As with all our previous events, we love a good “launch spectacular” and this one will be no different, taking place on HMS EXCELLENT in Portsmouth. Here, we will enjoy a delicious evening meal in the historic Naval Wardroom and hold a short remembrance ceremony to reflect on our reasons for undertaking the A Driving Force for SSAFA event.  There may also be one or two surprises so don’t miss this amazing experience in itself.

Then it is time to board our exciting mini cruise with Brittany Ferries on our way to Bilbao. Participants will experience two nights of relaxation on board their flagship, Pont-Aven, enjoy award-winning service and top-class facilities.

Relax into the rich experience of travelling by sea. Enjoy fine dining at the a la carte restaurant, indulge in a spa treatment and go shopping in the boutiques with top brands at Duty-Free prices. With all this, as well as cinemas and live entertainment, there’s lots to do on board to keep everyone entertained and a chance to get to know everybody.

Day 3 and after we arrive in Bilbao, the driving adventure begins. Here at A Driving Force, we don’t like driving on the motorways unless we have to, which is why on Day 3, we take participants on the glorious Spanish B roads, cutting through majestic pine forests on route to the glorious city of Madrid, arriving early afternoon. This will be more than enough to whet your driving appetite!

This gives participants a good chance to enjoy the splendour of Madrid whether that be the museums and cathedrals, the wine and tapas tours, a panoramic open top bus evening tour with a live guide or sit and watch the world go by, whilst enjoying the culinary delights of this great City.

Madrid is a truly amazing city of culture.

Day 4 -We continue our journey South, mostly through the stunning Spanish Sierra national parks. Our destination for today is the historic Roman city of Córdoba, the city of flowers.

Córdoba is famous around the world for its Great Mosque -The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba. The cathedral was in fact built around a mosque and is an important monument in the history of Islamic architecture, making it one of Spain’s major historic monuments and tourist attractions.  It is also home to The Royal Stables of Córdoba, where the world-famous Iberian horses are bred and trained.  Watch this space for news of something very special here for participants!

Its historic old town is a world heritage site, full of little streets to be explored, courtyards full of flowers, inviting squares and lively taverns where you can enjoy a good flamenco performance or try the local cuisine.

Days 5 & 6 of the A Driving Force for SSAFA 2024 event will see participants travelling from Córdoba to Gibraltar. The two days in Gibraltar, as well as being the midway point in the adventure, are going to be very special indeed for our participants in 2024. We cannot say any more (as we like surprising participants) but there will be some ‘money cannot buy events’ that will not disappoint but they will become life-long memories!

Being the southernmost point of Europe, Gibraltar is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 426m-high limestone ridge. First settled by the Moors in the Middle Ages and later ruled by Spain, the outpost was ceded to the British in 1713. Layers of fortifications include the remains of a 14th-century Moorish Castle and the 18th century Great Siege Tunnels, which were expanded in WWII. This British overseas territory occupies a commanding position at the western gateway to the Mediterranean Sea.

Gibraltar is home to the Barbary Tailless Macaque, which is the only population of wild monkeys in the whole continent. Watch out as their favourite pastime is robbing tourists! Gibraltar is the jewel in the crown of our 2024 tour where you will find plenty of stunning surprises!

Day 7 – Leaving the shining Rock of Gibraltar, we start heading back North through the amazing, scenic national parks on beautiful, sweeping empty roads before heading up to our night’s stay in the medieval town of Badajoz – the capital of the Province of Badajoz in the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain.

Badajoz is situated close to the Portuguese border, on the bank of the river Guadiana and the entrance to this glorious city is truly a joy to behold. The Hotel offers stunning views of the Guadiana River, where you can enjoy an evening sampling the local delights or perhaps chance your luck in the Hotel’s casino.

Day 8 – As we are only 6km from the Portuguese border, it would be rude not to pop in for a visit! Today we head west into Portugal before picking up some fantastic mountain roads. Having driven these Portuguese roads on the recce, the Team were blown away by some of the best drives they have ever done (see video). And they have driven a few!!  

After a spot of lunch in Portugal, participants will head northeast, back across the border to the city of Salamanca. Whether bathed in late-afternoon sunlight or floodlit by night there is something magical about Salamanca. This is a city of rare beauty, awash with golden sandstone overlaid with ochre-tinted Latin inscriptions.  There will be time to visit Salamanca’s two stunning Cathedrals and experience the bustling night life that this fantastic city has to offer.

Day 9 – Our final leg of our adventure in Spain. We leave the stunning city of Salamanca and make our way North enjoying the fantastic countryside and look forward to the absolutely stunning Pyrenees mountains that frame the amazing city of San Sebastian, referred to as the ‘Mini Monaco of the Basque’.

This beautiful old town is simply exquisite – it is here on the stunning hotel terrace that the End of Tour Party will take place – the perfect location and a chance to let your hair down and enjoy the night away.

We spend the morning exploring the beautiful city that is San Sebastian, before making our way back to the city of Bilbao, boarding our mini cruise for a relaxing journey home aboard Brittany Ferries’ Pont-Aven. A chance to use the many luxurious facilities on board again and to laugh and reminisce over what you have experienced over the last 10 days.

We arrive home in the UK with lifelong memories to share with friends and family, and in the knowledge of the huge achievement that we have raised lots of money for the fantastic charity that is SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

10 Days, 100 People, 50 Cars, £120,000 to be raised for SSAFA