Rico Rally – Alpine Adventure
Experience Europe’s most spectacular driving roads in one unforgettable week – from the Black Forest to the high Alpine passes of Switzerland, Italy and Austria, before returning through Germany for a final night celebration in Belgium.
Day 1: From the Tunnel to the Black Forest
Our adventure begins with an early Eurotunnel crossing into France before heading south through Champagne country, calling at the historic Reims-Gueux Grand Prix circuit for a quick stop and photo opportunity.
From here, the journey continues across the Rhine and into Germany’s Black Forest region.
By early evening we’ll arrive at our first hotel in Freiburg, where a welcome dinner sets the tone for the week ahead – great food, great company, and plenty of driving tales already starting to form.
Day 2: The Three Giants
Today the adventure properly begins as we leave Freiburg and head straight into the legendary Black Forest on some of Europe’s best stretches of driving tarmac.
Crossing into Switzerland, the landscape rises dramatically and the mountains start to dominate the skyline. The afternoon brings a trio of icons: the Susten, Grimsel and Furka passes – three of the greats, often featured together in the world’s best driving routes.
From the sweeping views on the Susten, to the glacier-lined switchbacks of the Furka, every climb and descent offers something special.
By late afternoon, we roll into the Alpine village of Andermatt, where our hotel and an evening of relaxation await.
Day 3: The Heart of Switzerland
Leaving Andermatt behind, we dive straight into a day packed with variety and elevation.
The Lukmanier Pass sets the tone – long, smooth and beautifully scenic – before the route climbs higher onto the San Bernardino, where broad hairpins and open vistas invite a rhythm that’s pure driving pleasure.
The road then tightens and twists over the Splügen Pass, tracing the Italian border, before opening out again onto the graceful Maloja. Every mile delivers a new view – mountain lakes, tumbling waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks in every direction.
The final ascent of the Julier Pass brings a broad, sweeping finish to the day, descending into Davos, our next stop. Expect crisp mountain air and a premium hotel ready for a well-earned evening of comfort and good food.
Day 4: The Alpine Loop
After a couple of big driving days, we take a slightly gentler pace today and enjoying the incredible alpine scenery that surrounds us.
From Davos we head across the Flüela Pass before making our way toward the Umbrail Pass, a stunning ascent that joins the Stelvio route just below the summit – offering dramatic views without the full 48-hairpin climb.
We make the sweeping descent into Bormio, then enjoy a scenic run over the Livigno, Bernina and Albula passes, completing a satisfying loop of the eastern Swiss Alps before returning to Davos for a second night.
Day 5: Austrian Passes & Alpine Valleys
Today we head for Austria – a country made for drivers. The route climbs through wide alpine meadows and forested slopes toward the spectacular Hahntennjoch Pass, a twisting masterpiece that rewards smooth, confident driving with breathtaking views from its summit.
Dropping into the Namlos Valley, the pace eases and the scenery softens – a quiet, hidden stretch where small villages and winding lanes give a glimpse of rural alpine life. From here, we follow sections of the German Alpine Road, a picture-postcard landscape of lakes and mountains.
It’s a perfectly balanced day – exciting roads in the morning, relaxing drives in the afternoon – before crossing back into Switzerland and on to St Gallen for our overnight stay. The hotel here offers an incredible water complex for a chance to unwind after another exceptional day behind the wheel.
Day 6: Black Forest Finale
The penultimate day sees us return through the Black Forest’s flowing curves and open valleys, enjoying one last run through Germany before crossing into Belgium for our final night hotel.
Here we’ll gather for a celebration dinner, raising a glass to an incredible week of driving through some of Europe’s best roads and scenery.
Day 7: Homeward Bound
After breakfast, we make our way back through the Ardennes to Calais for our return to the UK – tired but smiling, with a week of unforgettable memories and a camera full of mountain views.
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What To Expect
Epic roads every day: Susten, Grimsel, Furka, San Bernardino, Fluela and many more.
Premium 4-star hotels: Comfort, style, pools and spa facilities at each overnight stop.
Sociable evenings: Welcome dinner in Freiburg and final night celebration in Belgium.
A true driver’s adventure: From the Black Forest to the Alps, it’s all about the journey.