Next Trip
This ain't no package trip to Benidorm!
The Journey of a Lifetime Awaits
Are you ready to discover the real Spain?
For adventure, sunshine, music, nature and a community of slightly off the wall funsters?
We are officially inviting you to join The Starlight Express, an epic overland campervan/motorhome/truck convoy from the UK to the Sad Hill Cemetery in Northern Spain then down through Spain to the sun-drenched "Wild West" Badlands, and then the unspoilt beaches of Almeria.
Whether you're a seasoned overlander or a first-time van-lifer, this is more than just a trip—it’s a curated experience, a community, and a treasure hunt through some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes.
The roads are suitable for ALL VEHICLE TYPES.
Oh and doggos are welcome!
"The best trip ever and met so many amazing people" NJ.
"Was a fantastic trip, can't wait for the next one " DM.
"A huge thank you. We wouldn't have dreamed of coming to Spain. Our trip has taken us so much further than we expected." CA.
"Thanks to all for an 11 out of 10 experience & tour that will be talked about for a long time to come." MB.
All for just £200 per vehicle inc. driver, plus £100 per passenger!
What's Included in Your Ticket?
We’ve done the heavy lifting so you can focus on the drive. Your ticket provides:
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The El Camino Route: A handpicked GPS route that saves you time, fuel, and the hassle of planning. You'll navigate through lush forests, sparkling lakes, ancient olive groves and dramatic arid valleys.
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Expert Crew & Support: Access to our experienced crew members and a 24-hour helpline for peace of mind.
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The "Sunset Socials": Every night, our camp hosts and musicians (including the legendary Hokum and Hooch and Dave Manning) set the stage. We provide the BBQ and the tunes; you just fling on whatever local produce you’ve discovered that day. Oh, and bring your instruments/voices cos we'll be jammin'!
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Gold Rush Activities: From Casino Nights and Quizzical Evenings to the Convoy Photo Comp—all leading up to the grand Treasure Hunt on the beach.
And of course 'The Desert Stars Experience' where the journey aligns with the New Moon, ensuring the stars are at their most visible in this area of no light pollution, used as a world renowned base for astronomy. There we'll have our tribal gathering and a ceremony under the desert stars blessed by a Blackfoot Elder.
The main ferry will be on the Portsmouth to Santander crossing on FRI 2nd October at 22.00hrs
Meet your new travel buddies on board by wearing a cowboy hat and/or sparkles!
If you can't make that one, just get to Sad Hill for the 5th October any which way you can!
The Itinerary: From Sad Hill to the Sea
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Departure: Monday, 5th October 2026.
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The Start Line: The iconic Sad Hill Cemetery (famed for the finale of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly).
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The Convoy: You’ll be grouped into teams by your vehicle’s average pace—from the high-energy Trailblazers at the front to the mellow Easy Riders at the back. Each team has an allocated crew member to guide the way.
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The Route: We’ll traverse the legendary Badlands where spaghetti westerns were filmed, eventually reaching the unspoilt volcanic coast of Almería and the flamingo-filled salt pans of Cabo de Gata Natural Park.
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The Finale: The adventure culminates in a Treasure Hunt on the beach on Tuesday, 13th October.
What You Need to Know
To keep this adventure sustainable and smooth, participants are responsible for their own travel costs:
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Fuel & Subsistence: Your own van, your own fuel.
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Campsites: While participants pay their own site fees, we provide a list of handpicked, authorized campsites to ensure we stay legal and comfortable.
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Our Ethics: We are a Leave No Trace convoy. We strictly adhere to local laws, including temporary campfire restrictions etc, and ensure we leave every site cleaner than we found it.
and after...
Where the Wind Takes You...
Once the treasure is found on Tuesday 13th October, the choice is yours! Head back to the UK with your new convoy family, strike out on your own "picturesque route" home, or join our optional Morocco bolt-on leg to continue the adventure across the water.
Ready to seek your gold? Just get more info or book tickets by pressing the blue button below - YEEHAW!!!!
See you at Sad Hill,
The Badlands Crew
