Pyrenees Switchback Challenge Map

 

Pyrenees Switchback Challenge is the latest in our Switchback Challenge series, all of which are designed to provide for maximizing the time riding amazing mountain passes while minimizing hotel changes. This 7-day Club Class tour is for experienced riders who are passionate about twisty mountain passes and who want to experience some of the best motorcycling roads in the world.

This Adventure will use two base hotels: the first is in culturally-rich and dynamic Barcelona, known for its architecture, Spanish cuisine, and nightlife. Three nights here is a highlight of this tour and should be especially pleasing to non-riding companions.

The second base hotel is in the small city of La Seu d’Urgell from which we will take daily loops into the Spanish and French Pyrenees. These amazing roads will paint a smile on every rider’s face! There is so much to see in this beautiful part of the world. We will pass through Andorra, one of the smallest countries in the world tucked between Spain and France. A “café au lait” replaces “café con leche” as we cross the border into France to experience the French version of riding in the Pyrenees.

On our last riding day as we return to Barcelona, we will ride along the breathtaking coast of Costa Brava. A fitting end to a fantastic tour!

At a Glance Your Pyrenees Switchback Challenge

Pyrenees Switchback Challenge, Motorcycle Tour in Spain and Portugal, Day 1

Welcome to beautiful, cosmopolitan Barcelona, one of the most dynamic cities in Spain, known for its art and architecture. We will pick you up at the airport to transport you to our first base hotel. Those arriving early can enjoy some of the city sights, perhaps take a stroll down the Ramblas and sample some tapas. In the late afternoon, we will meet for the motorcycle handover, a brief kickoff meeting, and our welcome dinner featuring Spanish cuisine.

Pyrenees Switchback Challenge, Motorcycle Tour in Spain and Portugal, Day 2

On our first riding day, we will do a loop north of Barcelona. We will pass through the pilgrimage city of Manresa with its Basilica de Santa Maria de la Seu. Although we are not yet in the high mountains, the twisty roads will foretell what awaits us in the coming days.

Pyrenees Switchback Challenge, Motorcycle Tour in Spain and Portugal, Day 3

Today we ride to the “sawed mountain” of Montserrat, with the very narrow mountain roads leading to our base hotel for the next three nights.

Pyrenees Switchback Challenge, Motorcycle Tour in Spain and Portugal, Day 4
As we head west, we will experience sinuous roads that lead from the valley, twisting and curling up to the 6500-ft mountain range. We can take shortcuts and add on additional loops to make this day an original and unique experience. Wherever we turn, never-ending twisty mountain roads connect medieval villages like Sort and Tremp, where we can take short breaks before we dive back into this rider’s paradise.

Pyrenees Switchback Challenge, Motorcycle Tour in Spain and Portugal, Day 5

Today we cross the border to Andorra, a tiny and independent principality situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. Another pass road takes us into France, where we continue our ride along the northern slopes of the French Pyrenees, until two more pass roads bring us back into Spain. The ride through the Aigüestortes (winding streams) National Park with 8500-ft mountains is a scenic highlight.

Pyrenees Switchback Challenge, Motorcycle Tour in Spain and Portugal, Day 6

As we head east towards the Mediterranean coast we will have a choice to make: ride the tiniest mountain roads or take a faster route that allows time to visit Girona, a popular sightseeing destination with its Cathedral and old fortifications. The afternoon will be dedicated to the famous Costa Brava, a stunning stretch of coastal road. Once back in Barcelona, we will enjoy our final dinner together as we celebrate our spectacular week in the Pyrenees.

Pyrenees Switchback Challenge, Motorcycle Tour in Spain and Portugal, Day 7

After breakfast, we will arrange your transport to the airport for your flight home.

The route is entirely paved but includes some challenging sections, particularly in the mountains and while passing through small towns. The tour is best done by experienced riders.


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Please contact us about low frame and/or low seat options for our bikes.

  • Includes BMW F750GS
  • Additional charge of $150 for a BMW F850GS
  • Additional charge of $150 for a BMW F850GS Adv
  • Additional charge of $450 for a BMW F900XR
  • Additional charge of $550 for a BMW S1000XR
  • Additional charge of $450 for a BMW R1250R
  • Additional charge of $650 for a BMW R1250GS
  • Additional charge of $700 for a BMW R1250GS Adv
  • Additional charge of $550 for a BMW R1250RS
  • Additional charge of $900 for a BMW R1250RT
  • Personal motorcycle: deduct $600 from the rider price.
Standard Inclusions
  • Late model, low mileage motorcycle
  • All accommodations
  • A’ la carte dining
  • One Ayres Adventures professional tour leader
  • Airport arrival/departure transfers
  • Luggage handling
  • Comprehensive pre-trip planning and assistance
  • Customized trip booklet with day-by-day itinerary and attractions
  • Two commemorative shirts
  • Adventurer Club travel award credit
Meals
  • All breakfasts
  • 4 dinners

Deposit per person: $800

Single room supplement – $600

2024 Schedule
Date2024 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
May 25 - 31           Pyrenees Switchback Challenge7 days$3,800$2,550
2025 Schedule
Date2025 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
May 24 - 30           Pyrenees Switchback Challenge7 days$3,800$2,550
2026 Schedule
Date2026 AdventuresLengthRider
Price
(USD)
Co-Rider
Price
(USD)
Notes
May 23 - 29           Pyrenees Switchback Challenge7 days$4,100$2,800
Cancellation fee and refunds
FROM DATE OF
SCHEDULED COMMENCEMENT
AMOUNT FORFEITED
More than 60 days50% of deposit
60 days or fewer but more than 45 days100% of deposit
45 days or fewer but more than 30 days50% of full tour payment
30 days or fewer100% of full tour payment

START CITY: BARCELONA

  • Nearest international airport: Barcelona-El Prat Airport
  • Airport code: BCN
  • Approximate distance from city centre: 8 miles/ 12 kms

END CITY: BARCELONA

  • Nearest international airport: Barcelona-El Prat Airport
  • Airport code: BCN
  • Approximate distance from city centre: 8 miles/ 12 kms
Private Tour Inquiry

We are happy to book any of our motorcycle tour as a private tour. For most tours, we require a minimum of 8 bikes, or 12 participants (riders plus co-riders). We can provide a private motorcycle tour for smaller groups, but a surcharge may apply. We can also customize any of our regular tours for a private group.

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