Trans-Alpine Adventure

151 Miles

For UK participants take the ferry from Dover to Calais, followed by an easy drive to Laon. Visit the largest war memorial area of France, Vimy Parc. This whole region was the scene of fierce fighting in both World Wars. Stay in an exclusive chateau set around a courtyard a few kilometres from Laon.

240 Miles

Drive across northern France to the beautiful Alsace region. On the way visit the attractive town of Verdun, France’s ‘Capital of Peace’. Travel across the engaging Vosges Mountains to the hotel. Set in a tranquil and pretty village, the hotel is a treat with its spa and great food.

161 Miles

Leave France behind and cross into Germany. Virtually every road in this area of the Black Forest is designated as a scenic route and the driving is superb. Lake Constance is a beautiful area with lovely half-timbered houses in the towns along the shore. Drive the corniche road along the northern shore, through Meersburg, and pay a visit to the Zeppelin Museum, before heading to the medieval, tiny island town of Lindau. Stay in a beautiful quality, family-run hotel next to the lake towards Switzerland. Dine at the hotel overlooking Lake Constance. 

152 Miles

Heading east from Lindau enter Bavaria, home of many of Germany’s best-known cliches: beer, lederhosen, sausage dogs, sauerkraut and fairy-tale castles. Drive along the thrilling Alpine Road and visit the castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein, the latter is the ultimate story-book castle. Drive through Garmisch-Partenkirchen, host of the 1936 Winter Olympics and onto Tegernsee. Stay in a charming country house hotel for the next two nights, on the outskirts of a spa town, one of the country’s most elegant resorts, and where the thermal springs are at a constant 27ºC.

A day off to either relax, or there are a number of scenic drives. Tegernsee is among Bavaria’s most beautiful lakes and the area has long been a favourite with the rich. The little town of Tegernsee has a 1300 year old monastery, now a castle. From the southern end of the lake there is a cable car up into the mountains giving access to wonderful views and walks.

147 Miles

Some more great driving and beautiful scenery today. The route takes you to Bertchesgaden and the location of Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest which can be visited, along with the superb museum, the Dokumentation Centre, which charts the rise of the Nazis. Drive along scenic roads all the way into Austria and to Kitzbuhel, where the tour will spend the next two nights. Stay in a stunning design hotel with glorious views over Kitzbuhel and just near the town centre. There is a fabulous spa and indoor pool to relax in as well.

72 Miles

Kitzbuhel has a picturesque centre and is a fashionable and prosperous resort. There are many lovely walking trails surrounding the town or drive our recommended circular, scenic drive to Zell am Zee and perhaps tackle the Grossglockner Pass.

136 Miles

An easy drive along the Inn River valley to the beautifully situated town of Imst. On the way visit Innsbruck with its 15th century baroque facades and mountain backdrop. There is also a chance to visit the Swarovski crystal workshop and exhibition.

183 Miles

Leave Austria and cross the border into Italy to drive some of the world’s most famous and thrilling mountain passes, including the Stelvio Pass, the highest road pass in Europe. Then head into Switzerland and over the Bernina Pass in time to explore St Moritz and the nearby, famous Cresta run. Travel over the startlingly dramatic Julier Pass and stay in the little village of Lenzerheide, in the mountains, in a stunning old converted farm for two nights.

Enjoy another day off. There are some fabulous walks and hikes, amidst the unique alpine flora, around the village and mountains, or you can head off on two or four wheels. Alternatively relax and indulge in the spa, enjoy the views of the panoramic sauna, and open-air hot-tub surrounded by idyllic alpine vistas, or experience the feel and scent of a meadow hay bed!

168 Miles

Another excellent day of sensational mountain driving. Drive north to Chur and then east to Andermatt. Climb over the beautiful Susten Pass and descend to Brienzer See. Pass through Meiringen, location of Sherlock Holmes’ ‘death’, and head for Brienz, a quiet town renowned for its beautiful wood carvings. Visit the wonderful ethnographic museum at Ballenberg, which shows Switzerland as it used to be with buildings, animals, historical gardens and fields, and typical crafts and customs.

It is a gentle drive along from Brienz to the spa town of Interlaken, nestled between the lakes of Thun See and Brienzer See. There is a wonderful side trip to the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Jungfraujoch. Take a trip up to the Schilthorn, by funicular railway, where the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was filmed. Then wind your way through classic Swiss scenery to Gstaad, playground of the rich and famous, and a perfect place for afternoon tea and a stroll. Stay for two nights in a fabulous hotel just a minute’s stroll from the town centre.

63 Miles

Spend the day exploring the surrounding area. Visit the superb Nestle Cailler chocolate factory or discover how Gruyeres cheese is made at the nearby factory, or traditional farm. The medieval hill-top town of Gruyeres is very pretty and well worth a visit and a stroll around the chateau or along the walls. This is true Swiss dairy country so a meal in Gruyeres is recommended to sample the world famous cheese, cream, chocolate and meringue cuisine. There are also some beautiful walks in the surrounding mountains including botanical floral paths. If you’re feeling very energetic try some summer skiing on the glacier at Les Diablerets!

157 Miles

Drive over the Jaunpass and then skirt Lake Gruyeres, heading to the medieval city of Fribourg. Cross the plain to the pretty, lake-side town of Morat/Murten and then round Lake Neuchatel.  Climb up the Jura, stopping to see the panoramic view at Vue des Alpes, before visiting the superb watch museum at La Chaux de Fonds near the Swiss/French border. Cross into the Franche-Comte region of France and stay in a wonderful, mellow chateau situated in tranquil gardens.

254 Miles

It’s a long but lovely drive across country on good, open roads. Visit the medieval town of Troyes – particularly the most beautifully restored 15th century buildings around the Cathedral. Continue on, driving through the Champagne region and Epernay, to Laon, and stay in the same hotel as the first night of the tour.

151 Miles

For UK participants, drive to Calais and take the ferry across to Dover and depart.