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Motorcycle Tours of South America, Australia, Asia and Major Expeditions - Road of Bones

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Duration: 20 Days / 21 Nights

Spain Portugal and Morocco

Spain, Portugal and Morocco: Explore Southern Europe and Northern Africa, a ride from the hills of Lisbon to the sands of the Sahara

A ride of an incredible diversity in peoples, landscapes & cultures, this is a ride that explores the history of Southern Europe and Northern Africa, from the Romans to the Muslims, the Moors to the Christians, maritime explorers to the Conquistadors, they all left their mark on this historically rich part of the world. We will experience life beneath the “tourist surface” as we ride the less travelled paths via country roads, barely a single lane wide, get wonderfully lost in the ancient medinas of Morocco, ditch our bikes in favor of camels as we ride into the endless Sahara and explore ancient Kasbahs and palm filled oases. Join us as we have breakfast in Morocco, lunch in Gibraltar and dinner in Spain, all in one day, this is a classic, all paved, ride never to be forgotten.


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Dates & Prices


1st September 2021 to 22nd September 2021

Tour Code: SPM/010921

Bike OptionPriceAvailability
Rider / F750 GSUS$7203
Rider / R1250 GSUS$7889
Pillion / Support VehicleUS$5658
Book Now

27th September 2021 to 18th October 2021

Tour Code: SPM/270921

Bike OptionPriceAvailability
Rider / F750 GSUS$7203
Rider / R1250 GSUS$7889
Pillion / Support VehicleUS$5658
Book Now

At a Glance

Tour Highlights

  • The most South Westerly of Europe
  • Stunning back roads of the Portuguese Algarve
  • Riding the lane ways of the Spanish Andalusia
  • The mighty Atlas Mountains of Morocco
  • A night in the Sahara
  • The medinas of Fez & Marrakesh
  • The Kabashs of Morocco
  • Stunning Ronda
  • Lunch in Gibraltar
  • Granada's Alhambra & Cordoba's Mesquita
  • Ancient roman city of Volubilis
 

Included

  • Airport Transfers
  • Motorcycle rental as per your selection.
  • Fuel
  • Tolls
  • Support vehicle with passenger carrying ability
  • 21 nights accommodation in excellent small hotels
  • 21 breakfasts
  • 14 Lunches
  • 15 Dinners
  • Services of ride leader and support vehicle driver
  • Pre-departure material and route maps
  • Access to a satellite phone, pay per minute
  • Compass Expeditions tour shirt
  • Entrances to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary

Not Included

  • International Flights
  • Visas (if required)
  • Personal Health/Travel Insurance
  • Tips and gratuities

Upgrades

If you require a low bike option we have a lowered suspension or lowered seat BMW F700 GS available: Free of charge

All accommodation is twin or double share, if you would like a single room there will be a single supplement: EUR 1 490
(please note, you may be required to share a bathroom at least once on this trip).

Our motorcycles are insured and have a damage excess of EUR 2500, you can reduce the excess by taking advantage of our Excess Reduction Policy: EUR 25 per day

Get a Travel Insurance Quote

Itinerary

 

Joining Day: Your Lisbon airport transfer will take you directly to our joining hotel, ready for an early start tomorrow. Today you will meet your crew for your tour briefing and welcome dinner.
Day 1: Leaving the Portuguese capital of Lisbon we ride due south along the Atlantic Coastline the most southwesterly point of the European continent, at Sagres, a town with a definite “end of the world” feel to it.
Day 2: We are in the Portuguese Algarve and ride the extraordinary Serra de Monchique, riding small remote backcountry roads through tiny farming communities before returning to the coast at Tavira
Day 3: Crossing into Spain today, and the legendary Andalucía, we ride into the mountains of this remarkable region overnighting in a 15th Century Hacienda located on the outskirts of the stunning Arcos de la Frontera
Day 4: We cross into Morocco today, via the Straits of Gibraltar, and ride onto the beautiful “blue village” of Chefchaouen, a village in the shadow of the Rif Mountains.
Day 5 & 6: A full days ride today to one of the most fabled cities in Morocco, that of Fez. We spend a full day in Fez allowing us time to visit the renowned Fez Medina among ancient sights.
Day 7: Leaving Fez we ascend into the Middle Atlas Mountains and a landscape of vast valleys and oasis of palm filled canyons to our overnight stop at Midelt.
Day 8: Descending somewhat we reach the very edge of the Sahara Desert and swap our bikes for camels and ride out to our overnight 5 star campsite, set deep within the sand dunes, not far from the Algerian border!
Day 9: Back on our bikes we ride the “Route of 1000 Kasbahs”, a historic route littered with Kasbah’s and palm filled oases on our way to the extraordinary Todra Gorge where we spend the night.
Days 10 & 11: We visit one of Morocco’s finest Kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou before ascending into the High Atlas Mountains via the incredible Tizi n'Tichka pass. Two nights are spent in Marrakesh giving us time to visit the old medina and the amazing Djemaa el Fna
Day 12: More superb backcountry riding today and we ascend and descend the Atlas Mountains via rarely used single lane roads; it’s a real introduction into rural Moroccan life
Day 13: More superb riding today back into the ever present Atlas Mountains through a rarely visited region of remote villages and epic landscapes. We arrive into the UNESCO listed Meknes for our overnight stop and can visit the old medina.
Day 14: A short ride out to Morocco’s finest Roman ruins of Volubilis before continuing onto the beautiful coastal fortified village of Asilah where we spend our last night in Morocco.
Day 15 & 16: Breakfast in Morocco, lunch in Gibraltar & dinner in Spain!!! We cross back into Spain and stop of the wonderful Rock of Gibraltar before ascending into the mountains to the incredible Ronda. Two nights are spent in Ronda allowing us time to explore this amazingly located city.
Day 17: Another amazing ride day exploring the empty back roads of Andalucía before reaching the renowned Granada
Day 18: visit the UNESCO listed Alhambra before riding the “Caliphates Way”, a route littered with Pueblo Blanco’s (White villages) all adorned with ancient fortresses. The day is finished off at the staggering Mesquita (mosque / cathedral) in Cordoba.
Day 19: We cross back into Portugal today via some superb country lanes and mountain top fortress villages. We overnight at another UNESCO listed village of Evora
Day 20: After spending the morning in Evora we take a short ride amongst beautiful cork and eucalypt forests and grape vines to Lisbon for our last night of this incredibly diverse ride in 4 different countries.
Departure day: Spend some time in Lisbon or fly home, the choice is yours.

Ride Details

Ride Profile

 

For more information on our Ride Grade system please CLICK HERE

99.9% Sealed. The vast majority of the roads are in superb condition, however we do spend considerable time on mountainous roads that are winding and twisting and very narrow with blind corners, generally these roads are empty. Moroccan roads are far more challenging with significant road subsidence in some areas, some sections with massive potholes broken and tall shoulders, narrow and winding roads with tall drop-offs and drivers that are a little less careful than what we may be used to.
0.1% Unsealed. We may encounter some roadwork’s in Morocco where a new road is being built and could experience sections of up to 100mts of dirt around machinery or roadwork’s. Additionally a particular 8ks section of road in Spain is in terrible condition and slowly returning to a gravel surface.

    Tour Start/End

    Tour Start: Lisbon, Portugal
    Tour End: Lisbon, Portugal

    Climate

    September / October in Portugal & Spain will be cooling down as autumn arrives, expect mid 20 to early 30 degrees Celsius. Morocco will also be cooling down with low 30 degrees Celsius but cool nights, especially in the desert. Generally the weather will be clear and sunny but some rain could be experienced as we cross the High Atlas in Morocco. 


    Accommodation

    • 21 nights of accommodation.
    • Our accommodations range from small family run hotels through to 5 star hotels.
    • One night "Glamping" in The Sahara; the tents have hot showers & toilets inside so we aren't roughing it.
    • A flexible attitude is needed as standards are not always what we are accustomed to.
    • All accommodation is on a twin share basis. If you are traveling alone we will pair you up with another solo traveler. However, if you prefer single accommodation a single supplement is available:EU$ 1 490.00 (please note that you may be required to share a bathroom at least once on this trip)
     

    Meals

    • On every day of the tour we include breakfast: 21 Breakfasts
    • On mentioned ride days we provide a picnic lunch that we prepare ourselves from our mobile kitchen: 14 Lunches
    • We include mentioned dinners in reliable restaurants we have used many times before: 15 Dinners
     

    Important Information

    • You will need to be in Lisbon, Portugal, one day prior to start of expedition, for your joining day (a bonus nights accommodation is included)
    • All riders must have a valid motorcycle license and at least two years riding experience.
    • It is a requirement that all clients have appropriate insurance for this type of expedition.

    Get a Travel Insurance Quote

    Bikes

     
    BMW F750GS
    • 853cc Parallel twin cylinder engine (de-tuned)
    • Seat height 81cm (32In) Approx.
    • Inner Leg Curve 183cm (72in) Approx
    • Heated Hand Grips
    • BMW style accessory power socket
    • Engine protection bars
    • Bash plate
    • Dual purpose tyres 
     
     
    BMW R1250 GS
    • 1254cc Parallel twin cylinder engine 
    • Seat height 85 cm (33.5 In) Approx.
    • Inner Leg Curve 187cm (73.5in) Approx
    • Heated Hand Grips
    • BMW style accessory power socket
    • Engine protection bars
    • Bash plate
    • Dual purpose tyres
     

    Trip Extensions


    TRIP EXTENSIONS – AFRICA

    Africa is such a fantastic destination for motorcycling but there is so much more on offer than fantastic roads and exceptional vistas.

    Use the form below to let us know how we can assist in extending or enhancing your African adventure.

    Contact us using the form below:












    TRIP EXTENSIONS – EUROPE

    Europe is such a fantastic destination for motorcycling but there is so much more on offer than fantastic roads and exceptional vistas.

    Use the form below to let us know how we can assist in extending or enhancing your European adventure.

    Contact us using the form below:













    Insurance


    TOUR AND EXPEDITION TRAVEL INSURANCE

    At Compass Expeditions we work hard to make sure that your motorcycle tour runs smoothly and safely. Your welfare is of primary concern to us and we know that we cannot control every situation on the road or while you are traveling.

    Accidents happen, luggage is lost and tour or flight cancellations can occur, so it is our policy that all participants of Compass Expeditions tours have an appropriate level of travel insurance to cover the unforeseen. This is not only compulsory when joining a Compass Expeditions motorcycle tour, but it makes sense.

    We have sourced a number of companies that will provide you coverage in the event of an accident and/or other losses, depending on the policy selected and better still will give all Compass Expeditions customers a 10% discount off the advertised rates when purchasing through the our website, (this offer is not available over the phone). Compass Expeditions does not endorse, recommend or guarantee payment in the event of a claim from any of the insurers mentioned. We do know that they will offer a policy for clients riding a motorcycle OVER 250cc (including our bikes). This is a critical point to ensure when purchasing a policy. Compass Expeditions are offering this information as a service only to ensure all our clients are properly protected.
    seven-corners-logo

    Seven Corners:
    These policies cover clients located in the United States of America at time of purchase for travel outside of the United States on a Compass Expeditions Ride/Expedition. It works in conjunction with your US Health Care. Please click below to be directed to their website to obtain your quote.

    Travel Cover for Australians:
    This policy covers all our Australian clients when participating in a Compass Expeditions ride. Please click on the “Get a quote” button below  to be directed to our quote form. We will set up the quote for you and get back to you with options and prices for your travel insurance policy.

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    Testimonials


     
    Thanks again for a fabulous and unforgettable trip, Felix, Antonio and you did an outstanding job.
    Ann and I had a seriously good time on this trip, have made some great friends and confirmed yet again that there is no better way of seeing a country than by motorcycle – sharing the sounds, smells, temperature and rain with the locals.
    The organisation of the trip was superb – from the detailed planning resulting from the reconnaissance to execution of the final plan...
     
    Andy and Ann,  Australia
     


     
    Having recently returned from the inaugural SPM trip, Sue and I have been able to reflect on what a superb trip it was. Who’d have thought for example, that we’d ride camels into the Sahara and “glamp” in a tent with an en suite!
     
    We found it impossible to pick a particular place as the highlight of the trip – for us the entire trip was the highlight, with all the wonderful places visited component parts of it.
     
    Special mention goes to Felix (ride leader), Jerry, and Antonio for the smooth and trouble free manner in which the tour was conducted. They were always ready to assist whenever needed – nothing was too much trouble.
     
    For all you motorcyclists out there, go out and do it while you can!
     
    Pete (Pepe) and Sue, Australia
     
     
     
    I can't recommend Compass highly enough as I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and it really exceeded my expectations.
     
    Pam, Australia
     
     
     
     
    We were on the inaugural Compass Explorations tour of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. What an incredible experience. The tour was blessed with great company, great riding, interesting destinations, superbly maintained motorcycles, and varied but great accommodation. Morocco was full of surprises, including plenty of gastronomic delights. The Compass support crew, Jerry, Felix, and Antonio did a great job in “herding the cats” and ensuring that the tour would be memorable, especially for a father and son who had not previously participated in a tour together.
     
    Greg and Marc, Australia  
     
     
    If you have completed our SPM tour we would love to here your feedback.
    Please email info@compassexpeditions.com to let us know what you thought of the adventure.
     
     

    Terms and Conditions

    Compass Expeditions

    Motorcycle Tours of South America, Australia, and Asia


    Head Office (Australia)

    Address:
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    Melton,
    Victoria,
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    Australia

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    Compass Expeditions 2022 tour dates coming soon

    Finally – The news you have all been waiting for.

    “It’s now with the greatest of pleasure that we can announce that, like the legendary Phoenix, Compass Expeditions has arisen from the ashes and will once again offer world renowned, unique, exciting motorcycle tours across the globe.” – Mick McDonald

    Read the full story here:  Like a Phoenix from the ashes….

    Out of concern for the safety of our riders and crew until the  COVID-19 situation is under control, we have no plans to run tours in 2021.

    However, stay tuned for our  2022 tour dates and details which will be released as soon as possible.

    Follow us on Facebook and sign up for our monthly newsletter (on the Home Page) to keep informed.