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

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

★ 5.0 · 5 reviews From $11,629 Operated by EPIKdrives · Bookable on Viator
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A Porsche road trip through real Alpine scenery. You get 9 iconic passes over 6 days, plus a self-led route with programmed GPS and an English road-book so you’re not guessing. I especially like how the drive mixes famous viewpoints (Lake Lucerne, Furka, Oberalp) with the slower moments like monastery stops and short walks through big mountain scenery.

One consideration: the daily schedule is packed with driving time and at least a little walking, and while some stops are marked free, you should still budget for fuel, parking, and several admission fees since they’re not included.

Key things that make this Porsche Alpine trip work

6-Day Drive 9 Swiss Passes, Glacier Express Route +Stelvio, Italy - Key things that make this Porsche Alpine trip work

  • Self-led driving with support: programmed GPS, an English road-book, and call/WhatsApp help en route
  • A real sports car feel: 96 hours in a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Roadster (with insurance and all mileage included)
  • Big-name pass highlights: Furka, Oberalp, and the Stelvio Pass hairpins
  • Lux hotels built into the route: 5 nights across Zurich, Pontresina area, and Andermatt
  • Stops you can actually time: short 10–20 minute photo breaks plus longer breaks for places like Aare Gorge and the UNESCO site
  • Flexibility built in: you manage your own pace on the route and can add stops like the Swiss National Park or Aare Gorge

Porsche driving through the Alps, with your own pace

6-Day Drive 9 Swiss Passes, Glacier Express Route +Stelvio, Italy - Porsche driving through the Alps, with your own pace
This tour is built around a simple idea: you drive yourself, you choose your timing, and the route is set up so you can focus on the road. The car is the star of the show. You’re in a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Roadster for 96 hours, and the deal includes comprehensive car insurance, all tour mileage, and even hotel delivery and pickup. That means you start each driving day already set, not negotiating rental counters.

I like that you’re not stuck in a bus schedule. Your itinerary gives you “anchor” stops, but between them you can slow down for roadside viewpoints or choose a quick detour when the weather looks good. The tour’s programmed GPS and day-by-day road-book make it easy to follow, even if you’re not an expert mountain driver.

The route does include some walking (for example, the gorge stop is about a short walk between rock formations). If you plan to move slowly, bring good shoes and take breaks. Also, good weather matters here. The tour notes it requires good weather, and poor conditions can trigger a date change or refund.

Zurich meet-and-greet: start smooth, not stressful

6-Day Drive 9 Swiss Passes, Glacier Express Route +Stelvio, Italy - Zurich meet-and-greet: start smooth, not stressful
Day 1 is low-key by design. You meet at the Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel at 5 PM for a meet-and-greet. This is a smart moment to get your bearings before you head into pass country.

The biggest practical win is the setup for the car. The tour includes car delivery and collection at the hotel, plus a personal briefing at the hotel. That combination matters because a road trip like this is less about “getting the car” and more about getting comfortable with the day’s driving plan, parking realities, and the GPS route.

One thing to note: your Zurich base is part of the package, but the exact hotel area could feel more functional than charming, depending on what you’re used to. If you’re hoping for an Old Town stroll from your doorstep, plan some transit or choose dining outside the immediate area.

Day 2: Lake Lucerne, Susten Pass, Aare Gorge, then Furka and Rhone Glacier

Day 2 is where you really start to feel the scale of Switzerland. The day begins with Lake Lucerne, reached via wide green meadows and mountain-carved roads. Near Weggis, the view is one of those “pause the engine” moments. It’s a short stop (about 20 minutes), so aim to move quickly from parking to viewpoint and back.

Next comes Susten Pass, which is famous for those bridges and tunnels carved into the rock mass. This is a pass built for drivers who like variety: you get sweeping mountain sections plus engineered tunnels and bridge segments. After that, you’ll stop for views over the Stein Glacier (another short photo-style break).

Then you switch gears to Aareschlucht, a gorge stop with about 2 hours of time. It’s one of the better breaks for stretching your legs. You’ll take a short walk between impressive rock formations before continuing toward Lake Brienzersee and Interlaken-area hotel time. This stop is also one to treat as “worth a little effort,” since it gives you geology and scale instead of just scenic road photos.

The afternoon keeps stacking passes: Grimsel Pass (10 minutes) leads into Furka Pass territory, with Andermatt’s wooden houses on the way. You also get a Rhone Glacier stop, including access to the 100-metre long blue ice tunnel and ice chamber (time on site is about 1 hour). Then you finish with a quick Furka Pass moment (about 10 minutes), the kind of stop where your photos look like they belong on a movie poster.

Day 3: Oberalp Pass and the Glacier Express-style viewpoint run

6-Day Drive 9 Swiss Passes, Glacier Express Route +Stelvio, Italy - Day 3: Oberalp Pass and the Glacier Express-style viewpoint run
Day 3 is all about following the line of the famous panoramic train route. It starts at Oberalp Pass (about 10 minutes), where the drive reaches the highest point on this stretch at 2,033 metres (6,700 ft). Even if you’ve seen photos, being up there changes how the mountains feel. Expect big-sky lighting and sharp views.

You also get a monastery stop at Benediktiner Kloster Disentis (about 45 minutes). This is where the trip slows down from driving “thrills” to heritage and calm. It’s not just a quick selfie stop. Plan to take your time here since it’s a non-car moment.

Next is Aussichtsplattform Il Spir Conn for views toward the Rhine Gorge area and the famous horseshoe bend. It’s another short stop (10 minutes), so don’t waste time wandering. Go straight to where you get the best angle, snap your photos, then move on.

For a more playful break, there’s Erlebnisberg Pradaschier with tobogganing time (about 2 hours). This is a good choice if you want something hands-on after the high-pass driving. Just remember it’s longer than many scenic pull-offs, so plan your energy accordingly.

The route climbs again via Julier Pass (about 10 minutes), reaching 2,284 metres (7,493 ft). This is your gateway into the Engadine Valley. After that, you have an optional 1-hour stop at St. Moritz for lake and alpine-town vibes, then you continue to Pontresina for an overnight base. Pontresina is positioned as a calmer alternative to St. Moritz, and it’s practical: you’re close to the same scenery without feeling like you’re constantly in a crowd.

A few more Zurich and alpine trips worth a look

Day 4: Swiss National Park stop, Mustair UNESCO, then Stelvio’s 48 hairpins

6-Day Drive 9 Swiss Passes, Glacier Express Route +Stelvio, Italy - Day 4: Swiss National Park stop, Mustair UNESCO, then Stelvio’s 48 hairpins
Day 4 is the day that shifts from Swiss Alps into Italian Tyrol scenery, and the highlight is Passo dello Stelvio.

Before Italy, you have the Fuorn Pass (about 10 minutes), then a stop at the Convent of Saint John Mustair (about 20 minutes). This abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptionally well-preserved Carolingian art. Even if you’re not a hardcore architecture person, UNESCO stops are worth it on a road trip like this because they give contrast: the day is otherwise made of passes and driving views.

Then you hit Stelvio Pass. The tour sets you up for the iconic zick-zack route: 48 numbered hairpins laid over roughly 47 km (29 miles), reaching 2,757 m (9,045 ft). This is not just a view stop. It’s a drive. Plan for an extra slow pace, because turning roads like this reward calm driving and careful spacing.

After Stelvio, you continue with Berninapass (about 10 minutes). The timing here is short, but it keeps the day moving toward your next base, so you don’t lose too much of your energy.

One note: the tour also includes an optional stop for learning about the flora and fauna of the Swiss National Park, described as the only Swiss National Park. If you like nature walks and signs and quiet observation, choose that stop. If you want pure driving momentum, skip it and save time for the Stelvio area.

Day 5: Albula Pass cliffs, Bahnmuseum Albula, then Klausen’s twists

6-Day Drive 9 Swiss Passes, Glacier Express Route +Stelvio, Italy - Day 5: Albula Pass cliffs, Bahnmuseum Albula, then Klausen’s twists
Day 5 is quieter than Day 4, but it’s still full of driving character.

It starts with Albula Pass (about 10 minutes). The route follows the Albula river for a bit, then climbs alongside a cliff with serpentines (switchbacks). The pay-off is a view over the Albula canyon. This is one of those “the road looks good even when you’re not stopping” segments.

Next is Bahnmuseum Albula in Bergün (about 1 hour). The museum ties to the rail lines that run alongside the pass. If you’re lucky with timing, you can see a train crossing on stone viaducts, which adds movement and scale to the mountain engineering theme.

Finally, you finish with Klausen Pass (about 10 minutes). The tour describes it as a highly scenic pass with about 46 km (29 miles) and 136 curves. You’re connecting Altdorf in Uri to Linthal in Glarus, with an elevation up to 1,948 metres (6,391 ft). This is a fun “final pass taste” day: enough time to enjoy, not so long that you feel cooked before the end of the driving window.

Hotels and timing: comfort that actually matters on a pass route

6-Day Drive 9 Swiss Passes, Glacier Express Route +Stelvio, Italy - Hotels and timing: comfort that actually matters on a pass route
This tour includes 5 nights across luxury hotels: 2 nights at the Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel, 2 nights at GrandHotel Kronenhof in Pontresina (about 20 minutes from St. Moritz), and 1 night at The Chedi Hotel in Andermatt. Those hotel choices matter because you’re frequently driving mountain roads and then parking, eating, and resting. A comfortable bed and predictable check-in are not “extras” here. They help you wake up ready to drive again.

Also, remember what’s not included: lunch and dinner are on you. That means you’ll want a simple strategy. Either plan early stops for meals near scenic pull-offs or aim for hotel-area dinners when you arrive. Since several admission fees aren’t included either, it’s smart to keep some cash or a card ready for entry charges, and confirm what you’ll pay for at each stop.

Fuel and parking are also not included. In mountainous towns, parking can take longer than you expect. Your programmed GPS helps, but your time still matters. Build a buffer on days with more stops, especially around hairpin-heavy areas.

Porsche-pass value: what $11,629.51 really buys (and what you still cover)

6-Day Drive 9 Swiss Passes, Glacier Express Route +Stelvio, Italy - Porsche-pass value: what $11,629.51 really buys (and what you still cover)
The price is $11,629.51 per group (up to 2). At first glance, that’s a big number. The value comes from what’s bundled: 5 nights at high-end hotels plus the Porsche rental with comprehensive insurance, all tour mileage, and hotel delivery and pickup. Many road trips “nickel-and-dime” you on car insurance, mileage, and extra logistics. Here, those pieces are included, which helps you keep control of your total spend.

What you still pay for is also clearly listed: fuel, parking, local tourism taxes at hotels, admission fees, lunch and dinner, and travel insurance. Since some stops have admission marked as not included, treat this as a drive-first trip with extra entry costs sprinkled in.

If you want a private, self-led mountain drive with luxury bases and a true sports car experience, the pricing can make sense. If you’re mainly looking for a guided sightseeing day with lots of included meals, you might find this style doesn’t match your travel habits.

Who this fits best:

  • Drivers who like control and don’t want to wait on a group schedule
  • Couples who can share the car experience (the group size is up to 2)
  • People who want Switzerland and Italy’s iconic passes in one route without planning every turn

Should you book this 6-day Porsche pass tour with Stelvio?

I think you should book it if you want one of the most practical ways to drive Alpine passes without living in planning mode. The programmed GPS, English road-book, and hotel car pickup make the trip feel organized. The mix of serious driving (Susten, Oberalp, Furka, Stelvio) and contrast stops (monastery, UNESCO site, museum) gives you more than just roadside photos.

Skip it if you hate flexible schedules and you prefer fully included meals and attractions. Also skip if you’re unlikely to handle short walks or if you’re sensitive to the idea that fuel, parking, and some entry fees will be your responsibility.

If you love the road, the passes, and want luxury at the end of each driving day, this is a strong choice. Just drive it like you’re in charge of the moment, because you are.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The experience is listed as 6 days (approximately). It includes 5 nights at the included hotels.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel (Turbinenstrasse 20, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What car will I drive?

You’ll rent a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Roadster for 96 hours.

Is there a driver age requirement?

Yes. The minimum driver age is 23 years old.

Is the tour self-led or guided?

This is a private tour/activity with programmed GPS and a day-by-day road-book in English. You manage your own pace on the self-led route, with en route support by call/WhatsApp.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are 5 hotel nights (2 in Zurich, 2 in Pontresina area, 1 in Andermatt), the Porsche rental (with comprehensive car insurance and all tour mileage), car delivery and collection at hotels, programmed GPS, an English road-book, private transportation, a personal tour briefing at the hotel, and en route support.

What is not included?

Fuel, parking, local tourism taxes at hotels, admission fees, travel insurance, and lunch and dinner are not included.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes. The experience lists mobile ticket as a feature.

Does it require good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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