Grand Tour of the Alps - 7 days

Road Trip in Europe

Grand Tour to the Swiss & Austrian Alps 

A seven-day road trip and alpine Grand Tour, that takes you through 4 countries, passing along the most incredible driving roads, alpine passes, and enjoying the most incredible natural sights along the way, from glaciers to lakes, to gorges and waterfalls, this route has it all. 

The tour starts in the spa town of Baden Baden, at the northern tip of Germany's Black Forest, and then combines a full day driving through the heart of the scenic Black Forest to Zurich.  You then spend a further  2 days driving in the Swiss / Italian Alps, overnight in one of the finest 5 stars in the Swiss Alps.  Next up, 2 full days driving in the Austrian Alps, on what we consider to be the best driving roads in Europe, the Voralberg Alps.  You then spend a final evening on the shores of Lake Constance in Germany at the wonderful 5 Star Riva - an award-winning lakeside hotel with a 2-star kitchen to boot.  Along the way, you will drive at least 7 Cat 1 mountain passes (2000M+), visit two  Glaciers, and get to stay at some of the most exclusive, and relaxing alpine hotels in the Alps, combining 5-star luxury and 4-star boutique overnights, to create a truly memorable tour of the Alps

Due to the nature of the high mountain roads, this trip is only possible from June till mid-Oct when the highest roads are open and clear of snow.

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Grand Tour of the Alps Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrivals into Baden Baden

Make your own way to the beautiful spa town of Baden Baden.  Set on the northern tip of Germany's Black Forest, the town has a wonderful and vibrant center, as several spas that tap into the thermal waters.  The Roomers hotel is also quite unique, with it's Miami Beach vibe, set in a Bavarian town, be sure to check out the rooftop bar and sushi restaurant. 

Overnight: 5 Star Roomers Hotel, Baden Baden

Day 2 - Through the Black Forest to Zurich

Your tour will start the following morning, by heading south and through the heart of the Black Forest, crossing the panorama Hochstrasse/Route 500, journeying south through small ski resorts, around glacial lakes, and across lower mountain passes, before crossing the Rhine into Switzerland.  Spend that evening in the compact, yet totally international city of Zurich, where you can enjoy a lakeside stroll, or a meal out in the beautiful old town, set on either side of the Limmat river

Overnight: 4 Star Superior B2 Spa Hotel

Day 3 - Lake Luzern and the Central Swiss Alps 

After an evening in Zurich, the tour will continue south, around Lake Luzern, where you will stop for morning coffees at the small lakeside town of Vitznau.

The next stop will be the central Swiss Alps, where you will journey through the ski resort of Andermatt, before crossing three wonderful mountain passes, following the path of the Rhine.  You then head towards the Graubunden region of the Swiss Alps, crossing the spectacular Albula Pass

Finally, heading down on the Engadin Valley / St Moritz region then up to the jet set ski region of Engadin / St Moritz for the evening.

Overnight: 5 Star Grand Hotel Kronenhof

Day 4 - Swiss National Park & Stelvio National Park

The next day you can spend at leisure, or take a scenic loop of the Swiss National Park & Stelvio National Park, Italy, where you get to drive along the scenic Engadin Valley, past castles and wonderful hilltop villages, before crossing into Italy and the Stelvio National Park, where you will get to drive the famous Stelvio Pass.  Along the way, you will also get to drive the Offen Pass, which cuts its way through the heart of the Swiss National Park and is probably our favorite pass in the Swiss Alps. 

After the loop is completed, return back to your hotel in the Swiss Alps for a second evening.

Overnight: 5 Star Grand Hotel Kronenhof

Day 5 - Into Austria & the Kaunertal Glacier road

The journey then continues into Austria.  The first stage of the tour will take you on a journey along the lower Engadin Valley, a wonderful sweeping route that heads East, with hilltop villages and castles overlooking the valley.

Along the way, you will make diversions to the Castle of Tarasp, and the sleepy village of Tischlin, before crossing into Austria.

Next stop will be a run along the incredible Kaunertal Glacier road, 40km of pure driving pleasure as you had beyond 2700M, for lunch by the glacier.  The drive then finishes with a run up to the Austrian ski resort of Lech where you will be based for your next evening.

Overnight: 4 Star Superior Krumers Alpine Oasis 

Day 6 - Austrian Alps / Voralberg

For your final scenic drive, you will head into one of the best driving regions in Europe, the Voralberg region of the western Austrian Alps, famous for ski resorts such as Lech, St Anton, and Ischgl.  As you make your way west through the region.

Along the way, you will cross the incredible Hahtenjoch mountain pass, in our Top 10 best drives in Europe, on your way to the beautiful Lake of Constance where you will spend your final evening, besides the lake, at one of the most elegant lakeside 5 stars in Germany

Overnight: 5 Star Riva Hotel Lake Constance (where mid-week arrivals)

Day 7 - Departures

Rise early for your drive back to the UK, this can be divided into two stages if you prefer, with a stop in the Champagne region close by to the town of Epernay, ask our team for more details on options if you do prefer to break the drive back into two. 

Day 8 and 9 - Optional Extension - to Strasbourg then Champagne 

It is possible to extend this package by a further 2 nights / 2 drives.  The first takes you back through the Black Forest to Strasbourg, one of the most beautiful towns in France with its medieval old town and canals, and also the home to the European Parliament.  After a night in Satrsbough, continue your journey directly to the Champagne / Epernay region, making an afternoon loop of Route Champagne, then a final evening in Epernay.   You are now less than 2 hour drive from Calais, and the Eurotunnel back to the UK.   

Please ask for more details if you are interested in this extension. 

To ask us a question about our 'Grand Tour of the Alps - 7 days' justdrive holiday, please fill out this simple form below. One of our experienced staff members will be in touch within 24 hours.

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