Still in Valencia de Alcántara? That’s not surprising, is it? Gothic Quarter It catches more than just a fishing net in the Tagus. But wake up – the second stage of the Grand Tour is pure adrenaline in La Raya. Leave behind the A Royal Wedding and the church at Rocamador to give us a boost for the next 105 km.

We set off from Valencia towards the Data Natural Monument. A rocky outcrop of giants where the first settlers – masters of megalithic architecture – erected dolmens such as the Twin or the Data folks, to remind us that they’ve had a proper ‘home office’ for millennia. And if you’re after a bit of mysticism, pop round to the Prehistoric rock art trails in Puerto Roque. The short path leading up to it is well worth the effort. Once you get there, the views and the cave paintings will leave you speechless.

We follow the road towards Herreruela and Salorino along one of those scenic routes where you simply have to wind down the window and stick your elbow out. To your right, the Sierra de San Pedro watches over you; it is expert-level birding area where birds of prey look down on you with an air of superiority. Here, nature reigns supreme: endless pastures that look like an Unsplash wallpaper, but in 8K.

We arrived at Brozas, a historic town with an imposing grandeur and an urban Special Protection Area (SPA) where lesser kestrels have better penthouses than we do. Take a look at its churches and palaces adorned with coats of arms – they’re sure to amaze you. It’s no wonder it’s been a listed historic site since 2016.

We continue on our way. We cross the spectacular pastures of Mata de Alcántara — a seemingly endless sea of holm oaks — until, bang!, the ultimate historic site comes into view: Alcántara. His Roman bridge It is the king of the frontier, a colossus from the 2nd century that has watched the waters of the Tagus flow by for two thousand years without so much as a hair out of place. And don’t miss the nearby the Cabezo menhir, a twelve-tonne titan that has got back on its feet just for your selfie.

And to top it all off? Have a browse on the tourist boat Along the riverbanks (those slopes of the Tagus that are a botanical delight), set off on a hike, a mountain bike ride or a cycle tour through a natural path or the Vía de la Estrella. And as the sun goes down, treat yourself to some astro-tourism and be amazed by the street art in Critical Wall or enjoy the classical theatre in August.

In style!