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

Exploring the Swiss Alps in a Porsche sounds like a dream, and this 6-day drive tour offers just that—plus a lot more. From the comfort of a sleek Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 to staying in top-tier hotels, it’s a luxurious way to see some of Europe’s most stunning mountain passes and landscapes. While it’s not a budget trip, many reviews highlight its excellent organization, breathtaking scenery, and attentive guides, making it a memorable experience worth every penny.

What I especially appreciate about this tour is how flexible it is—you get to manage your own pace, stopping at landmarks like Lake Lucerne, the Aare Gorge, or the Rhone Glacier whenever something catches your eye. Plus, the itinerary is packed with legendary passes like Furka, Stelvio, Grimsel, and Bernina—each with its own character and jaw-dropping views. The other standout? The high-quality guidance from Stephan, a reviewer’s favorite, who seems to keep everything running smoothly and shares tips along the way.

That said, a potential consideration is the cost, which is quite steep at over $11,600 for two people. This price includes the car, hotels, and support but excludes fuel, parking, meals, and entrance fees. If you’re comfortable with that, the value comes from not just the scenery but the sense of freedom and confidence you gain from self-driving such iconic passes. It’s not a casual day trip; it’s a carefully curated, luxurious adventure with the freedom to explore at your own speed.

Key points / Takeaways

• Luxury and Flexibility: You manage your own pace with a self-led route, stopping where you want.
• Iconic Alpine Passes: Drives over Furka, Stelvio, Grimsel, Bernina, and Klausen Pass create a once-in-a-lifetime scenic experience.
• Premium Accommodation: Rest at four- and five-star hotels, including the Renaissance Zurich and GrandHotel Kronenhof in Pontresina.
• High-Performance Vehicle: The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 offers an exhilarating, comfortable ride through winding mountain roads.
• Expert Support: The tour includes en route support, a detailed road book, and a programmed GPS to help you navigate the mountain routes.
• Authentic Swiss and Italian scenery: From glaciers and mountain lakes to stunning gorges and alpine villages, every day offers something new and photogenic.

Entering the Swiss Alps in Style

Driving in a Porsche along Switzerland’s most scenic, twisting roads is a thrill. The tour kicks off in Zurich, giving you a taste of urban ease before heading into the mountains. The choice of a self-led route means you can stop whenever something catches your eye—like the panoramic views at Lake Lucerne or the dramatic Stein Glacier. Many reviews praise the organization—one mentions Stephan, the guide, as “friendly and professional,” who ensures everything runs smoothly from car delivery to route support.

The first couple of days are packed with iconic sights. You’ll wind past lush meadows, towering peaks, and historic towns, with highlights like Susten Pass, Grimsel Pass, and the legendary Furka Pass. These roads are famous for good reason—they’re winding, challenging, and offer jaw-dropping vistas at every turn. For example, the Furka Pass was a highlight for many reviewers, with one describing it as a “James Bond moment” as they imagined Sean Connery in Goldfinger.

What makes this trip special is the combination of driving and sightseeing. You can stretch your legs at spots like the Aare Gorge or Rhone Glacier, where views and photo opportunities abound. The Rhone Glacier even features an accessible ice tunnel—an extra treat for those interested in icy landscapes—and many appreciate the flexibility here to explore at a relaxed pace.

Crossing Into Italy and the Stelvio

The second half of the trip takes you into Italy, crossing the border at Fuorn Pass and then tackling the Stelvio Pass—the crown jewel of mountain drives. Known for its 48 hairpin turns and spectacular 2,757-meter elevation, the Stelvio is a must-do for road trip enthusiasts. Many reviewers highlight the thrill of driving through this legendary pass, with one calling it “stunning” and “worth every euro.” The views are incredible, whether you’re looking down into the valleys or up into the clouds.

Driving the Stelvio offers a perfect blend of challenge and beauty. The narrow, winding roads demand attention but are immensely satisfying, especially with the freedom of a self-guided tour. You’ll also make a detour to the Bernina Pass, another stunning route running parallel to the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway. These mountain passes aren’t just about driving—they’re about experiencing the mountain’s grandeur up close.

Along the way, you’ll visit the Abbey of Saint John Mustair, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stop at points like Aussichtsplattform Il Spir Conn, which offers views of the Rhine Gorge and the famous Horseshoe Bend. Many guests note how these stops break up the drive nicely and enrich the experience—more than just a scenic drive, it’s a journey through Swiss and Italian culture and history.

From the Swiss National Park to Engadine

Day four takes you into the Swiss National Park, an area known for its pristine wilderness, and into the Italian Tyrol. Here, the Fuorn Pass serves as a gateway into the Alpine wilderness, with opportunities to explore the flora and fauna (though some stops are optional and depend on your interests). The tour also includes a visit to the Convent of Saint John Mustair, a well-preserved early medieval monastery, adding a historical touch to your mountain adventure.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy the thrill of the Passo dello Stelvio, where many reviews describe the drive as “brilliantly organized” and “the trip of a lifetime.” The highlight here is the architecture of the hairpins, which seems to go on forever and offers panoramic views at every turn.

Later, the route continues through the Bernina Pass into the Engadine Valley, where St. Moritz and Pontresina provide contrasting atmospheres—luxury and tranquility, respectively. One reviewer noted a quick optional stop at St. Moritz for its scenic lake and chic cafes, though the quieter Pontresina offers a more relaxed Swiss mountain village feel.

Exploring the Albula and Klausen Passes

The fifth day is a deep dive into Swiss engineering and natural beauty. The Albula Pass, famous for its impressive stone viaducts and the surrounding canyon, is a favorite for train and road enthusiasts alike. The nearby Bahnmuseum provides insight into the engineering marvels of the region, which many reviewers find fascinating.

The Klausen Pass, connecting Uri and Glarus, is a highlight for its 46-kilometer stretch and 136 curves—perfect for those who enjoy challenging drives with rewarding views. It’s a compact, scenic route that emphasizes the thrill of mountain driving while immersing you in Swiss landscapes.

Leisure and Departure

On the final day, you can relax and enjoy the surroundings before returning your Porsche and heading home. Many guests comment that the tour is well-organized and the hotels are top-notch, making the travel not just about the scenery but about comfort and ease.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who are passionate about driving, scenic landscapes, and luxury accommodations. It’s perfect for those who want the thrill of mountain passes without the hassle of planning every detail. It also appeals to people who appreciate authentic views—such as glaciers, gorges, and alpine villages—and don’t mind a higher price tag for the extra comfort and flexibility.

However, it’s important to note that the cost can be a barrier for some. Also, some reviews mention that the starting hotel in Zurich isn’t centrally located, so plan to explore or arrive early if you want to see Zurich’s sights.

Price and Value

At over $11,600 for two, this tour isn’t cheap, but it includes the Porsche rental, four to five-star hotels, and comprehensive support. It’s a premium experience that offers the freedom of self-driving through some of Europe’s most iconic mountain scenery, with the reassurance of expert support along the way.

In terms of value, many reviewers feel that the memorable views, high-quality hotels, and the thrill of driving legendary passes make it worth the investment. If you’re a confident driver who loves scenic road trips and has a sense of adventure, this tour offers a rare combination of luxury, independence, and breathtaking beauty.

FAQ

• Is the tour suitable for all drivers?
  You need to be at least 23 years old with a moderate physical fitness level. Driving on mountain passes requires confidence and comfort with winding roads.

• What is included in the price?
  The tour includes the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, comprehensive car insurance, all tour mileage, hotel stays at luxury properties, GPS, and a detailed road book.

• Are meals and entrance fees included?
  No, these are not included. You should budget for fuel, parking, meals, and any sightseeing admissions.

• Can I modify the itinerary?
  Since it’s self-led, you can stop where you wish and take extra time at points of interest, providing flexibility beyond the planned route.

• What kind of support do I get?
  The tour offers en route support via phone or WhatsApp, as well as a programmed GPS and a detailed day-by-day road book.

• How do hotel stays work?
  Hotels are included in the package and are located conveniently along the route, ensuring comfort and a good night’s rest after long days.

• What are the best months to go?
  The tour is weather-dependent; good weather is required for the drive. Peak months are likely late spring through early fall, when passes are open and the scenery is at its best.

• Is it worth the high cost?
  For lovers of scenic drives, luxury travel, and self-guided exploration, many find the experience priceless—especially with the freedom to explore at your own pace.

• What if I want to add extra activities?
  Some stops, like the Swiss National Park or the Erlebnisberg Pradaschier, are optional extras that you might find worth including if you have extra time and interest.

This luxury Swiss and Italian mountain driving tour offers more than just a scenic route—it delivers an immersive, flexible adventure in some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to combine the thrill of driving with the comfort of high-end accommodations, all while experiencing the majesty of the Alps and Stelvio Pass. If you’re up for a memorable, well-organized, and scenic journey, this trip might very well be your next great road adventure.