Why Calais? The west->East route through Normandy and Pas de Calais is a long haul. Normandy is very scenic but at the end of the trip you're unlikely to be dawdling. The back roads are often busy and progress is slow, trying to avoid Rouen complicates things too. The alternative peage is expensive and tedious.
I'd consider a channel crossing at Caen, St Malo, Le Havre or even Cherbourg, - especially if the destination were Somerset.
With Northern France almost "on your doorstep" make the most of Spain

Some interesting spanish towns:
Trujillo, Merida, Caceres: On the ancient Ruta de Plata(Silver)
If feasible detour to Trujillo just to see the main square and the statue of Pizarro.
Cordoba: Mezquita is stunning. (I'd choose this over Sevilla anytime)
Salamanca - as mentioned already

With limited time available enjoying the fab roads and scenery of the Pyrenees is more practical than traipsing all the way to the Alps - unless your visit to Germany is confirmed.

Thanks for tips about Portugal routes.

Romulus

Seems I dont have enough posts to pm you route details, will send you details shortly :)

Pete

Very shortly....

Hi Rich,

Hows the prep going?

Pete

Hi Pete,

It's not I'm afraid - Me and The Wife have gone our separate ways so had to sell the bike.

Bit of a sod but, hey ho!

Rich

Ouch, sorry to hear that mate.

Pete