BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

More Mountains all the Way

Date: 4 - 12 September 2010
Type of Tour: Adventure, Mountains & Lakes, Long Distance
New date added: 3 - 11 September 2010

How do I book?

Telephone: 08446 623913 or +44 208 607 3917 if outside the UK.
Fax: 0208 607 3901
E-mail: bmw@worldofbmw.com

Over the years this nine day tour has become a firm favourite with BMW customers. It is for riders who enjoy long days in the saddle, spectacular riding over some of the highest mountain roads in Europe and a chance to put your bike through its paces. This year we have varied the route once again, but have kept in all the best mountain passes – almost 30 of them in all!

Throughout this ride you will be exposed to some of the world’s most wonderful mountain passes such as Timmelsjoch, Furka and Grimsel. You will also savour the dramatic scenery of this part of Europe from some of the highest peaks such the Grossglockner – a mere 2,500m high!

Day 1 (04 September) - Dover – Calais – Metz

We take an early morning ferry crossing to France during which there will be time for breakfast and a briefing on the day ahead. This is followed by a cross-country run through the Ardennes towards Metz, for our first overnight stay on the outskirts of the city. As this is the first night, dinner will be included, enabling the whole group to become better acquainted. There will also be a longer briefing on the tour programme. (Mileage; 290)

Day 2 (05 September) - Metz to Black Forest

Today we head south towards the Vosges Mountains, riding on some wonderful biking roads before finishing with a run over the Col du Bonhomme and into Colmar. We'll then continue across the Rhine into the Black Forest, and to the beautiful old city of Freiburg for our next overnight stay. Tonight’s accommodation has been reserved at a three star hotel close to the city centre, with air conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi access, a fitness centre and garage. The old centre of Freiburg has a wide selection of bars and restaurants for dinner this evening. (Mileage; 200)

Day 3 (06 September) - Black Forest to Davos

Following a ‘wake-up’ run over the Schauinsland Road, we’ll search out some of the best Black Forest roads on our way to the Swiss border. The route then travels south, through Switzerland, to cross the Brunig Pass and the colossal Susten Pass. Once down into Andermatt we will head up again over the Oberal Pass to Chur, before ending the day with a run to our next overnight stop in the ski resort of Davos. Here we will stay in a comfortable four star hotel, with leisure facilities and a fine restaurant. For dinner tonight you can eat in the hotel or in the town - your choice. (Mileage; 275)

Day 4 (07 September) - Davos to St Anton

A real mountains day! After a buffet breakfast, we’ll tackle the Fluela Pass from Davos, before heading south over the A’lbulapass to St Moritz. Then it’s on to the Bernina Pass towards Tresenda, and the start of the long climb through Bormio to one of the most famous of all - the Stelvio. After pausing for breath (and lunch!) at the top, we will then complete the run down the ‘staircase’ of 42 hairpins to the bottom. From here we climb the Paso di Resia on our way to Landeck, before continuing on towards another ski resort, St Anton for the night….and a rest! Our four star hotel, with leisure facilities, is right in the town and dinner tonight will be included. (Mileage; 200)

Day 5 (08 September) - St Anton to Cortina

Today we tackle another of the big ones - the Grossglockner! First though, a run up towards Innsbruck, followed by the Gerol Pass to Kitzbuhel and Bruck. We’ll then ride on to the Grossglockner - at over 2,500 metres, it’s one of the highest passes in Europe. The scenery is as dramatic as the road and we’d highly recommend taking time out to see the Franz Joseph glacier on the way down. As usual, coffee and lunch stops will be at the top, with stunning views into the snow line. Then we head south, into fashionable Cortina d’Ampezzo for the night. Our next four star hotel is located right in the centre and is surrounded by restaurants for dinner. (Mileage; 265)

Day 6 (09 September) - Cortina to Zernez

A buffet breakfast followed by the Paso di Falzarego just outside Cortina - a perfect start to the day! From here we continue to Bolzano, through the beautiful Val Gardena. We’ll then climb straight up the twisting Mendel Pass, before taking on one of the great descents in Italy - the run down Gampenjoch, with fast flowing bends and heart-stopping views of Merano to the right. This, however, is just a teaser for another of the ‘big ones’ – Timmelsjoch. At over 2500 meters, this is another spectacular ride! We’ll then head south-west to Susch and Zernez, where we will spend the night in a central three star hotel. All the rooms are en suite and non-smoking with TV, with the hotel offering a restaurant, bar and garage. (Mileage; 275)

Day 7 (10 September) - Zernez to Meiringen

First we will take a run south to Chiavenna, before swinging north over the Splugen Pass and the San Bernardino. These are just warm-ups for the San Gottard, Furka and Grimsel Passes on our way to Meiringen. There are plenty of great coffee stops at the top of each Pass, providing ideal opportunities for a quick break and a photo. On arrival in Meiringen we will make our way to our hotel, situated in the town centre. (Mileage; 200)

Day 8 (11 September) - Meiringen to Troyes

Today we pass through Bern and back over the border, to begin the ride across rural France towards our final overnight stop of the tour in Troyes - but still seeking out the best riding roads on the route. As this is the last night of the tour dinner will be a group affair, where we will re-live the events of the previous days and our travels through the mountains. (Mileage; 270)

Day 9 (12 September) - Troyes to Calais

With the mountains behind us, we will enjoy a run back to Calais on quieter, less congested back roads. The return ferry to Dover will be booked for the afternoon. Alternatively, take the Autoroute, to speed your way back for an earlier boat. (Mileage; 250)

Rider Price: £1,175
Couple Price: £1,495

Tour includes; return ferry to France; halfboard in Metz, B&B in Freiburg, Davos, halfboard in St Anton, B&B in Cortina, Zernez and Meiringen, halfboard in Troyes; the tour programme as described; all the necessary maps; route details; travel pack; local overnight parking charges; a World of BMW Tour Leader to accompany the group; and VAT.

Not included are; fuel; meals other than those specified; drinks; local entertainment not included in the programme; tolls and travel insurance.