ive just come back from a 4 week trip around europe,i like you am a complete novice when it comes to long trips.
if i was to do something similar again i would....
1/ not take half of my tool kit from my garage "just in case" pah

2/ make sure id got 2x rolls of gaffer tape and some zip ties

3/ leave my top box at home

4/ make sure id remembered my punchure repair kit

5/ not rush the first few days just for the sake of covering miles

6/only take half of what you think youll need,trust me

7/ a good tent,rollmat and doss bag are worth there weight in gold,everything seems better after a good nites sleep

and last but not least.....
8/ relax and enjoy those moments of....wow would you look at that...