Best of European Alps

Duration
13 days
Difficulty Level
3/3
Location
Europe
Distance
2700 km

Best of European Alps

Embark on an extraordinary 13-day motorcycle tour through the European Alps and the Dolomites, a journey that begins in Germany and weaves through Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Words fall short of capturing the essence of this adventure; it’s an experience filled with awe-inspiring nature and vistas.

Travel from the Austrian Alps, through the breathtaking Dolomites and Lake Garda, to the majestic Swiss Alps. This tour is a dream for anyone eager to traverse the finest motorcycle roads, discover new destinations, and enjoy the fellowship of like-minded riders. Gear up for a range of temperatures and conditions. Tailored for adept motorcycle enthusiasts who have a penchant for winding roads and remarkable landscapes, this trip is a must on your bucket list.

Photos

Included
Motorcycle/Car rental w/unlimited milage
1st choice vehicle model class
Shared room in biker-friendly hotels
Continental breakfast at most hotels
Entrance fees Nat. parks
Welcome meeting
Multi-lingual Tour leader
Transport to rental company
Support van w/ luggage
State min. SLI insurance
Loss damage Waiver
Half-shell helmet
Tour PDF w/route description.
Pictures from the tour
NOT Included
Airfare*
Optional attractions
Vehicle model guarantee
Gas
Security deposit for LDW
Food and beverages
LDW Zero & insurance upgrades
Anything not listed in “Included” above

Itinerary

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Day 1: Departure - Arrival Munich, Germany

Welcome to Munich!

Once all tour participants have arrived, we’ll convene for a warm welcome meeting accompanied by refreshments, where introductions will be made. During this session, you’ll receive vital information about your Best of European Alps tour. We’ll delve into practical details and preparations, including motorcycle rental checkouts for those who need them.

The evening’s agenda is designed to foster camaraderie as we get to know each other better, all while savoring a dinner that truly embodies the authentic German style. It promises to be an enjoyable and memorable start to our adventure through the European Alps.

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Day 2: Munich - Zell am See, Austria

(Driving day 1: 209km/130 miles)

Our day commences with an informative meeting detailing the Best of European Alps tour. Practicalities such as motorcycle and car rental checkouts, including the preparation of your ordered bike, will also be addressed. After collecting our bikes or cars, we embark on the 1,650-mile (2,650 km) journey encompassing 25 stunning mountain passes.

Departing Munich, we head southward, passing through quaint villages until reaching Reit im Winkl for lunch. Continuing south, we traverse picturesque forests, catching our first glimpses of the Alps. Brief photo stops punctuate our journey before a pit stop in Kitzbuhel, famed for its downhill racetrack. Finally, we conclude the day’s ride in Zell am See, marking the end of our exhilarating adventure.

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Day 3: Zell Am See - Lienz, Austria

(Driving day 2: 251 km/112 miles)

Embark on a journey to one of the many highlights of this tour as we depart from Zell am See and head south towards the Großglockner Hochalpenstraße, renowned as one of the finest motorcycle routes in Europe. This illustrious road escorts you into the core of the Hohe Tauern National Park, leading to Austria’s apex, the Grossglockner Mountain (3798m), and onwards to the Pasterze Glacier. Prepare for an extraordinary riding adventure along the 48 km serpentine path, featuring 36 bends and an elevation change of 2504 meters. Due to the high altitude, be aware that temperatures can drop significantly, even in peak summer. We’ll pause multiple times to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking vistas of mountains and glaciers.

Our journey progresses through the valley via Heiligenblut on picturesque roads. Taking a minor detour, we cross into Italy to discover a lesser-known riding treasure. With its twisting and steep nature, the Plöcken Pass seems to cascade down the mountainside, featuring narrow tunnels and roads that soar into the air for dramatic turns. This experience is a must for your bucket list, offering memories that will last a lifetime. We then trace the Italian border on stunning winding roads before re-entering Austria, concluding our day at our hotel in Lienz.

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Day 4: Lienz - Canazei, Italy

(Driving day 3: 351 km/218 miles)

Bidding farewell to Lienz, we embark on a journey that mixes gentle curves with tight hairpin turns, traversing the Passo Stalle and winding through the national parks of Dolomiti di Sesto and Dolomiti d’Ampezzo. The terrain here is untamed and magnificent! We’ll pause for lunch to take in the beauty of Cortina and gear up for a sequence of mountain passes that lie ahead. Prepare to be immersed in the full spectrum of natural wonders the Dolomites have to offer.

Our first major pass is the Passo Falzarego. While there’s an option to take a cable car to the summit, which would extend our journey to Canazei by over two hours, we opt to press on southward through a valley brimming with picturesque spots perfect for photography. Our route then takes us across an extraordinary stretch over Passo Fedaia, where our path includes driving through a dam. An encounter with Mount Marmolada (3,342 m) awaits, offering a moment of awe and closeness with nature’s grandeur. As we progress, we’re treated to a succession of mountain passes—Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, Passo Campolongo, and Passo Pordoi—each presenting its unique beauty and driving challenges. After a day filled with unforgettable driving experiences, we conclude at our hotel in Canazei, ready to rest and reflect on the journey.

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Day 5: Canazei - Desenzano Del Garda, Italy

(Driving day 4: 266 km/165 miles)

We embark on a journey westward, navigating enchanting curves and breathtaking landscapes until we reach Birchabruck, where we veer toward Passo Lavaze. Passing through Cavalese and Val di Fiemme, we traverse the captivating “milk route,” winding our way along picturesque roads to Trento.

Departing Trento, we ascend the mountain road, passing through the quaint village of Norway, then tracing the eastern shore of the stunning Lake Garda to arrive at Desenzano del Garda and our hotel.

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Day 6: Desenzano Del Garda, Italy

(Fun and explorer day)

Desenzano stands out as a vibrant and versatile destination on Lake Garda. Its picturesque harbor, adorned with palm trees, hosts a delightful array of cafes and restaurants. The quaint streets branching from the charming city square boast modern shops, while the bustling weekly market draws crowds. Pebble-strewn beaches flank both sides of the city.

Nearby Sirmione offers intriguing attractions, such as the caves immortalized by the Roman poet Catullus and a stunning ancient church adorned with frescoes. Visitors can also explore the imposing Scaliger Castle, steeped in tales of conquest and settlement spanning centuries.

The allure of Lake Garda and its environs lies in its temperate climate and picturesque villages set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Alps. Northern travelers have been captivated by this region for centuries, seeking respite from cold climates to savor the southern landscapes, culinary delights, and vibrant folklore.

Immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences amidst breathtaking vistas!

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Day 7: Desenzano Del Garda - Bolzano, Italy

(Driving day 5: 215 km/133 miles)

Venturing north along the western shores of Lake Garda, we’re treated to breathtaking vistas. The route presents a diverse array of roads, from narrow, winding paths to exhilarating high-speed stretches. Passing through quaint villages, we pause in Madonna di Campiglio for a satisfying lunch.

Continuing our journey northward, we encounter a thrilling mix of road conditions, with swift turns giving way to tight hairpin bends and back again. It promises to be a day of exhilarating driving unlike any other. Our final destination is Bolzano, where we settle into our hotel for the night.

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Day 8: Bolzano - Livigno, Italy

(Driving day 6: 252 km/156 miles)

Today marks an early start, promising a day filled with extraordinary experiences. We’re set to traverse some of the most awe-inspiring mountain passes, including the famed route unofficially christened by Top Gear as the world’s finest driving route. Our journey begins amidst diverse natural landscapes, surrounded by majestic mountains, as we navigate through Passo Pennes (Penserjock) and over Passo Giovo (Jaufenstrasse), culminating at the pinnacle of the region, Passo Stelvio (Stilfserjock).

At 2,757 meters above sea level, Passo Stelvio stands as the second-highest pass in the Alps, its fame only surpassed by France’s Col de l’Iséran. Renowned for its 60 hairpin turns snaking up the mountainside, this stretch is steeped in history, having hosted stages of the Giro d’Italia.

Driving through these majestic landscapes demands utmost concentration and composure, with fluctuating weather conditions and temperatures, occasionally dipping below freezing, even in the height of summer. Yet, for the most part, it promises an exhilarating and unforgettable driving experience.

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Day 9: Livigno - Andermatt, Switzerland

(Driving day 7: 360 km/223 miles)

Embarking on an early start from Livigno, today’s journey spans a longer distance than usual. Crossing the Swiss border, our route leads us to Passo del Bernina, with a brief detour to capture the scenic allure of St. Moritz, renowned for its winter sports heritage. Continuing northward, we traverse enchanting forests and idyllic villages before veering towards the Fluela Pass. Upon conquering this ascent, we reach Davos, where we savor a delightful lunch at one of the city’s esteemed eateries.

Our journey southward resumes, treating us to the picturesque vistas of the San Bernardino Pass, adorned with breathtaking landscapes. Pressing northward once more, we conquer the Lukmarierpass before culminating the day’s drive with the majestic Oberalpenpass, arriving at Andermatt as dusk settles in.

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Day 10: Andermatt, Switzerland

(Resting day or driving day 8: 261 km/162 miles)

Today’s journey takes us through the diverse terrain surrounding Andermatt, from warm valleys to chilly mountain passes, so be sure to bundle up. We kick off our adventure by navigating the renowned cobbled road of St. Gotthard Pass, where caution is advised due to potential slippery conditions on the descent. As we progress, the passes gradually transition to smoother routes with fewer hairpin turns.

Crossing into Italy, we conquer Passo della Novena (Nufenenpass) before reaching Grimsel Pass, offering a breathtaking vista of the winding road ahead. Keep your cameras handy for this spectacular sight. Our journey continues over Sustenpass before returning to Andermatt for a well-deserved lunch break.

Afterward, we head west to tackle Furka Pass before reentering Italy to traverse Nufenenpass and Passo della Novena once more, followed by St. Gotthard Pass in the opposite direction. The allure of St. Gotthard Pass warrants experiencing it from both perspectives. Concluding our mountain pass adventure, we make our way back to Andermatt.

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Day 11: Andermatt - Feldkirch, Austria

(Driving day 9: 226 km/140 miles)

With hearts hopefully filled with satisfaction from traversing Europe’s finest mountain passes, we embark on the conclusion of this remarkable tour. Our journey commences via Schattdorf, where towering mountains loom steeply, and Klausenpass reveals its abundance of hairpin turns. Passing through picturesque Swiss villages, we make our way towards St. Gallen before veering southward towards Liechtenstein.

Driving through the eastern expanse of the principality, we marvel at its scenic beauty before reaching Feldkirch, Austria, where our journey draws to a close. Along this final leg, may we cherish the memories of the breathtaking landscapes and exhilarating drives that have defined this unforgettable adventure through Europe’s mountainous realms.

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Day 12: Feldkirch - Munich, Germany

(Driving day 10: 328 km/203 miles)

As our journey draws to a close, we embark on our final driving day, tracing a scenic route through numerous quaint villages as we make our way northeast towards Munich. Passing by the picturesque town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, we press on towards our destination, where we bid farewell to our trusty bikes.

In celebration of our breathtaking tour and the cherished memories we’ve created together, we gather for a farewell dinner, reminiscing about the adventures shared and the stunning landscapes explored. With hearts full of gratitude and fond memories, we conclude our remarkable journey through Europe’s enchanting countryside.

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Day 13: Departure Munich - Home travel

As we bid farewell to the majestic European Alps, the enchanting Dolomites, and the vibrant city of Munich, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing to embark on this unforgettable journey with Explorify.

Thank you for sharing in the great ride, the laughter, and the unforgettable memories. Your trust in us means the world, and we hope this tour has left a lasting impression on your travels.

Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey home, we invite you to keep Explorify in mind for future adventures. Whether it’s exploring the scenic wonders of the US, South America, Asia, Oceania, or returning to Europe, our team is eager to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences.

Please note: While we strive to adhere to the program outlined, deviations may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. Rest assured, our dedicated tour leaders will always endeavor to provide the best possible experience. We are committed to continually enhancing our programs, ensuring every tour is filled with positive surprises and lasting memories.

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Best of European Alps