Best of European Alps (Self-Drive)

After months of eager anticipation, your departure day is finally upon you: Welcome to Munich!

Begin your day by picking up your bike or car, ready to embark on the epic Best of European Alps Self-Drive Tour.

Bid farewell to Munich as you head south, passing through charming small villages along the way. Take in the picturesque scenery until you reach Reit im Winkl, where you can pause for a delightful lunch break.

Continue your journey southward, traversing beautiful forested areas where you’ll catch your first glimpses of the majestic Alps. Consider making a stop in Kitzbuhel, renowned for its legendary downhill racetrack.

Your final destination for the day is Zell am See, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures amidst the stunning Alpine landscape.

Continue your journey westward, navigating through enchanting twists and turns while soaking in the breathtaking scenery until you reach Birchabruck. From there, make a turn towards Passo Lavaze, passing through the charming towns of Cavalese and Val di Fiemme. Embark on the “milk route,” traversing picturesque winding roads as you make your way to Trento.

Departing from Trento, ascend the mountain road via the quaint village of Norway, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Follow the eastern shore of the stunning Lake Garda, enjoying unparalleled views, until you reach Desenzano del Garda and your hotel for the night.

Desenzano epitomizes the vibrant charm of Lake Garda, offering a versatile and lively vacation experience. Its picturesque harbor, adorned with palm trees, boasts a delightful array of cafes and restaurants, while the narrow streets leading from the beautiful city square are lined with modern shops. The weekly market adds to the city’s allure, drawing locals and visitors alike.

Pebble-covered beaches adorn both sides of the city, inviting strolls and tranquil moments by the water. In the neighboring city of Sirmione, you can delve into history by exploring the caves immortalized by the Roman poet Catullus, or visit the exquisite old church adorned with frescoes. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Scaliger Castle, where captivating stories of conquests and settlements unfold over the centuries.

Lake Garda and its surrounding area, characterized by a mild climate and charming villages against the backdrop of snow-capped Alps peaks, have long captivated travelers seeking respite from northern climates. Here, amidst the breathtaking landscape, visitors immerse themselves in the warmth of southern culture, savoring delectable cuisine and embracing the rich folklore. Discover the largest lake in Italy, where sheer cliff walls adorn the northwest side, while villages with distinctive brick roofs and elegant cypress trees grace the southeastern shore.

Today promises an early start, as there’s an abundance of unforgettable experiences awaiting you. Prepare to once again traverse breathtaking mountain passes, including roads that Top Gear unofficially dubbed the world’s best driving route. Your journey begins amidst varied natural landscapes, with majestic mountains surrounding you, as you ascend via Passo Pennes (Penserjock) and over Passo Giovo (Jaufenstrasse), culminating in the region’s highest peak, Passo Stelvio (Stilfserjock).

At an elevation of 2,757 meters above sea level, Passo Stelvio stands as the second-highest pass in the Alps, surpassed only by the Col de IÍseran in France. Renowned for its 60 hairpin turns winding up the mountainside, this stretch of road is not only spectacular but also steeped in history, having hosted stages of the Giro de Italia.

On this driving day, utmost concentration and composure are essential. Be prepared for fluctuating weather conditions and temperatures, as temperatures can dip below zero, even in the height of summer. While the journey may present challenges, it promises to be an exhilarating and rewarding experience for those ready to embrace the adventure.

Prepare for an early start today, as you’ll be covering a longer stretch than usual. Your journey begins in Livigno, Italy, as you cross the border into Switzerland and make your way towards Passo del Bernina. Consider a brief detour to capture some memorable snapshots in the renowned winter sports haven of St. Moritz. Continuing northward, traverse through enchanting forests and picturesque villages before veering off to conquer the Fluela Pass. Upon reaching Davos, take the opportunity to savor a delightful lunch at one of the city’s esteemed restaurants.

Afterward, head southward once more, embarking on a scenic drive along the picturesque San Bernardino Pass, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Continue your journey northward, crossing over Lukmarierpass before concluding the day’s adventure with a drive over the Oberalpenpass to Andermatt.

Today offers the opportunity to explore the surrounding passes of Andermatt, traversing warm valleys and high-altitude, chilly mountain passes. It’s advisable to bring warm clothing to combat the cold temperatures. Begin your day by navigating the world-renowned cobbled road of St. Gotthard Pass, though be cautious of slippery roads on the descent from the mountainside.

As you cross the border into Italy, you’ll encounter Passo Della Novena and Nufenenpass, characterized by smoother roads and fewer hairpin turns. Continue your journey to Grimsel Pass, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the road snaking up the mountainside. Next, traverse over Sustenpass before returning to Andermatt for a well-deserved lunch break.

In the afternoon, head westward to Furka Pass before crossing back into Italy to drive Passo Della Novena, Nufenenpass, and St. Gotthard Pass once more. We believe the St. Gotthard Pass offers such a remarkable experience that it’s worth riding in both directions. This marks the last mountain pass of the tour before you return to Andermatt, concluding your unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Alpine landscape.

As your journey through Europe’s best mountain passes draws to a close, you’ll embark on the final leg of this incredible tour. Depart from Andermatt and make your way through Schattdorf, where steep mountains tower above you, and Klausenpass, renowned for its abundance of challenging hairpin turns. Traverse through several quaint Swiss villages, soaking in the charm of the countryside, before heading south towards St. Gallen.

From St. Gallen, continue your journey southward towards Liechtenstein, driving through the eastern part of the principality, and onward to Feldkirch. Along the way, you’ll be treated to picturesque landscapes and captivating vistas, marking a fitting end to your unforgettable adventure through Europe’s most spectacular mountain passes.

Today marks the final day of your driving adventure. You’ll conclude your tour with a spectacular ride through numerous quaint villages as you make your way northeast toward Munich. Enjoy the scenic journey past Garmisch-Partenkirchen before arriving in Munich to return your vehicle. It promises to be a memorable end to an incredible journey.

Bid farewell to the majestic European Alps, the stunning Dolomites, and the vibrant city of Munich as you head home. Thank you for choosing our Best of European Alps Self-Drive tour. We hope your journey was filled with unforgettable moments, breathtaking landscapes, and the joy of discovery. Safe travels back, and we look forward to welcoming you on another adventure in the future!

Please note: Due to time differences, travelers from Europe will arrive home on the date or day after departing from the US.

Additionally: It’s essential to understand that while our itinerary outlines a comprehensive framework for the tour’s planned activities and experiences, deviations may occur. The beauty of a self-drive tour lies in the personal freedom it offers. You are in control, serving as your own guide. This flexibility allows you to choose whether to stick to our suggested path or venture off into detours that catch your eye. Your adventure is yours to shape, providing an opportunity to make the trip uniquely yours, filled with unexpected discoveries and personal highlights.