2026 AMT France
Overview
We fly to Milan, then take a train over to Turin, back to Milan for some scooter touring, then
rent a car to hit the Northern Italy coastal towns, dropping the car somewhere like Genoa from
which we take a train to Nice to visit with Alec and Linda before a motorcycle tour with
Adriatic Moto Tours.
This time we are doing the
French Riveria to Barcelona Motorcycle tour. This is a two-week (10 riding days) tour through the French Riviera, Provence, the Pyrenees, Barcelona, and the Alps.
The bike reserved is a BMW F900 XR and Kathi will ride pillion.
Tour for two is 13,050 €
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| Adriatic Riveria Tour week 1, outbound Nice → Barcelona |
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| Adriatic Riveria Tour week 2, return Barcelona → Nice |
Following that, Chris is going to attempt to rescue his Ducati in
Milan, getting it properly imported into Italy, then do some of his
Norway adventure which has been planned for years now.
A loop from Milan to northern Norway and back is 9300 km / 5800 miles, 150+ hrs of riding,
broken out into 6hr days, that's 25 riding days. Add a rest/contingency day every 5 days
and it requires 30 days which would put me back around July 20.
The Stockholm option. I found a place to leave the bike for a few weeks/months in Stockholm,
so I'm going to split that trip in two returning later in the summer to finish the return to Milan.
See Milan to Norway, Finland and Sweden
and Sweden to Finland, and back to Milan via the Baltics and Poland
Healthy Traveling
I've been workinng hard to improve my healthy living since my Dec 2025 heart bypass surgery.
I've really modified my diet and exercise habits, lowered by body fat, increased my lean body mass,
and upped my fiber intake. A big challenge is how to travel and enjoy the delicious foods of Europe
while keeping my body fat down and getting enough exercise. On this trip, I'm going to take notes
about what I do to maintaining healthy habits while I/we travel.
New visa requirements
There is a new requirement for our layover in London. The United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
As of February 25, 2026, all U.S. citizens—including those just transiting through a UK airport—must have an
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
- Cost: £20 (approx. $25).
- Apply using the "UK ETA" app (available on the Google Play Store) or GOV.UK.
- Processing time: Most applications are approved within minutes, but it is recommended to apply at least three working days before your flight.
- Validity: It is valid for two years or until your passport expires, allowing for multiple trips.
For the EU, since April 10, 2026, there is the Entry/Exit System (EES). This is an interim requirement
until the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) goes into effect sometime in late 2026, Q4.
EES
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational at Italian airports. We expect to find automated kiosks at LIN where
we will register names, type of travel document, and fingerprints and facial images. No visa required for stays under 90 days.
ETIAS
- Cost: €7 or probably €20
- similar to the ESTA system used by the U.S.
Passport Reminders
- The 3-Month Rule: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure.
- The 10-Year Rule: Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years.
Packing List
Paperwork:
* passport
* euro cash (no cash was used)
* one paperback book to read
On the bike:
* roll-top bag, straps,
* compact duffle for the return flight
* small, light day backpack
Crash gear:
* Jacket is in Milan
* Helmet is in Milan
* Boots
* Ear plugs
* Elkskin Gloves (regular)
* Elkskin gauntlet gloves (did not use)
* waterproof socks (Sealskinz were really great)
* Rain gear
* glove covers
* Rain pants
* Rain jacket/ windbreaker
Clothing:
* socks and underwear for 7 days
* bathing trunks
* 2 T-shirts short sleeve + 1 T-shirt long sleeve
* jeans 1 pair (wear on the plane along with one of those T-shirts)
* hiking boots / walking shoes
* Fleece sweater 1
* Puffy vest
* Long wool socks or waterproof socks
* 32° under pants and shirt set
Toiletries bag:
* toothbrush, tooth paste, flossers, small shampoo
* bite guard
* hair brush
* ziploc bag of emergency toilet paper
* ziploc bag of laundry detergent
* clothesline and clips
* USB charger for toothbrush
* waist measuring tape
* toothpicks
Med kit:
* pill rotaries + 55days x 8 (asprin, plavix, fish oil, D, C, multi, amlodopine, statin)
* aspirin
* allergy meds (sudafed)
* anti diarrheal
* laxative
* cough suppressant
* bug repelent: DEET
* head net
Electronics:
* handlebar phone holder, tablet holder, cables
* extension cord with socket multiplexor and USB ports
* EU plug adapter
* small laptop, charger, wireless mouse
* USB A-C cables x 3, USB C-C cables x 2
* wireless charger
* USB power pack x 2
* Computer glasses
* Columbus tracker + Velcro tape + micro SD cards + micro SD to USB adapter
On the plane:
* wireless headphones
* eye mask
* compression socks
Daily Details and Naration
click a calendar day to see daily details
Note: calendar days are clickable to see each day of the trip
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