This 2008 tour is primarily focused on the sites of the WWII landings and memorial in Caen.

Day 1 Arrive to start cycling tour in Bayeux. Your hotel, a 17th-century former coach house, is in the heart of the city, allowing you a chance to explore before having dinner. Bayeux was the first town to be liberated during the Battle of Normandy, so there is much history here. Perhaps best known is the Bayeux Tapestry, depicting William of Normandy's 1066 conquest of England. Orientation and bike fitting 6pm at hotel. (D)

Day 2: Leaving Bayeux, you will cycle through the rich countryside of Bessin, en route to Omaha Beach. The striking white crosses of the American Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer evoke strong memories of D-Day. You have an option to visit La Pointe du Hoc, where you will encounter some of the most spectacular scenery along the coast. It is here that one of the most intense battles of World War II was fought. Return to Bayeux. (B,D)

Day 3: Your bicycle tour continues to Arromanches, Gold Beach, and Juno Beach. Here you can see the vestiges of Mulberry, the artificial floating harbor conceived by Winston Churchill as a means to deliver supplies to the landing troops. The Landing Museum traces the stages of the Allied landings. Proceed along the coast and its magnificent beaches to Courseulles-sur-Mer, and perhaps visit the Maison de la Mer (shellfish aquarium and seashell museum). You'll head inland to reach Caen, and your centrally located hotel for this evening. (B,D)

Day 4: Caen, the capital of Lower Normandy, is a sizable city and there is much to see and do here. Maybe an early start to visit the markets selling the delicacies of the region: cider, calvados, cheeses, butter and “teurgole”, a rice pudding with cinnamon. The Chateau, built by William the Conqueror, offers a panoramic view of the city. Your visit is not complete without a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum, dedicated to the history of the World War II conflict. If time allows, you may wish to visit the Abbaye aux Hommes and Abbaye aux Femmes, built by William the Conqueror and his wife Queen Mathilde respectively. The bike ride today is optional, but gives you a chance to see Pegasus Bridge, so named for the British 6th Airborne Division’s emblem, to reach the coast. Return to same hotel in Caen. (B,D)

Day 5: Departure after breakfast, at your leisure. (B)

Hotels: Hotels Le Dauphin in Caen and in Bayeux either the Chateau Bellefontaine or Lion d'Or in Bayeux. 4 nights lodging: in 3 star charming hotels

The trip includes: 3 star Charm hotels, 2 dinners, all breakfasts, bag transfer, maps, route and site information, orientation and bike delivery at first hotel, local emergency support. We also provide travel planning services to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers.

Bike Rentals: 90 euros (click to view) Scott Sportster P3 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included. Merckx racing bikes available also see Cycling Classics for specs under Rental Bikes.

Scott Sportster P3 hyrid rentals - the best rental bike available in the region for 2008, certainly so for self-guided travelers!

Additional Night in Bayeux: 159 euros/double room breakfast included. Hotels: Lion d'Or***, Le Dauphin***

Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services. Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement is 269 Euros.