Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Aug 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 5
West European trip

Hi to all, 3 of us are starting a 14 day trip through west Europe in late Sept and would like to see as much as possible in our limited time. Starting in Frankfurt the plan is to do a lefthand circuit through Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris,down to Barcelona, coastwise through to Milano and then through Zurich back to Frankfurt. Any suggestions, do's and don'ts must see's, good places to overnight etc will be great.
Cheers
Kriekie
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Aug 2006
jkrijt's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 636
Netherlands and Belgium

Some suggestions:
From Amsterdam get the A4/E19 to Den Haag (boring freeway)
Visit Den Haag (The Hague)
Some info on:
http://www.vredespaleis.nl/showpage.asp?pag_id=1
http://home-2.worldonline.nl/~aarde01/
http://www.houseofrepresentatives.nl/
http://www.scheveningen.nl/gb/

From Den Haag get at the A4/E30 until exit 13
Get on the N223 past De Lier
Go in the direction of Maassluis.
On the A20/E25, get Exit 7

Follow the Signs Rozenburg to get at a small ferry
http://www.veermaassluis.nl/ (sorry, in Dutch)

In Rozenburg, get on the A15 West (Direction Hellevoetsluis) until exit 12.
Follow the N57 past Hellevoetsluis
You can visit Hellevoetsluis, it has a nice harbour
Keep following the N57 and you drive over the world famous "Delta works" http://www.deltawerken.com/Deltaworks/23.html

From Middelburg, at the end of the N57, get on the N254 (Schroeweg) and then the N62 that goes through the Westerscheldetunnel.
http://www.westerscheldetunnel.nl/in...m?language=en&

At the other end of the tunnel, in Terneuzen, you can go to Gent (http://www.visitgent.be/)
and then to Brussels or first visit Antwerp.(http://www.antwerpen.be/eCache/BEN/52.html)

I use the website http://www.viamichelin.com/ for maps.

In Belgium, at the coast is a motorcycle motel. Check their website for details: http://www.grd.be/motorhotel/default.htm

Have a nice trip.
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg

My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a BMW R1200GS

My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Aug 2006
fcasado's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: A Brazilian couple living in Cambridge, UK
Posts: 167
Dump Brussels and spend more time in Antwerpen... In Holland the area close to Haarlem, Lisse, Hillegom is lovely!

Enjoy it!
__________________
www.mfnaeuropa.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Unless you actually want to ride in Paris, from Belgium take the coast road down to Rouen then south across the Loire valley... The road past our BnB is a well used non peage shortcut for Spain...

see here

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...t-france-10472

regards
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Aug 2006
MarkLG's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
Head south through to Andorra and pick up the N260/152 east for some classic mountain riding.
There's some great coast roads on the Costa Brava north of Barcelona, especially between Lloret de Mar and Sant Feliu de Guixols.
If time allows head inland a bit to take in the area around Millau, and drop back to the coast when your past Marseille.
The coast road from St Tropez as far as Cannes has some nice twisty bits, although there can be a bit of traffic.
You'll find better roads and a lot less traffic if you go north from Nice into the Alpes towards Chamonix and across Switzerland, rather than going across northen italy.
There are some nice minor roads in the area of Italy you're looking at, BUT if you limited on time and travelling on main roads you'll soon get sick of the traffic - I know I did.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Canada and the Alps
Posts: 134
OK, I'm a bit confused.

Do you want to tour cities or do you want to tour the backroads.

If the purpose of your trip is to tour cities, dump the bikes and get a Eurail pass. It'll be so much more fun not having to worry about the bike and where to store your gear while you are on foot.
__________________
All the best,
Alex

Alex's BMW Motorcycle & Global Touring Page
SmugMug Site
Alps Motorcycle Tours - Priced Right


- If motorcyclists claim to be individuals, why then do so many of them ride in packs?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Sep 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dubai, UAE
Posts: 5
Thanks for all the info.
The reason I mentioned all the cities is just a rough idea in which direction we will be going, obviously it will be much better riding and sight seeing if we stick to the back roads. As non of us have travelled much in Europe I was looking for general tips of good spots and good rides through the countries mentioned.
Thanks again for the info.
Ps I think 2 wheels will always be more fun than Eurorail
Kriekie
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Sep 2006
Gecko's Avatar
Slippery when wet
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 311
Hi Krikie
I'm living half way between Antwerp & Brussels. I'd be happy to meet you somewhere and show you so of the places ' to play ' Are you looking for asphalt only or some dirt to ride in too ? The Ardennes in south East Belgium and Luxembourg are highly recommended - nice twisty roads and lovely countryside - they lead you into the Eifel in Germany (top biking roads) and the Nurnbergring (if you fancy a real high speed thrill) . All just a few hours ride from where I am.
Get in touch if you want
cheers
Gecko
__________________
...on the road to nowhere...

Biking roads by bikers for bikers www.bestbikingroads.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Sep 2006
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Banff, Canada
Posts: 8
Similar trip, a little later.

Thanks for posting this question...
I'll be starting out from Frankfurt in early October, and I plan on riding a very similar route.
I'm getting really excited about the whole adventure after following the links posted here by all you friendly people.
The HUBB provides a wonderful sense of community worldwide.
Happy riding

-Tommy
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Fun of trip planning vs. trip itself fatboyfraser Route Planning 9 16 Aug 2006 16:50
Looking for companions for trip in Africa stefan_dinov Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 29 Sep 2004 16:29
Pan European (MPG???) Oletimer Honda Tech 17 25 Feb 2004 02:34
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza - Travel Warning Ceasar Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 17 Sep 2001 22:32
Trip to West Africa Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 31 Aug 2000 02:52

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:21.