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Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Start point of the adventure. Fuel up and gather the group near the iconic Tyne Bridge. Head south early to make the most of the first long riding day toward the Channel crossing.
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Dover, United Kingdom
Approximately 340 miles from Newcastle, Dover is your Channel crossing point via Eurotunnel or ferry to Calais. Stay near the port for an early morning departure. Budget hotels like Premier Inn near the ferry terminal fit the £75/room budget well.
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Reims, France
Around 180 miles from Calais, Reims is a brilliant first night in France. The Gothic Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral is stunning and the city sits in the heart of Champagne country. Plenty of mid-range hotels around £60-75 per room make it ideal for a group.
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Strasbourg, France
A cracking 280-mile ride south-east from Reims through the Champagne and Alsace regions on fast, flowing roads. Strasbourg's old town La Petite France is a beautiful evening stroll. Tarte flambée and local Alsatian beer are a must after a long day in the saddle.
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Lucerne, Switzerland
Roughly 220 miles from Strasbourg cutting through the Black Forest and into Switzerland. The route over the Rhine and into Swiss mountain foothills is spectacular on a motorcycle. Lucerne's Chapel Bridge and lakeside setting make for a memorable overnight stop.
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Bormio, Italy
The epic finale — approximately 180 miles from Lucerne via the Stelvio Pass, one of the greatest motorcycle roads in the world. Bormio is a charming alpine spa town with excellent restaurants and mountain scenery. Spend three nights exploring the Stelvio, Gavia, and Mortirolo passes at leisure.
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Innsbruck, Austria
Start the return leg heading north-east from Bormio through the Reschen Pass into Austria — around 140 miles of stunning alpine riding. Innsbruck is a vibrant city set beneath dramatic peaks with a lively old town and the famous Golden Roof. Great value hotels near the centre suit the group budget well.
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Munich, Germany
An easy 100-mile blast north from Innsbruck on the autobahn gives time to explore Bavaria's capital city. Visit the BMW Museum or Marienplatz, and enjoy an evening in one of Munich's legendary beer halls. Good budget hotel options around the main station suit a group of 6.
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Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Around 420 miles north-west from Munich on a mix of autobahn and scenic country roads through Baden-Württemberg and the Moselle Valley. Luxembourg City is a surprisingly beautiful overnight stop with its dramatic gorge and fortifications. Good mid-range hotels in the city fit comfortably within budget.
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Calais, France
Around 300 miles from Luxembourg, this is your final night before the Channel crossing. Straightforward motorway run giving you time to check the bikes and pack for the ferry or Eurotunnel home. Plenty of budget-friendly hotels near the port for the group.
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Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Final day back on home soil — approximately 340 miles north from Dover back to Newcastle. A triumphant return up the A1 with Stelvio Pass stories to tell. Celebrate the completed trip with a well-earned meal and drinks in the city's vibrant Quayside area.