Best of European Alps

Welcome to Munich!

Once all tour participants have gathered, we convene for a warm welcome and introduction. The evening’s agenda is centered around fostering camaraderie, allowing everyone to get acquainted. To kick off our adventure in true German style, we’ll share a delightful dinner together, setting the tone for an exciting journey ahead.

(Driving day 1: 209km/130 miles)

Our journey on the Best of European Alps tour kicks off with an informative meeting covering essential details about the itinerary. We’ll delve into practical information and preparations related to motorcycle and car rentals, ensuring your chosen bike is prepared and ready for the adventure. After picking up our bikes or cars, we embark on the 1,650 miles/2,650 km journey, traversing 25 breathtaking mountain passes in the European Alps.

Leaving behind the vibrant city of Munich, our route takes us south through picturesque villages, eventually reaching Reit im Winkl for a well-deserved lunch break. Continuing south, we navigate through enchanting forested areas, catching the first glimpses of the majestic Alps. Brief stops for memorable photos precede a pit stop in Kitzbuhel, renowned for its legendary downhill racetrack. The final destination for the day is Zell am See, where we conclude our exciting journey.

(Driving day 2: 251  km/112 miles)

Get ready for one of the highlights of our tour! Departing from Zell am See, we head south toward the renowned Großglockner Hochalpenstraße, considered one of Europe’s best motorcycle roads. This iconic route takes us into the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, leading to Austria’s highest mountain, Grossglockner (3798m), and the Pasterze Glacier. The 48 km road features 36 twists and turns, with a height difference of 2504 meters, promising an extraordinary riding experience. Be prepared for potentially chilly temperatures due to the elevation, even in the midst of summer. We make several stops to soak in the breathtaking views of the mountains and the glacier.

Continuing through the valley via Heiligenblut on scenic roads, we take a small detour into Italy, reaching a hidden riding gem. The Plöcken Pass offers a road so twisted and steep that it appears to cling to the mountainside. With small tunnels and turns seemingly suspended in the air, this bucket list-worthy experience is truly unforgettable. Afterward, we ride along the Italian border on captivating curvy roads before crossing back into Austria and reaching our hotel in Lienz.

(Driving day 3: 351 km/218 miles)

We bid farewell to Lienz and embark on a journey through a delightful mix of slack and hairpin turns, crossing Passo Stalle and traversing the national parks Dolomiti di Sesto and Dolomiti d’Ampezzo. The landscape in this region is both wild and beautiful. Our lunch stop in Cortina provides an opportunity to absorb the surroundings and gear up for a series of small mountain passes showcasing the natural wonders of the Dolomites.

Our first destination is Passo Falzarego, where an optional cable car ride to the mountain top is available (please note that this option may extend our arrival in Canazei by over 2 hours). Instead, we continue our southern route through a picturesque valley, offering numerous photo opportunities. The journey also includes a unique stretch over Passo Fedaia, where we traverse a dam, providing a distinct experience. A close encounter with Mount Marmolada (3,342 m) awaits on the next leg. The subsequent mountain passes, including Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, Passo Campolongo, and Passo Pordoi, unfold like pearls on a string. After a day filled with fantastic driving experiences, we conclude at our hotel in Canazei.

(Driving day 4: 266 km/165 miles)

(Fun and explorer day)

Desenzano stands out as one of the most vibrant and versatile vacation destinations on Lake Garda. The picturesque harbor, adorned with palm trees, offers a delightful selection of cafés and restaurants. The narrow streets branching out from the beautiful city square are lined with modern shops, and the weekly market is a popular attraction. Pebble-covered beaches grace both sides of the city.

In the neighboring town of Sirmione, you have the opportunity to explore the caves made famous by the Roman poet Catullus or visit the exquisite old church adorned with frescoes. Sirmione is also home to the Scaliger Castle, which echoes the tales of those who conquered the island or settled here over the centuries.

Lake Garda and its surroundings, blessed with a mild climate and charming villages set against the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, have captivated visitors from colder, rainier, or snowier regions for centuries. Travelers arrive to experience the southern landscape and culture, savoring good food and immersing themselves in the warm folklore. As we acquaint ourselves with the largest lake in Italy, we encounter steep cliff walls on the northwest side and villages with distinctive brick roofs and slender cypresses on the southeastern shore.

Enjoy great experiences in scenic surroundings!

(Driving day 5: 215 km/133 miles)

We journey northward along the western shores of Lake Garda, treating ourselves to the breathtaking scenery that unfolds before us. The roads present a diverse range of experiences, from small, narrow, and twisty curves to high-speed turns. Passing through numerous charming villages, we eventually halt in Madonna di Campiglio for a delightful lunch break.

Resuming our northern trajectory, the roads continue to offer a captivating mix—swift and sweeping turns that seamlessly transform into stretches with tight hairpin bends, and back again. It promises to be an exceptionally varied day of driving. Our final destination for the day is Bolzano, where we check into our hotel.

(Driving day 6: 252 km/156 miles)

Today’s journey kicks off early, promising a day filled with extraordinary experiences. We are set to traverse some remarkable mountain passes, driving on roads unofficially recognized by Top Gear as the world’s best driving route. Starting in diverse natural surroundings, surrounded by imposing mountains, we make our way through Passo Pennes (Penserjock) and over Passo Giovo (Jaufenstrasse) before reaching the pinnacle of the region, Passo Stelvio (Stilfserjock).

Standing at an elevation of 2,757 meters above sea level, Passo Stelvio is the second-highest pass in the Alps, surpassed only by the Col de l’Iseran in France. Renowned for its 60 hairpin turns winding up the mountainside, this stretch holds significant historical value, and it has been featured in stages of the Giro d’Italia.

This driving day demands full concentration and composure. Additionally, participants must be prepared for varying weather conditions and temperatures, as the mercury can drop below zero, even in the heart of summer. Nevertheless, it is sure to be an unforgettable and exhilarating driving experience for most.

(Driving day 7: 360 km/223 miles)

Once again, an early start is in order, as today’s journey covers a longer stretch than usual. Beginning in Livigno, we cross the border into Switzerland and navigate through Passo del Bernina. Along the way, a brief detour brings us to the iconic winter sports destination of St. Moritz, where we seize the opportunity to capture some memorable pictures. Continuing north, we traverse beautiful forests and charming villages before embarking on the Fluela Pass. Lunch awaits in Davos, offering a delightful break at one of the city’s exceptional restaurants.

Our route then takes us southward, guiding us through the picturesque San Bernardino Pass, characterized by its breathtaking landscapes. Heading north once more, we traverse Lukmarierpass before concluding the day’s journey with a drive over Oberalpenpass to Andermatt.

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

Today’s journey unfolds amidst the surrounding passes of Andermatt, traversing warm valleys and cold, high-altitude mountain passes. It’s advisable to bring warm clothing as we embark on this day of diverse landscapes. Our adventure commences with a drive along the world-famous cobbled road through St. Gotthard Pass. Caution is warranted due to the risk of slippery roads, especially on the descent.

As we progress, the character of the passes undergoes a transformation, offering smoother roads with fewer hairpin turns. Crossing the border into Italy, we navigate Passo Della Novena and Nufenenpass. The route continues to Grimsel Pass, presenting a spectacular view of the road winding up the mountainside—an ideal moment to capture with your cameras. Moving on to Sustenpass, we then return to Andermatt for lunch.

In the afternoon, our journey takes us west to Furka Pass, and we reenter Italy to traverse Nufenenpass, Passo Della Novena, and St. Gotthard Pass in the opposite direction. The unique experience of St. Gotthard Pass is emphasized by riding it in both directions. This marks the final mountain pass of the tour before we return to Andermatt.

(Driving day 9: 226 km/140 miles)

As we conclude this incredible journey, filled with Europe’s best mountain passes, we embark on the final leg. Departing from Andermatt, we pass through Schattdorf, adorned with its steep mountains and Klausenstrasse, featuring numerous hairpin turns. Our route meanders through quaint Swiss villages, making our way southward via St. Gallen, before heading towards Liechtenstein. Traversing the eastern part of the principality, we proceed to Feldkirch.

(Driving day 10: 328 km/203 miles)

On this final driving day, we conclude our tour with a splendid ride through numerous small villages as we head northeast towards Munich. Passing by Garmisch-Partenkirchen, we approach Munich to return our bikes. Together, we celebrate the memories and the breathtaking experiences of this tour with a farewell dinner.

We bid farewell to the European Alps, the Dolomites, Munich, and return home. Thank you for the fantastic ride and for choosing to tour with JoyRides. Wishing you a safe journey home, and we hope to see you again on one of our other tours in the US, South America, Asia, Africa, Oceania, or Europe.

Note: Please be aware that this program serves as a guideline for activities and experiences on the tour. While deviations may occur, we assure you that our dedicated tour leaders will make every effort to execute the program as described, to the extent feasible and within the constraints of circumstances. Our commitment to continually enhancing the program means that you may encounter positive surprises along the way.