Portugal Trip - 2017
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2016 3:55 pm
Alex mentioned this elsewhere in the forum, reminded me that I raised the prospect of this trip earlier in the year.
I have suggested organising a Portugal trip and I would really like to organise one of these for Atom/Nomad owners. Three reasons really;
1. I am new to the Atom experience, and plan to make the most of it in 2017 (and beyond!)
2. Ive enjoyed organising a number of group car tours in Europe and UK, but haven't yet for the Ariel club.
3. As far as I know, there hasn't been a trip organised to Portugal for the club? I have lived and worked in Portugal, speak the language (enough to get around), and know some great roads for the Atom (or Nomad). Not to mention the sunny weather.
WHEN:
I would suggest either late June/early July, or September 2017. It would be 10 to 14 days depending on peoples interests, budget and how far south we went.
ROUTING:
Probably best to do the Portsmouth Santander ferry crossing, then I was thinking a due south drive through Spain to the North eastern side of Portugal, down into Portugal to the Douro river valley, a great drive along the river, down to Oporto (voted by some, as one of the best driving roads). Perhaps a day or two in Oporto, where I lived. I am imagining a great Atom photo opportunity by the old bridge Eiffel built. Similarities with the Atom frame.
After that I could plan it according to what people wanted or are interested in. We could route down to Lisbon inland or coastal. Perhaps down one way and up the other? We could then continue to the Algarve. Although its a small country the Algarve is quite different to the north or even Lisbon. One thing I've learnt from other tours, its quite good to have short break from driving in the middle. Perhaps on the Algarve?
THINGS TO INCLUDE
Throw in a track day on the Algarve circuit ( http://www.autodromodoalgarve.com/Default.aspx?lng=en ) where the Grand Tour episode one was filmed? Or alternatively the Estoril circuit where the Portuguese GP is held. The Algarve circuit is generally cheaper, but we would have to book soon as a lot of car manufacturers do promotional work there.
Perhaps meet up with some Portuguese owners if there are any, or even do some promotional work for the brand in Portugal if Ariel would want that? Or perhaps Spanish owners could join in?
There are dozens of things we could include, depending who is going and what they are interested in, but apart from the driving, include plenty of good food, wine, swimming, etc.
LOGISTICS
Although I have planned trips before, I haven't for the Atom club, so will take advice from Steve Gibson or other seasoned Atom tourers to make sure items unique to Atoms are covered. I think initially if people state if they are interested first to gauge numbers. I think a minimum of 3 cars would be good, but the more the merrier. Then we can meet up somewhere before Christmas or early in the new year to discuss in a bit more detail?
It will not be the cheapest trip given the ferry crossing and the time we are away, but generally speaking Portugal is much cheaper than other European countries, apart from the Algarve which is priced for tourists. I think once we have a draft itinery we can construct a budget. The dip in the pound is not good for us. If its a goer, I normally setup a temporary web page for info etc for the tour group.
Im in Portugal for a short trip in April so could do a recce of some sites.
I have suggested organising a Portugal trip and I would really like to organise one of these for Atom/Nomad owners. Three reasons really;
1. I am new to the Atom experience, and plan to make the most of it in 2017 (and beyond!)
2. Ive enjoyed organising a number of group car tours in Europe and UK, but haven't yet for the Ariel club.
3. As far as I know, there hasn't been a trip organised to Portugal for the club? I have lived and worked in Portugal, speak the language (enough to get around), and know some great roads for the Atom (or Nomad). Not to mention the sunny weather.
WHEN:
I would suggest either late June/early July, or September 2017. It would be 10 to 14 days depending on peoples interests, budget and how far south we went.
ROUTING:
Probably best to do the Portsmouth Santander ferry crossing, then I was thinking a due south drive through Spain to the North eastern side of Portugal, down into Portugal to the Douro river valley, a great drive along the river, down to Oporto (voted by some, as one of the best driving roads). Perhaps a day or two in Oporto, where I lived. I am imagining a great Atom photo opportunity by the old bridge Eiffel built. Similarities with the Atom frame.
After that I could plan it according to what people wanted or are interested in. We could route down to Lisbon inland or coastal. Perhaps down one way and up the other? We could then continue to the Algarve. Although its a small country the Algarve is quite different to the north or even Lisbon. One thing I've learnt from other tours, its quite good to have short break from driving in the middle. Perhaps on the Algarve?
THINGS TO INCLUDE
Throw in a track day on the Algarve circuit ( http://www.autodromodoalgarve.com/Default.aspx?lng=en ) where the Grand Tour episode one was filmed? Or alternatively the Estoril circuit where the Portuguese GP is held. The Algarve circuit is generally cheaper, but we would have to book soon as a lot of car manufacturers do promotional work there.
Perhaps meet up with some Portuguese owners if there are any, or even do some promotional work for the brand in Portugal if Ariel would want that? Or perhaps Spanish owners could join in?
There are dozens of things we could include, depending who is going and what they are interested in, but apart from the driving, include plenty of good food, wine, swimming, etc.
LOGISTICS
Although I have planned trips before, I haven't for the Atom club, so will take advice from Steve Gibson or other seasoned Atom tourers to make sure items unique to Atoms are covered. I think initially if people state if they are interested first to gauge numbers. I think a minimum of 3 cars would be good, but the more the merrier. Then we can meet up somewhere before Christmas or early in the new year to discuss in a bit more detail?
It will not be the cheapest trip given the ferry crossing and the time we are away, but generally speaking Portugal is much cheaper than other European countries, apart from the Algarve which is priced for tourists. I think once we have a draft itinery we can construct a budget. The dip in the pound is not good for us. If its a goer, I normally setup a temporary web page for info etc for the tour group.
Im in Portugal for a short trip in April so could do a recce of some sites.