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My tentative First Route…
Here is a first look at my tentative route through Europe this summer. Click on the image to go to the actual map in Bing Maps.
Here is a first look at my tentative route through Europe this summer. Click on the image to go to the actual map in Bing Maps.
Joel from Seattle again – I have not ridden a motorcycle in Europe but have driven a lot there (as well as train, bus, boat, plane, and walked). I’ve been 4 to 5 months in Italy, 3 to 4 months in Germany, 2 to 3 months in Ireland & UK, a month or so in Switzerland, a month or two on the Iberian peninsula and the Azores , a few weeks in Croatia, a few weeks in France and Corsica, a week or so in the low countries, and maybe a day or two in Austria. I haven’t seen anything of northern Germany, Denmark (other than the airport), Czech Republic, nor Sweden. Oh, and a month on a motorcycle tour of Turkey – but that is really not Europe. You are going places where there are thousands thousands of things to see and my guess is that any pick of a handful probably would not be any more or less delightful than the next handful. But for me I started out seeing a lot of place of old dead things from the dim dark past and trying to puzzle out how it flowered in our current civilization. Now I am much more interested in being places that barely make it into the travel guides, where english is almost an unknown language, and it is much more interesting being in line for an espresso or a beer than in a line for a museum or a palace. I would be very interested in hearing how the Couch Surfing goes for you – as I said I stumbled across it and it really seems to be possible the best way to travel – meeting locals and getting the real flavor of a place. I am sure you will be treated like a queen and have a spectacular (if not interesting) time. Drop me a note and tell me how it went (I will also check for updates on you webpage)- I am starting to feel jealous of your impending trip – what a great thing!! Have fun!!
Wow, cool! Did you work in archaeology or something? What are your recommended things to do in Germany, Italy and France? I like to see what the locals like too, rather than the touristy stuff. :)
No- construction – large jobs where you work yourself out of a job and it is easy to take a break and go travel. Plus and deep interest in history.
There are too many places to mention – plus travel is a lot about attitude and the cosmic serendipity of place and time. But having said that looking at your map brought back delightful memories of Alsace wine route (going through villages on the west side of the valley), Colmar and the interesting town just east of there on the German Boarder – Neuf Brisach – a star fort town. But if you did that you might miss the Black Forest in Germany (though you get a lot of trees and hills here).
In August all of Italy is on vacation and 90% at the beach – semis are banned from being on the roads in Italy in August – but it is Italy and some are still there. Lido de Jessolo east of Venice or Rimini would be Italian life amped up about 500% – it could be too much if you are not use to it.
I love Italy so the small towns along Lake Como is nice and a little road off the north end of Lake Grada going up and connection to the Brenner pass is a delight. Cortina and the Dolomites in Italy – any back road wander through there is nice. Croatian coast would be nice. Trier & the Mosel river in Germany would be nice – plus that section of the Rhine that goes from the Mosel rive down to Eltville am Rhine.
go to
http://www.viamichelin.com/web/Maps
the scenic roads are highlighted in green and you can search for eating places and hotels as well – often expensive (michelin stars) but the lower end is shown as well … sometimes even locals are amazed to find new places via these maps.
By the way – looking up for a map of the Alsace wine route I found:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alsace_wine
and info about driving in France:
Radar Detectors
Anyone caught with a radar detecting scanner will be banned from driving in France for up to three years and have it confiscated on the spot.
Unless there is another driver in the car, you will be turned round at your port of entry and put back on the boat. If you are stopped anywhere in metropolitan France, you will have to get your motoring organisation to repatriate your car or get someone from England to collect it. Ports and airports are notified if a visiting driver is banned and anyone who continues to drive can expect severe consequences, including a possible prison sentence – LEAVE YOUR SCANNER AT HOME!
Speeding
Speeding fines can increase depending how far you are over limit and you could end up in a French court. Mobiles
The on-the-spot fine for using your mobile phone while driving is now Euros 137. Drink Driving
All drink drivers in France now go to court where the penalty will be decided. There is no minimum fine.
I just saw your comment and approved it. I guess WordPress thought it was spam because it had links in it.
Thanks for all the info! I intend to be in north of Italy for a little while. I’ll check out the Alsace wine route too!