HobbesOnTour
Guru
- Location
- España
Being a bit familiar with the Dutch system and less so with the German system, I'd imagine that they may be some of the more demanding places in relation to Visas. France, being the #1 tourist destination in the world (or at least it was) may be more helpful. If starting there, perhaps with a visa (not a working visa), perhaps you could defer the "Schengen countdown" until you left France?So in our case, we'd need Dutch (and maybe German too) visas to derisk the whole thing. I've already looked into Dutch visas and there doesn't seem to be an option for dilettante cyclists or holidays - you need a work or family sponsor. That makes it not an option.
The French embassy or the British Embassy in France is where I would start.
A second factor to consider on a long trip if staying beyond the "normal" is insurance. If you do find a solution beyond the 90 days, check the terms of any insurance that it's not a "90 day" type of policy.
I know that you describe this as a trip of a lifetime, but as you've alluded to, it has the potential to be the Two trips of a lifetime. Secure bike storage and a continuation the next "season". It's certainly something worth considering.
Best of luck!