The date was set. We head out to Stuttgart in Germany to meet our guests for a whistlestop driving tour of the Swiss Alps. Just one question was looming. Will the snow have melted by the time we get there. You see, if the snow isn't melted we can't drive the incredible glacier passes through the gorgeous alpine villages on our route.
For this tour [a shortened version of our Mini Coopers Swiss Alps Tour where we invite our US cousins across the pond to tour with us in a fleet of very British (cough German) Mini Coopers] we had invited 18 of our Porsche owning customers and their guests to join us on a 5-day bonanza tour of the Alps. This, a condensed version, focusing on driving pleasure and maximising the incredible driving roads the Alps has to offer.
As is customary, we book ourselves onto the overnight ferry to cross the channel from England into Europe. This gives us time to go over the tour intinerary one last time and ensure all the planning was in place before we meet up with our guests...which took about 30 minutes. We then head to the bar and an evening of entertainment. Time to relax...
The crossing lands early morning in Rotterdam, Netherlands. We disembark and start the drive to Stuttgart.
As we drove deeper into Europe, the roads became more scenic. The adventure began in Stuttgart, Germany, where we stayed at the remarkable V8 Hotel. This automotive-themed hotel set the tone perfectly, with its car-inspired design and fantastic atmosphere. That evening, we met the rest of the group over dinner, exchanging stories and sharing our excitement for the days ahead.
Before hitting the road, we visited the Porsche Museum—an absolute must for any car enthusiast. Walking through decades of automotive history and seeing the evolution of the Porsche motor car was the perfect way to get the adrenaline juices flowing before heading out on our journey.
Crossing the Italian border, we headed straight to the legendary Stelvio Pass, one of the most iconic driving roads in the world. With its dramatic switchbacks and sweeping views, it was a test of skill and focus, but also pure joy. The adrenaline rush as you tackle each hairpin turn is something that has to be experienced to be truly understood.
Our hotel that evening was nestled near the northern edge of the Stelvio National Park. It was the perfect spot to unwind after an exhilarating day, with a warm meal and comfortable rooms waiting for us.
Waking up in the Italian mountains and making our way into Switzerland was like entering another world. This leg of the tour was packed with spectacular drives, including Burgen, Oberalp, and the famous Furka Pass. Each road offered something unique: dramatic climbs, sweeping descents, and views that could stop you in your tracks.
One of the standout moments was the Rhone Glacier, a sight so awe-inspiring it made us pause and soak it all in. Later, we arrived at a cozy Alpine retreat—a no-frills yet charming hotel where the beer was cold, the food was hearty, and the sound of cowbells greeted us in the morning. It was simple, honest, and utterly perfect.
The next day took us on a whirlwind journey through yet more incredible passes: St. Bernard’s, Tremola, Grimsel, and Gotthard, to name just a few. Each offered its own challenges and rewards, and by the time we reached the stunning Aosta Valley, we were ready for a bit of luxury.
Our final night was spent at a beautiful hotel overlooking Mont Blanc. With excellent spa facilities and a well-earned celebratory dinner, it was the perfect way to wind down after days of thrilling drives. It was a great sendoff. Sharing stories and laughs with the group, we couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of camaraderie and accomplishment on a wonderful 5 days in the mountains.
After enjoying breakfast together, we said our goodbyes and started our journeys home. The group included participants from as far away as Morocco, Spain, the US, and, of course, England. For the return trip, we traveled through France, opting for the short ferry crossing from Calais to Dover.
If you would like to join us on tour for 2025 then please do get in touch. There’s something magical about discovering the world from behind the wheel, surrounded by like-minded adventurers. The Mini Coopers Swiss Alps Tour 2025 is a journey of a lifetime, and we can’t wait to have you with us.
