BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

Austrian Tyrol and the Black Forest

Date: 18 – 28 August 2010
Type of Tour: Mountains & Lakes, Historical Interest

How do I book?

Telephone: 08446 623913 or +44 208 607 3917 if outside the UK.
Click here to enquire online
Fax: 0208 607 3901
E-mail: bmw@worldofbmw.com

Over the years, World of BMW tours to Austria have become a permanent feature on the programme. The stunning scenery and excellent riding, combined with extra time spent in the Black Forest has become an absolute winner with our customers. For 2010 we will once again visit two of the most scenic and biker-friendly regions in Europe – Austria and the Black Forest.

Our route to the scenic lakeside holiday town of Zell am See includes some wonderful roads through northern France, the northern Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. And, of course, we will ride through those unforgettable Austrian alpine passes, enjoying the finest hospitality Austria has to offer. Those who like to pack in a few activities can also try white-water rafting, paragliding, and cable car rides, while those with an interest in WW2 history can make a visit to Hitler’s Eagles Nest.

Day 1 (18 August) - Dover to Metz

The tour starts in Dover for the P&O crossing to Calais. There will be a briefing on board by the Tour Leader and time for breakfast. Once in France, we will ride south-east towards the first overnight stop on the east side of Metz, just off the Autoroute. Our accommodation features an outdoor pool for those keen on a swim, and a terrace to enjoy a drink. As this is the first night, there will be a group dinner for us all to become properly acquainted. (Mileage; 290)

Day 2 (19 August) - Metz to Memmingen

After breakfast and leaving Metz we will continue the tour and head towards the northern Vosges Mountains and Strasbourg, where we will cross the Rhine into Germany. The suggested route will reach the town of Memmingen and our next hotel, which has now become an established World of BMW favourite. For dinner tonight you are free to choose a local restaurant. (Mileage; 260)

Day 3 (20 August) - Memmingen to Zell am See

After a short run south, we pass close to Fussen, the site of Konig Ludwig’s famous castle, before skirting around the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. We then continue to the south of Innsbruck and onward through the ski resorts of St Johann and Kitzbuhel to the spectacular Zell am See. Our hotel is in the centre of Zell am See and just 200 metres from the lakeshore and the cable car. (Mileage; 200)

Days 4 & 5 (21 & 22 August) - Free days

You have two free days in which to explore and enjoy the various attractions in and around Zell am See. For the enthusiastic riders the choice of routes is almost endless! Take the ride of a lifetime over the incredible Grossglockner Pass (surely the best in Europe), with breathtaking views and scenery on almost every road.

If feeling energetic you can experience white-water rafting on the river Salzach, or try parascending. In nearby Salzburg you can visit Hitler’s “Eagle’s Nest”, at Berchtesgaden, where you will ride in the original brass elevator that took Hitler and his generals to his mountain top hideout. Alternatively, you can spend time in picturesque Zell am See, swim or take a boat on the lake, or visit the typical Austrian cafes and restaurants along the banks. You can also visit the largest ice cave in the world, concealed within the Tennenbirge mountain range, or ride (or take the train) to the famous and scenic city of Salzburg.

In short... there is more than enough to keep you occupied for the duration of your stay! Your Tour Leader has extensive knowledge of the local attractions and will be happy to help you plan your days. During the evenings in Zell am See you are free to make your dining choices from the many local restaurants.

Day 6 (23 August) - Zell to Oetz

After breakfast there is a wonderful day of riding ahead; with the chance to cross not one, but three of the best mountain roads in the world. The Grossglockner Pass – on the way to Lienz (possibly again for some of you) – leads to a jaunt through Northern Italy, before we ride a stretch of the Brenner Pass. This is followed by the picturesque Jauffen Pass, before tackling the mighty Timmelsjoch Pass - soaring to over 8,000 feet at the top! After these incredible rides we will drop down and continue to Oetz, where we are booked into a centrally located hotel Dinner tonight is at a restaurant of your choice in the resort. (Mileage; 210)

Day 7 (24 August) - Oetz to Triberg

After a hearty buffet breakfast, we cross back into Germany, heading north towards Kempten. We then continue through Ravensburg, before crossing Wurttemberg on some great back roads towards the Black Forest. Here, the traffic volume (hopefully!) decreases and the famous biker routes start to open up. The day ends with a taste of the renowned B500 from Neustadt to Triberg, which will be our base for the next three nights. Dinner tonight is a group affair at the hotel. (Mileage; 250)

Days 8 & 9 (25 & 26 August) - Free days

Triberg is a charming small town at the heart of the Black Forest, with wonderful biking territory. From here you can ride north or south along the B500; visit either Baden Baden or Freiburg for lunch; or just spend time in the town, enjoying the hotel pool and gardens, or the shops, cafés and restaurants nearby. Just a short ride away is the Touratech factory if you fancy a visit.

Day 10 (27 August) - Triberg to Champagne

After an early breakfast, we leave the Black Forest, riding south-east towards Freiburg, again crossing the Rhine back into France. Then it’s straight up and over the Vosges Mountains on a glorious twisty route, before heading across rural France towards the Champagne region. For our last night we will stay in another World of BMW ‘favourite’ - a hotel on the outskirts of Reims. Tonight we will celebrate the end of the tour together, with dinner in the hotel. (Mileage; 280)

Day 11(28 August) - Reims to Dover

After a buffet breakfast we will set-off for the last time. If you choose not to take the lazy cruise on the Autoroute, there is a fabulous cross-country run on almost traffic-free roads all the way back to Calais, where we will catch the late afternoon ferry to Dover. (Mileage; 200)

Rider Price: £1,195
Couple Price: £1,755

Tour includes: return ferry fare; halfboard in Metz, B&B in Memmingen, two nights B&B and one night halfboard in Zell am See, B&B in Oetz, one night halfboard and two nights B&B in Triberg and halfboard in Champagne; the programme as outlined; all the necessary maps and route details; travel pack; local parking charges; a World of BMW Tour Leader to accompany the group; and VAT.

Not included: fuel; meals other than those specified; wine & drinks; local entertainments not included in the programme; any admissions, tolls or travel insurance.