Italian / French Alpine Meander - August 2025

[Hatcho]

Woo hoo! Just booked the bike with Overlanders to have it shipped to Memmingen for 15th August. Plan will be to meander south a bit, maybe roll up Stelvio, into Switzerland and then onto the alpine region due west of Turin. Spend a few nights enjoying the nice collection of alpine passes where I can practice my soft-roading skills. This will involve leaving the tarmac behind, but nothing too hairy as I will most likely have a pillion on board. Want to see some of the old hilltop battlements littered about the place - always nice to indulge in some history when away from home. If time permits, we might proceed to Route Napoleon neck of the woods to enjoy a few gorgeous gorges.

Let the planning begin!

Oh, and the gadget buying....can't forget that!

 

[Neil W]

If you haven't got one you need a copy of Grosser Alpen Strassen Fuhrer published by Denzel ISBN 3 85047 763 0 every Pass you could dream of plus more

 

[Hatcho]

If you haven't got one you need a copy of Grosser Alpen Strassen Fuhrer published by Denzel ISBN 3 85047 763 0 every Pass you could dream of plus more

Much appreciated Neil! That's combining planning and purchases - love it!

 

[Neil W]

Much appreciated Neil! That's combining planning and purchases - love it!

German only but easily translated with maps and piccies , available used on E Bay and other sites and you do not need the latest edition

 

[Wapping]

And / or

 

[smudger64]

Woo hoo! Just booked the bike with Overlanders to have it shipped to Memmingen for 15th August. Plan will be to meander south a bit, maybe roll up Stelvio, into Switzerland and then onto the alpine region due west of Turin. Spend a few nights enjoying the nice collection of alpine passes where I can practice my soft-roading skills. This will involve leaving the tarmac behind, but nothing too hairy as I will most likely have a pillion on board. Want to see some of the old hilltop battlements littered about the place - always nice to indulge in some history when away from home. If time permits, we might proceed to Route Napoleon neck of the woods to enjoy a few gorgeous gorges.

Let the planning begin!

Oh, and the gadget buying....can't forget that!

Am thinking of something similar, but this is a first for me in that region. So other than thinking Stelvio, am looking for ideas. Can I ask how many days are you planning to do this?

 

[Hatcho]

Am thinking of something similar, but this is a first for me in that region. So other than thinking Stelvio, am looking for ideas. Can I ask how many days are you planning to do this?

We have 14 days playtime from when we collect the bike to dropping it back for shipping home. There will be a few two or three nighters in there so we're not having to hit the road every day.

We did a trip in central Europe back in 2018 and happy to pass on tips re what to see /do and what to avoid if you're interested.

 

[Hatcho]

@smudger64:

Thread 'Paddys go on Tour August 2018' https://www.ukgser.com/community/threads/paddys-go-on-tour-august-2018.283434/

 

[smudger64]

@smudger64:

Thread 'Paddys go on Tour August 2018' https://www.ukgser.com/community/threads/paddys-go-on-tour-august-2018.283434/

Thank you, that’s really helpful!

I’ve gone the some of the Alps and a good few trips to northern Spain, but this will be the first time in Italy.

 

[stirtloe]

We have 14 days playtime from when we collect the bike to dropping it back for shipping home. There will be a few two or three nighters in there so we're not having to hit the road every day.

We did a trip in central Europe back in 2018 and happy to pass on tips re what to see /do and what to avoid if you're interested.

If doing Stelvio, the route up form Mustair is IMHO better, less crowded, the novelty of the road from Trafoi can wear off if busy and when meeting wider vehicles at the apex of the hairpin. If you are going over, or are near the Gotthard Pass then Tremolo is worth seeing and doing.