If you made it to this part of our website it's probably because the idea of a great European, or Alpine, road trip intrigues you but the idea of riding a motorcycle doesn't. We understand.
Heavy traffic on a road in Slovenia
For many a self–drive trip in Europe means hopping from one major tourist attraction to another on the highway. Pick up a car in Munich, drive to Innsbruck, drive to Venice, drive to Florence, and then return to Munich.
Over the years we've spoken to many people who have done just that. They can tell us all about the autobahn, the Autostrada, and the autoroute. They can also tell us about the San Bernardino tunnel, the Mont Blanc tunnel, and maybe the Felbertauern tunnel.
Little roads, fantastic views
When we talk about the incredible views from the San Bernardino pass, or suggest the Grossglockener High Alpine Road as an alternate to the Felbertauern tunnel, they have no idea, as the mission was to move to the destination.
Rob Beach and, before him, his father Bob Beach, take great pride in developing itineraries through Europe on interesting, challenging roads to places that many tourists miss. The point of these routes is to enjoy the here rather than to simply get you there. The focus of their effort is a route offering fantastic vistas and travels through places off the beaten path. The Beach's focus on the journey, and making that journey a truly unique trip through stunning scenery and interesting locales.
Driving through Zuoz, Switzerland in a 6-series BMW
If a grand road trip through the European Alps, driving through stunning scenery with the top down on your two-seat sports car sounds interesting, read on.
There are significant advantages to taking a rental car on tour with Beach's Motorcycle Adventures rather than heading off and doing it all yourself.
With over 200 tours under his belt, Rob Beach knows the Alpine roads. On a day-to-day basis he is able to help customize your trip to make it interesting, without being overwhelming. He knows what the traffic is, where the fun roads are, and he knows how to make your adventure something truly unique.
A tight corner on the Grimselpass, Switzerland
There is a luggage van following the tour route. Many modern sports cars, and most convertibles have a tiny trunk and no place to put bags large enough to hold two weeks of clothing. When you are driving on tour simply throw that bag in the van. It's at the hotel when you arrive.
The Beachs provide a preprogrammed GPS detailing a variety of routes each day. Rob will "tweak" those roads here and there for people traveling in an automobile.
Automobiles used on Beach's tours are rented from Sixt.com, based in Munich. We recommend Sixt because they are the only company that has reliably offered convertibles (or cabrios as they are called in Europe) and two-seat sports cars such as the Mercedes SLC, the BMW Z4, or the Mazda MX-5. That is important, because so much of the majesty of the Alps is not just at-level (out the window), but above, and all around you. Driving these roads with the top down is almost as liberating as riding a motorcycle.
The motorcyclists who travel with the Beachs are a fascinating group. The main focus for these people is seeing new sites, having a great adventure, and enjoying a hassle free vacation. With each and every tour that we've had an automobile along we find that the drivers fit into the group perfectly.
If driving the Alps or Tuscany on an unforgettable adventure sounds interesting, get in touch with us. We'd be very pleased to talk to you about any and all aspects of driving on one of our tours.
Bikes or cars - do it your way with Beach's Motorcycle Adventures