Lying on the banks of the River Jerte,
Plasencia has a historic quarter that is a consequence of the
city's strategic location along the Silver Route, or Ruta de
la Plata. Since the 15th century, the noblemen of the region
began to move to Plasencia, defining its current appearance.
Palaces, ancestral homes and significant religious buildings
make up a unique old quarter.
Download the 32 page, 2010 e-brochure here
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Download the 32 page, 2010 e-brochure here
To ensure the best possible holiday experience, routes and accommodation are subject to change.
Motorbike-Tours.co.uk
The Spanish
Motorcycle Tour Specialists
Valle del Jerte and the Classic Motorcycle Museum
Please Note; If you are using Brittany Ferries, you will need to travel from Plymouth and back to Portsmouth. We have had to do this to facilitate a seven night tour. Of course, you may arrive by other means.
This is a seven night tour. On route to the Valle de Jerte, we stay over in the atmospheric city of Salamanca. Once we reach the village of Jerte, we stay in bungalows. A swimming pool is available on the campsite, as is a restaurant and mini-market. The campsite lies at the entrance to the magnificent Garganta de los Infiernos. (Hell's Gorge)
The Valle del Jerte sits between three national parks, Monfrague, Sierra de Gredos and Sierra de Francia. It is also perfectly located to visit the Classic Motorcycle Museum, the biggest and best motorcycle museum in Spain. see prices
Below is a brief description of the tour. For a more detailed look, download the free brochure.
We meet near the ferry terminal in Santander. Of course you don't have to travel from Plymouth, you may like to make your own way through France before joining us. Those of you who wish to relax on the Pont Aven can see booking information at brittany-ferries
From Santander, we make the 225 mile journey to the beautiful city of Salamanca, arriving in time to enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants around the world famous Plaza Mayor. Our hotel is just ten minutes walk (even if you walk slowly) to the historic centre of Salamanca.
Day 2 Tuesday;
Salamanca to the Valle del Jerte
After a leisurely breakfast in Salamanca, we have more time to explore the city before we travel 70 miles on to Jerte, allowing plenty of time to settle in to our impressive surroundings. Now would be a good time to enjoy a drink in the sunshine, and prepare ourselves for exciting times ahead. By the way, anyone who lasts the whole week without laughing at one of my jokes, wins a coconut, or a beer.
A ride in the Sierras beckons today. The Sierra de Gredos is one of the three national parks which surround the Valle del Jerte.
The Gredos mountains is an area of Spain that is overlooked by most visitors to the country, which suits us just fine. The Park covers some 86,236 hectares; a beautiful mountain range with peaks reaching up to nearly 2600ms, starting at the Cerro de Guisando in the East and stretching some 135 kms to the West.
Of course, we won't cover the whole of the 86,000 hectares, but we will do quite a few cafes along the way. Mombeltran Castle is also on the agenda (pictured above).
The
Classic Motorcycle Museum of Spain is a story apart. It was born of the idea of
just one man, Juan Gil Moreno, who used his free time and money to build what
has become the finest collection of motorcycles in Spain.
The museum itself is a work of art, its eight exhibition halls are arranged in circles and sweeping curves that are so easy on the eye. With more than 300 examples of classic bikes, cars, hearses and much, much more, we are assured of a great day out. After we've had our fill of the museum (which may take some time), we stop in the historic village of Hervas.
Monfrague National Park is home to a variety of birds of prey including Griffon Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, Peregrine Falcons and Golden Eagles. A variety of Harriers and Kites also feature amongst the estimated 175 different types of birds that frequent the par.
I have to say, that this is my favourite National Park, maybe because the mighty River Tagus with its high banks, never fails to take away my breath as it cuts through the heart of the park.
Our first call will be at the Cardenal bridge, which dates back to medieval times, and the little village of Villarreal de San Carlos which offers a piece of modern history with its 28 inhabitants who act as guardians of the Cardenal Bridge.
Time permitting, we will visit Jaraiz de la Vera and see its natural swimming pool. It's a long day, but there will be plenty of photo opportunities and refreshment stops.
Day 6
Saturday;
Plasencia
Today we take the short trip to the walled market town of Plasencia to chill in the cafes and catch up on a little shopping.
Day
7 Sunday;
Sierra de Francia
One of the Sierra de Francia's greatest features is the diversity of the wonderful scenery, from granite, slate and quartzite which support the varied wild vegetation, to forests of oaks, chestnut trees, pine trees, walnut trees, apple trees and almond groves.
We visit Alberca, formerly known as Valdelaguna. This village is 1084 metres above sea level on the Northern slopes of 'la Sierra de Francia' (the French Mountains'). Its unusual houses and streets make it a definite photo stop.
Once again, there will be plenty of refreshment stops.
Day
8
Monday Jerte to SantanderEarly start today as we take the 298 mile journey back to Santander.
routes are subject to change