Portugal

During your training you will learn group riding, cornering, counter steering and overtaking techniques. You will also be assessed on your planning and observation skills. After the tour, when you have reached the required standard, you will be issued with an Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) certificate which could lower the cost of your insurance. We will also prepare a full rider development report which will be sent to you. You will also be in a position to take an advanced riding test with IAM or RoSPA, should you want additional riding qualifications. All of the training on the Continent is conducted by our advanced riding instructors, who have many years of advanced rider training experience.

On the tour, there will also be time to relax every evening and during the free day on day six. The tour is for nine days and includes two overnight ferry crossings and six nights B&B. We have chosen the Santander crossing so that you can enjoy the roads of Spain and Portugal without the long haul of riding down through France on the motorways.

The Programme

Day One: Portsmouth to Santander

Overnight ferry crossing sharing twin cabin accommodation included.
You are free to meet RMT either at their office in Redditch, en-route to the ferry in Portsmouth or at the port itself. During the ferry crossing, you will have the first of many training sessions for your advanced riding programme. There is also the chance to meet and socialise with the other members in the group.

Day Two: Santander to Guarda (330 miles)

B&B included
Disembark the ferry at Santander and travel down through Northern Spain over the Cantabrian Mountains to Portugal, where we will be staying in Guarda for the first night.

Day Three: Guarda to Aljezar (300 miles)

B&B included
Ride from Guarda on some fantastic roads towards the mountains, then South across the Alentejo region to the West Coast of the Algarve before finally reaching Aljezur. You will be spending the night overlooking the Atlantic Ocean where the surfers head in droves to catch the waves on this rugged coastline.

Day Four: Aljezar to Alvor via The Monchique Hills (250 miles)

B&B included
Start from the picturesque village of Arrifana to ride inland through the beautiful scenery of The Monchique Hills where you will almost be transported back in time. The twisty roads are a joy to ride as you work your way to one of the finest restaurants in the hills for an amazing local dish of chicken piri-piri for lunch. Finish the day in the sleepy fishing village of Alvor.

Day Five: Alvor

B&B included
The highlight of the trip is the final round of the World Super Bike Championship at ‘The Park Algarve’ circuit at Portimão, in a wonderful setting at the base of the Monchique Hills. A short ride to the track will rev you up ready for the spectacular racing that Park Algarve has to offer, said to be one of the best tracks in Europe.

Day Six: Alvor (Free Day)

B&B included
On this day, you can opt to spend some time on the beach, do a bit of sightseeing or alternatively have a free day to ride around the Algarve putting into practise some of the techniques you will have learnt.

Day Seven: Alvor to Guarda (325 miles)

B&B included
Travelling North through the plains of the Alentejo, covered with olive trees and vineyards, you will once again see the beauty of the region. Lunch will be at one of the local Alentejo restaurants where the food can only be described as “delicioso”. Our route continues north until we reach Guarda.

Day Eight: Guarda to Santander (300 miles)

Overnight ferry crossing sharing twin cabin accommodation included.
The last part of the tour is the fast road back from Guarda which takes you through some breathtaking views over the Cantabrian Mountain range in Spain. You will arrive at the Port of Santander and sample the flavours of the Spanish food before boarding the ferry for the overnight crossing back to Plymouth. Whilst on the ferry you will have your final appraisal and de-brief for your future training and development. You will also receive advice on booking an advanced test when back in the UK, if you so wish.

Day Nine: Arrive back in Portsmouth

You can decide to ride back home either with the group or at your leisure.

The Cost

Single Rider £990.
Deposit required at time of booking £300.
World Superbike Tickets are extra.
Prices are subject to change.

The price includes:

• Advanced Rider Training
• Return Ferry crossing
• 6 nights B&B or apartment accommodation
• Twin cabin accommodation on both crossings
• Radio Equipment

You will need additional money for lunch, dinner, fuel or anything else you would like to purchase whilst away. Please check with your insurance company that you are covered for riding in Europe, it is prudent to have breakdown cover.

The tour is limited to a maximum of eight people, so please book early to avoid disappointment.