I have a spare seat in my car, which is cheaper than bringing your own, but less fun!
I’ve driven this route before several times (with the exception of the Savona to Bormio route via Monza) so I can vouch for the awesomeness of the roads
Other cars are still TBC, but I think max of 3-4 cars otherwise it’ll take too long waiting for people / getting lost / breaking down etc… I have 14km range walkie-talkies so we can run in convoy and I can provide tomtom route maps as well.
Notes:
- Hotels and ferries cost about £750 all up per car
- Ferries need to be booked ASAP as they rocket up in price (esp the Corsica ones) I have booked a 4-birth cabin in both directions as they are overnight ferries (saving hotel cost and maximising time), so just need to book person/car
- Can book accom so book now, pay (or cancel) later
- Fuel will cost a lot of money – I’m budgeting £800-£1000!
- Last couple of years I have ¾ worn a new set of tyres and completely used a set of front brake pads – make sure yours are fresh!
- You’ll be doing 3000 miles – you might need to bring some oil / brake fluid / special bits for your vehicle
- Corsica and most of the lower part of Europe will be very hot (30 degrees plus) aircon is a must
- You will have to buy a 40€ Swiss motorway pass
- Nurburgring laps are 26€ per lap this year
- There is a *lot* of driving… I’ve done it solo a few times, but recommend a co-driver
- Group will be limited to a handful of cars so we don’t draw undue attention to ourselves
European road trip 2012
Proposed Itinerary:
Highlevel route (we will take less direct roads as google maps assumes motorways, but gives you an idea of the route)
http://g.co/maps/32crq
Day 1 –Monday 16th July – UK to Geneva
Make your own way down to Geneva as I will already be in Morzine mountain biking!
You can either go through France via toll roads, or via Belgium/Luxemburg… tolls are around 90€. Avoiding them adds about 2hrs to the journey.
Stay were ever you like in Geneva and we will sort out a rendezvous point near Geneva
Day 2 – Tuesday 17th July – Geneva (France) to Savona (Italy) (overnight to Corsica)
500 Miles – combination of alpine roads and autostrada
Highlights:
- 2nd highest tarmac alpine pass in Europe -
- Option to drive the fast, open Route De Napoleon (N85) or twisty less-traffic route on fantastic roads high in the alps
- Monaco - opportunity to drive the F1 circuit (or most of it anyway) including the ‘tunnel’ under the casino
- Autostrada to Savona along the Italian Riviera
- Over-night ferry from Savona to the island of Corsica (23:00 sailing arriving in Bastia at 6:00)
Day 3 – Island of Corsica (France) – Bastia to Ajaccio
As many miles as you like – ending up in Ajaccio for an over-night stop
Highlights:
- The best roads I’ve ever driven – very twisty but well sighted corners and smooth tarmac
- Hardly any traffic
Note: 95 octane only on the island (and derv if you must).
Day 4 – Island of Corsica (France) – Calvi over night to Savona (Italy)
As many miles as you like – Ajacco to Calvi
Highlights:
- Roads around Ajacco will include a number of ‘special stages’ from the Tour De Corsica rally
- Drive as much as you want or have a rest on the beach
- Example road from the last time I was there - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDqMW0S5EL8
Day 5 – Savona (Italy) to Bormio (Italy)
250miles – some autostrada
Highlights:
- The crazy sweeping autostrada up to the foot of the alps early in the morning
- Can go via the Monza F1 circuit
- Alpine roads up to Bormio are amazing
- Evening run over some of the passes when there is less traffic
Day 6 – Bormio (Italy) to Montreux (Switzerland)
350miles – over the alps
Highlights:
- Stelvio pass, or one or two of the ‘better’ passes such as this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibDjiurODqk
- Alpine crossing via one of the famous tunnels (Mont Blanc etc)
- (stopping off in Morzine for Paul to pick up his mountain bikes)
- Drive around lake Geneva to Montreux
Day 7 – Montreux to Nurburgring
390miles – including some autobahn
Highlights:
- Autobahn run up to Nurburgring
- Cheeky late lap around the ‘ring before they close
Day 8 – Nurburgring
X laps?
Highlights:
- Number of laps around the famous circuit – tourist laping is 10am to 7:45pm
- GP circuit might be open in the evening for some runs around it as well
- Option to go to the theme park instead of the ‘ring
Day 9 – Nurburgring back to the UK
350miles
Highlights:
- Mmm belguim? Pop in to Spa circuit en-route?
- 17:00ish ferry back to the UK