BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

Monza, World Superbikes and the Italian Lakes

Date: 5 - 12 May 2010
Type of Tour: Long Distance, Mountains & Lakes, Motorsport/Events

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

This tour was introduced in 2009 to celebrate and support BMW’s participation in the World Superbike Championship. Having proved such a hit, we will be repeating the Tour in 2010.

After a successful debut season, with Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus heading up the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team’s assault on the championship, the objective for 2010 will be to consolidate BMW’s position as a regular front runner in this competitive race series. However, there will be more than just racing on this trip. The tour will also appeal to those looking for a medium length ride through Europe, discovering great biking roads, Italy’s stunning lakes, wonderful locations for the evenings and friendly company.

Day 1 (05 May) - Dover to Troyes

The tour starts with an assembly in Dover for the crossing to Calais. There will be a briefing on board by the Tour Leader before arrival in France. Once on foreign soil we will head south towards the Champagne region and continue to the first overnight stop in Troyes. Coffee and lunch stops will be taken en route and, as this is the first night, dinner will be a group affair in the hotel. It is also included in the price of the Tour. (Mileage; 250)

Day 2 (06 May) - Troyes to Spiez

An early start as we head south-east, cross-country, towards Belfort. We will then ride through the Jura, and cross the border into Switzerland, before continuing through the city of Bern. From here we will head down the shores of Lake Thun to reach our overnight destination in the town of Interlaken, where accommodation has been reserved at a central four star hotel, within easy reach of the restaurants. (Mileage; 275)

Day 3 (07 May) - Spiez to Como

After leaving Interlaken we will head for the huge Simplon Pass into Italy. We will then continue towards Lake Maggiore, where we will take the ferry to Laveno, before continuing our ride past Varese and on to the pretty town of Bellagio, 18 miles north of Como. This picturesque lakeshore setting will be our base for the next three nights, with accommodation in a hotel with a superb view overlooking the lake, a whirlpool, gym and beauty centre. (Mileage; 270)

Day 4 (08 May) - Free day in Como

Today you have a choice - those with a passion for motorsport have the option to take the short ride (25 miles) to Monza to watch qualifying for the Italian round of the World Superbike Championship (not included). Alternatively, those preferring a break from the bikes may choose to do some sight seeing in Como, take the funicular railway for a high view of the lake, take a seaplane or powerboat ride on the lake, or simply relax in the squares with a spot of lunch and a glass of wine. There are also plenty of great roads to try out.

Day 5 (09 May) - Race Day*

Race day! The aficionados will be off to the track to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the track-side view from their grandstand seats overlooking the first chicane after the start. Alternatively, for those wanting to watch in more comfortable surroundings, there will be plenty of local bars where you will be able to follow all the action on a big screen TV! Those with no interest in the racing will still find plenty to keep them entertained in and around Como. Whatever you plan during the day, we will all meet up in the evening to discuss the race and hopefully a BMW victory!

Day 6 (10 May) - Como to Black Forest

After breakfast it will be time to leave Como, but we will make the most of the Alpine roads as we head north towards the San Gottard. The excellent Swiss Autoroutes will speed us through Zurich, across the German border and into the Black Forest. Some of the roads through the Forest are amongst the best biking routes in Europe, and we will seek out as many as possible before arriving in the hills above Freiburg. Here, our accommodation has been reserved at a chalet-style hotel, with indoor pool and typical Black Forest surroundings and hospitality. Tonight, dinner will be in the hotel and is included in the Tour. (Mileage; 265)

Day 7 (11 May) - Black Forest to Champagne

After a Black Forest buffet breakfast we will leave Germany and cross back into France. There is a stunning run over the Vosges Mountains, via the twisting Col de la Schlucht. We will then follow the open French roads towards the Champagne region, for our last night and a final group dinner. Accommodation has been organised at a comfortable, modern hotel in Reims, with an outdoor pool for the hardy. Others may prefer to enjoy a glass or two of bubbly before dinner, which is again included. (Mileage; 265)

Day 8 (12 May) - Champagne to Calais

Although it is only a couple of hundred miles to Calais we will make the most of our final day on the bikes, seeking out a great cross-country route, with open flowing roads, to get us back to Calais with a grin! The return ferry to Dover sails at 15.25hrs and takes just an hour and a half back to the UK. (Mileage; 210)

Rider Price: £1,195
Couple Price: £1,595

* Grandstand ticket included. Hospitality may be arranged, subject to availability and additional supplement.

Tour includes: return ferry fare; halfboard in Troyes, B&B in Interlaken & Como, halfboard in the Black Forest and Champagne; grandstand seats for race day; the programme as outlined; all the necessary maps; route details; travel pack; local overnight parking charges; a World of BMW Tour Leader to accompany the group; and VAT.

Not included are: fuel; meals unless specified; drinks; local entertainment not included in the programme; any admissions to Monza other than those specified; BMW hospitality – if available; tolls and travel insurance.