best routes over the Alps?

[gtrob]

Hi people, myself and a few friends are planning a road trip next year in our various classics, they include Triumph GT6 (mine), an MGB GT, VW Beetle, a GTM and a Westfield.
I really want to do Stelvio but after reading some of the reports on here I'm now not so sure. Can anyone recommend a route for us, better driving etc, its our first trip so we need it to be memorable.
Thanks for your advice guys n girls,
rob.

[turbonut]

The stelvio pass is fantastic and definately memorable - took my spit over there a couple of years back. In all honesty though you're best off to take a good map and a tent and just spend a week exploring. There are many passes up there, well off the beaten track and some of the best driving roads in Europe are down there.

[gtrob]

Brilliant, thanks. Puts my mind at rest, we're planning to head down through Belgium, Germany, over the Stelvio onto the Ducatti museum then onto Monte Carlo across the South of France heading home over the Millau Viaduct. I'm definately going to stick to the Stelvio plan then, taking in a few more passes and roads!
Cant wait now, your pics look fantastic, thanks again.
Rob

[Furyblade_Lee]

We did a similar road trip, just be aware France is MASSIVE and the Milau bridge is miles from the Alps then miles from home! I would think twice about going over to the Bridge from a German route, if you do i'd advise you try to take in as many monte Carlo rally stages at possible en route. The Col du Turini and Sisteron stages are woth a visit, as is the Route Napoleon.

[lowdrag]

I think that if you miss the Stelvio you'll kick yourself for the rest of your life. 48 hairpins and a hoot if you get it on a good day and not when there are thousands of motorbikes around. The St. Bernard, the Nufenen, the Simplon just to name a few. I've done the Alps so many times and always come back with a buzz. Take a week, as we do and will again next year, and live. Life is to short to miss it.

[gtrob]

Fantastic guys, thank you. We're going for about 14 days so we have loads of time, I've already been through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and down to the south of France in my GT but had to miss the Stelvio as I had an accident and lost all rear suspension!
Each one of us has a place they want to visit, ie Ducatti museum, Millau etc, Stelvio and the Alps is mine so after reading your replies I'm definately going then, just wish it was sooner rather than later!
Rob

[cardigankid]

turbonut said:

The stelvio pass is fantastic and definately memorable

Looks as if you were having a budget Italian Job moment there. Italian customs a problem were they!

[DWP]

If you are going over the Millau bridge, try coming to it from the Gorge Du Tarn. The gorge runs into Millau east/west. Worth the trip and some great hotels tucked away in there, for example http://www.ila-chateau.com/caze/index.htm But as others have said, it's a slog from Monte Carlo to Millau.

[lowdrag]

A photo of the Stelvio; no more fun to be had with your socks on.



And the Simplon in, I think, 2002.

[gtrob]

How cool does that look, and that Hotel, amazing! The GT6 is running well, the Beetle's in the hospital as we speak and the GTM is due to undergo full restoration soon. We're all so excited to be going on this trip, can't wait. We're taking tents with us as well as staying in Hotels, all round this is going to be a trip of a lifetime. Thanks for all your pics and links, keep em coming, thanks again, Rob.

[Furyblade_Lee]

Rob, we take 3 GTMs with us when we do the Alps, although they are Libras. One of which has nearly 300bhp VAG Turbo and 6 speed paddleshift gearbox... We are going out again next year late June, and my "must do again" road is the Davos to Stelvio made famous by Top Gear in the Green Porsche GT3 RS, Orange Lamborghini and Yellow Aston Martin. They said it was the best road in the world I would not argue! It goes via Klosters Ski Resort. When I drove it it was 80 degrees, NO other traffic (I am not kidding) shirt off, no roof, music on the MP3 driving my bike-engined car. Was one of those amazing moments, hope you have a few of those on your Roadtrip too!