Motorhome

At least in Germany, it's a good idea if you want to see German campsites. If you want to see cities, though, bad idea because you can't drive them into urban areas, and many of the campsites aren't convenient to public transportation.

I noticed a lot of motorhomes being used by Tour d'France followers this year so they are definitely available. A good GPS will help, it's essential in Italy. Pack a good model, with European maps, from home so you already know how to use it. I would try to find a narrow vehicle. It will handle the narrow streets, especially in old city centers, better.

What I love about driving a mobile home in Germany is the amount of overnight stopping places available. Most German villages, especially in the more touristy areas like the blackforest, the Rhine and Mosel valleys and huge swathes of Bavaria have areas set aside for mobile homes. I am not talking about campsites. They are designated purely for mobiles for stays of up to 3 nights usually and are free. You don't get electrical hook up obviously, or any other campsite convenience but they are usually in a prime location, by the river (if there is one!) and within walking distance of restaurants/shops/trainstations etc. As you approach a town or city follow the sign with a picture of a mobile home on it and then Bob's your Onkel. In many years of mobile homing we have never felt the need to book overnight stops in advance or been disappointed. Germany is well and truly geared to mobile homes.

Bob's your Onkel? Is that the Germanic version of "Bob's your Uncle"?