Another vote here for ditching the cleat idea. My Teva mountain bike shoes work just great for touring when it's wet. When it's not wet, I just ride in my flip-flops. I do recommend decent quality flops with stiff rubber soles like Reefs. Nothing beats having free, dry feet in warm weather rather than having them cramped up in sweaty shoes and socks.

This sounds like my kinda tour. Lots of new things to see by bike, nice gear, plans of jamming in your downtime and having some drinks at the local pub. Have fun having the best time of your life.