Woke up, and decided to Drive to Spain.
Discussion
Redback - awesome write up, loved every minute of it, done a few tours in our old Z3 and the previous TT now need to get some good hols in the TTS, already got Denmark and Norway booked for 2 weeks in June with the TT'ers.
Let us know your full itinerary when you have calmed down/recovered, in the mean time i'm working my way through your vids on youtube.
Again fantastic thread and well done on articulating it extremely well.
Jontymo
Let us know your full itinerary when you have calmed down/recovered, in the mean time i'm working my way through your vids on youtube.
Again fantastic thread and well done on articulating it extremely well.
Jontymo
Thank you for an inspirational and quality thread. Really enjoyed following the tour.
I'm going to the Alps in August with a mate in the 7GT3 - and I will try and plan the hotels so that we can keep you updated on the trip in the same way.
Such a great way to enjoy a beautiful and fantastic car.
CK
I'm going to the Alps in August with a mate in the 7GT3 - and I will try and plan the hotels so that we can keep you updated on the trip in the same way.
Such a great way to enjoy a beautiful and fantastic car.
CK
Well done and glad you made it back without trouble or accidents.
my 3200 mile trip last year was the same except i scraped the front splitter on a hidden bump. there is a lot to be said for having a reliable car as it makes these trips a total pleasure. I remember going through the slovenian border to croatia and the cops looked at my v5 and car papers, not having a clue that my UK reg plate didnt match the v5! - (i had just bought the car and put my priv plate on it).
trips like this is what makes life living , a real adventure and let alone its a way to properly enjoy your car.
I said to my girlfriend that our last 3 european road trips would be the last for a couple of years, but this is giving me the bug to do anther one!
my 3200 mile trip last year was the same except i scraped the front splitter on a hidden bump. there is a lot to be said for having a reliable car as it makes these trips a total pleasure. I remember going through the slovenian border to croatia and the cops looked at my v5 and car papers, not having a clue that my UK reg plate didnt match the v5! - (i had just bought the car and put my priv plate on it).
trips like this is what makes life living , a real adventure and let alone its a way to properly enjoy your car.
I said to my girlfriend that our last 3 european road trips would be the last for a couple of years, but this is giving me the bug to do anther one!
This thread should carry some kind of warning. It has cost/will cost me a fortune!
Eurotunnel crossing: £282
1st and 2nd night's hotels: £165 (with another 6 yet to sort out)
2 rear tyres: £720
New camera: £380
...and much more to come no doubt (early service, fuel, food, tolls etc).
Big thanks for finally providing the force to upset my long-held balance atop the fence.
Eurotunnel crossing: £282
1st and 2nd night's hotels: £165 (with another 6 yet to sort out)
2 rear tyres: £720
New camera: £380
...and much more to come no doubt (early service, fuel, food, tolls etc).
Big thanks for finally providing the force to upset my long-held balance atop the fence.
D.no said:
This thread should carry some kind of warning. It has cost/will cost me a fortune!
Eurotunnel crossing: £282
1st and 2nd night's hotels: £165 (with another 6 yet to sort out)
2 rear tyres: £720
New camera: £380
...and much more to come no doubt (early service, fuel, food, tolls etc).
Big thanks for finally providing the force to upset my long-held balance atop the fence.
Hmmmm, take the ferry £57 return. Dover Calais. There you go a saving already.Eurotunnel crossing: £282
1st and 2nd night's hotels: £165 (with another 6 yet to sort out)
2 rear tyres: £720
New camera: £380
...and much more to come no doubt (early service, fuel, food, tolls etc).
Big thanks for finally providing the force to upset my long-held balance atop the fence.
Not sure why the tunnel cost you so much?
I use it several times a month simply booking on their website, no special deals and I never pay any more than about £80 - £100 return..... When we're looking to go away for a long weekend in July it's £108 return.
Beats the ferry every time
Quick, clean and flexible should you be early or late.
I use it several times a month simply booking on their website, no special deals and I never pay any more than about £80 - £100 return..... When we're looking to go away for a long weekend in July it's £108 return.
Beats the ferry every time
Quick, clean and flexible should you be early or late.
HoHoHo said:
Not sure why the tunnel cost you so much?
I use it several times a month simply booking on their website, no special deals and I never pay any more than about £80 - £100 return..... When we're looking to go away for a long weekend in July it's £108 return.
Beats the ferry every time Quick, clean and flexible should you be early or late.
71 GBP one-way for us on the tunnel for our journey return, travelling at 8am on Sunday. I do love the convenience of the tunnel.I use it several times a month simply booking on their website, no special deals and I never pay any more than about £80 - £100 return..... When we're looking to go away for a long weekend in July it's £108 return.
Beats the ferry every time
Quick, clean and flexible should you be early or late.Having said that, the ferry to Spain on the outgoing part of the trip was a revelation. Assuming of course you have the time to return from Northern Spain via the scenic routes, its well worth it.
Also compared to Northern Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium were packed with cars/traffic. If we had to point to a single highlight of the trip (which is almost impossible), we would say driving in Northern Spain for the first part of trip was amazing. The provinces of Asturias, Leon, Palencia, Burgos, Navarram and Huesca, were incredible - video evidence also confirms this
redback911 said:
HoHoHo said:
Not sure why the tunnel cost you so much?
I use it several times a month simply booking on their website, no special deals and I never pay any more than about £80 - £100 return..... When we're looking to go away for a long weekend in July it's £108 return.
Beats the ferry every time Quick, clean and flexible should you be early or late.
71 GBP one-way for us on the tunnel for our journey return. I do love the convenience of the tunnel.I use it several times a month simply booking on their website, no special deals and I never pay any more than about £80 - £100 return..... When we're looking to go away for a long weekend in July it's £108 return.
Beats the ferry every time
Quick, clean and flexible should you be early or late.Having said that, the ferry to Spain on the outgoing part of the trip was a revelation. Assuming of course you have the time to return from Northern Spain via the scenic routes, its well worth it.
Also compared to Northern Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium were packed with cars/traffic. If we had to point to a single highlight of the trip (which is almost impossible), we would say driving in Northern Spain for the first part of trip was amazing. The provinces of Asturias, Leon, Palencia, Burgos, Navarram and Huesca, were incredible - video evidence also confirms this
redback911 said:
HoHoHo said:
Not sure why the tunnel cost you so much?
I use it several times a month simply booking on their website, no special deals and I never pay any more than about £80 - £100 return..... When we're looking to go away for a long weekend in July it's £108 return.
Beats the ferry every time Quick, clean and flexible should you be early or late.
71 GBP one-way for us on the tunnel for our journey return, travelling at 8am on Sunday. I do love the convenience of the tunnel.I use it several times a month simply booking on their website, no special deals and I never pay any more than about £80 - £100 return..... When we're looking to go away for a long weekend in July it's £108 return.
Beats the ferry every time
Quick, clean and flexible should you be early or late.Having said that, the ferry to Spain on the outgoing part of the trip was a revelation. Assuming of course you have the time to return from Northern Spain via the scenic routes, its well worth it.
Also compared to Northern Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium were packed with cars/traffic. If we had to point to a single highlight of the trip (which is almost impossible), we would say driving in Northern Spain for the first part of trip was amazing. The provinces of Asturias, Leon, Palencia, Burgos, Navarram and Huesca, were incredible - video evidence also confirms this
I love Eurotunnel - for example last week I went to Holland twice and changed one of the trips to a different time from the booking initially, then to a completely different day and time and wasn't charged for either change. We often arrive in Calais earlier than expected and they simply load you onto the next available train FOC. Can't see BA or sleezy-jet doing anything similar even if they had the chance to do so!
DoubleSix said:
This is what I'm doing, we've actually moved our booking to the Pont Aven, Plymouth to Santander (newer boat, shorter crossing), saves putting 1000 miles on the Porsche just getting there, and god knows how much in fuel costs....
Brilliant! Right, have all the invoices for the hotels in front of me so will go back to my "Day X" posts and add hotels and breakdown of parking, Etc. redback911 said:
DoubleSix said:
This is what I'm doing, we've actually moved our booking to the Pont Aven, Plymouth to Santander (newer boat, shorter crossing), saves putting 1000 miles on the Porsche just getting there, and god knows how much in fuel costs....
Brilliant! Right, have all the invoices for the hotels in front of me so will go back to my "Day X" posts and add hotels and breakdown of parking, Etc. (tbh a new post with them bullet pointed would be very useful as I can just refer to one page then, not that I'm demanding or anything
)Accommodation summary page, as requested
Worth noting that I went obsessive compulsive on the hotels and really researched them beforehand. I used Trip Advisor to check recent reviews and comments as well. I also emailed many of them to confirm parking was suitable for a sports car. There were absolutely no bad hotels on the trip, all were excellent, some were just a little more value for money than others.
Hotel Costs and Information
Day 3 - Oviedo
Ayre Hotel Oviedo Ayre Hotel Oviedo
Daily Rate: 88 Euros
Daily Parking: 12 Euros
The hotel is just outside the old part of the city but that makes access in and out of the city easier. Room rate was 81 Euros (includes breakfast) and excellent value, brand new and very high quality 4-star hotel. Parking access is a little steep but taking slowly and at an angle meant no bumping.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 1 of 49 in the region Trip Advisor
Day 5 - Crespos
La Gandara La Gandara B&B
Daily Rate: 56 Euros
Daily Parking: Free
Brilliant B&B in the middle of the mountainous Burgos region. Javier (the owner/cook) is such a nice guy and its well worth asking for dinner as well. Its very much a farm-house type accomodation, parking is outside but very quiet and plenty of space. No issues with parking access either. The interior is very rustic and welcoming. Great place if you want to escape into a quiet Spanish country village.
Trip Advisor ranks the B&B 1 of 22 in the Burgos region Trip Advisor
Day 6 - Pamplona
Muga De Beloso Muga De Beloso (Top tip - keep reloading the page till the model appears in the swimming pool)
Daily Rate: 119 Euros
Breakfast: 16 Euros (each)
Daily Parking: Free
Super-chic hotel just outside the medieval part of the city, but not more than 5-10 minutes to the amazing Cathedral by taxi. Warning, the hotel is brand new so SatNavs struggle to find the entrance, use directions provided but the hotel is hidden below the road and access is via steep driveway, there is a tiny (orange I think) sign pointing the way. The hotel interior is very modern, sleek and minimalistic. Entrance to various areas is via fingerprint readers. The food is excellent, breakfast is a MUST at least once. Pricey but worth it, as long as you are hungry. Friday nights is live Jazz and combined with a fixed menu for 44 euros (each).
Parking is a internal and underground. Access is good, with a minor ramp down. The hotel will also allow you to park outside on the ground level by the entrance/reception if wanted/needed.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 2 of 38 in the Burgos region Trip Advisor
Day 7 - Barcelona
Hotel Soho Hotel Soho
Daily Rate: Varies, between 116-156 (week/weekend)
Breakfast included
Daily Parking: 30 Euros a night
Finding a hotel in downtown Barcelona with secure parking and for less than 200 Euros a night was VERY hard. I researched perhaps 30 hotels and the Hotel Soho came top of the list. The parking is not actually owned by the hotel, its an underground car park adjacent to the hotel and has access to the hotel directly. Its not very big so I would make sure that you email the hotel in advance and make sure they reserve a spot for you. Also talk to the parking attended to use a "reserved space", which look to better parking spots than regular spaces. If the parking chap does not speak English than use the hotel reception to contact them for you.
The hotel interior is stylish and contemporary, rooftop pool with great views of Barcelona. Breakfast is OK, we were spoiled with earlier efforts. Its a 20 minute walk to Les Ramblers (downtown Barcelona), there is an AWESOME tapas bar across the street from the hotel.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 21 of 534 in Barcelona Trip Advisor
Day 10 - Greolieres
Le Foulon Le Foulon
Daily Rate: 105 Euros
Breakfast: Included
Daily Parking: Free
Lovely B&B owned a few miles north for Grasse and close to Route Napoleon. Easy access to some of the best roads in Alpes Maritimes and the coast. The B&B is owned by a British couple Nick & Mia. Plenty of outside parking, Nick has a collection of BMWs and small workshop. Dinner was cooked by Nick and Mia.
Trip Advisor ranks the B&B 2 of 60 in the Alpes Maritimes region Trip Advisor
Day 11 - Lake Como
Hotel La Perla Hotel La Perla
Daily Rate: 140 Euros
Breakfast: Included
Daily Parking: Free
Brilliant hotel, family owned/run. The family were incredibly nice and helpful and this is reflected in many positive comments and reviews of the hotel. The lake side ground floor rooms have a terrace and great view of lake and surrounding mountains, so be sure to ask for one in advance.
The local pizzeria (10 minute walk - case only) was excellent as well. Parking was a dream, access to internal car park or small area outside in the garden. Both were options and we elected for internal, a steep ramp but no problem if taken slowly. Breakfast was excellent.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 1 of 170 in the Lake Como region Trip Advisor
Day 12 - Baden Baden
Heiligenstein Heiligenstein
Daily Rate: 110 Euros
Breakfast: Included
Daily Parking: Free
Our favourite hotel of the trip. Excellent interior and rooms, value for money was second to none. The food in the restaurant was excellent, well worth turning up ravenous. Parking was plentiful and outside and being in Germany adjacent cars respected their distance and we were never concerned. Breakfast was excellent and included in the price. The hotel is located is outside Baden Baden, so if you want to visit the actual town of Baden Baden you will need to drive in. Did I mention the excellent value for money? ;-)
Finally, the hotel sits in the wine production region, so there are plenty of places where you can go for wine testing. Worth noting that the casa vino was excellent.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 3 of 607 in the Black Forest region Trip Advisor
Day 13 - Nurburgring
Dorint Dorint
Daily Rate: 150 Euros
Breakfast: 16
Daily Parking: 10
A very large hotel sat right on the start/finish of the Nurburgring GP circuit, if you ask for room 253 you have a small terrace and you have a great view of the the right-hander that leads onto to the start/finish straight as well as a view of some of the Nordschleife. Being woken up by race cars 30 meters from your window is possibly the best wake-up call ever. Combine a visit with the Nordschleife and Nurburgring GP Tourist days/evenings is a must. Nordschleife laps are 23 Euros and 40 euros for 20 minutes on the Nurburgring GP circuit.
Parking is underground but tight and limited, outside parking is available and much more plentiful.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 2 of 5 in the Nuerburg region Trip Advisor
Day 14 - Brussels
Sofitel Sofitel
Daily Rate: 118 Euros
Breakfast: 22 (each)
Daily Parking: 15
Luxury hotel close to the EU parliament. Mid-week prices are extortionate but Friday/Weekends you can get some great deals. Underground parking but looks to be limited, so maybe worth making sure you have a space reserved. Food and breakfast were pricey but excellent.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 1 of 212 in the Brussels region Trip Advisor
Worth noting that I went obsessive compulsive on the hotels and really researched them beforehand. I used Trip Advisor to check recent reviews and comments as well. I also emailed many of them to confirm parking was suitable for a sports car. There were absolutely no bad hotels on the trip, all were excellent, some were just a little more value for money than others.
Hotel Costs and Information
Day 3 - Oviedo
Ayre Hotel Oviedo Ayre Hotel Oviedo
Daily Rate: 88 Euros
Daily Parking: 12 Euros
The hotel is just outside the old part of the city but that makes access in and out of the city easier. Room rate was 81 Euros (includes breakfast) and excellent value, brand new and very high quality 4-star hotel. Parking access is a little steep but taking slowly and at an angle meant no bumping.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 1 of 49 in the region Trip Advisor
Day 5 - Crespos
La Gandara La Gandara B&B
Daily Rate: 56 Euros
Daily Parking: Free
Brilliant B&B in the middle of the mountainous Burgos region. Javier (the owner/cook) is such a nice guy and its well worth asking for dinner as well. Its very much a farm-house type accomodation, parking is outside but very quiet and plenty of space. No issues with parking access either. The interior is very rustic and welcoming. Great place if you want to escape into a quiet Spanish country village.
Trip Advisor ranks the B&B 1 of 22 in the Burgos region Trip Advisor
Day 6 - Pamplona
Muga De Beloso Muga De Beloso (Top tip - keep reloading the page till the model appears in the swimming pool)
Daily Rate: 119 Euros
Breakfast: 16 Euros (each)
Daily Parking: Free
Super-chic hotel just outside the medieval part of the city, but not more than 5-10 minutes to the amazing Cathedral by taxi. Warning, the hotel is brand new so SatNavs struggle to find the entrance, use directions provided but the hotel is hidden below the road and access is via steep driveway, there is a tiny (orange I think) sign pointing the way. The hotel interior is very modern, sleek and minimalistic. Entrance to various areas is via fingerprint readers. The food is excellent, breakfast is a MUST at least once. Pricey but worth it, as long as you are hungry. Friday nights is live Jazz and combined with a fixed menu for 44 euros (each).
Parking is a internal and underground. Access is good, with a minor ramp down. The hotel will also allow you to park outside on the ground level by the entrance/reception if wanted/needed.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 2 of 38 in the Burgos region Trip Advisor
Day 7 - Barcelona
Hotel Soho Hotel Soho
Daily Rate: Varies, between 116-156 (week/weekend)
Breakfast included
Daily Parking: 30 Euros a night
Finding a hotel in downtown Barcelona with secure parking and for less than 200 Euros a night was VERY hard. I researched perhaps 30 hotels and the Hotel Soho came top of the list. The parking is not actually owned by the hotel, its an underground car park adjacent to the hotel and has access to the hotel directly. Its not very big so I would make sure that you email the hotel in advance and make sure they reserve a spot for you. Also talk to the parking attended to use a "reserved space", which look to better parking spots than regular spaces. If the parking chap does not speak English than use the hotel reception to contact them for you.
The hotel interior is stylish and contemporary, rooftop pool with great views of Barcelona. Breakfast is OK, we were spoiled with earlier efforts. Its a 20 minute walk to Les Ramblers (downtown Barcelona), there is an AWESOME tapas bar across the street from the hotel.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 21 of 534 in Barcelona Trip Advisor
Day 10 - Greolieres
Le Foulon Le Foulon
Daily Rate: 105 Euros
Breakfast: Included
Daily Parking: Free
Lovely B&B owned a few miles north for Grasse and close to Route Napoleon. Easy access to some of the best roads in Alpes Maritimes and the coast. The B&B is owned by a British couple Nick & Mia. Plenty of outside parking, Nick has a collection of BMWs and small workshop. Dinner was cooked by Nick and Mia.
Trip Advisor ranks the B&B 2 of 60 in the Alpes Maritimes region Trip Advisor
Day 11 - Lake Como
Hotel La Perla Hotel La Perla
Daily Rate: 140 Euros
Breakfast: Included
Daily Parking: Free
Brilliant hotel, family owned/run. The family were incredibly nice and helpful and this is reflected in many positive comments and reviews of the hotel. The lake side ground floor rooms have a terrace and great view of lake and surrounding mountains, so be sure to ask for one in advance.
The local pizzeria (10 minute walk - case only) was excellent as well. Parking was a dream, access to internal car park or small area outside in the garden. Both were options and we elected for internal, a steep ramp but no problem if taken slowly. Breakfast was excellent.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 1 of 170 in the Lake Como region Trip Advisor
Day 12 - Baden Baden
Heiligenstein Heiligenstein
Daily Rate: 110 Euros
Breakfast: Included
Daily Parking: Free
Our favourite hotel of the trip. Excellent interior and rooms, value for money was second to none. The food in the restaurant was excellent, well worth turning up ravenous. Parking was plentiful and outside and being in Germany adjacent cars respected their distance and we were never concerned. Breakfast was excellent and included in the price. The hotel is located is outside Baden Baden, so if you want to visit the actual town of Baden Baden you will need to drive in. Did I mention the excellent value for money? ;-)
Finally, the hotel sits in the wine production region, so there are plenty of places where you can go for wine testing. Worth noting that the casa vino was excellent.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 3 of 607 in the Black Forest region Trip Advisor
Day 13 - Nurburgring
Dorint Dorint
Daily Rate: 150 Euros
Breakfast: 16
Daily Parking: 10
A very large hotel sat right on the start/finish of the Nurburgring GP circuit, if you ask for room 253 you have a small terrace and you have a great view of the the right-hander that leads onto to the start/finish straight as well as a view of some of the Nordschleife. Being woken up by race cars 30 meters from your window is possibly the best wake-up call ever. Combine a visit with the Nordschleife and Nurburgring GP Tourist days/evenings is a must. Nordschleife laps are 23 Euros and 40 euros for 20 minutes on the Nurburgring GP circuit.
Parking is underground but tight and limited, outside parking is available and much more plentiful.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 2 of 5 in the Nuerburg region Trip Advisor
Day 14 - Brussels
Sofitel Sofitel
Daily Rate: 118 Euros
Breakfast: 22 (each)
Daily Parking: 15
Luxury hotel close to the EU parliament. Mid-week prices are extortionate but Friday/Weekends you can get some great deals. Underground parking but looks to be limited, so maybe worth making sure you have a space reserved. Food and breakfast were pricey but excellent.
Trip Advisor ranks the hotel 1 of 212 in the Brussels region Trip Advisor
Edited by redback911 on Tuesday 24th April 12:08
Top work, can't thank you enough.
I had intended to head East straight from Santander, stopping once (N260) on the way to barcelona, however based on your description of Northern Spain being a highlight of the trip I'm tempted to spend a bit more time and hit a few of these hotels. What do you think?
I had intended to head East straight from Santander, stopping once (N260) on the way to barcelona, however based on your description of Northern Spain being a highlight of the trip I'm tempted to spend a bit more time and hit a few of these hotels. What do you think?
DoubleSix said:
This is what I'm doing, we've actually moved our booking to the Pont Aven, Plymouth to Santander (newer boat, shorter crossing), saves putting 1000 miles on the Porsche just getting there, and god knows how much in fuel costs....
Well done that man, I've taken both ferries over the years ie from Portsmouth or Plymouth.The Plymouth crossing is much shorter and times usually are better. Finally the ship (The Pont Aven) is far far imo better. Proper bar and entertainment.
I'll be on it on the 3rd of June heading to Santandar.
EDITED. To quickly add, the entertainment is what it is, but passable.
Edited by Wozy68 on Tuesday 24th April 13:32
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