Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

7‑Day Driving Adventure: Glasgow → Eurotunnel → D‑Day Beaches (Normandy)

Viewed by 58 travelers

Day 1: Glasgow to Folkestone (Eurotunnel Gateway)

Morning: Depart Glasgow and cruise south through the scenic Scottish Highlands, with a brief stop at Stirling Castle for photos and a coffee break. Continue on the A74(M) toward the English border, enjoying the rolling countryside of the Lake District.

Afternoon: Arrive in the historic city of York, explore the medieval streets and the iconic York Minster before heading east on the A1(M). The drive to the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone takes about 3½ hours.

Evening: Check‑in to a comfortable boutique hotel in Canterbury, roughly 30 minutes from the tunnel. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a riverside gastropub and a short evening stroll to see the illuminated Canterbury Cathedral.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Cross the Channel & Arrive in Caen

Morning: Board the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle for a quick 35‑minute crossing to Calais, then drive south along the A16 toward the Channel ports of Dieppe and Le Havre.

Afternoon: Cross the Seine and arrive in the historic city of Caen. Visit the impressive Caen Castle (Château de Caen) and the Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy for an introductory overview of the D‑Day events.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Norman restaurant sampling local cheeses and apple cider. Overnight at a charming guesthouse in the city centre, ready for the beach days ahead.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Omaha Beach & Pointe du Hoc

Morning: Drive to the iconic Omaha Beach, the American landing zone, and explore the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum. Walk the shoreline to feel the historic atmosphere.

Afternoon: Continue to the dramatic cliffside of Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Rangers scaled the cliffs. The guided tour explains the strategic importance and the daring assault.

Evening: Return to Caen for a leisurely evening. Enjoy a sunset walk along the River Orne and a light dinner at a bistro near the historic quarter.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Juno Beach & Arromanches

Morning: Head west to Juno Beach, the primary Canadian landing site, and visit the Juno Beach Centre for interactive exhibits about the Canadian forces.

Afternoon: Short drive to the nearby port town of Arromanches‑les‑Bains, famous for the artificial Mulberry Harbour. Explore the Arromanches 1944 Museum and stroll along the beach where the harbour remnants still lie.

Evening: Savor a seafood dinner in Arromanches, sampling fresh oysters and moules‑marinières. Return to Caen for overnight accommodation.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Sword Beach & Bayeux

Morning: Travel east to Sword Beach, the British landing zone, and visit the Sword Beach Museum for personal stories of the soldiers who landed there.

Afternoon: Continue to the picturesque town of Bayeux. Marvel at the world‑famous Bayeux Tapestry and explore the medieval Bayeux Cathedral.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Bayeux’s historic centre, sampling Normandy’s famed camembert and caramelized apple tart. Overnight in a local inn.

**Day 6: Mont Saint‑Michel Day Trip**

Morning: Depart early for a scenic 2‑hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont Saint‑Michel. Arrive before the crowds and take the shuttle up to the abbey for a guided tour.

Afternoon: Wander the winding medieval streets, explore the museum, and enjoy the panoramic views over the tidal bay. Sample the famous omelette de la Mère Poulard for lunch.

Evening: Return to Caen, stopping for a quick coffee in the coastal town of Avranches. Relax with a casual dinner and reflect on the week’s historic journey.

Find Hotels

Day 7: Return to Glasgow via Folkestone

Morning: Drive back north, crossing the Channel again via the Eurotunnel. Stop at the historic town of Canterbury for a quick visit to the cathedral grounds.

Afternoon: Continue the scenic drive through the English countryside, with an optional lunch break in the charming market town of Bath, famous for its Roman baths.

Evening: Arrive back in Glasgow, returning the rental car (if applicable) and enjoying a celebratory dinner at a local Scottish pub.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle) round‑trip – 1 hour total crossing time, £140 per adult (£280 total).
  • Fuel (≈1,800 km, 7 L/100 km, £1.70/L) – approx. £215.
  • Accommodation (7 nights, mid‑range double rooms) – £120/night, £840 total.
  • Omaha Beach Museum entry – £8 per adult, £16 total.
  • Pointe du Hoc guided tour – £12 per adult, £24 total.
  • Juno Beach Centre – £10 per adult, £20 total.
  • Arromanches 1944 Museum – £6 per adult, £12 total.
  • Sword Beach Museum – £7 per adult, £14 total.
  • Bayeux Tapestry Museum – £9 per adult, £18 total.
  • Mont Saint‑Michel Abbey entry + shuttle – £11 per adult, £22 total.
  • Meals (average £40/day for two) – £280 total.
  • Parking & tolls – £60 total.
  • Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips) – £100 total.
  • Total Estimated Cost: £1,916

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a full day in the Loire Valley to visit its famous châteaux, or a second night in Mont Saint‑Michel to explore the surrounding bay at low tide. To shorten the itinerary, you could combine Day 5 (Sword Beach & Bayeux) with Day 6 (Mont Saint‑Michel) by skipping Mont Saint‑Michel and heading straight back to Glasgow, reducing travel fatigue while still covering the main D‑Day sites.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version