Favorite Tour - October 2016 tandem from Parma, Italy to Rome following the 12th century Via Francigena pilgrim route. Fully Loaded, small hotels / hostels along the way. No reservations or plans except get to Rome by the end of the month. Loose / open schedule gave us plenty of space and time to improvise along the way..... We stayed in one village for 3 days just because we liked it, they had kittens at the hostel and we did unloaded day excursions in the region. That kind of self designed / no obligation / make it up as you go approach enables you to modify on the fly such as sleep in on a heavy rain day, hang out at the cafe, do some laundry and take a nap in the afternoon.

If you're going to the time and energy of cycling in Europe and your up for the adventure / challenge of truly touring ,
in the European style , the way the locals do it....seriously consider the option of going independent, cut loose, no pre-booked hotel reservations, pack lite and carry your own gear....pick a route and a destination and just go for it....!!