Algarve in the Tuscan

[so called]

Just booked all my hotels for a nice drive down to the Algarve
Spread the 3000km going down over 5 days so not so hard (unlike the suspension).
Then a lazy 5 days drive up to Santander for the ferry back.

Only 11 weeks to go cant wait.

[so called]

Yes, as you say, its special.
We have made many trips now but every year the excitement builds.

[so called]

mk1fan said:

Sounds similar to the trip we're going on from tomorrow. Best of luck.

Which car are you going in

Which ever, safe travels.

Edited by so called on Tuesday 5th April 16:40

[so called]

ratboiler said:

We did Santander skirted round Portugal and then up the Douro Valley from the West and onto Porto and back to Santander, fantastic trip, did not book any hotels just took it all on spec.
Lovely people and some great stories to tell, crossed the pilgrim route on the way back which is interesting.

Haven't you got great taste in cars

Yes, not done Portugal before so very much looking forward to the people and the country.

[so called]

helderteixeira said:

Hi, thinking doing almost the same, but from Dublin to Holyhead then from Plymonth to Santander. Since I'm from Porto, I'll stay there for 3 months, opportunity to do the paint and replacing the interior with leather (even replacing the carpets with leather). Plans for the 22 May. Welcome to Porto ( where Portugal, started as a country)

Booked a night in Porto in the Intercontinental on the return leg.
Maybe you'll hear me coming into town ;-)
We are doing the Santander Plymouth ferry on the return leg.

Edited by so called on Wednesday 6th April 22:01

[so called]

ratboiler said:

Be 100% sure you have good parking in Porto, I found it almost impossible to find parking and ended up in the theatre hotel which has underground parking that has to be booked in advance.
Theatre Hotel hmmmmmmmmmmmm it's an experience but you need a torch http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/smilies.htm#

Thanks for the heads up.
I'll check with the hotel if I can reserve a space.

[so called]

helderteixeira said:

Really it's not easy to find a parking spot around the Intercontinental, and my advice don't park in the street (down town) it's not safe for a Tuscan. You are more then welcome to Porto. Ping me a pm and if I'm there we can meet 2 Tuscans far way from where were made. during the night park always underground. During the day, park everywhere (it's safe) she loves to be seen!!!!

That sounds great. I'll mail you the day before.
Sounds like I need to check in quite early to get parking.
Cheers.

[so called]

Flying Penguin said:

Pretty sure there must be quite a few of us on here who have been to Porto with their Tuscan ?

And in a few months, the OP will certainly be able to provide further evidence (envy rising, again)!

(Oh and thanks, wheels are 19")

That really is a sultry looking Tuscan you have

Oh, and yes, I'll try and remember to take some pic's.

[so called]

ratboiler said:

Socalled did you manage to sort your Porto parking out?

No, I haven't called the hotel yet.
I have to do the same in a number of locations but focus is on other things at the moment.
Want to change a couple of reservations too.

Busy week of hospital visit.
Wife and Daughter both have procedures this week and next.

[so called]

TheCNCman said:

Were you worried about reliability at all? The reason I ask is that I'm planning out a trip to Basque country over a week of traveling here and there through Europe.

To be honest I can't wait. Think it will be great strolling around Europe in the tuscan.

We've been doing trips to SoFrance and Spain since about 2004 in a Chimaera, a Mk1 Tuscan and since 2009 in our current Tuscan.
Had one failure in that time which was the ECU: Basically dropped the engine to four cylinders and had to be shipped home from Toulouse.
We are with the ADAC so were fully covered.

We only take basics with us to enable bulb replacements so nothing as far as potential to break down.

Fun thing is, I always feel a bit nervous/worried as the holiday approaches but then when we are on our way, 95% of that disappears.
(the other 5% is sat at the back of my brain listening for anything peculiar and trying to wind me up at the slightest opportunity).

From my original post, I expect to do about 3500 miles on this years trip.
Apart from those trips, I drive to Germany a couple of times per year which is 750 miles door to door, which I did last week, and funnily enough, I don't worry about those trips at all ???

Edited by so called on Monday 13th June 10:35

[so called]

Short update on the parking.
I called the Intercontinental and they told me there was no need to reserve as their Valet would endure a space in the 'public' parking block.
I explained that the last time I let a Valet park my Tuscan, he damaged it, but she said "no problem" and said that I could drive accompanied by one of their people.

[so called]

ratboiler said:

I would be interested to find out what public parking means.
Have fun on your trip you will attract a lot of attention.

She inferred a multi-story.
I'll have to do a bit of google walking and see if I can find it.

Normally find suntan oil bum marks on the wings from people having photo's taken.

[so called]

So, apologies as I'm always forgetting to take photo's but I just wanted to report that, more than every year in the past 10, I've had so many thumbs up, request to blip the engine etc this year its been great,
Young Spanish and Portuguese lads having their photo's taken sat in it.
A bunch of Portuguese bikers came over at a service station to take photo's. Only seen one in photo's and computer games", seems to be a constant theme also.
Two American couples, mid 40's, "I don't know what it is", immediately one of their young sons jumped in with "Its a TVR Tuscan, rare as....".

Went to a mini-market this afternoon with the plan of having a coffee at the place next door. No parking spaces and ended up trying down a side street that was full,
Trying to get out, the café customers, all Portuguese guys, smiled and gave a huge cheer, arms held high, when I gave them a rather large blip. So much fum this year. Hope Portugal win the Euro2016, it'll be as much fun as in Spain 6 years ago.

Roll on Sunday.