BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Who is the most dangerous driver in the world? An Italian driver at the Arc de Triomphe roundabout at 1600Z on Friday! Worse than a Punjabi cab driver on the 405.......

fjrwillie Loc: MA

The map that was placed up was just to get a sense of scale on Europe, not a specific route. I think I did that in about 25 seconds. Once scaled I realized that Europe was not all that big and could easily been driven in the time of 15 to 21 days or so. While we can do 300 miles in a day easily, doesn't mean we should or want to.

Thanks to all of folks that have commented, there is some great info in these posts to begin the planning stage.

Willie

DRG777 Loc: Metro Detroit

In Switzerland, you should not miss the area around Interlaken (Bernese Oberland) or Zermatt (Matterhorn). In Italy, you should see the Dolomite Mountains, for example between Bolzano and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

I would not miss central Austria but skip Hungary all together. I'm going to assume that as a biker, you are a good driver. However be very careful on Autobahns - DO NOT drive in the left lane unless you are hauling ass. Keep to the right and IF you pass another vehicle, keep checking the side view mirror before you make a move. Have fun either way but stay safe!

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

I would like to recommend Lake Cuomo. We stayed at this place: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187835-d233468-Reviews-Metropole_Suisse_Hotel-Como_Lake_Como_Lombardy.html After traipsing through knee-deep level of American tourists in Rome, Venice, Barcelona, we found Lake Cuomo a breath of fresh air. Yes, there are tourists, but they are sophisticated. This is where the Europeans go to get away. The boat ride (about 4 hours, rt) was not to be missed (passed George Clooney's villa) with a stop at a little village with winding alleyways filled with little shops and art.

Didn't like Venice but loved the university town outside of Venice: Padua or Padova. Such fun! Stayed at this place which greeted us with wine and free bicycles to explore the city. Fond memory of my husband and I racing each other on bicycles at night, around the village square. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187867-d237356-Reviews-Belludi_37-Padua_Province_of_Padua_Veneto.html

We loved Sienna, a real Italian experience. Not a bad place to purchase leather handbags and leather jackets!

We really loved Genoa, right on the Mediterranean and not tourist-infested. A place where ravioli was created. A place to get a feel for the real life of Italians. This funky hotel, right on the Mediterranean, might have been the highlight of our travel in Spain/Italy: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187823-d234373-Reviews-Romantik_Hotel_Villa_Pagoda-Genoa_Italian_Riviera_Liguria.html

While I would recommend getting off the main thoroughfares and onto the back roads, I would caution that we experienced the rudest, fastest, most outrageous driving imaginable. Scooters and motorcycles everywhere, daredevils. Be prepared to be astounded!

Have fun!

William Royer Loc: Kansas

When noting that you're a motorcycle enthusiast and wanting to tour the Alps, I thought of a group called Edelweiss Tours. (https://www.edelweissbike.com/en/touren/?mid=10446). I came close to going with them some years ago, but couldn't get away. They had a wide variety of offerings with an eye toward what motocylists would enjoy, and tailored toward different kinds of interests and levels of riding. An acquaintance did go on one, and loved it. I see they are still around. Back then, one flew into Munich, and rented a BMW bike. They had a number of excellent routes laid out, with good hotels and interesting destinations each night. They had a vehicle which followed with your gear (and also a bike mechanic if anyone had problems). I haven't checked them out for years, might be interesting to take a look.

Savanna

In your way to Venice, I would make a stop at Lago di Garda (Lake Garda), my favorite towns,
The ancient fortified town of Sirmione and Desenzano.

I would definitely visit the Dolomites, Cortina d'Ampezzo is the most popular where the rich and beautiful go, I prefer Alpe di Siusi, it's more quiet.

I'd like to see photos when you come back.
Have fun

EDH1943 Loc: Wilmington, NC

A beautiful route, don't miss!

MtnMan Loc: ID

Did something like it a few years ago. Was able to get the Garmin Europe chip on eBay for $45. It worked great.

Then when we got back I sold the chip on eBay...for $45.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Obviously not a motorcyclist. The Swiss passes are to die for!

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Get a GPS and when you travel set it to shortest distance. This runs you thru all the little towns. You will love that area. Traveled that aria during the occupation and many time since. Bad Tolz in Bavaria was the town I was stationed, a beautiful town, now a tourist aria.

diabaig Loc: UK/Denver

Rent one of those big 1200cc BMW touring bikes with side and rear panniers. The Dolomites is a "must see" and lots of bikers know this so that is a perfect destination. Try biking up Passo Giau and stop at the hotel at the top. I suggest Chamonix for the Mont Blanc area and then through the tunnel south into northern Italy. Drive through the lakes area ( Maggiore etc) and across into Slovenia (I have not been there but it's on my to do list. Cut down the mileage - you can't just go to Europe once. That would be like "doing America" in 10 days! Crazy. If you go once, you will return and each country has a lot to offer and is unique. Have fun.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Your chosen route is excellent and I am sure you will have a trip to remember and you will no doubt get lots of useful advice.
There are two points I would make, the first is that 300 miles is far too many to cover in a day especially in the Alpines, the other is DO NOT drive into Venice, catch a train from Padua, Italian trains are very cheap and fast and Venice Station is situated right next to the Grand Canal from where you can walk everywhere to see all those famous sites. Please let me know if you need any further advice.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

If hiring a car Check first if you can cross borders with it.....some are not happy to allow this. Also remember that Europe has been suffering with Mass Migration, so travelling by car may be under a bit more scrutiny.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

And yet another typical 'ugly American' view of the EU.

Car rental is not affected simply because you must be 'legal' to rent but that this concept is largely ignored hey?

As to rent a car, there is a better solution that consists in purchasing (really leasing) a new car for a song and a dance. This is what we are doing this time. Maximal 'purchase ownership' is 175 days. Many European manufacturer use this type of deal to avoid some taxes. If you know about it and can afford paying in advance a new car can be waiting for you at the airport you land into. The only thing not included? Gas. Insurance is full coverage deductible, including theft so no surprise no pushing sale folk trying to get you to add 'insurance' with a huge deductible. Unlimited miles too...

Advantage vs straight rental?
- You select the exact model
- Full insurance coverage is included (You do not have to juggle between rentals in order to get your credit card insurance coverage. The last time I was in the EU I had to switch 4 times and one car ~ A Fiat 500. It was a piece of junk)
- No registration or fee for second/third driver

Disadvantage:
- While not said I got the feeling that you must make the deal a few weeks before leaving (3~4 weeks?) but I am not positive about that. I was on the short side and was 'upgraded for free'. Something about have a roof rack on the car ~ an option.
- You must live outside of the country and provide proof of residence (Passport/green card)
- Slightly more expensive ($200.00 for us)*
- Must be paid in advance
- In case have to cancellation you will lose part of your payment
- Limited pick-up to airports
- A bit more detailed when making the deal, all information must be given in advance (passport, driver license, payment)
- You must check if you can drive across borders. In our case, no problem as long as we stay in the EU.

Experience
- Received a phone call within a day of reservation as I had a special request (denied but I expected them to)
- It was easy to get in touch with the customer service and had the extension of the person who was 'my rep'.
- Paper work is really PDF send via e-mail. Digital signature allowed (made it with PS CC and a tablet)
- Confirmation of contract within 24 hours of sending back the PDFs duly filled.

Do a search for 'Europe by car**' check this out as well as other companies that offer the same type of deals.

There maybe a similar programs for bikers but no Harley as they are not produced in Europe.
_______
* We really would have saved $$$ had I not purchased a GPS in advance for the trip...
** 70 years in business