Geneva sightseeing

This is the day of arrival. Some will be travelling further than others and those who arrive earliest can spend the day sightseeing in Geneva which sits on the shore of the stunning Lake Geneva and offers a wealth of attractions for tourists.  Take a boat trip on Lake Geneva, see the famous Jet d'Eau a magnificent water fountain that shoots water 140 meters into the air, the flower clock is another attraction, or stroll through the botanical gardens, visit the Palace of Nations or the UN or for the more technically minded CERN.

In the Old Town you can wander through charming narrow streets, and discover highlights like St. Peter's Cathedral, where you can climb the tower for panoramic views. For history enthusiasts, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum provides a profound look into humanitarian efforts worldwide. The Reformation Wall in Parc des Bastions is another significant site, commemorating key figures of the Protestant Reformation.

Geneva is also known for its watchmaking heritage, showcased at the Patek Philippe Museum, which traces the history of Swiss watchmaking. The Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, offers guided tours that delve into international diplomacy. Nature lovers will appreciate the Botanical Gardens, home to a vast collection of plants and a serene escape within the city. Geneva's blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness makes it a must-visit destination.

You will simply not run out of things to do in and around Geneva in a week let alone a day so plan your route well to see as much as possible in the available time. Anything you missed you can probably catch when we return hear at the end of the tour.

Our hotel is just across the border in France making it ideal for parking whilst being within easy reach of all Geneva has to offer.

Annemasse rest day

There is so much to see and do in and around Geneva that some will want to contiune sightseing although this day is really intended for those who travelled far to overcome any jet lag with a restful day before the tour begins.

If you go sightseeing just bear in mind that we shall collect the bikes late afternoon so that we can get off early tomorrow morning.

Please be back at the hotel by 17:00. This will allow you time to inspect your motorcycle, familiarise yourself with the controls and ensure any riding gear reserved for the tour is a comfortable fit.

Annemasse to Susa ~ 258km / 160 miles ~ 5.5 to 6 hours riding

For this first day I plan to keep to more minor roads but being a Saturday we may find groups of cyclists especially on some of the steeper sections. We will be heading south most of the day. Initially you will catch regular glimpses of Montblanc the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe (15774ft) to the east as we make our way across many of the lesser used narrow roads in the region.

I try to take refreshment breaks every 90 minutes though we might also stop for photographs along each 90 minute section, if we can keep these brief the progress should not be affected. The first short refreshment break is at Les Frumiers (chose your parking carefully because the whole town is on a slope!)

We continue southerly to Beaufort a major cheese producing area in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region where we deviate south easterly to Lac de Roseland where we stop briefly because there is nice photographic opportunity at a small chapel on the banks of the lake.

Continuing south, close to the French/Italian border still on quiet backroads we shall take a lunch break at Tignes which is on the banks of the Isere. There are about three or four places to dine ranging from a bar snack to a Pizza place, so, I’m sure there will be one that appeals.

We next pass a reservoir Lac do Chevril before crossing bthe highest pass in the Alps Col de l'Iseran (2764m/9088ft) as we continue taking our next break at Glières-Val-de-Borne. Crossing the border near Lac du Mont Cenis to Italy to end the day at a rather interesting hotel fored within an 800 year old religious oler building in Susa.

Susa to Roquebilliere ~ 275 km / 171 miles ~ 6 hours riding

Departing Susa we cross the border back into France near Montginevro and onward to Briancon through the Névache valley and across le Col de l'Echelle then we head south along the Route des Grandes Alpes towards the natural park of Mercantour.

We cross many mountain passes that have a rich history with the Tour de France and others renowned for their stunning alpine landscapes, typically featuring green pastures on the northern slopes and rocky panoramas to the south, this includes the Col de Vars (2109m/6919ft) that connects the Ubaye Valley with the Queyras Valley and Embrun, Col de la Bonnette (2715m/8907ft) where there is an additional loop we can take here that is the highest paved road in France and a viewpoint 2802m/9193ft, the Col de Turini a regular for the Monte Carlo Rally. Pretty much the whole day is on twisties

We shall break for morning coffee at Guillestre wich dominates a bank of the Guil gorge and is the only access point into the valley and most likely stop for lunch at Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée. 

Depending upon the progress made, afternoon tea could be in Moulinet if I can find the wee café that is down a narrow lane. We are best to stop and walk there because riding let along parking in the towns narrow streets can be challenging.

The final leg of this route continues along twisty mountain roads leading to Roquebillière where we end the day in a charming hotel that offers countryside views yet sits on the edge of the village square.

Roquebilliere to Mondovi ~ 250km / 155 miles ~ 6 hours riding

With so many great roads around here it can be challenging chosing one, but I have and we begin by heading south east towards the coast on the D2566 then loop to the north again on the D2204 both great roads for those who love twisties. This is where we shall take our first break of the day.

We then turn to the south again before we cross into Italy near Fanghetto to continue southerly before turning north easterly taking a brief stop at Perinaldo where there is a viewpoint looking down the valley right on a hairpin bend, we then double back slightly to head westerly on the SP70 though we could deviate to Dolceacqua another town with narrow cobbled streets, a colourful church and a ruined castle once occupied by the Counts of Ventimiglia dating back about 900 years.

We then continue north to Molini di Triora where there is a Trattoria where we could stop for lunch because on these roads it can be a while between places to dine, our next opportunity to get fed will be at Pigna is one of those places where the population has been in rapid decline and these days there are probably fewer than 1000 inhabitants so they folks are usually happy to see new faces.

Our route through the rural twisty roads of Italy continues to Pieve di Teco where we out afternoon break. Continuing on rural backroads we have a few fewer tight curves on the remainder of this route as we work our way north to Mondovi where we end the day in a hotel with great views across the medieval town including Torre Del Belvedere.

Mondovi Verbania ~ 330km / 205 miles ~ 6 to 6.5 hours riding

We depart Mondovi heading east towards the village of Lesegno and onwards to Ceva where we join the SP32 and later the SP661 both great twisty roads that offers wide open views at times as we ride past Piedmont vineyards. As we join the SP54 you enter a succession of hairpin bends that lead to Monesiglio where a 13th century castle towers over the town. We shall press onwards to the village of Gorzegno where you can get a nice coffee at a roadside bar that offers great views from the rear across the valley. There is another bar in town beside the church that is easier for parking if you prefer.

The first major town on our route is Asti (about 75k population). I don’t plan to explore the town unless anyone in the group wants to. We will stop and could have an early lunch here. Asti is a vibrant town dating back to neolithic times and was once a Roman fortified town. During its history it has been controlled by many all adding to its rich history.

The suburban towns to the east of Turin will be where we pass next including Chivasso where the Orco and Doro rivers merge with the Po. Continuing north we reach Vigliano Biellese which is an appropriate distance to take our afternoon break before we press onwards to the lakes.

The first lake we reach is Lago d’Orta. Away from the industrial belt this area is what you will recognise as characteristically Italian as we traverse the western shores of the lakeand onwards to Lago Maggiore where we end the day at Verbania in a hotel overlooking the lake.

Verbania to Davos ~ 280km / 175 miles ~ 5.5 hours riding

This day we shall be crossing back and forth between Italy and Switzerland. The roads we shall ride are generally better maintained than other we shall have ridden so far added to that we begin with a gentle ride along the shores of lakes so overall the time the saddle will be a bit less than previous days.

We begin by heading northerly around the western shore of Lago Maggiore crossing into Switzerland before turning South to Lago de Lugano where we shall take a short break before turning eastwards back into Italy to Lago di Como then north to Lago de Mezzola where it might be wise to break for lunch because the next major place lies north easterly back into Switzerland and its St Moritz where a coffee can cost €10! After St Moritz we cross a pass named Alvara after which we switch direction again towards to east to end the day at Davos where the World Economic Forum shall gather later this year.

We end the day at the Hilton Garden, it is a typical modern hotel that is competitively priced for the region. I don't want to venture further from Davis because tomorrow we shall be crossing several passes the first of which is on the doorstep.

Davos to Oberjoch ~ 285km / 178 miles ~ 5.5 to 6 hours riding

The day begins with a turn to the south and cross Flüela Pass (2389m/7838 ft) in the canton of Graubünden and traditionally considered the boundary between the Albula and Silvretta Alps. The Pass connects Davos with Susch in the Engadin valle and affords stunning alpine scenery, featuring picturesque lakes such as Lai da la Scotta and Lai Nair at the summit. ASlthough dating from 1867 the road is paved and offers a thrilling ride, with numerous twists and turns that make it popular among motorcyclists.

We next cross the Fuorn Pass (2149m/7050ft) also referred to as Ofenpass by Germans. There is a caravan that sells snacks and it is a suitable place for our first stop. This road connects the town of Zernez in the Engadin valley with Val Müstair. Historically there were ironworks in the area (I think Fuorn mean furnace). The pass traverses the Swiss National Park, offering stunning views of the alpine landscape and opportunities to spot wildlife, including the occasional brown bear.

The journey continues crossing back into Italy at the Stelvio Pass (2758m/9048ft), one of the most iconic mountain passes in the Eastern Alps, located in northern Italy near the Swiss border. The 29 mile (47 kilometers) pass between Prato Allo Stelvio in the north and Bormio in the south has 60 hairpin turns, 48 of them on the northern side. The Stelvio is one of those roads that many riders have on their bucket list though in my personal opinion that are other roads in the Tyrol that I find far more exciting. Perhaps after riding some you might agree. We shall stop for lunch at the pass.

There are so many great roads furher east but with only eight riding days in this trip it is now time to start the return journey, so, after Stelvio we turn North towards Austria and take a short refreshment break at Nauders. The music bar is a nice spot to spend an evening and they often have barbecues (I know you love a BBQ), but we only have time for a brief stop and light refreshment becauseI have more great roads planned and in particular to the Hahntennjoch a high Alpen pass (1894m/6214ft). This pass connects the upper Inn valley to the Lech Valley. It is a toll road and closed to vehicles over 14 tonnes but it winds its way up and down the mountain with some steep gradients and is a fun road to ride.

Later we cross the border to Germany and end the day at Bad Hindelang a popular resort on the Duetsche Alpenstrasse.

Oberjoch to Furkapass ~ 280km /175miles ~ 5.5 to 6.5 hours riding

The day begins on the Duetsche Alpenstrasse and traverses the last 50 miles of the route to arrive at Linau on Bedensee where we take our first break.

As we set off again we cross the border back into Switzerland where we follow the route 8 that meanders through the Swiss countryside as we make our way to Obersee. There is a Truck Stop mid way between Bodensee and Obersee that will make a good lunch stop.

Our route continues to another Swiss lake Vierwaldstatter See around which there are many great circuits and here we shall take a short rest break then press on towards the Furkapass (2110m/6922ft) where we shall end the day at a small hotel along the pass. It is a bit basic but a wonderful setting and the resturant serves good wholesome local produce.

Before reaching our final stop I'll offer you the chance to add a great extra loop around old Gotthtard pass. We would head south on Route 2 Passo San del Gottardo to Laggo della Piazza the turn onto the old pass that twists and turns back up the mountain. The circuit is about 15 miles (25km) but will add about an hour to our journey so we can decide on the day.

Furkapass to Annemasse ~ 320km / 200 miles ~ 6 hours riding

We cannot really take an Alpine tour recommended by Scott and not visit Grindelwald. Scott stayed at Interlaken with his niece and wanted to revisit Interlaken and Grindalwald. The day we travelled here an avalanche closed the road and we had to make a massive detour then on arriving in town Scott could not locate the hotel he had previously stayed at. We eventually settled on another where my room had a glorious view of the Eiger.

Naturally this being your final day of riding we shall not be staying in this area though a ride the remainder of the Furkapass then the Grimselpass before reaching the north shore of Brienzersee, through Interlaken, and part way up the Eiger to Grindelwald which will make an ideal stop for morning coffee.

We ride back towards Interlaken then head west along the Thun before crossing route 11 towards Lake Geneva. These alpine areas can be wet and there is a town along the way aptly called Rain! Then again there are towns in Europe with stranger names all clearly have different meaning in the local tongue! Anyway, Rain is near Saasen where we break for lunch.

The route continues to Aigle where the Chateau has those round turrets that inspired the likes of Disney in creating their cartoon Palaces. We shall not visit because the primary attraction is the wine museum and wine tasting is not recommended when we have to ride.

Our route now takes us over the Morgins Pass a mere 1374m/4507ft and although populated with alpine chalet styled hotels it is nevertheless a nice ride. There is a lake at the summit that makes a nice photo opportunity and is where we cross back into France.

From the border we descend towards Lake Geneva at Thonon-les-Bains before completing our journey back to Ville-la-Grand near Annemasse

Homeward bound