From the “Welcome to Munich” greeting right through to the end of this 7 day adventure, the Alpine Romp is up, over, next to and on top the world’s most impressive mountains.
Imst, Austria is the first destination. Getting there requires tour members to tackle impressive passes, ride past historical castles, and acclimate themselves to challenging roads. The perfect start for an adventure!
Italy’s majestic Dolomite Mountains are the destination for the 2nd day. Getting there is all the fun, as the first order of business is crossing the Austrian Alps. Options range from the 4 lane Brenner Autobahn (boring!) to the remote Timmelsjoch, or over the Reschenpass with its famous submerged church. And those are the riding options before lunch. Similar choices must be made after lunch.
One remarkable fact about the Alpine mountains is that there is no best way to traverse them. Each pass has its own character, its own views and its own appeal. “Bench racing” at the end of the day, participants quickly realize that the stories of the route they took compare to everyone else’s, even if the routes themselves had nothing in common. It is all beautiful, it is all challenging, and it is all a motorist’s paradise!
Arabba, our 1st double-overnight stay, is perfectly situated in a valley surrounded by vertical mountains. Sitting on the patio of our hotel, sipping a drink, lets one to confirm the nagging thought that has been flirting about all day – that this is someplace very special!
Our accommodation features a complete spa, so the free day activities may be kick-started by, or end with, a sauna, a dip in the pool, and a massage. With World-class scenery all around, a ride will surely be in order. On this day it is possible to easily conquer 10 mountain passes, and uber-enthusiastic riders could tag as many as 20.
The majesty of the Dolomites doesn’t fade as we leave Arabba. Roughly following the historical front-line between the Austrians and the Italians during the First World War, the day to Villach allows exploration of roads that were critical to the supply lines during this terrible conflict.
Villach, an Austrian town with an Italian attitude, makes a perfect base for two days of exploring an interesting corner of Slovenia, Italy or more of Austria. Bled, one of Slovenia’s diamonds, is nearby. The white Julier Alps offer great riding, and those include to venture further afield will find a variety of former military roads leading up and over the mountains. Paragliding is a possibility, shopping or sitting by the lake side.
The final day on the road, returning to Munich, is a big ride, but far from a “transit” day. Austria’s Grossglockner High Alpine Road takes one from temperate to sub-arctic climes as the altitude gains. The National Park offers a variety of displays and information kiosks on the ascent and descent describing the flora and fauna at a particular altitude. Riders interested in a quick visit to Salzburg may elect to motor up there on the Autobahn and lunch in the citiy’s old section. Which ever way one chooses, it means yet another crossing of the Alpine range. Darn!
Major mountain passes, breathtaking panoramic routes, remote minor roads, fascinating Alpine towns and wonderful accommodation will make your heart leap and fill the scrapbook with memories. Our bet is that you will be back for a two week tour before you know it!
August 19 ~ 26
Munich, Germany
625 miles / your choice
Summer
Munich, Arabba, Villach
detailing daily options & points of interest in route
with turn by turn detail of each daily route option
preprogrammed with hotel and guide phone numbers
embroidered with your name and tour
Prices based on shared twin/double room. Single rooms available at extra charge.
Rider price includes the choice of a BMW F650GS, F800R, F800GS, F800ST, R1200R or R1200GS motorcycle with unlimited mileage. Other models are available at additional cost. Find out more about the various models of BMW Motorcycles available for use on a Beach tour.
Sports car Driver price does not include vehicle. Please see the list of convertibles available for use on a Beach tour for details and prices on the automobiles available.
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