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EuroTour An area to discuss potential European trips, and to ask advice about long distance touring.

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Old 20-02-08, 01:18 PM   #1
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Default A small trip to europe - advice please!

Hi folks

The girlfriend and i have started to arrange a little mini europe tour in august.
since this is the first time either of us has done this, we thought we would consult the oracle - ie you guys!

we have this in mind - day 1 - eurotunnel to claias, then up to amsterdam. day 2, amsterday to brussels, day 3 brussels to paris, day 4 paris back to calais. - our ferry is only returning on day 5, so have a day to spare - so have i planned too much, too far, to little etc etc? also, do you guys have any suggestions on routes etc?

your help would be greatly appreciated!
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Old 20-02-08, 02:04 PM   #2
Lissa
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Default Re: A small trip to europe - advice please!

My first thought, as neither of you have done this before, is don't do major cities. If you are not used to riding on the 'wrong' side of the road, it could be horrendous. I would suggest picking a more rural route, smaller towns and less busy roads. It will be far cheaper to find accommodation too.
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Old 20-02-08, 10:06 PM   #3
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Default Re: A small trip to europe - advice please!

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Originally Posted by Lissa View Post
My first thought, as neither of you have done this before, is don't do major cities. If you are not used to riding on the 'wrong' side of the road, it could be horrendous. I would suggest picking a more rural route, smaller towns and less busy roads. It will be far cheaper to find accommodation too.
+1 for that.
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Old 20-02-08, 11:08 PM   #4
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Default Re: A small trip to europe - advice please!

As it's your first time, I would suggest either:

Taking a tour of Northern France, including the Normandy beaches. Good roads, weather is normally good in August, and most of France is on holiday and they tend to go South or West rather than North.

Or, take a trip through the Arden, taking in Belgium and Luxembourg, perhaps a little of Germany. Very pretty villages, very good roads, great hospitality and the B&B's are top notch.

If you really feel adventurous head South East to the Alsace. Probably one of the most over looked areas of France (and one of my favourites). Excellent roads, very good food and wine, great scenery. Calais to Colmar is about 350 miles, and if it's your first time I'd suggest getting as far as Nancy or Metz on day 1.

Hope that helps
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Old 20-02-08, 11:12 PM   #5
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Default Re: A small trip to europe - advice please!

Meh! Go for it, my first trip to Europe was to the French Alps.
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Old 20-02-08, 11:14 PM   #6
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Default Re: A small trip to europe - advice please!

I was chatting to a mate at work about going on a mini tour. He is a wing dinger and has been on stacks of tours. He told me about this place:

http://www.grd.be/motorhotel/eng/frame.htm

Looks like it could be worth a visit as it is easy to get to for an introduction to touring europe.

Take a bimble there on the first day then head where your heart takes you for the rest of the time.

When I plan to do it I am going to make as few plans as possible. God knows where I will end up but then that's going to be part of the "adventure" for me.

Last edited by FG1; 20-02-08 at 11:17 PM.
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Old 20-02-08, 11:26 PM   #7
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Default Re: A small trip to europe - advice please!

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Meh! Go for it, my first trip to Europe was to the French Alps.
But I think he's only got 5 days, 2 up at that. I was trying to keep the number of miles down.

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Old 21-02-08, 08:52 AM   #8
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Default Re: A small trip to europe - advice please!

It sounds as if your girlfriend wants to see the cities? If this is the case I would take the Eurostar - quickers, easier and probably far more rewarding. If you want to experience some great roads and see more of the countryside and culture - then avoid the cities...
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Old 21-02-08, 09:20 AM   #9
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Default Re: A small trip to europe - advice please!

I wouldn't bother going to Holland on a bike, flat and boring, built up and too many straight roads, similar with the northern half of belgium.

Jelster's advice seems pretty spot on for other places to visit.
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Old 21-02-08, 11:13 PM   #10
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Default Re: A small trip to europe - advice please!

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Originally Posted by Tim in Belgium View Post
Jelster's advice seems pretty spot on for other places to visit.
Why, thank you very much - we aim to please.
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