Planning a trip, looking for advice

Hi!

I'm planning a trip which currently looks something like this. I've never really done any longer trips on bike but I'm planning to do this with tent and some hotel/motel here and there.

Couple of questions I have and would love if anyone has any insight.

1. The Route:

I'm planning to start from home and go to the Mediterranean (and back but more on that later). Are there any places I should definitely visit on the way? I think I want to cross the Alps, where would be the best spot to do so? EuroVelo routed me through Lake Toma.

EuroVelo is saying this takes around 73 days, which sounds pretty good to me. I will probably go back home or spend more time in Europe, but can I fly back with the bike eventually if I need to?

1. The Bike:

I need a Bike, but I don't really know what kind of a bike I need. I can't find bikes that have a rack at the back where you can attach the panniers to? Can I buy a cheaper bike or should I invest more into it? How about used bikes, are they an option?

1. The Gear:

First Aid, Repair Kit, clothes, tent, sleeping bag, weather gear? I plan to start this trip early spring, but not before I can comfortably sleep in a tent outside.

1. Anything else?

I have done a smaller (week) trip earlier on like 10 years ago, but not much biking since. I plan to start biking as soon as weather allows it (and I have bought a bike lol). But is there anything i'm overlooking or do you have any other suggestions? I'm all open for ideas.

E:

Also I'll just mention it here since I forgot. I plan to go to a bike shop to actually buy or at least try bikes and how they feel and get a opinion from a more professional person on that as well as I understand height etc. matters.