Driving tours in Europe - AMOC or any recommendations?
Discussion
Looking ahead to next Spring we are thinking of enjoying some great scenery, staying in some classy hotels and, most importantly, experiencing some of the classic driving routes in Europe
It looks like the AM owners club organise some interesting trips but I wondered if you guys had any recommendations based on your experiences that you might like to share. If you can recommend any particular company or any particular route I would love to hear about it. If you've been on an AMOC tour what did you think of it?
Maybe it's best to go it alone but I think first time out on this type of trip it would be good to have someone else organise it
It looks like the AM owners club organise some interesting trips but I wondered if you guys had any recommendations based on your experiences that you might like to share. If you can recommend any particular company or any particular route I would love to hear about it. If you've been on an AMOC tour what did you think of it?
Maybe it's best to go it alone but I think first time out on this type of trip it would be good to have someone else organise it
Cheers Shmee. I have recently had a look at their site so will be interesting to see if anyone comes back with experience of them. I'm also wondering whether it's better to go with an AM group or to be part of a mixed bunch - always interesting to hear what others have to say about their marque and see how they (the cars not the drivers!) perform in the real world!
I'm setting out tomorrow afternoon on my adventure. Starting with the Belgian Grand Prix then heading down to Como, Monaco, S. France then Ferry from Bilbao back to UK.
I'm a Euro roadtrip virgin too but I've found half the fun as been researching the best routes and places to stay and plotting it all into a route.
Back in just over two weeks time so will report back with any tips.
I'm a Euro roadtrip virgin too but I've found half the fun as been researching the best routes and places to stay and plotting it all into a route.
Back in just over two weeks time so will report back with any tips.
I did the semi-official AMOC tour with Jasper Gilder last October. My wife and I both enjoyed it enormously. Apart from one, all the hotels were Paradors, or the Portugeuse equivalents, Pousadas. Jasper is very laid back, and easy to deal with. The whole tour has a feeling of relaxed refinement, if that makes sense.
The roads were fantastic, the food good, and the company was pleasant.
Next May we are booked on his Rioja Reprise Tour.
His (not very well maintained) website is:-
http://www.driveespana.com/
Don
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The roads were fantastic, the food good, and the company was pleasant.
Next May we are booked on his Rioja Reprise Tour.
His (not very well maintained) website is:-
http://www.driveespana.com/
Don
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Edited by don4l on Wednesday 24th August 16:47
I joined in the AMOC Area 20 organised trip to Anguoleme last year and we had a great time. Good roads (no autoroutes), great overnight stops and a fun bunch to be with. We all really enjoyed it, so much so that all 8 Astons that went are doing another trip in a month's time. This time going down to the Picos Mountains area of Spain for a week and then back through France back to Roscoff.
We are already starting to think about where the 2012 trip goes to - Classic Monaco is one of the suggestions. Has anyone done this one before?
We are already starting to think about where the 2012 trip goes to - Classic Monaco is one of the suggestions. Has anyone done this one before?
The itinerary looks fantastic. I don't think that you would regret it unless you hate Spanish food.
The reason that it worked so well for us was that the mix of driving and culture was just right. My wife loves all the cathedrals, museums and architecture. I love the empty, well maintained roads.
Have AMOC advertised it yet? I've been looking and I cannot find it.
Don
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The reason that it worked so well for us was that the mix of driving and culture was just right. My wife loves all the cathedrals, museums and architecture. I love the empty, well maintained roads.
Have AMOC advertised it yet? I've been looking and I cannot find it.
Don
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DB9 Ian P said:
I joined in the AMOC Area 20 organised trip to Anguoleme last year and we had a great time. Good roads (no autoroutes), great overnight stops and a fun bunch to be with. We all really enjoyed it, so much so that all 8 Astons that went are doing another trip in a month's time. This time going down to the Picos Mountains area of Spain for a week and then back through France back to Roscoff.
We are already starting to think about where the 2012 trip goes to - Classic Monaco is one of the suggestions. Has anyone done this one before?
Lady S and I also did the Angouleme trip last year organised by www.classicgt.co.uk/.We are already starting to think about where the 2012 trip goes to - Classic Monaco is one of the suggestions. Has anyone done this one before?
Speak to Thomas and he will sort out an intinery to suit you. Thoroughly recommend going with a group though.
DB9 Ian P said:
It was advertised on the Area 20 pages in AM News earlier this year (March/April I think) and we had to finalise hotels bookings by the end of June. If you want info on future trips we plan let me know and I will keep you updated.
Ian
To give you a taste of last years trip a full report can be found at http://www.amoc.org/content/view/1200/51/Ian
I took my Vanquish on a tour with a group of friends organised by www.ultimatedrives.net. Easily the best driving trip I've been on. A great package of amazing roads and fabulous hotels - highly recommended.
I see they've added a Vantage S to their fleet, along with a Bond themed tour. If that's your thing...
I see they've added a Vantage S to their fleet, along with a Bond themed tour. If that's your thing...
I see they've added a Vantage S to their fleet, along with a Bond themed tour. If that's your thing...
[/quote]
No, I can do without a Bond theme - tho' Rob GT has his moments
As for the Vantage S - funny that - guess what's in our garage?! 
Reference the fabulous Vantage S tho' - our V8 Vantage was fantastic for touring (we did NW Scotland & Le Mans earlier this year) but I'm a little anxious about the S as things are considerably 'stiffer' if you know what I mean
Not the car to take it steady in as the gear changes are irresistible
[/quote]
No, I can do without a Bond theme - tho' Rob GT has his moments
As for the Vantage S - funny that - guess what's in our garage?! Reference the fabulous Vantage S tho' - our V8 Vantage was fantastic for touring (we did NW Scotland & Le Mans earlier this year) but I'm a little anxious about the S as things are considerably 'stiffer' if you know what I mean
Not the car to take it steady in as the gear changes are irresistibleGeorge H said:
Sadly, I am a bit too old for that.You're not, though, are you?
Get yourself onto the experience day, then do the PDC, then do a few track days. After that you will be ready to do a Cannonball. You could take Shmee as a co-driver and get some good video to entertain us old folks.
The really good news is that you have 15, maybe 20, years in which to do it.
Don
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don4l said:
Sadly, I am a bit too old for that.
You're not, though, are you?
Get yourself onto the experience day, then do the PDC, then do a few track days. After that you will be ready to do a Cannonball. You could take Shmee as a co-driver and get some good video to entertain us old folks.
The really good news is that you have 15, maybe 20, years in which to do it.
Don
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I have already registered my interest for next years rally You're not, though, are you?
Get yourself onto the experience day, then do the PDC, then do a few track days. After that you will be ready to do a Cannonball. You could take Shmee as a co-driver and get some good video to entertain us old folks.
The really good news is that you have 15, maybe 20, years in which to do it.
Don
--
Depending on dates, I may well be entering. Wife and I drive here at least once a year and love it (huge burgundy wine fans):
http://www.abbaye-dela-bussiere.com/home.shtml
Strongly recommended. Nice and peaceful. Good autoroute blat down from Chunnel and nice 'b roads' around and about. Owner loves his cars too and they often have interesting car club trips turn up and some lovely odd guest vehicles.
http://www.abbaye-dela-bussiere.com/home.shtml
Strongly recommended. Nice and peaceful. Good autoroute blat down from Chunnel and nice 'b roads' around and about. Owner loves his cars too and they often have interesting car club trips turn up and some lovely odd guest vehicles.
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