BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

"Schlumph" Museum and Nurburgring complex

Date: 30 April - 07 May 2010
Type of Tour: Motorsport/Events, 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 is a new tour for those with a passion for motor sport. However, it also features some fantastic riding through the open roads of France, the Black Forest, the Eifel region and the Ardennes. The route through France and Germany includes a visit to the 1950’s Reims GP circuit, as well as the amazing National Motor Museum of France (the Schlumph Museum).

You will also be able to visit the 1930’s Nurburgring GP circuit; still used for racing and open for you to ride your bike around. The new ‘Ring Boulevard’; a huge complex housing museums, interactive displays, an indoor theme park and kart track, simulators, cinemas and restaurants, is also well worth a visit.

Day 1 - Dover to Calais to Reims

The tour begins with an early morning crossing from Dover to Calais. There will be time for refreshments and an on board briefing before arrival in France. Once ashore, we will ride across rural France towards the Champagne region, seeking out some great back roads. Approaching Reims we will peel off for a look at the renovated pits complex of the old Reims GP circuit. Fangio, Moss, Hawthorn and Clark have all battled it out around this historic Grand Prix circuit . It’s then a short ride to our first hotel, which features an outdoor pool. Dinner tonight will be a group affair in a private dining room. (Mileage; 200)

Day 2 - Reims to Munster

After breakfast, we will ride away from the Champagne region, past Bar le Duc and Epinal, into the Vosges Mountains. First, will be a run up the wonderful Col du Bonhomme, pausing for a coffee at the top. Then, will be a run down the twists and turns of the Col de la Schlucht before heading into the village of Munster for our next overnight stop. The hotel boasts spa and leisure facilities, as well as great food for dinner, which is included. (Mileage; 205)

Day 3 - Munster to Mulhouse to Baden Baden

Today we will head through Colmar and down the autoroute to Mulhouse, home of the spectacular Schlumph Museum. The Schlumph brothers kept their secret collection of cars hidden away for many years. However, the collection was discovered when they escaped to Switzerland (to avoid the taxman), and was adopted by the French Government as their National Motor Museum. The scale of the collection has to be seen to be believed! Many of the greatest cars ever made are on display, as well as many modern Grand Prix cars which were added much later. Following a visit to the museum we will cross the border into Germany, before heading north, through the Black Forest, to the Spa town of Baden Baden. Here we will stay the night. (Mileage; 150)

Day 4 - Baden Baden to Nurburgring

The famous old Grand Prix circuit is no longer used for Formula 1. However, it is still used for many other events, including 24 hour saloon car racing and testing. On certain days it is also open to the public to ride or drive their bikes and cars around. The venue has recently been renovated, and includes attractions such as the new ‘Ring Boulevard - a huge complex, housing museums, interactive displays, an indoor theme park, kart track, simulators, cinemas, beer gardens, restaurants and much, much more. On the ‘ring racer’ you will be catapulted to speeds in excess of 217km/h in 2.5 seconds, giving you the sensation of starting a Grand Prix yourself! And then there is the Nordschliefe - the old GP circuit, where you can find out what it feels like to ride 14.75 miles and 170 corners! (Mileage; 190)

Day 5 & 6 - Free days

Over the next two days you’ll be free to explore the ‘Ring’ complex, the GP circuit and the surrounding Eifel region. Cologne, Bonn, the Rhine and the beautiful town of Cochem are all within easy riding distance, as well as the stunning roads of the Rhineland region.

Day 7 - Nurburgring to Dinant

Today starts with a ride through the Eifel Mountains before continuing on towards Liege. Here we will visit the sweeping Spa Francorchamps GP circuit, home of the Belgian Grand Prix. We will then head west to our last overnight stop in Dinant. As this is the last evening together, tonight’s dinner will be a group affair. (Mileage; 150)

Day 8 - Dinant to Calais to Dover

After breakfast we will tackle the last leg of the journey, riding through Belgium and back into France. Once at Calais we will board the ferry for the afternoon sail back to Dover. (Mileage; 190)

Rider Price: £1,175
Couple Price: £1,495

Tour includes: return ferry fare; halfboard in Reims, Munster and Dinant, B&B in Baden Baden & Nurburg; the tour programme as described; all the necessary maps; route details; travel pack; local overnight parking charges; a World of BMW Tour Leader to accompany the group; and VAT.

Not included are: fuel; meals other than those specified; drinks; local entertainment not included in the programme; admissions; tickets; tolls and travel insurance.