A small corner of paradise is to be found in the Alps if…if, what? If you make the proper choice on when, where, and with whom to search for paradise. Prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime! From the plains around Munich, to the highest mountains of Switzerland, to the spectacular Dolomites, Alpine riding can be as exhilarating as you wish.
The Alpine world is brought within reach by a dense network of roads and passes. With such a variety of roads Europe has something for everyone. Sample the pleasures of riding your choice of the finest motorcycling roads in the world on a Beach tour and at your own pace. Be assured that European drivers have a genuine respect for motorcyclists as a part of the motoring community.
Munich is the heart of BMW. This is where so many of the company’s legendary models have been built and where the MOA adventure begins with a private, 2 hour guided tour of the manufacturing plant. Follow this with a special dinner at The Restaurant International, located inside BMW Welt, where Bavarian tradition and Munich flair are combined, and your dreams tonight will likely be in shades of Bavarian blue and white.
This special tour follows the same route as the Classic Alpine Adventure all the way to the Dolomites.
Following the day at the BMW factory, it is time to hit the road and experience these fantastic Bavarian products in their home environment, the Alps! A real introduction to mountain motoring comes on the ride to Imst, Austria. Choose from the relatively wide, easy Fernpass or the narrow, wild Hahntenjoch. These high mountain roads that climb up and over the peaks offer unparalleled views and challenges to the rider. Indeed, only the second day of the tour and in every direction there are – mountains!
During the next few days, as you explore Switzerland, you may opt to ride the Klausen, Pragel, Brunig, St. Gottard, Lukmanier, Oberalp, Neufenen, Furka, Grmisel, or Susten passes, to name a few of the possibilities! These roads pass scenery that is – with no exaggeration – breathtaking. The villages on the pass roads depend on agriculture, and local farms blend into the landscape perfectly.
A free day in Interlaken allows an opportunity to see the world from the top, with cable car or cog-rail train trips to the Swiss peaks. The infamous Eiger, as well as the Jungfrau, the Monch, the giant, pyramidal Niesen and the Stockhorn are the “local” mountains, making the entire area a place of rugged beauty.
From Interlaken it is but a short hop to Andermatt, the next overnight. What isn’t traveled in horizontal distance is made up in vertical distance, as the only way into the Andermatt Valley is over a pass – or four! Photo stops and picnic possibilities abound. The day time congestion of Andermatt, located at a major mountain crossroad, quiets in the evening, as the sounds of motorcycles disappears, leaving only the roar of the near-by river to permeate the night.
Swiss-German culture gives way to Swiss-Romanish upon entering the Engiadina valley, where enthusiastic pass riders may conquer the Flüela, Ofen, Splugen, San Bernardino, Bernina, Abula, Maloja, or Julier passes.
Then comes the beauty of Italy, where striking scenery and exciting riding compete for attention. The Dolomites are simply massive and the pass roads allow up close access to them.
Widely regarded as being among the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world, the intrinsic beauty of the Dolomites derives from a variety of spectacular vertical forms with contrasting horizontal surfaces rising abruptly above more gentle foothills. A great diversity of color is provided by the contrasts between the bare pale-colored rock surfaces and the forests and meadows below. Some of the rock cliffs here rise more than 1,500 m and are among the highest limestone walls found anywhere in the world.
Departing from the Dolomites, the Special MOA tour heads north, to Garmish-Partenkirchen, to join the festivities of BMW's annual BMW Days, the largest BMW motorcycle gathering in the world.
As BMW's Munich assembly-line is fascinating even to non-motorheads, the BMW Days are fascinating to drivers, and riders, of other brands. Participants may sample the full range of BMW and Husquvarna motorcycles, ride on a motocross or enduro course, enjoy a great meal at the Beer Tent, and rock to live music.
Excellent day rides will keep the restless busy, with excursions into Austria, Italy or the Bavarian Alps.
Finally, after a double overnight in Garmish, it is time to bid a sad farewell to newfound friends, and to put the Alps in the rearview mirror on the ride to Munich. A last celebration, a pat on the back, and all to soon, it is back to "reality." How could the time go so quickly?
Here is an altitude track and a list of the passes you might cross on the Classic Alpine Adventure.
June 24 ~ July 8
Munich, Germany
Summer
Munich, Interlaken, Arabba, Garmisch
including a dinner at BMW World!
detailing daily routing options, points of interest in route.
with turn by turn detail of each daily route option
preprogrammed with hotel and guide phone numbers
embroidered with your name and tour
Prices based on shared twin/double room. Single rooms available at extra charge.
Rider price includes the choice of a BMW F650GS, F800R, F800GS, F800ST, R1200R or R1200GS motorcycle with unlimited mileage. Other models are available at additional cost. Find out more about the various models of BMW Motorcycles available for use on a Beach tour.
Sports car Driver price does not include vehicle. Please see the list of convertibles available for use on a Beach tour for details and prices on the automobiles available.
Click on the map to view a larger version
