Alpine South Tour - September 2nd - 11th 2011
We've just come back from our Classic Alpine Tour which is always over subscribed so we decided to run two for 2011.
However because we're not running our B.A.S.E. or Le Mans Classic tours this year we felt the need to find a way to visit some of our other favourites, namely Northern Spain, The Millau bridge and Mont Ventoux. There is also the fact that the normal Alpine tour is very much aimed at those who want to drive all day.
Thus we have come up with the ‘Alpine South Tour'. Aimed at those who still want to enjoy the best roads in the Alps but prefer a few more creature comforts, slightly shorter driving days and an alternative route. We are also including evening meals every night (except on the ferry) on this trip which is not the case on the original Alpine Tour
We've made sure we include the best passes in the Alps and added in a little more adventure and spectacle.
Day 1
Portsmouth - Bilbao
An opportunity to relax and cruise down to Spain whilst getting to know your fellow tourists whilst enjoying the excellent on board facilities.
Day 2
Bilbao - Pamplona - 90 Miles
Drive off the boat and into northern Spain, where we cross the country in grand style arriving in Pamplona (famous for it's annual bull-running event)
Day 3
Pamplona - Lerida - 225 Miles
A trip up into the southern foothills of the Pyrenees and along the canyons and rivers that flow down from the mountains. Spectacular scenery and sinuous tarmac in equal measure, though you'll struggle to believe you're in Spain...
Day 4
Lerida to Carcasonne - 230 Miles
A brisk drive up into the mountains and through the principality of Andorra, before descending into southern France and heading off to the 2500-year-old walled city of Carcassonne.
Day 5
Carcasonne - Carpentras - 260 Miles
Another fun filled day of driving through the challenging and picturesque French back roads with the added bonus of a trip to the stunning Millau Bridge, the Norman Foster designed jewel in the crown of French road building.
Day 6
Carpentras - Courmayeur - 296 Miles
An early start for a dawn raid on one of our favourite drivers roads. Mont Ventoux is a special stage of the Tour De France. A sinuous piece of tarmac with razor sharp hairpins and short hard straights leading up to a summit with a simply breathtaking view. We may even have time to do the ascent more than once and believe us when we tell you, it is well worthwhile. from there we head to the town of Courmayeur at the base of Mont Blanc ready for the Alpine portion of the tour.
Day 7
Courmayeur - Andermatt - 272 Miles
It's passes day, The Grand St Bernard, Nufenen, Susten, Furka and Grimsel passes to name just a few. We have a carefully planned route to make the most of the day and leave with a huge grin on your face.
Day 8
Andermatt - Davos - 243 Miles
That grin will be a permanent feature on your face with the thought of more passes and a trip to one of the most famous of them all the Stelvio pass. Before that though, we will be warming up with the Julier pass and then having the Umbrail, and Fluella passes for dessert as we head towards our overnight stop in the lovely town of Davos.
Day 9
Davos to Offenberg - 270 miles
As we leave Switzerland you may think thats the end of the fun, but we couldn't do that to you. We may be starting to head towards home but we can't stay this close to Germany nd not take in some of our favourite roads in the Black Forest, you may know that the guys from Ducati come here to test their bikes. As we reflect on the days fun at our hotel in Ofenberg you will be left in no doubt as to the reason.
Day 10
Offenberg to Calais - 404 miles
The last day of the trip and the homeward leg, but we've saved a bit of fun for the last day. A trip to the old Grand Prix circuit at Reims. For so long this historic circuit and it's outbuildings was in ruins. Now however, they are being brought back to life. We have time to stop for a photo opportunity and a quick blast down the old straight to get a sense of what it was like all those years ago. Finally we head to Calais and a sad farewell to your fellow tourists and new found friends.
Costs
The price will be £1449 per person based on two people sharing a car and a twin or double room.
There is also a solo driver option which is £1599 per person
The booking deposit is £500 per person.
Whats included;
One way Ferry (including twin berths) Portsmouth - Bilbao
one way Eurotunnel crossing - Calais to Folkestone
8 nights accommodation on a dinner bed and breakfast basis
Two experienced tour managers in two cars to lead and chase.
sat nav files, licensed walkie talkies, info packs with route notes, maps and useful info,
Whats not included;
lunch, food on the ferry, drinks, tolls, fuel.
European breakdown cover (for your own peace of mind we make this a requirement on all tours)
We've just come back from our Classic Alpine Tour which is always over subscribed so we decided to run two for 2011.
However because we're not running our B.A.S.E. or Le Mans Classic tours this year we felt the need to find a way to visit some of our other favourites, namely Northern Spain, The Millau bridge and Mont Ventoux. There is also the fact that the normal Alpine tour is very much aimed at those who want to drive all day.
Thus we have come up with the ‘Alpine South Tour'. Aimed at those who still want to enjoy the best roads in the Alps but prefer a few more creature comforts, slightly shorter driving days and an alternative route. We are also including evening meals every night (except on the ferry) on this trip which is not the case on the original Alpine Tour
We've made sure we include the best passes in the Alps and added in a little more adventure and spectacle.
Day 1
Portsmouth - Bilbao
An opportunity to relax and cruise down to Spain whilst getting to know your fellow tourists whilst enjoying the excellent on board facilities.
Day 2
Bilbao - Pamplona - 90 Miles
Drive off the boat and into northern Spain, where we cross the country in grand style arriving in Pamplona (famous for it's annual bull-running event)
Day 3
Pamplona - Lerida - 225 Miles
A trip up into the southern foothills of the Pyrenees and along the canyons and rivers that flow down from the mountains. Spectacular scenery and sinuous tarmac in equal measure, though you'll struggle to believe you're in Spain...
Day 4
Lerida to Carcasonne - 230 Miles
A brisk drive up into the mountains and through the principality of Andorra, before descending into southern France and heading off to the 2500-year-old walled city of Carcassonne.
Day 5
Carcasonne - Carpentras - 260 Miles
Another fun filled day of driving through the challenging and picturesque French back roads with the added bonus of a trip to the stunning Millau Bridge, the Norman Foster designed jewel in the crown of French road building.
Day 6
Carpentras - Courmayeur - 296 Miles
An early start for a dawn raid on one of our favourite drivers roads. Mont Ventoux is a special stage of the Tour De France. A sinuous piece of tarmac with razor sharp hairpins and short hard straights leading up to a summit with a simply breathtaking view. We may even have time to do the ascent more than once and believe us when we tell you, it is well worthwhile. from there we head to the town of Courmayeur at the base of Mont Blanc ready for the Alpine portion of the tour.
Day 7
Courmayeur - Andermatt - 272 Miles
It's passes day, The Grand St Bernard, Nufenen, Susten, Furka and Grimsel passes to name just a few. We have a carefully planned route to make the most of the day and leave with a huge grin on your face.
Day 8
Andermatt - Davos - 243 Miles
That grin will be a permanent feature on your face with the thought of more passes and a trip to one of the most famous of them all the Stelvio pass. Before that though, we will be warming up with the Julier pass and then having the Umbrail, and Fluella passes for dessert as we head towards our overnight stop in the lovely town of Davos.
Day 9
Davos to Offenberg - 270 miles
As we leave Switzerland you may think thats the end of the fun, but we couldn't do that to you. We may be starting to head towards home but we can't stay this close to Germany nd not take in some of our favourite roads in the Black Forest, you may know that the guys from Ducati come here to test their bikes. As we reflect on the days fun at our hotel in Ofenberg you will be left in no doubt as to the reason.
Day 10
Offenberg to Calais - 404 miles
The last day of the trip and the homeward leg, but we've saved a bit of fun for the last day. A trip to the old Grand Prix circuit at Reims. For so long this historic circuit and it's outbuildings was in ruins. Now however, they are being brought back to life. We have time to stop for a photo opportunity and a quick blast down the old straight to get a sense of what it was like all those years ago. Finally we head to Calais and a sad farewell to your fellow tourists and new found friends.
Costs
The price will be £1449 per person based on two people sharing a car and a twin or double room.
There is also a solo driver option which is £1599 per person
The booking deposit is £500 per person.
Whats included;
One way Ferry (including twin berths) Portsmouth - Bilbao
one way Eurotunnel crossing - Calais to Folkestone
8 nights accommodation on a dinner bed and breakfast basis
Two experienced tour managers in two cars to lead and chase.
sat nav files, licensed walkie talkies, info packs with route notes, maps and useful info,
Whats not included;
lunch, food on the ferry, drinks, tolls, fuel.
European breakdown cover (for your own peace of mind we make this a requirement on all tours)
