SPAIN AND PORTUGAL SUPERCAR SELF-DRIVE

As you arrive at the Madrid–Barajas Airport, you will be met and transferred by a luxury vehicle to your hotel. Upon arrival at your hotel, you will find an Adventures Overland Road Book waiting for you. Once you have settled in, your AO Concierge will give you a call at the scheduled time to brief you on the exciting days ahead. We have planned a week of uber luxury with the best hotels, routes and experiences for you, so sit back and get ready to leap.

By 8:00 am your chosen Supercar will be delivered to the hotel. You will be walked around the car and briefed on all functionalities. Exit Madrid to make your first stop at the Madrid Deep Space Communications centre and learn all about space crafts and huge tracking antennas. Post the tour, pick up the path of River Alberche and follow it towards its headwaters in first mountain range in Spain, Sierra de Gredos. This region has a rich cultural heritage, with many small villages and historic towns dotted throughout the area. Make an optional stop for coffee, keep exploring charming towns or visit ancient Roman ruins and medieval castles while pushing the limits of your supercar as you climb spectacular heights of 1400M en route.

After a hearty breakfast, take the wheels and prepare to drive through the rugged terrain of the mountains of Sierra de Francia. Take the winding roads to the Parque Natural de Las Batuecas. The park is famous for its scenic beauty and is home to several species of endangered or rare animals, such as the Iberian lynx and the Spanish imperial eagle. Make a stop in the charming town of La Alberca, visit medieval castles, cathedrals and a monastery set on top of a mountain at 1700M with the most breath-taking views of the surrounding region. Lunch at Plaza Mayor and continue cruising to the medieval village at Ciudad Rodrigo. From Ciudad drive west through ski fields and high mountain passes before crossing the border into Portugal.

By now you have a few hundred kms under your belt and are feeling on top of the world! Today you will drive towards Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, located in the central part of the country. The park is also known for its traditional cheese-making, which has been a part of the local culture for centuries. The next stop is at a scenic waterfall known as Poço Da Broca where you can take a dip in its crystal clear waters and rejuvenate your soul. Go north and drive directly via the highway towards the second largest and most photogenic city of Portugal, Porto

Explore the authentic and vibrant city of Porto. Post lunch start the short yet fantastic drive as you exit Porto to witness the stunning natural beauty and historic vineyards of Douro Valley! The Douro Valley is famous for producing Port wine, a fortified wine that has been made in the region for centuries. You can visit two vineyards, Winery Aneto and Winery do Tedo and witness the pure magic of making wines while savouring the sweet and strong taste.

It’s a day to challenge yourself on the Open Road! Begin by driving down to the stunning Douro valley where you will visit two of the best wineries in the region while feasting your eyes to the majestic views. The day gets better when you experience the thrill of driving on the scenic SR222, recognized as the best driving roads in the world. Exit, and take the smaller roads that head directly to a national park, Arribes del Duero National

It is time for the final drive of your journey, we will make it count! You can choose to drive directly to the bustling city of Madrid or follow a four-hour scenic route back to Madrid which begins with approx. 1 hr 45 min. on the motorway to the incredible town of Segovia. Have lunch in the town, famous for its traditional cuisine, particularly its roast suckling pig and lamb, and its local wine. As you exit Segovia, cross the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and spend the final hours with your supercar on wonderful twisty roads through the forested hills and spectacular views of a reservoir. Finish the day with some Tapas in Madrid.

You can choose to spend this day in leisure in Madrid taking in the sights or just catch up on your shopping. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine. We can also arrange for an airport transfer as this ultimate drive with AO comes to an end. Cheers to many more on the horizon.