6-Day Drive 9 Swiss Passes, Glacier Express Route +Stelvio, Italy

A 6-day alpine adventure in Switzerland and Italy combines stunning scenery, exhilarating drives, and luxurious comfort, all with the freedom to explore at your own pace. For this tour, you’ll cruise through the Swiss Alps in a sleek Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Roadster, visiting legendary passes like Furka, Stelvio, Oberalp, and Klausen, while enjoying 5-star hotels in Zurich, Pontresina, and Andermatt. The experience costs around $11,629 for up to two people, making it an investment in scenery, thrill, and comfort that savvy travelers will truly appreciate.

What we love most about this experience is the ability to manage your own itinerary—you’re not stuck on a bus or guided on a tight schedule. Plus, the variety of iconic passes guarantees jaw-dropping views and memorable moments, whether it’s a Bond moment on Furka Pass or the adrenaline rush of Stelvio’s hairpins.

One thing to consider is the cost: while it’s on the higher end, the combination of luxury accommodations, a top-tier sports car, and self-guided freedom makes it a strong value for those craving a personalized Swiss Alps adventure.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate driving their own pace, love scenic landscapes, and want a touch of luxury with authentic experiences. If you’re a confident driver eager to explore remote mountain passes, this is a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Self-Guided Flexibility: You control your schedule, making spontaneous stops and exploring hidden gems.
• Luxury Comfort: Rest at top-tier hotels like the Renaissance Zurich, GrandHotel Kronenhof, and The Chedi in Andermatt.
• Iconic Alpine Passes: Drive legendary roads such as Furka, Stelvio, Grimsel, and Klausen, with breathtaking views.
• Adventure in a Porsche: Experience high-performance driving in a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, adding thrill to scenic routes.
• Authentic Swiss Experiences: Stops include Swiss National Park, Rhone Glacier, and the Albula Railway Museum.
• Expertly Designed Itinerary: Carefully plotted routes maximize scenic beauty and cultural stops.

An In-Depth Look at the 6-Day Swiss-Italian Alpine Drive

This tour offers a well-rounded mix of exhilarating drives, scenic vistas, and cozy nights in some of Europe’s most beautiful mountain towns. It’s designed for those who want more than just a bus tour; it’s about feeling the road, soaking in views, and tailoring each day.

Day 1: Arrival and Zurich Orientation

Your adventure begins in Zurich, where you’ll meet your guide and get introduced to the upcoming journey. The Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel provides a plush base, though some may find it a bit remote from historic sites or dining options. Still, it’s a comfortable start, and with the car collection process scheduled for Day 2, you’ll be eager to hit the road.

This first day is mainly about settling in, with a relaxed meet-and-greet at 5 pm. The focus is on preparing for the scenic routes ahead, with no major activities planned.

Day 2: From Zurich to Interlaken via Swiss Passes

This day is where the magic begins. We loved the way the route weaves through lush meadows and towering mountains, with Lake Lucerne offering one of the most iconic Swiss scenery moments. The roads carved into the mountains provide a perfect backdrop for the Porsche’s sporty handling.

Driving over the Susten Pass is a highlight, especially if you enjoy engineering marvels — the 26 bridges and tunnels cut into the rock are impressive. One reviewer mentioned that even Porsche’s marketing used this pass, which says a lot about its stunning nature.

Next, you’ll stop at the Stein Glacier for some panoramic views, then visit the Aare Gorge, walking amidst impressive rock formations. This optional stop lasts about two hours and offers a chance to stretch your legs and marvel at nature’s artistry.

The day continues with a gentle ascent over Grimsel Pass, where the landscape transitions into rugged granite, reservoirs, and tunnels before linking seamlessly to Furka Pass. This is where your Bond moment comes alive, mimicking Sean Connery’s daring chase scene in “Goldfinger.”

Later, a quick stroll through Andermatt introduces Swiss village charm, and a visit to the Rhone Glacier rewards with its striking blue ice and the ice tunnel, a fascinating glimpse into natural glaciers.

Day 3: Into the Heart of the Alps and Italy

Day 3 is about reaching the Swiss-Italian border, driving over the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters, following the route of the famous Glacier Express train. The panoramic views of the Rhine Gorge, especially from Il Spir Conn, are breathtaking and well worth the short detour.

The day also features a visit to Disentis Monastery, a UNESCO site with well-preserved Carolingian art — a quieter, cultural counterpoint to the dramatic drives. For thrill-seekers, the Pradaschier toboggan run offers pure fun — a chance to add some adrenaline to your day.

Driving over the Julier Pass elevates you to 2,284 meters, revealing spectacular mountain scenery. If time permits, an optional stop in St. Moritz provides a taste of luxury, with lakeside vistas and chic cafes. Alternatively, Pontresina offers a more relaxed, authentic Swiss mountain village experience, perfect for unwinding after a day of driving.

Day 4: Crossing into Italy via Stelvio

The highlight of day 4 is the world-famous Stelvio Pass, with its 48 hairpin turns laid out over nearly 30 miles. This stretch has a reputation for being one of the most thrilling mountain roads in the world — and it lives up to the hype. The zick zack route, with its dizzying switchbacks, makes you feel like a race car driver, especially if you’re a fan of the Bond films or classic car scenes.

The Passo dello Stelvio is more than a drive — it’s a sensory experience, with views of rugged peaks, alpine flora, and a sense of achievement. The blue ice tunnel at Rhone Glacier, and the close-up look at the glacier itself, provide a fascinating contrast of natural beauty and icy grandeur.

Day 5: Exploring the Engadine Valley and Swiss Passes

Today’s focus is on the Albula Pass and the Klausen Pass, each offering scenic mountain roads and stunning canyon views. The Albula Railway Museum in Bergün is a charming stop for rail enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Driving the Klausen Pass from Altdorf to Linthal is a scenic masterpiece, with sweeping curves and panoramic vistas of the Swiss Alps. This route offers a satisfying mix of challenging curves and open vistas, ideal for confident drivers.

The optional stop in St. Moritz gives a taste of luxury, while Pontresina offers a quieter, more traditional Swiss mountain experience, perfect for those looking to unwind amid alpine charm.

Day 6: Wrap-up and Departure

The final day is flexible, allowing you to relax or explore at your leisure before heading home. The self-guided nature of the trip means you can linger or depart early, depending on your schedule.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of luxury, scenery, and self-guided freedom is what makes this tour so appealing. Staying in five-star hotels in Zurich, Pontresina, and Andermatt ensures comfort after long days of driving. The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Roadster adds a sporty thrill that elevates the entire experience, making every mountain pass feel like a race track.

The carefully curated route ensures you see the most iconic passes, plus some lesser-known gems, all while enjoying the flexibility to stop whenever and wherever you wish. This is a big plus for travelers who prefer to create their own adventure rather than follow a rigid schedule.

Authentic stops like Swiss National Park and Rhone Glacier add educational and awe-inspiring moments, appealing to those who want more than just driving. The reviews rave about the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and attention to detail, which make the experience feel personalized.

The cost reflects the luxury and flexibility, but many reviewers agree that the experience is worth every dollar, especially considering the high-quality hotels, private transportation, and the thrill of driving some of the world’s most famous mountain roads.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love driving scenic mountain passes, appreciate luxury accommodation, and want full control over your schedule, this tour is perfect. It’s ideal for confident drivers over 23 years old who want to blend adventure with comfort. Nature lovers and car enthusiasts alike will find plenty to love, especially those who want to capture that Bond-style moment on Stelvio or Furka.

Travelers seeking a self-guided, flexible, and ultra-scenic Swiss Alps experience will find this package a compelling choice. It’s less suited for those looking for guided tours, family groups with very young children (due to the driving), or budget-conscious travelers.

FAQ

Can I pick the car myself?
The tour includes a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Roadster, with details about the model and age restrictions provided. Car delivery and collection are included, so you’ll start right at your hotel.

Is this suitable for first-time mountain drivers?
The tour requires a moderate physical fitness level and a confident, experienced driver, as many passes are winding and challenging. If you’re comfortable with mountain driving, you’ll enjoy every moment.

Are hotels included?
Yes, the tour features luxury hotels—two nights at the Renaissance Zurich, two nights at GrandHotel Kronenhof in Pontresina, and one night at The Chedi in Andermatt. All are 5-star and well-reviewed.

What about fuel and parking?
Fuel, parking, local taxes, and admission fees are not included. This means you should budget for these extras, but they’re manageable with some planning.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a self-led tour, you have the flexibility to stop at any point and explore attractions like the Swiss National Park or to linger longer in towns like St. Moritz or Pontresina.

What happens if the weather is poor?
Weather conditions can affect mountain drives; the tour offers full flexibility and support. If weather cancels a route, you’ll be able to reschedule or receive a refund.

Is insurance included?
Yes, the package includes comprehensive car insurance, but you might want to check your personal travel insurance for coverage during the trip.

This 6-day Swiss and Italian mountain drive offers a fantastic blend of adrenaline, scenery, and luxury. It’s perfect for drivers eager to explore iconic passes, enjoy authentic Swiss hospitality, and take their time soaking in Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes. If you’re looking for a flexible, high-end road trip with plenty of memorable moments, this tour hits all the right notes.