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Five-Country Tour

Germany • Austria • Slovenia • Italy • Switzerland

Aug 27 - Sep 7, 2023

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Registration Deadline: May 29, 2023

Duration: 12-day vacation, 10 riding days,

                    3 optional rest days, 2 travel days

Skill Level:                              (difficult)  

Group Size: 6 – 12 motorcycles

Arrival: Munich, Germany (MUC)

Departure: Munich, Germany (MUC)

Total Distance: 1,400 miles (2,253 km)

Average Daily Mileage: 155 miles (249 km)

Average Temperature: 50-80ºF / 10-27ºC

International Driver's License Required

Highlights: Sightseeing tour through Munich • Salzburg • Ankogel Glacier • Dolomite Mountains • Wine Road of Meran • Stelvio Pass • St. Moritz and so much more!

Originally organized by RoadRUNNER magazine founder Christian Neuhauser as the ultimate European motorcycle tour, the Five Country Tour is the pinnacle of two-wheel experience. As the name implies, participants enjoy a five-country romp through Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland, which includes riding through the Alps and the Dolomites—motorcycling at its best. The Alpine roads offer abundant curves and various riding challenges and is intended for the advanced rider, earning a desirable 5 out of 5 for required skill level. The tour is a stunning mix of incredible roads, history, scenery, and cuisine, all wrapped around Old World charm and warm hospitality.

                                                                                            

The route of this motorcyclist’s dream will take guests on a virtual smorgasbord of curves and sightseeing from the seat of your motorcycle; Munich, Salzburg, several glaciers, the mighty Dolomite mountains, the Wine Road of Meran, the famous Stelvio Pass, and St. Moritz, among many others.

 

This amazing 12-day, 1,400-mile vacation, which includes 9 full days of riding, with one rest/sightseeing day (and two optional rest days) is limited to 12 motorcycles and always promises to deliver to the consummate enthusiast a true challenge, set against some of the most scenic backdrops in Europe. The daily average of 155 miles is deceptive, as the chosen routes are comprised of demanding roads, perfect for the advanced rider, which will keep things wonderfully entertaining. And with temperatures averaging 50-80˚F/10-27˚C it makes for a comfortable riding environment. Beginning and ending in Munich, plan to arrive a few days early to acclimate to the time change and explore this famous, visually stunning and exciting city.

 

Naturally, basing in Munich, we offer BMW motorcycles. Multilingual tour guides ensure an ease of travel and sightseeing through the various languages of the five countries visited. Hotels are family-owned middle-class establishments reflecting local color and charm. The Five Country Tour includes motorcycle rentals, fuel, all breakfasts and dinners, all entrance fees and tolls, a detailed information packet including maps, guidebook and T-shirt, ensuring a memorable travel/riding experience.

 

The Five Country Tour stands as the gold standard of Blue Rim Tours.        

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Itinerary

Day 1
Overnight flight

Departure from the U.S. or Canada. You will arrive in Europe on the following day. 

Day 2 - Monday August 28, 2023
Arrival in Munich/Ismaning, Germany

We'll meet in hotel lobby for a welcome and introduction before we pick up motorcycles and head out for short ride to explore Bavaria.

Day 3
Ismaning – Tamsweg, Austria

Ride along mesmerzingly blue rivers and the German Alpenstraße to Salzburg. Along the way we'll explore Bayrischzell and pass numerous ski areas. There are several route and attraction options depending on weather, group, etc. We'll spend the night in a hotel on the market square of quaint Tamsweg.

Day 4
Tamsweg - Bled, Slovenia

With Slovenia as our goal, we'll first experience the 52 switchbacks of the Nockalmstraße. This toll road is famous among outdoor enthusiasts alike, and it's one of the many highlights of the entire tour. We'll skirt the capital of Carinthia, Klagenfurt, before taking the Loiblpass into Slovenia. Third country in three days.

Day 5
Bled - Stazione Carnia, Italy

Likely the most challenging riding day, you'll cross several epic mountain passes. From cobblestone switchbacks to switchbacks in tunnels, there's a switchback for everyone. It's the perfect day to master these tight turns. We'll pass by many historical sights and a very famous river full of brown trout. We'll end the day in Italy, the fourth country.

Day 6
Stazione Carnia – Arabba, Italy

The Dolomites are the main attraction as we crisscross the impressive massif. The neverending curves will accompany us all day as we check off one pass after the next. We'll stop at Lago Misurina, one of the most photographed lakes (and hotel) in the area. The small skitown of Arabba will be our base for the next two nights.

Day 7
Arabba (optional rest day)

Go for a hike, rent a mountain bike, take it easy at the hotel, or gear up for another epic day riding in the heart of the Dolomites. The day is highlighted by the lesser known, but equally impressive, pass roads.

Day 8
Arabba – Ronzone, Italy

Saving the most famous passes in the area for our way of the heart of the Dolomites, you'll continue to be in awe of the mountains grandeur. They're difficult to pack into a picture. We'll take our time and savor every minute. Once we pass by Bolzano we'll cross one more mountain before our destination in Mustair.

Day 9
Ronzone - Mustair, Switzerland

We'll see why the region flourishes as we pass by countless apple orchards and vineyards. The warm Mediterranean climate and fertile soil in this mountainous region make it truly special. Some might recognize the pass roads from the Giro d'Italia bicycle race, and we'll see them up close and personal. Among the many highlights, Passo dello Stelvio most likely takes the crown. We'll end up in Switzerland for the night, our fifth country on the trip.

Day 10
Mustair - Pfunds, Austria

Exploring some of Switzerland's valleys, we first ascend the third road going up to the top of Stelvio that's been fully paved for a few years now. You'll see the glitzy St. Moritz, an Alpine resort's blend of glamour, lifestyle, sport and pristine nature outshines. 

Day 11
Pfunds – Munich, Germany

On our last riding day, we'll follow Tyrolian roads and Bavarian lakesides back to Munich. Along the way we'll cross over the Pillerhöhe, the impressive Hantennjoch, and several gorgeous mountain lakes. Late afternoon we'll return the motorcycles.

Day 12 - Thursday September 7, 2023
Departure

Flight home from Munich, Germany and arrival back home in U.S. and Canada on the same day. 

What Your Tour Includes

  • Your choice of BMW motorcycle rental including low-deductible insurance

  • Multilingual tour guide(s)

  • Accommodations at comfortable, family owned middle-class hotels (10 hotel nights)

  • All breakfasts and dinners; lunch is not provided

  • Fuel during the entire trip

  • All entrance fees and tolls

  • A detailed tour information package including maps, guide books, and a T-shirt

2023 Prices (per person)
We reserve the right to adjust the rates at any time.

Not Included in the Tour Price

Not included in the tour price are international or other airfare to/from Munich, Germany, personal items, passport, speeding tickets and other fines, lunches, beverages, personal hotel room charges, laundry and dry cleaning, telephone calls, medical and accident insurance, and transportation to and from the airport.

 

Accommodations

The hotels are mostly family-owned and -operated and each has wonderful local flavor. They are three and four-star establishments, and all provide breakfast and dinner. You will feel welcome and at home right away. Some hotels have a pool or sauna, so bring your bathing suit, and all provide hair dryers. If you bring any electronic devices, remember that Europe has different voltage (220V) and electrical outlets, so make sure you have the right converters and plugs and that your electronic devices work on both voltages. Casual clothing to wear in the evenings is fine; there’s no need for formal wear.

Group Size

The group will be between six and 12 riders and will be led by one or two guides.  

Roads and Traffic

Note: though riding an average of only 155 miles/249 km may seem easy don’t be deceived. Riding in the Alps and Dolomites on the backroads where the locals ride, you’ll encounter many challenges; the roads are technical, narrow, and curvy. This is not a tour for beginners.

Rental Bikes

Available motorcycles may be subject to change.

  • F 750 GS

  • F 850 GS or GS/A

  • F 900 R

  • F 900 XR

  • R 1250 R

  • R 1250 GS or GS/A

  • S 1000 XR

  • R 1250 RT

Motorcycles are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, depending upon availability and are not guaranteed.

Keep in mind that smaller bikes handle much better on alpine roads! Great choices for a carefree, leisurely ride are the F 750 GS, F 850 GS or GS/A, F 900 R or XR and S 1000 XR. They handle very easily on the hairpins and still have enough power to keep up with anybody else on the mountain roads. The R 1250 GS is a good choice for two-up riding. Anything bigger (and heavier) takes away the pleasure of riding in the Alps. You may want to check out these bikes at your local dealer to see which one feels the most comfortable for you.

Luggage

Tour members will be able to securely store suitcases and any other extra luggage in the first hotel of the trip. The motorcycles we provide for our tours are equipped with a luggage system. 

The F 750 GS, F 850 GS or GSA, F 900 R/XR and S 1000 XR will have two side cases, while the R 1250 GS and GSA comes with two side cases and a top case.​ An electrical socket for GPS is available upon request. You will need to bring your own 12 V accessory Powerlet plug that fits the BMW/Euro-style socket.​

The rental motorcycles are not equipped with tankbags. If you bring a tankbag, make sure that it uses straps and not magnets, which won’t work on the BMWs’ tanks. 

Motorcycle Insurance

The deductible for the motorcycle insurance included in your tour package is approximately $700, except R1250RT, S1000XR/RR and R18 the insurance is $1200. The actual amount may vary due to currency fluctuation. This amount is not charged or held to your card as we use an honor system with our guests. In case of minor damage to your motorcycle, an appraisal of the repair cost is made, based on the dealer’s cost, and billed to you with the understanding that you are responsible for up to $700 of damages. In case the cost of any damage to the motorcycle is higher than the deductible, or if the bike is stolen, the full deductible will be due. The insurance company will cover the remainder of the cost. Repair appraisals can take up to 6 months to receive from the dealer.

Trip Extras

To ensure that you have the easiest travel experience possible, Blue Rim Tours offers select services for an additional fee. If you are interested in any of the following trip extras, please indicate on your registration form:

  • Early/late lodging arrangements

  • Extended motorcycle rental​

Deposit and Payment

A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your place on the tour. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. We accept personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and money orders. On May 29, 2023, 50% of the tour price is due. The remaining balance of the tour is due before or on July 17, 2023.

Reservation Deadline

The deadline for reservation is May 29, 2023.

Cancellation Policy

If for any reason you need to cancel your trip and do so (in writing) between May 29 and July 17, 2023 you forfeit 50% of the total tour price. July 17, 2022 and after, the total tour price is non-refundable.

Minimum Tour Requirement 

We reserve the right to cancel any tour if the number of participants booked does not meet the minimum requirement to operate the trip or due to force majeure. In the unlikely event that this should occur, your payment will be refunded minus the non-refundable registration fee. This fee can be applied to another tour of your choice. 

 

Please make your flight reservations after the registration deadline for the tour. We will send a reminder email to book your flight.

Trip & Medical Insurance

It is highly recommended that you get trip insurance. Also, check with your health insurance provider about your coverage while traveling overseas. For additional information on trip cancellation insurance, visit www.insuremytrip.com. Please read our helpful blog about travel insurance here​.

Weather

Temperatures will range between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit or 10-27 degrees Celsius. The altitude changes during the day’s ride, and the temperature changes accordingly. It can rain and be freezing on the mountain roads, yet be warm when you come down into the valleys. Dress in several layers so you can easily adjust to the weather conditions. In case of heavy rain or other bad weather, we will choose the shortest route to the next hotel, and avoid pass roads wherever possible.

Contact Information

Blue Rim Tours

3601 Edgemoor Court

Clemmons NC 27012

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