Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
London to Florence in May London to Florence in May
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Walkabout

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Mar 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: London
Posts: 1
London to Florence in May
Hi all, I'd like route advice for a trip I'm planning from London to Florence (and back) in mid-late May, especially
  1. the best way to cross the Alps at this time of year and
  2. the Italian leg.
So far I think this thread is the best advice I've found, so I was thinking of following the advice in post #6 (though this focuses on France and is a bit vague on Alpine weather in May).

I have four full days for the outbound journey, including the England/ferry part. I'm starting about 90 minutes from Dover. I have more flexibility coming back, so could take up to 5 days if there are detours or slower roads that would justify it.

I'll be travelling on a Honda CBF1000. I have no experience of riding in continental Europe at all, but I've ridden a couple of similar duration journeys in South America and Africa (I'm from the UK). I've been riding about 7-8 years.

Thanks a lot for your help!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Mar 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by repentorperish View Post
Hi all, I'd like route advice for a trip I'm planning from London to Florence (and back) in mid-late May, especially
  1. the best way to cross the Alps at this time of year and
  2. the Italian leg.
So far I think this thread is the best advice I've found, so I was thinking of following the advice in post #6 (though this focuses on France and is a bit vague on Alpine weather in May).

I have four full days for the outbound journey, including the England/ferry part. I'm starting about 90 minutes from Dover. I have more flexibility coming back, so could take up to 5 days if there are detours or slower roads that would justify it.

I'll be travelling on a Honda CBF1000. I have no experience of riding in continental Europe at all, but I've ridden a couple of similar duration journeys in South America and Africa (I'm from the UK). I've been riding about 7-8 years.

Thanks a lot for your help!
That earlier thread, all of about 3 years ago, just about covers it for me.
Apart, perhaps, from the latest post in there that refers to the trains - that is something of a "moveable feast" but I guess you aren't too interested in riding a train when you can ride!

Also, it has been a long winter across Europe with the potential for more to come and an extended skiing season - by which I mean that the high passes may not be fully open when you want to ride; keep an eye on the local weather forecasts nearer the time and go with what is open.
The routes that are always kept clear are any that allow the traffic to get to the ski resorts (business rules OK). There tend to be appropriate signage at the start of the passes to confirm "ferme" or otherwise.


As for Italy, go for Tuscany - you can't do better, unless you head for the Dolomites!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
alps, england, france, italy

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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
Magadan to London on an Old MZ 250 Krixos Ride Tales 20 12 Jul 2019 13:51
Beijing to London Simon Yu Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 26 Mar 2017 07:01
London, England to Otranto, Italy on an MT350 Mt350Rider Ride Tales 6 14 Feb 2017 16:36
Mauritania Visa - London pjmancktelow North Africa 6 23 Jun 2016 19:37

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 19:56.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top