Hero Events
London - Lisbon
This 10-day adventure is back for 2024, winding its way South from London, down the western side of Europe through four different countries to the Atlantic coastline and Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon. Overnight halts in cities such as Bordeaux, San Sebastian, Salamanca, and the Douro Valley are among the highlights on this seventh edition of this spring-time classic that makes the most of these beautiful regions away from the busy tourist season.
A route stretching across 2,800km of Europe’s quietest roads and scenic views await the participants, crossing all varieties of landscapes from rolling vineyards and flat marshlands to the Pyrenees mountains, Douro Valley, and numerous National Parks.
(Only Pre 31/12/81 eligible for overall results)
Maps Provided
TBC
TBC
This event is open to HERO-ERA Club, Premier and Heritage Members
Premier Members benefit from up to 10% off event entry fees*, early sign-up opportunities, 10% savings on classic car vehicle hire, preferential rates from our insurance partners and much more!
See the full list of exclusive membership perks and sign up here
*Doesn’t include Peking to Paris and some one day events
Scrutineering, documentation and pre-event training will take place during the afternoon giving crews a free evening to relax and take command of their thoughts before the adventure begins.
A late start ensures we avoid the busy morning traffic and gives us time to enjoy the wonderful surroundings at Brooklands Motor Museum before meandering south into the Surrey Hills and onwards through the South Downs, via a thoroughly enjoyable lunch halt on our way to Portsmouth with ample time to check in for the overnight ferry to Saint-Malo. A couple of tests and a few regularities on route, this opening day will settle the nerves and give confidence for the nine days of continental driving that lay ahead.
Approximately 180km
Disembarking the ferry is always an enjoyable moment on the London Lisbon Rally and the morning route will allow crews to relax into driving abroad on their way to the French restart. Travelling south through the Brittany countryside and into the Vendée will offer scenic views and quiet country roads before crossing the Parc naturel régional du Marais Poitevin on route to our overnight halt in the historic seaside town of La Rochelle, the capital of the Charente Maritime region.
Approximately 350km
Our second day in France provides ample opportunity to enjoy the central regions of France and the wonderful vineyards that provide us with Cognac brandy and fine Bordeaux wines. We are hopeful of a visit to a winery during the day before finishing up in the centre of Bordeaux, which offers a diverse and exquisite gastronomic experience, the perfect location for crews to enjoy a free night to enjoy a restaurant of their choice. An opportunity to try some lamb from Pauillac, beef from Bazas, oysters from Arcachon or asparagus from Blaye, accompanied by some beautiful wine from this famous region.
Approximately 250km
The final day in France takes us deep into the Parc naturel régional des Landes de Gascogne for a pleasant morning drive through the secluded pine forests before reaching the foothills of the Pyrenees for lunch. The afternoon will consist of a number of twisty regularity sections in the Pyrenees mountains before we cross into Spain and descend to our overnight rest halt in San Sebastián on the Bay of Biscay.
Approximately 320km
Leaving the Bay of Biscay in our rear-view mirror, we head into Spain’s mountainous Basque Country for a morning of enjoyable roads before the landscape gives way to the Parque Natural Sierra de Cebollera on route to the infamous Rioja wine region. The afternoon brings the route south-west into the province of Burgos where crews will end the longest day of this adventure at a beautiful countryside Hotel in the heart of the Ribera del Duero, which conveniently backs onto the Bodegas Arzuaga wine estate which offers wine therapy and thermal treatments.
Approximately 400km
A much shorter day at the mid-point of the route will give crews the opportunity to re-coup and focus on the remaining days in a relaxed setting. The day will navigate south-west across the farmlands of the province of Ávila before arriving in the historical city of Salamanca. With plenty of time to roam the streets of its Old City which is now declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is the ideal place to spend some extra time.
Approximately 200km
Departing Salamanca, the route heads west across the provinces’ rural landscapes towards the Portuguese border which is where we meet the Douro river and begin weaving a route deep into the Douro Valley through it’s magnificent sloping vineyards that stretch from the high slopes, deep into the river valley below. There will be many opportunities to stop and take in the views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world and infamous for its Port wine.
Approximately 320km
Winding out of the Douro first thing, the route takes in some extreme panoramic views as we climb into the Maciço da Gralheira including the Portal do Inferno, an unforgettable road for any motoring enthusiast. Lunch will be enjoyed at Caramulo where crews will also be able to enjoy the thrill of the closed road hill climb. The afternoon will guide competitors across the central district of Coimbra before the route weaves and climbs once again into the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, home to the highest point of mainland Portugal and also our overnight rest halt.
Approximately 320km
Descending quickly from the mountains, the route weaves its way once again through the Coimbra District via attractive scenery such as the Miradouro do Cabeço da Urra before crossing the Rio Zézere river on our way to the naturally beautiful overnight halt in Tomar, also popularly known as the Knights Templar City as it was once the seat of the Order of the Knights Templar.
Approximately 300km
The final trek south will be made at a relaxed pace to allow crews to gather their thoughts before the final descent into Lisbon and the rewards of reaching the finishing line of this European adventure. The competition will finish mid-afternoon allowing everyone to unwind in the beautiful surroundings before enjoying the celebrations at the gala dinner and awards presentation.
Approximately 220km
© 2023 HERO Club Limited, all rights reserved. HERO™, Peking to Paris Motor Challenge™ and LeJog™ and their respective logos are trademarks of HERO Club Limited.
Website by NetBop Web Development
