In a nutshell ... guided 'tag along' tour packages during which you get to drive your own 4x4. All tours are highly flexible without the constraints of set itineraries.
What does a basic tour package consist of:-
First and foremost, return ferries from Portsmouth/Plymouth to Bilbao/Santander in Northern Spain. Our representative will either be waiting at the ferry port in Spain to greet you, or, depending on sailing times, travel with you on the same ferry to and/or from Spain. Upon arrival, the maps come out immediately. Don't concern yourself about navigation however, the first day is extremely straightforward. Navigation in fact is minimal throughout the tour, so co-drivers need not concern themselves. Yes you can bring your SatNav's, but basic maps are far more reliable and simpler to use. Besides, that's why you have a guide to follow. Does your tour guide get the navigation right 100% of the time? NO, due to the ever-changing Spanish road system that would be impossible, but then again some of the best routes and scenery have been found through making mistakes - such is life!
Being your holiday, you get to choose the itinerary and pace of the tour from the very start. You also get to choose what type of overnight accommodation you want. The norm is camping at designated campsites scattered throughout the Spanish Pyrenees (campsite fees are included in the tour booking fee), but if wild camping is preferred, then this too is possible. Occasionally, due to a bad back or a million and one different reasons, a chalet at a campsite or even an hotel [either/or at client’s expense] could be requested. Again this is possible, something that can be decided at the time.
Regarding the terrain tackled, the split between tarmac and off-road tracks varies considerably. Again it is your choice at the time, but please bear in mind that although it is possible to drive virtually across all of the Pyrenees on tracks, this would take over a month to complete. It is therefore inevitable some motorway driving will be included, but in the main it will be A-roads, B-roads, very minor country lanes and off-road tracks. The latter consist of clay or gravel surfaces, driveable by any 'soft-roader' or crossover-type four-wheel-drive vehicle, with the option of considerably harder terrain [i.e. rocks, ruts] for more capable vehicles. We don't go to the Pyrenees to break our vehicles, we are perfectly capable of doing that here in the UK, so will drive 'sensible' tracks that at times will have more challenging terrain alongside for those who wish to push the boundaries. Designated tracks are the norm, but exploration is also possible should you choose. Again, "Pyrenees 4x4 Tours" is all about choice.
The basic destination is east from Bilbao/Santander to Andorra, then west back to Bilbao/Santander via totally different roads/tracks. No two tours are the same! As mentioned previously, exploration and adventure are the main differences between our tours and those with a set itinerary. We don't conform to the stereotypical 'planned-in-advance' type of tour. Yes we know our tracks, but we will always attempt to meet the needs of our clients. Some folk love scenery, some wildlife, some the culture of the regions we pass though - Navarra, Aragon or Catalonia. We adapt accordingly, it's as simple as that.
Why choose "Pyrenees 4x4 Tours" as opposed to other tour companies?
Not only are we off-road enthusiasts, importantly we are 4x4 event specialists with a proven track record second to none.
Who runs the company? Biography:-
Tom McGuigan - Having organised several off-road events over the years, I have been associated with the 4x4 scene since 1984. Major events I have organised include …
Weston Park International 4x4 & Military Family Show in Shrops 1997-99, Wheels ‘n’ Tracks the UK Round of the Europa Truck Trial in Hants 2000 (a televised event, it was the first time the prestigious event had ever been coaxed over here from mainland Europe), National 4x4 Show & British Off-Road Motorsport Show at Trentham Gardens in Staffs 2001-03, National 4x4 Show & Adventure Travel Show at Shuttleworth in Beds 2004, McGuigan Motorsport’s Guinness World Records™ “Longest Land Rover Parade” World Record Attempt Towcester in Northants 2004-05 (resulting in a new world record!), Off-Road UK in Leics 2005, Guinness World Records™ “4x4 World Record Attempt Weekend” Towcester 2006, 4x4 Market 2008, LandyJumble 2009, Jap ‘n’ Jeep Jam 4x4 Show 2009-2010, the 3,000 mile Landy Rally European 4x4 Charity Drive 2007-2011 - 11 countries in 9 days!
Plus for other organiser’s events – Accredited NUJ (National Union of Journalists) Freelance 4x4 Journalist 1984-present, UK Representative of the World 4x4 Council 1998-present, UK Representative of the Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia 2007-present, Autojumble Manager of LRM Landrover Max! Show Stoneleigh 2010, Event Director and part-organiser of the “Convoy for Heroes” Guinness World Records™ World Record Attempt at the Motor Heritage Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire April 2011, Organiser of ADVENTURE OVERLAND SHOW, Whilton Mill, Northants 2012.
Yes, there is experience in depth, hopefully the list emphasises this vital fact.
Why “The Pyrenees” rather than its big brother “The Alps”?
This is really easy to answer. Ever since I (Tom McGuigan) first stepped foot in the Pyrenees region, I quite literally fell in love with the place. The region is far more open and accessible than the Alps, and to be perfectly honest, because we drive solely in the Spanish Pyrenees, the people are too! So much friendlier than their northern Gallic counterparts, the locals combine to make the whole experience that much better. The same could be said of the excellent food, the great value-for-money prices in restaurants and bars, the lower fuel costs, the more accessible off-road routes, and of course the higher temperatures. Whereas mountain passes in the Alps can 'close down' at the drop of a hat due to adverse weather conditions, the Pyrenees is virtually guaranteed to still be accessible all through the months of October and November, yet the roads and tracks are often devoid of traffic. The whole package combines to make the Pyrenees 100 times more appealing than the ‘rip-off, touristy Alps’. They may be more spectacular visually, but they aren’t a patch on the Pyrenees in terms of overall enjoyment - end of !!! Glad I got that off my chest … next question?
Are our prices competitive?
We like to think so. We are not out to exploit the market, just make a reasonable living. Our prices therefore represent real value for money, and by their very nature, are affordable for everyone.
PLEASE NOTE: We are able to offer 4x4 tours throughout Spring, Summer and Autumn (a total of 31 tours to be precise) although to avoid confusion you'll find that only four tours are actually listed. By all means email/phone us for specific dates that suit you. You'll also note that High Season supplements have had to be imposed to reflect the High Season prices of ferries/campsites ... such is life!
Be assured therefore that our Low Season basic rates are still extremely competitive - we believe the best around - and some carry no supplements whatsoever, whereas in High Season each package will unfortunately carry supplements. "Pyrenees 4x4 Tours" do not make a profit from these higher rates, we are simply passing on the additional costs we incur when booking ferries and camping in the peak periods. Work it out for yourself ...
'Other companies' offering 7-day self-drive 4x4 tours in the Pyrenees - e.g. April 2012:
2 adults @ £700, return ferry Dover-Calais @ £80, fuel & toll charges Calais-Spain return @ £600 = £2,080
"Pyrenees 4x4 Tours" 7-day self-drive tour - e.g. April 2012:
2 adults @ £880 including 2 x 24hr overnight ferries UK-Spain-UK = £1,760
Even in High Season with supplements added on, we're still competitive, and that's without even considering the wear & tear on your vehicle and passengers of the 800 mile drive down from Calais to Northern Spain ... and another 800 miles back!
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