6th to 17th July 2010 (12 day tour to Swiss Alps).
This years Swiss Tour must have had the best weather in Europe, I have never been as warm in the Alps as we were this year, the sunshine was fantastic. We passed over at least 20 Alpine Passes during the course of the tour, including the famous Stelvio Pass in Italy, I think everyone will remember that one for a very long time. Only a couple of minor breakdowns that were easily sorted over the 2500 miles we travelled. Bike of the tour has to be Jim's 28 year old CX500EC that was pressed into service just hours before we left due to a last minute breakdown. It behaved itself impeccibly despite being thrashed down the French Peage and then climbing to over 8000 feet in Italy. I look forward to reading a report on the tour Jim ;-)
Travelling from Dublin via Holyhead then to Hull for an overnight ferry to Zeebrugge.
We will travel south from Zeebrugge stopping off to visit the War Memorial at Thiepval, in memory of the 36th Ulster Division that fought in the Battle of the Somme. Our first nights hotel is in the Champagne region of France.
We then have one long day, mostly on Motorways, to get right into the heart of Switzerland where we will stay for the next three nights in the same hotel. There will be day trips to ride over several famous mountain passes, visit an ice cave and various other attractions. If you wish to have a day or two off the bike exploring, shopping, riding mountain railways or cable cars (if they are running), you are free to do so too.
The Stelvio Pass in Italy (48 hairpins!), is the next destination on this tour. We'll travel east through the Swiss mountains, stopping overnight just before we reach the Italian border. The next morning we'll cross into Italy and storm the pass which is one of the highest in the Alps. We'll then cross the Italian/Swiss border a couple of times on our way to beautiful Lake Maggiore where we will spend two nights. Once again there will be mountain passes for those up to it, or if you wish to take a trip on the lake steamer, go shopping in the busy town of Locarno or just enjoy a few drinks beside the almost tropical lake you are free to do so.
The last part of this tour will have us traverse the Simplon Pass and ride close to Mont Blanc on our way back into France where we will spend a couple of days travelling north, back to Zeebrugge and the first of the two ferries to get us back to Ireland.
Some touring experience is essential for this tour as we will be covering something in the region of 2500 miles.
£975 Rider and pillion, per person sharing twin/double room £1085 Solo rider, per person sharing twin/double room £1250 Solo rider, single room
The tour price includes return ferry crossings from Ireland to Britain and from Britain to European mainland, two nights in cabins on the ferry (you will need to buy your own breakfast on the ferry). Nine nights hotel accommodation with continental breakfasts. Vignette for Switzerland (like a tax disc for your bike). Daily itinerary with route description and the sevices of an experienced motorcyclist/tour leader.
If you wish to join this tour but will not be travelling from Ireland please get in touch to discuss the options. We will be travelling via Hull so customers from Great Britain could meet up with us there.
These prices are current as of October 2009, The ferry component may increase as the date of travel draws nearer so an adjustment may be necessary at some stage should this happen. The best advice is to book early to avoid additional expense.
