Grand Tour of the Alps - 7 days

Tour in Your Own Car - Grand Tour of the Alps

A 7-day road trip and alpine Grand Tour that takes you through 4 countries on the most incredible driving roads, alpine passes, and to 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 involves 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, staying overnight in one of the finest 5 stars in the Swiss Alps. Then, you spend another 2 full days driving in the Austrian Alps on what we consider to be some of the best driving roads in Europe, through the Voralberg Alps. You then spend a final evening on the shores of Lake Constance in Germany. Along the way, you will drive at least 7 Cat 1 mountain passes (2000+ m), visit two glaciers, and get to stay at some of the most exclusive and relaxing alpine hotels.

Note: Due to the nature of the high mountain roads, this trip is only possible from mid May through mid October when the highest roads are open and clear of ice and snow.

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Grand Tour of the Alps

Day 1 - Arrive in Baden-Baden

Make your 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, along with several spas that tap into the thermal waters.

Overnight Hotel: 5-Star Roomers, Baden-Baden

Day 2 - Through the Black Forest to Zurich

Your tour will officially start on Day 2 by heading through the heart of the Black Forest and crossing the panorama Hochstrasse / Route 500. Journey through small ski resorts, around glacial lakes, and across lower mountain passes, before crossing the Rhine into Switzerland. Spend that evening in 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 Hotel: 4-Star Superior B2 Spa Hotel, Zurich

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 Hotel: 5-Star Grand Hotel Kronenhof

Day 4 - Swiss & Stelvio National Parks

On Day 4, you can spend time relaxing at your 5-Star hotel, or choose to take a scenic loop of the Swiss National Park 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 Hotel: 5-Star Grand Hotel Kronenhof

Day 5 - Into Austria & the Kaunertal Glacier Road

The journey continues into Austria on a journey along the lower Engadin Valley, a wonderful sweeping route 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. You'll then follow our route along the incredible Kaunertal Glacier road, 40 km of pure driving pleasure, as you had beyond 2700 m for lunch by the glacier. The drive finishes with a run up to the Austrian ski resort of Lech where you will spend the night.

Overnight Hotel: 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. You will cross the incredible Hahtenjoch mountain pass on your way to the beautiful Lake of Constance where you will spend your final evening beside the lake at one of the most elegant lakeside hotels in Germany.

Overnight Hotel: 5-Star RIVA Hotel, Lake Constance

Day 7 - Departures

Your drive back to the UK can be divided into two parts with a stop in the Champagne region near the town of Epernay. Ask our team for more details on options if you do prefer to break the drive back into two.

(OPTIONAL) Day 8 and 9 - Strasbourg & Champagne 

It is also possible to extend this package by 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 Strasbourg, continue your journey directly to the Champagne / Epernay region, making an afternoon loop of Route Champagne, then a final evening in Epernay.

For even more details, click "Continue" to fill out our inquiry form. Or, send us an email at info@ultimatedrives.net

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