore along the OU-536 as we head south easterly from Santo Estevo towards the Encoro de Edrada reservoir then more easterly to our first stop of the day is at O Barco de Valdeorras a scenic spot on the bands of the Rio Sil, known for wine production.
The N-120 is another nice twisty road passing through lush countryside as we make our way easterly to Ponferrada, a larger town with rich medieval heritage, Ponferrada is home to an impressive Templar Castle, built in the 12th century. The town also features the Museo del Bierzo, showcasing regional history, and a lively old quarter with cafés and restaurants. It’s an ideal place for a midday stop, offering both cultural interest and good food options.
Once again if our progress is slow, we can opt for a faster route with the A-6 going our direction, but I think the N-6 is more scenic and a better overall choice. This will lead us to Astorga, a gem of Castile and León. Agosta is best known for its Roman roots and architectural highlights. The Episcopal Palace, designed by Gaudí, and the Cathedral of Santa María are standout attractions. The town also has a chocolate museum and is a great place to stretch your legs before the final leg.
The final ride leads us into León. This ancient city with many beautiful buildings was host to the first Parliament in Europe in 1188. We shall be staying at the Parador de León a former monastery dating back to the 12th c.
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Leon to Fuente De ~ 200km / 125 miles ~ 4 hours riding
A later departure today to allow a little time to explore parts of Leon before we depart.
Today we head north into the Picos (Parque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa) making our first stop at Puerto de Tarna, a mountain pass, that offers dramatic views of the Picos de Europa foothills and is a favourite among motorcyclists for its winding roads and elevation. There’s limited infrastructure, but it’s ideal for a photo stop or a short walk to take in the scenery.
We stop for lunch at Riano which is located beside a stunning reservoir (Embalse de Riano) surrounded by mountains. It’s a great spot for a scenic break, with panoramic views and a peaceful lakeside setting. The Riaño Ethnographic Museum offers insight into the region’s rural heritage, and there are cafés with views over the water.
Continuing north easterly we reach Potes a lively town in the Liébana region known for its medieval streets, the Torre del Infantado, and excellent local cuisine. It’s a great place to stop for a snack, and if you are hungry you may want to try cocido lebaniego, a hearty regional stew.
The final leg leads us up to Parador de Fuente de, in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, this modern mountain shelter is located next to the town’s well-known cable car which you may wish to take up the mountain.
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Fuente De to Lerma ~ 295km / 185 miles ~ 6 hours riding
Departing from the dramatic mountain setting of Parador de Fuente Dé, the route begins with a descent through the Liébana Valley that we rode up through yesterday. The views in the opposite direction open up to offer a different landscape to th one heading uphill, but as you will know by now these winding roads reward the rider.
Heading south, you pass through Ojedo and continue toward Cervera de Pisuerga, a town nestled in the foothills of the Montaña Palentina. It’s a great place for a short break, with access to lakeside views and forested trails nearby.
East of Cervera, a worthwhile detour leads up then down again of great low traffic twisty roads that lead to Aguilar de Campoo, a town rich in Romanesque architecture and medieval charm. The Monastery of Santa María la Real and the Castle of Aguilar are highlights, and the town’s riverside setting makes it a pleasant spot for lunch or a relaxed walk.
Returning to the main route, you head south toward Burgos, passing through open countryside and small villages. Burgos itself is a major historical centre, home to the Cathedral of Santa María, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a vibrant old town. It's an ideal place to pause and explore before the final leg of the journey.
The ride continues southeast to Lerma, where the Parador de Hotel Lerma awaits in a grand ducal palace overlooking the town's arcaded square. The final stretch offers smooth roads and gentle terrain, making for a comfortable end to a varied and rewarding day’s ride.
This route blends mountain scenery, cultural landmarks, and historic towns, offering a rich experience for motorcyclists who enjoy both the journey and the destinations along the way.
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Lerma to Madrid ~ 305km / 190 miles ~ 5.5 hours riding
We depart Lerma and head southeast with a slight detour north to Sad Hill Cemetery (scene from the Good, the Bad and the Ugly) then we double back and make our way to Clunia Sulpicia, a Roman archaeological site that features a well-preserved theatre and the remains of a once-thriving Roman city. It makes a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the region’s ancient past and a chance to stretch the legs while exploring the ruins.
Near Aranda de Duero, we leave our usual country roads and join the A-1, making good progress south for about an hour before exiting at Buitrago del Lozoya. Located in the Sierra Norte de Madrid, this medieval town is encircled by remarkably intact defensive walls and sits beside the tranquil Lozoya River. Buitrago also houses the Picasso Museum – Eugenio Arias Collection, a small but unique gallery showcasing works gifted by the artist to his barber. The town hosts a popular medieval festival each September and offers a pleasant mix of history, art, and natural beauty.
Continuing deeper into the Sierra Norte, we reach Rascafría, a charming mountain village. Just south of town, nestled in the Valle del Lozoya, lies the Monastery of El Paular. Still inhabited by a religious order, the monastery is a peaceful and atmospheric place to visit. The surrounding landscape is equally captivating, with views of Peñalara, the highest peak in the region, and opportunities for a short walk or a quiet moment by the river.
The route then leads us past the eastern edge of the Embalse de Santillana, a scenic reservoir popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers. Just south of here, we join the M-607 / E-5, a major highway that guides us smoothly into Madrid.
As the day winds down, we return our bikes and gather for a farewell meal, sharing stories from the road before enjoying a final night’s rest in the capital ahead of our journey home.
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