BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

D-Day Beaches of Normandy

Date: 22-25 April 2010
Type of Tour: Easy Riding, Historical Interest

How do I book?

Telephone: 08446 623913 or +44 208 607 3917 if outside the UK.
Fax: 0208 607 3901
E-mail: bmw@worldofbmw.com

This short four-day tour is ideal for those wanting a taste of group riding through France. It is also perfect for those with an interest in recent history, riders who have never ridden on the continent before or people who just like France and seafood restaurants!

In recent years we have had added the bonus of expert guide Martin Pegler, ex-curator of the National Armoury who now lives on the Somme and is a recognised expert on weapons. Martin has a wonderful ability to bring WW1 and WW2 history to life.

The mileages are very short, the days are informative and the evenings are relaxing.

Day 1 (22 April) - Dover to Caen

The tour begins with an early morning ferry crossing from Dover to Calais. Once safely loaded, the group will assemble in the lounge for refreshments and a briefing by the Tour Leader.

Once disembarked, we will head south past Rouen towards Caen, using the Autoroute to save time.

There is the option, for those wishing to travel from Portsmouth on the overnight sailing, to meet the group at the first location. This, of course, will involve a ferry supplement to cover the additional cost and the cabin accommodation.

The guided tour starts with visits to the Merville Battery, the Ranville cemetery and then on to the Pegasus Bridge and Madame Gondres' café. The city of Caen will be our base for the next three nights where B&B accommodation has been reserved in a centrally located hotel with garage parking. All rooms have en suite facilities. For dinner you will be free to make your selection from the ample number of restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. (Mileage; 215)

Day 2 (23 April) - Local sites

After breakfast we will leave Caen and take the short ride to Ouistreham. We will then continue to the British and Canadian beaches of Sword and Juno. From there we will make our way along the coast to Arromanches and the site of the Mulberry Harbour, constructed by the Allied Forces to bring vast amounts of support equipment ashore. There is now an excellent museum here, featuring films, displays and a moving model of the harbour. There may also be time to visit the Military Museum at Bayeux on the return journey. Dinner will once again be in the town at a restaurant of your choice. (Mileage; 50)

Day 3 (24 April) - Local sites

Today we will ride west to visit the American beaches of Omaha and Utah, lying close to the Cherbourg peninsular. Omaha beach, in particular, witnessed tremendous casualties during the WW2 landings. This will be followed by a visit to the vast and moving cemetery, where the graves of the two brothers who inspired the film 'Saving Private Ryan' lie.

From the cemetery we will ride further west to the town of St. Mere Eglise - the first town to be liberated by the Allies - and Pointe d'Hoc. We will then ride back, via a cross-country route to Caen, for the last evening of the tour with dinner again in the restaurant of your choice. (Mileage; 100)

Day 4 (25 April) - Caen to Calais

After breakfast, there will be time for you to spend a leisurely morning in Caen, which has a huge open market outside the hotel for you to explore. Alternatively, you can visit the interesting city museum. After leaving Caen we will head north towards Calais for the late afternoon ferry back to Dover. (Mileage; 215)

Price

Rider Price: £595
Couple Price: £695

Tour includes: return ferry fare to Calais (Portsmouth - Caen at a supplement); three nights B&B accommodation in Caen; the programme as shown; the Historical Guide; all the necessary maps and route cards; travel pack; a World of BMW Tour Leader to accompany the group.

Not included are: fuel; meals, other than those specified; wine with dinner; any admissions or travel insurance.