Alpine Adventure East Overview
- Countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Italy
- See the "other side" of Europe
- Ride amazing roads in Slovenia
- Check the Grossglockner High Alpine Road off your bucket list
- Visit historic cities: Munich, Prague, Bled
- Enjoy impressive mountains: The Dolomites, The Julian Alps
- Visit Ludwig's Castles
- Cross dozens of Italian and Austrian passes
Like any good Alpine tour, it is endlessly climbing, descending, twisting, and turning through the heart of the Alps. And it all begins with a dose of culture, thanks to overnights in Bamberg and Prague.
Daily Options—Great Choices
Choices abound from the first riding day. You might choose a route to take you closer to the impressive Alps while visiting “Mad” King Ludwig’s famous castle, Neuschwanstein. Or take an alternative ride on some of the Bavarian rider’s favorite twisties on Kesselberg, or enjoy a gentle meander through the countryside. Off the bike, BMW’s new museum and a 1000 year-old market in Munich’s old town give one an excellent sample of what Monocle Magazine calls “one of earth’s most livable cities.”
Regardless of your choice on the first day, the second day’s ride through the hills to the medieval city of Bamberg will leave a vivid impression. Bavaria’s trellised farms, pristine countryside, and amusing roads project German order and efficiency at its finest.
Landsberg am Lech, Germany
A Glimpse Into Medieval Times
The tour’s laundry-list of “perfect medieval cities,” begins in Augsburg, or the well-known city of Rothenburg. Wander narrow streets, enjoy a coffee and pastry in the town square, or patrol the old town wall. Imagine the hundreds of generations of people who, like you, passed through these places though the millennia. There are many ways to experience either of these picture-perfect cities.
Overnight in Bamberg, a UNESCO world heritage site. Bamberg might be best known for its part in the 17th century witch hysteria when hundreds of “witches” were tortured, interrogated, and executed. Fortunately these dark moments are long in the past. Visitors now enjoy an old-town with magnificent buildings, street corner entertainment and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Some of the tour members riding through Rothenburg am Tauber, Germany
Popular with hikers, the Franconian hills east of Bamberg are also a hit with riders. Not as steep, nor high, as the Alps, these mountains offer sinuous roads through thick forests. It is because of places like this that we ride motorcycles!
The Czech Republic—It’s Not The Same
Descending from the German hills to the plains of the Czech Republic is a trip from one culture to another. Under Communist rule as Czechoslovakia, the now democratic Czech Republic seems to be missing a few decades of “progress.”
Our trip across the former Iron Curtain now goes without incident or inconvenience. On the eastern side of the border the farms are a bit larger, the towns a bit poorer, the roads fewer. Below the surface everything is different, and intriguing because of those differences.
The Charles Bridge, across the Vltava River, Prague
Then comes Prague—the stunning jewel of the Czech Republic. Even the hardcore rider will be drawn away from the bike and into the fascinating maze of streets and unique medieval buildings. The view of the Castle from the Charles Bridge, or of the river from the castle ramparts will be one of the defining memories of the entire trip.
With memories of Prague tucked away, riders turn south to Austria and the Alps. Steyr, our overnight on the way to the mountains, gave its name to important factories. From here come Steyr trucks, firearms, and tractors. Our accommodations are in the heart of the old city, allowing inviting evening walks along the impressive Enns and Steyr rivers.
The old city of Steyr, as seen from our dining room window
To The Alps!
The terrain begins to climb, and we along with it, crossing Austria on the way to Slovenia. The Austrian Alps are magnificent, and a variety of lightly trafficked roads offer the rider a taste of what the next week will bring. The previous riding has been great. Now it becomes excellent!
A double-overnight in Bled, in the Julian Alps, means more choices. Head north to Austria and visit the picturesque town of Villach? Play here and there on great Slovenian roads? Sit on top of a mountain and enjoy an Alpine picnic? The difficult part is that each option is a perfect way to spend the day!
As the tour turns westward the focus turns to Italy and the Dolomites. This section of the Alpine chain is world-famous for its dozens of challenging pass roads. Breathtaking vertical faces, unique colors, and unforgettable views are around every corner.
A double-overnight in the Dolomites means plenty of great riding!
Tucked into the middle of the Dolomites, the only way into or out of Arabba is over a mountain pass. A free day here encourages exploration. It is possible to conquer 4, or 10 or even 18 mountain passes. It will be a day with more climbs, descents, and curves, than some riders experience in a year of riding.
More Austria
After a smorgasbord of the Dolomites, the majesty of the Austrian Alps is the topic for the next two days. We ride to the top of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, miles of sinuous pavment surely designed by a motorcyclist.
From the “top of Austria” to our last stop in this tidy, friendly country there are superb roads to keep everyone quite occupied with scenery that one can’t even describe to the folks back home!
Another great view from a road on the Alpine Adventure East
Even the tour’s last day focuses on great riding, with two or more Alpine passes to add to the “been there, done that” list. The Alpine Adventure East mixes culture, comfort, challenge and camaraderie like no other tour!
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