25-12-13, 01:45 PM
So, a week off, time to start planning my Euro trip for next year. I've now narrowed it down a bit, and have the outlines of a plan:
Part 1.
Ardennes
I've always wanted to visit the region in which the Battle of the Bulge took place, partly to see the terrain and places that events happened in, and because from what I've read there's some great scenery and good roads to ride in the area. I would like to visit a museum or two (apparently a new one being built in Bastogne to open in 2014, 70th anniversary year of the campaign, and I've read there's a good one in Diekirch, just north of Luxembourg). So this region will be my first destination. Plan on a Dover-Calais ferry, heading quickly into Belgium to avoid toll routes, and south to area bounded by (approx) Monschau-Bastogne-Echternach-Bitburg-St. Vith. Camping if the weather is good. One day to get there, say 3 days to explore. Then perhaps head down through Vosges region to ......
Part 2.
Alps
With Switzerland as main destination region, but haven't decided exactly how to do this yet. Concerned that Switzerland will be expensive, especially if combining camping with hotels/YHA hostels/B & B etc. Have had Route des Grandes Alps recommended to me, but actually want to head on a more easterly direction to/towards Austria, or south to the Italian Dolomites side. From what I've read and heard, once in the approximate region I can't go far wrong for fantastic scenery and good roads to ride, so probably won't plan this to the last detail before going, although I have been researching recommended routes/rides. I like to be able to wing it as the mood takes me as much as possible. 5-7 days to do this part, and perhaps 2 days to ride home in.
Not looking to do colossal mileages each day, 200-250 sounds ok for the most part, apart from ride to Ardennes and ride from there to Alps, which will be seen as the high mileage days.
14-16 days in total. Hoping to budget within about £1500 in total.
Would like to not have to book anything in advance as I'll be watching weather forecasts nearer the time and will go hopefully when a reasonably settled period looks likely (July?), but will also be researching for stopping places (campsites/hotels etc) so I at least have some idea of where to head each evening, so as not to waste too much time looking for a place to overnight each day.
The Touring Europe thread I started earlier this year has been useful in thinking about this, but any further help/advice/comments would be very much appreciated from those who have been to these regions, now that I have a better idea of where/what/how I want to do it.
Cheers in advance
Nick.
Part 1.
Ardennes
I've always wanted to visit the region in which the Battle of the Bulge took place, partly to see the terrain and places that events happened in, and because from what I've read there's some great scenery and good roads to ride in the area. I would like to visit a museum or two (apparently a new one being built in Bastogne to open in 2014, 70th anniversary year of the campaign, and I've read there's a good one in Diekirch, just north of Luxembourg). So this region will be my first destination. Plan on a Dover-Calais ferry, heading quickly into Belgium to avoid toll routes, and south to area bounded by (approx) Monschau-Bastogne-Echternach-Bitburg-St. Vith. Camping if the weather is good. One day to get there, say 3 days to explore. Then perhaps head down through Vosges region to ......
Part 2.
Alps
With Switzerland as main destination region, but haven't decided exactly how to do this yet. Concerned that Switzerland will be expensive, especially if combining camping with hotels/YHA hostels/B & B etc. Have had Route des Grandes Alps recommended to me, but actually want to head on a more easterly direction to/towards Austria, or south to the Italian Dolomites side. From what I've read and heard, once in the approximate region I can't go far wrong for fantastic scenery and good roads to ride, so probably won't plan this to the last detail before going, although I have been researching recommended routes/rides. I like to be able to wing it as the mood takes me as much as possible. 5-7 days to do this part, and perhaps 2 days to ride home in.
Not looking to do colossal mileages each day, 200-250 sounds ok for the most part, apart from ride to Ardennes and ride from there to Alps, which will be seen as the high mileage days.
14-16 days in total. Hoping to budget within about £1500 in total.
Would like to not have to book anything in advance as I'll be watching weather forecasts nearer the time and will go hopefully when a reasonably settled period looks likely (July?), but will also be researching for stopping places (campsites/hotels etc) so I at least have some idea of where to head each evening, so as not to waste too much time looking for a place to overnight each day.
The Touring Europe thread I started earlier this year has been useful in thinking about this, but any further help/advice/comments would be very much appreciated from those who have been to these regions, now that I have a better idea of where/what/how I want to do it.
Cheers in advance
Nick.