6TH - 15TH NOVEMBER 2026
ANCIENT SPAIN HIGHLIGHTS
This incredible classic car touring event will see crews journeying over 2,400km, between Cadiz and Valencia. Our route will be composed of asphalt and gravel roads overlooked by the rugged hills, and snowy mountain peaks of the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains. We will visit historically significant cities, beautiful national parks and tranquil mountain villages.
DAYS 1 TO 4
FRIDAY 6TH TO MONDAY 9TH NOVEMBER | CADIZ, HUELVA, SEVILLE & GIBRALTAR
Starting from the ancient Phoenician port city of Cádiz, the oldest city in Western Europe. We will spend our first four days of the challenge exploring the mountain roads of south-eastern Spain, tracing upwards from this majestic peninsula on the Andalusian Atlantic coast along the Gulf of Cádiz via the Doñana National Park, toward Seville. There will be an overnight stop in the old town of Huelva before we head south to Gibraltar via the rugged mountain peaks and cork oak forests of the Parque Natural Los Alcomocales.
DAY 5
TUESDAY 10TH NOVEMBER | GIBRALTAR TO MALAGA
Day five begins in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, as we climb north through the narrow prehistoric valleys and charming whitewashed villages of the Sierra de Grazalema towards our lunch halt in Ronda. This ancient town which sits astride the 150-metre-deep Tajo del Ronda gorge, is one of Spain’s oldest and most culturally significant settlements, having been inhabited by Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs. From here we will head southeast passing through the mountain roads of the Parque Nacional Sierra de las Nieves to our overnight stop in the Andalusian city of Malaga.
DAY 6
WEDNESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER | MALAGA TO GRANADA
The day will start on the shores of the Mediterranean, as we leave Malaga and journey eastwards surrounded by the amazing ravines, sharp ridges and spectacular succession of peaks of the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Tejeda Almijara y Alhama. We will stop for lunch at the Roman town of Almuñécar, overlooked by the centuries-old Arab fort of San Miguel before heading north to the medieval hilltop city of Granada, our stop for day six.
DAY 7
THURSDAY 12TH NOVEMBER | GRANADA TO JAÉN
We head northwest from Granada, crossing the stunningly beautiful Iznajar Reservoir via the Puente Agroman bridge. We will pass through the UNESCO World Geopark of Parque Natural de las Sierras Subbéticas, with its fields of wildflowers, deep rocky outcrops and ancient Moorish ruins towards Jaén. This stunning provincial capital, famous for its olive oil and stunning architecture is overlooked by the Santa Catalina Castle and framed by the spectacular peaks of the Sierra de Jaen and Jabalcuz mountains and is a perfect place to pause for day seven.
DAY 8
FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER | JAÉN TO CARTAGENA
We will leave Jaén tracing the eastern banks of the Guadalquivir River stopping at the Mirador de Bujaraiza to enjoy panaromic views of the Tranco reservoir and the ruins of the 12th century island fortress of Bujaraiza Castle. Lunch will be in the beautiful mountain side town of Santiago de la Espada, before we journey through the mountain valleys and pine forests of the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas towards our overnight in the prized Carthaginian maritime city of Cartagena.
DAY 9
SATURDAY 14TH NOVEMBER | CARTAGENA TO ALBACETE
Day nine will begin with a jog through the wonderful Murcian countryside, passing through the pristine valleys and pine forests of the El Valle y Carrascoy Regional Park on our way to our lunch halt in the regional capital of Murcia. From here we will head north through vast stretches of farmland, vineyards and rugged valleys to Albacete, the largest city in Castilla-La Mancha and our overnight stop.
DAY 10
SUNDAY 15TH NOVEMBER | ALBACETE TO VALENCIA
The scenery on our final day changes dramatically from the flat plains of Albacete to the steep mountain valleys, beautiful gorges and turquoise waters of the interior of Valencia. Our route will trace the Júcar River, passing along the edge of the Embalse de Embaracaderos reservoir before looping over the Embalse de Cortes de Pallas reservoir to our destination, the magnificent cosmopolitan city of Valencia.
Expect magnificent views, spectacular roads, luxury hotels and amazing culinary surprises. We hope you can join us and experience the thrill of driving like never before.
Please note that routes, schedules and timings within this itinerary may be subject to change.
CHARACTERISTICS
EVENT LEVEL
VEHICLE ELIGIBILITY
Any three or four-wheeled vehicles built before December 31st, 1999 are eligible for the challenge.
ENTRY FEE
£12850 per vehicle*
DEPOSIT
£3000
ON EVENT SUPPORT
Although mechanical support will be available throughout the event, the ability to carry out regular maintenance on your own car is essential. Should you need to be transported by truck we will help as much as we can, but all responsibility, including payment, rests with the competitor. We always have at least one doctor or paramedic on our experienced and friendly event team.
NAVIGATION
The route will be defined in a detailed tulip Road Book and an overview map of the route will also be provided.
TYPES OF ROAD
The Ancient Spain Challenge will take place predominantly on asphalt and lightly gravelled roads, rougher roads and surfaces will be avoided wherever possible.
HOSPITALITY
Ten nights’ accommodation is included in a shared room (double or twin). Single rooms are available for a supplementary fee but may be limited at some hotels. We aim to provide a mixture of luxury 4 and 5 star accommodation throughout the challenge, taking into account the need for parking and ease of access.
Breakfast, coffee, lunch and dinner are provided throughout the event and any allergies, specific dietary requirements, or religious preferences will be catered for (subject to prior communication).
OUR ROUTE
ENTRY FEE FOR ONE CAR FROM £12850*
THIS EXCLUSIVE CHALLENGE INCLUDES
Unique experiences, hand-picked by our expert team
10 nights luxury accommodation during the event
Daily breakfast, lunch, coffee halts, evening meals and a cocktail
Gala evening, cocktails and dinner
Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
Event roadbook, maps and guidance
Mechanical and medical support
Rally plates
*Entry fees are based on a crew of two people sharing hotel rooms. If you would like the privacy of a private room throughout your trip please select this upgrade option when completing the event application form. Please note, an additional single supplement cost will be chargeable for this upgrade.