European road trip

[AndyV8V]

I'm thinking of a 4-5 day drive in June / July down Switzerland and back.

From your experience, are there any organised events planned I should look out for and joining, Or any descent clubs?

If trying this solo, any tips on accommodation with descent parking?
Any other advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[JaseB]

We did a boys trip to Monza a couple of years back and stopped in the Soleil hotel in Joinville on the way back, garaged parking, great food and cheap local champers as they also do weddings, not far from Reims.

We ate at La Cote Verte in the next village, stunning food.

Edited by JaseB on Tuesday 2nd February 00:20

[woodsypedia]

Andy,

I've not done this but would definitely be up for it if you wanted some company?

Cheers

Chris

[AndyV8V]

Thanks for the tip Jase

Chris, not sure how I would like following (chasing) a V12
I will keep on researching and see how it materialises.
It would great though to get a few Astons together

[roughrider]

Hotels in the ski resorts in Austria are reasonable out of season, some 5 star at £100 [Euro was good] last summer. We drove down through Germany and into Austria. Switzerland is expensive, and just a few Kph over the limit will get you in BIG trouble.
Another 100 miles or so, and you're into the Italian Alps/lakes.

[ds2000]

Could well be up for it, depending on where I'm living then

[Omaruk]

roughrider said:

Hotels in the ski resorts in Austria are reasonable out of season, some 5 star at £100 [Euro was good] last summer. We drove down through Germany and into Austria. Switzerland is expensive, and just a few Kph over the limit will get you in BIG trouble.
Another 100 miles or so, and you're into the Italian Alps/lakes.

+1 of those comments, particularly with the expense of Switzerland now that they have de-pegged from the Euro

Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany (E500 black forest route), Austria, Switzerland we then drove through South of France and then across the Pyrenees.

The Pyreness had the most amazing pure driving roads and just went on and on highly recommend the N260 - I love it!

[Speculatore]

June 2014.

[Ken Figenus]

Failed to organise something similar last year and really want a trip to Lake Como via Stelvio. I kindly got some maps and plans off a fellow Astoneer that has done it. Send me a PM and I'll see if I can dig them out.

[Nijius Maximus]

When I had my V8 Vantage I was really disappointed that I never got to drive it in Europe. I don't want to miss out this time, even though my V12V hasn't been picked up from the garage yet(!), I would definitely be up for this!

Apologies to the OP though: you're now gonna have to follow/chase at least two V12's...

Also, Speculatore: that photo of the twisty roads looks ABSOLUTELY AMAZING - where was it taken?

[Omaruk]

Nijius Maximus said:

When I had my V8 Vantage I was really disappointed that I never got to drive it in Europe. I don't want to miss out this time, even though my V12V hasn't been picked up from the garage yet(!), I would definitely be up for this!

Apologies to the OP though: you're now gonna have to follow/chase at least two V12's...

Also, Speculatore: that photo of the twisty roads looks ABSOLUTELY AMAZING - where was it taken?

Thats the Stelvio Pass. Not the best but visually spectacular ! Nijius do it

[Nijius Maximus]

Omaruk said:

Thats the Stelvio Pass. Not the best but visually spectacular ! Nijius do it

I'm on it Omaruk - if the OP will have me! You coming?

[Ken Figenus]

Aha David has put the route up I see

Omar that all looks too clean for a road trip - did you take 2 buckets and mitts?

[Omaruk]

Ken Figenus said:

Aha David has put the route up I see

Omar that all looks too clean for a road trip - did you take 2 buckets and mitts?

It never rained once and was pretty much 30C+ the whole trip and no flies, did the heat kill them? or probably the fact I didn't ever bother driving at night and enjoyed the food and drink etc instead.. I did have a sneaky wash when we stayed with friends in San Sebastian post the Pyranees, but that was it and had wheel wax on, that seemed to work well keep most of the brake dust off.

[AndyV8V]

No V12s allowed I'm afraid
Trying to keep this trip "Green" and "Eco friendly", so capped to 8 cylinders I'm afraid.
Plus any V12s would only delay me with their extra fuel stops. so unnecessary.

ps. Lovely pics guys. Looks like a European trip is a must under AM ownership.

[Grumpydev]

What's it like getting the Aston over the Channel? No issues with ramps or sardine tin parking?

[JaseB]

Passes not to miss - Furka followed by Grimsel then Susten then maybe drop over east a little and do the Oberalp - which was all dug up when we went 2 years ago so if they've finished the tarmac should be spanking :-)

I seem to remember seeing a good mix of Astons going up ahead of us, we had a trio of 911s (993/996/997), my 348, a Frontline Abgindon spec MGB, a 335i and a couple of motorbikes all hooked up with walkie talkies which I would recommend.

We stayed over in Lucerne the night before too which was a good jumping off point.

[JaseB]

Grumpydev said:

What's it like getting the Aston over the Channel? No issues with ramps or sardine tin parking?

Fine on the train I would think, if my 348 could do it you should be fine. Get yourself booked into the high vehicle section, it's wider and the norm for fancy motors.

Edited by JaseB on Tuesday 2nd February 16:24

[Quinny]

Grumpydev said:

What's it like getting the Aston over the Channel? No issues with ramps or sardine tin parking?

They don't float very well, so I'd suggest the Chunnel, which is easy peasy

[Grumpydev]

Quinny said:

They don't float very well, so I'd suggest the Chunnel, which is easy peasy

You mean the whole James Bond thing was a lie?!