London to Lisbon

After a wonderful start at Brooklands Motor Museum we wind our way south through the Surrey Hills and the South Downs, via a thoroughly enjoyable lunch halt on our way to Portsmouth for the overnight ferry to Saint Malo. A couple of tests and a few regularities en route, this opening day will settle the nerves and give confidence for the nine days of continental driving that lay ahead.

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.

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 its 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 the oldest demarcated wine region in the world and famous for its Port wine.

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 afterno en route weaves and climbs once again into the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, our overnight rest halt.

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 Alcobaça, which is famous for its churches and monasteries one of which is the location our overnight stop.

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.