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2009 pictures
This is an
escorted Tour
which means that although the guide will be with you, you are responsible
for doing your own navigation.
This system suits many people, as it allows them to ride at their own pace and style, either alone, in small groups, or if you are new to touring with the guide
| Duration | 11 Nights / 12 Days or (9 Nights / 10 days)** |
| Tour Area | Austria / Italian Dolomites / Italian Lakes / French Alps |
| Status | Escorted Tour (E) |
| Accommodation | 3 & 4 star Hotels, most with Swimming Pools |
| Mileage | 250 - 300 miles per day - longest day 340 miles |
| Tour mileage | 1500 miles |
| Roads | Combination of Motorway, A, B and mountain roads |
| Skills | Experienced rider with continental experience |
Having toured in the Dolomites last year, and the the Italian Lakes the year before, we thought why not combine the two together, and create a new two centre touring holiday.
It does not matter how many mountains you have seen before, nothing quite prepares you for your first glimse of the Dolomites - the vertical massifs of the mountains, set amongst the lush green meadows, are so unique they are sure to take your breath away. The mountain roads are demanding ensuring total concentration, so what better way to relax than a few days by the beautiful Lake Guarda.
We feel this tour will very much appeal to experienced riders who have previously ridden on the continent. There is a choice of crossings: either Hull to Zeebrugge or cross channel. If taking the cross channel route, the tour could be shortened by two nights.
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Tour Format
Day 1: Thursday 9th September Today, you should make your way to Hull, where we catch the P&O overnight ferry to Zeebrugge. It is possible to board late afternoon, which then allows plenty of time to relax and enjoy the onboard facilities. A 2 berth en-suite cabin is included in your package. (Alternative crossings available - see below**).
Day 2: Friday 10th September (340 miles) An early arrival ensures we get a good start to today's ride across France. Our day finishes at a 3 star hotel in the Lorraine region, where we get to meet any colleagues who have taken the channel crossing. There is chance to make use of the hotel's jacuzzi and swimming pool, before going in for an evening meal. The meal, along with secure undercover parking, is included in your stay.
Day 3: Saturday 11th September (273 miles) Our journey continues along the Route des Crete's, before dropping to the flat fertile plains of the Rhein Valley. Having crossed the Rhein, we ride eastwards through the southern Black Forest and into Switzerland. Chance to visit the famous Rheinfalls before taking a scenic ride through the principality of Liechtenstein. We enter the Vorarlberg region of Austria and arrive at our hotel for the night - a family run 4 star hotel in a beautiful mountain valley setting. Undercover parking is available, full use of the hotel's facilities (including a swimming pool), and an evening meal are included.
Day 4: Sunday 12th September (141 miles) Today we have a choice of routes to our base in the Italian Dolomites. Either down the scenic Reschenpass with its famous lake clock tower or over the famous Timmelsjoch (el. 8232 ft./2509 m.) This high mountain pass is a bikers' favourite, and creates a link through the Otzal Alps along the current border between Austria and Italy.
Days 5 ,6 Monday 13th - Tuesday 14th September (free days) Your base for the next two days is a family-run 4 star hotel in the heart of a lovely little town in the Trentino region. The hotel boasts beautiful mountain views of the Lagorai Mountains, and is within easy walking distance of the town centre, and is ideally situated for days out riding the Dolomites. Hotel facilities include a modern spa centre with a sauna, steam bath, and large Jaccuzzi. Garage parking and all evening meals are included in your stay.
Day 7: Wednesday 15th September (90 miles) Today we swap the Mountains for the Lakes as we head southwards using a 'White Rose Tours Route' to our next stop, a small 3 star hotel sat high above the hustle and bustle of Lake Guarda. The hotel has a large swimming pool and terrace with fantastic lake views, just the place to relax and enjoy a beer or two. Once again garage parking and all evening meals are included.
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Day 8: Thursday 16th September (free day) The hotel is situated in the Northwest of Lake Garda, which is an area that offers plenty of good riding - including the opportunity to ride the roads used in latest James Bond film "Quantum of Solace" - or for those more ambitious, the opportunity to ride the Gavia and Stelvio passes. To the Southeast lies Verona, the romantic setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, and a little further the classic city of Venice. Should you want to take things a little easier, a ride around the lake, a boat trip to Sirmione, or a gentle stroll in nearby Riva del Garda are all highly recommended.
Day 9: Friday 17th September (240 miles) Today we exchange the lakes of Italy for the Alps of France. Using the Italian Autostrada, we pass the hustle and bustle of Milan before entering the dramatic Mont Blanc tunnel, emerging to the tranquil setting of Chamonix Mont Blanc. Our location tonight is at one of our favourite hotels, set in its own grounds on the outskirts of the town, you are treated to great views of the Massif du Mont Blanc and in particular the Aiguille du Midi. Free travel is available for those wanting to visit this popular tourist town.
Day 10: Saturday 18th September (295 miles) Our chosen route today leaves Chamonix via yet another mountain pass and along Swiss motorways on the shores of Lac Leman, before passing back into France and the smaller Jura mountains. Apart from the brief use of a motorway to by-pass Dijon, we are able to enjoy the very best of French provincial N roads, which take us to our final night’s stop near Troyes.
Day 11: Sunday 19th September (245 miles) Today, we say goodbye to those taking a Channel crossing, whilst we ride back to Zeebrugge for the late afternoon ferry. Having safely stowed our bikes, time to make for the bar and enjoy another evening’s entertainment on this overnight ferry.
Day 12: Monday 20th September The ferry docks at 0815 hrs, giving us time to have breakfast and bid farewell to our fellow riders before making our way home.
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Accommodation
Our accommodation for this tour will be a combination of 3 & 4 star hotels. Once again evening meals will be included at all hotels, leaving you with just lunches, drinks and petrol to budget for.
Although we enjoyed the hotel we used in the Dolomites last year, we felt it was a little isolated and soon lost the evening sun, so this year we have moved locations to a 4 star hotel in the middle of a lovely little town in Trentino. Hotel facilities include a modern spa centre with a sauna, steam bath, and large Jaccuzzi. Garage parking and all evening meals are included. This hotel is ideally situated for touring the fantastic passes of the Dolomites, and it's large terrace with mountains views is just the place to relax and talk about the days ride over a beer or two.
Our stay in the lakes is at a small family run 3 star hotel in the Northwest region of Lake Guarda. Set some 600m above the lake it offers fantastic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. All the rooms are en-suite and the majority have balconies with lake views. There is a swimming pool, bar and large terrace where weather permitting, meals will be taken. A lock up garage for your bike and all evening meals are included. Should you fancy a stroll, the local village is a short distance down the road.
On arrival in Chamonix, we stay at a 3 star family-run hotel located in its own grounds, just 3 kms outside Chamonix. There is a regular bus/train service into Chamonix, which is free if you get the relevant pass from hotel reception - Carla, who is part of the family, is usually behind reception, and is English, so she will be able to help you with any queries.
Facilities include a sauna, jacuzzi, open air heated swimming pool and even a tennis court. There is also a comfortable bar and terrace where you can sit and relax and admire the beautiful scenery over a drink. As Chamonix is a popular tourist centre, eating out can be a little expensive - for this reason, we have included an evening meal . The menu is fixed, and will be a typical 3 course d’Hote menu, and, if anything like previous years, is excellent.
Our final night’s stop will once again be at one of our favourite hotels, near Troyes. Set in woodland, it offers an outdoor swimming pool and other leisure facilities. An evening meal (fixed menu) is once again included.
| Tour prices are inclusive of the following |
| * Return Hull - Zeebrugge ferry with 2 berth cabin (depart 1900hrs arrive back 0815hrs ) ** |
| * 9 Night's en-suite accommodation at 3 & 4 star hotels |
| * 9 Evening meals |
| * 9 Regional breakfasts |
| * Full use of the hotels' leisure facilities |
| * Secure parking as necessary |
| * Maps and route notes as appropriate - Garmin routes available |
| * Services of experienced Tour Guide |
| Not Included |
| Meals onboard ferries |
| Tolls (Vignettes) for Austria & Switzerland (£21 / £4) |
| Tour Cost | |
| Two persons, one bike, shared room | £895 each |
| One person, one bike, shared room | £945 each |
| One person, one bike, single room* | £1075 (based on single hotel room and cabin share on ferry) |
| Deposit £95 |
** Ferry Choice
The tour
is priced using the P&O
Hull-Zeebrugge Ferry. If
using a Channel crossing, you are able to shorten your stay by 2 nights
by crossing Friday 10th September and returning Sunday 19th September.
Should you wish to use an alternative crossing, please advise us
and we will adjust
your tour costs accordingly.
* We regret the number of single rooms available on this tour is limited. However, if you are willing to share, there is a good chance we can get you on the tour, and save you money
On all European tours (including Southern Ireland) we require clients to take-out some form of Personal Travel and Accident/Breakdown cover. This is essential for repatriation of yourself and your motorcycle in the event of an accident or medical emergency. We can offer cover through Gold Cover Insurance Services Ltd, a company that have specialised in travel insurance for many years and is used by many Motorcycle Tour Operators.
It is not a condition of your tour that you use our insurance; we only offer this as a service to our clients.