The area is better "off season" as it were, otherwise you compete with 20,000 Madridians (those from Madrid) for space on the beach..... it is better avoided in August. as that is when everyone in Spain is on 'Vacaciones' or holidays and it gets a.) unbearably crowded and b.) unbearably HOT... 40 Degrees C plus!

July is nice....... before the crowds and so is March / April although it can be a bit windy in March or April...

Martyn

Cush, 3 months is no problem. A buddy and I did the following 4300 mile route this summer in 17 days:
Bremerhaven, Germany
Berlin
Prague
Vienna
Budapest
Krakow
Augustov, Poland
Rezekne, Latvia
Moscow
St Peterburg
Helsinki
Stockholm
Copenhagen
Bremerhaven
Russia was a blast, but be prepared for anything on the Russian roads...potholes, debris, no shoulders, cops, etc.... I hit an oily spot between Latvia and Moscow that went on for a mile or so. Almost went down but trusty Goldwing GL1800 held on. There's no one out there to help you! Roads in Poland.....crazy. I think every road in Poland is currently under construction, and while the drivers are courteous, the rules are ignored. We chose the Poland/Baltics route over Belarus/Ukraine, so I can't help you there. If you have any questions, let me know...happy to help.

Jon jgreif@psafinancial.com

RealTravel - Iron Curtain Tour | Europe Travel Blog | Europe Travel Plans | Europe Trip Planner

Do not fix on 200 mile a day just go with the flow or you will be pushing to much, build a few days rest into every week. Norway is superb but the North can be a bit tame for scenery but the weather even in summer will keep you on your toes, Crossing into Russia you will need your visa and invite, temp -immigration card etc the road to Murmansk was a bit rough 4 years ago and Nickel the mining town is like something from a film about a nuclear melt down. The road south to St Petersburg is not the best (only done a small bit of it) and as said above expect anything as Russia is different, St Petersburg you need a few days same I believe for Moscow But most people a great and friendly once you get talking even though they appear hostile at first. Beware the Traffic police and army checkpoints. Dont travel after dark if you can help it can bring you big problems more so near the towns and cities. Tourist visas are for 30 days only so you will need a business visa (60) days. Extending your tourist visa is a pain I believe !!. Poland the roads are more dodgy than Russia and the drivers can be a bit questionable. Like Russia Drink Driving is big problem at night and few people follow rules. (Look at you tube Russia / driving / accidents to get an idea of junction behaviour etc) But its all a great adventure and the rest of your trip sound a hoot too - go for it sound to good to miss.

As a starter I'm off to the Czech at the beginning of April, I'll be there about a month - work will take up most of the time. But I'm looking to do bits at the weekends.

Central Europe in April......... best I pack the waterproofs

Cush, good luck with your trip. I'm heading out of Madrid mid April to go down into Spain then across to Helsinki taking the Baltic route. Taking about 2 months for the ~5000mile journey. I have already done Munich to Madrid, ~2500miles in around a month. But I take the scenic routes and try to spend plenty of time in each place I visit. National routes over the Autostradas/Autovias/Autobahns/Motorways whatever you want to call them.


Martyn- Thanks for the info on Cabo de Gata and the the Monsul Beach. Would've ridden right past it if you didn't mention it.

Ooooh! nice trip Mike!