The ultimate 7-night supercar tour through Europe

Embarking on my third car tour in as many years, I discovered that each time the experience seems to get better and better. I’ve been trying to put my finger on what makes it so special and I think it’s a combination of things. Firstly, you get to meet great people and make new friends. When you spend seven days with likeminded participants you create a real bond that’s utterly incomparable. Then there’s the excitement of driving the cars and especially if you’re a true petrolhead like me, you love when you get to take your motor out for a spin. Most of the time it’s kept in the garage or only driven for the odd weekend break, corporate event or social gathering so when a week-long affair like this comes along, you truly have the opportunity to appreciate the car. Driving at warp speed through the forests and mountains is an unparalleled experience that really gets the heart racing – especially when your breaks catch fire! I think lastly but by no means least, you get to see parts of Europe – places of absolute beauty which you would never see if you didn’t drive from location to location. Between the excitement of waking up in a different destination every day with new experiences and stunning hotel to look forward to, makes for a trip that’s quite unique.

Supercars at the Furka Pass, Switzerland

Day One

The first day is full of that “I’m going on holiday” eagerness, light butterflies in your belly and adrenaline rushing through your veins – you know the feeling. As per previous years, the day began at the Folkestone Eurotunnel where it was immediately obvious that that was the meeting point for our upcoming adventure. 11 mind-blowing supercars all lined up in the car park, surrounded by car enthusiasts snapping pictures in complete awe. The journey to Calais was a breeze and from there it was a direct run to Cologne where we resided at Hyatt Regency Koln and indulged in a delicious meal. This was the perfect way to bond with the group of people I was about to spend the next seven days with.

Supercars in a row in the mountain's foothills

The butterflies returned on the second day but instead of excitement, it was a feeling of nerves and apprehension. After a hearty breakfast, we made our way to our first stop and you could cut the tension in the air with a knife. We came face-to-face with the toughest and most dangerous race circuit in the world, a course nicknamed The Green Hell – yes, really! Taming this circuit was indeed a challenge and with the triumphs, the histories and the tragedies that have been peppered throughout this turbulent stretch, we were proud to be behind the wheel of a track-ready car and journeying 12.9 miles each lap. After all the thrills, spills and, of course, the relief of successfully completing the circuit, we made our way to Frankfurt where we tucked into well-deserved sushi at Moriki, one of the best restaurants in Germany, and got some shut-eye at the futuristic Roomers Hotel Frankfurt.

Day Two

The butterflies returned on the second day but instead of excitement, it was a feeling of nerves and apprehension. After a hearty breakfast, we made our way to our first stop and you could cut the tension in the air with a knife. We came face-to-face with the toughest and most dangerous race circuit in the world, a course nicknamed The Green Hell – yes, really! Taming this circuit was indeed a challenge and with the triumphs, the histories and the tragedies that have been peppered throughout this turbulent stretch, we were proud to be behind the wheel of a track-ready car and journeying 12.9 miles each lap. After all the thrills, spills and, of course, the relief of successfully completing the circuit, we made our way to Frankfurt where we tucked into well-deserved sushi at Moriki, one of the best restaurants in Germany, and got some shut-eye at the futuristic Roomers Hotel Frankfurt.

Day Three

There’s truly nothing like driving a supercar on the derestricted autobahns and watching incredible scenery unfold right in front of your very eyes. On the third day, we entered the German state of Bavaria where Munich was our first stop and you know what that means – beer! After checking into Roomers Hotel Munich, we dumped our bags and headed to Augustiner Keller, one of the famous German beer halls. A staggering 1,000-seat venue, we opted to soak up the glorious German sunshine in the extensive gardens where we sipped on local beer, sampled traditional Bavarian food and immersed ourselves in the infectious bustling atmosphere.

It was now time for a change of scenery so we began our journey to the Stelvio Pass in Italy and this is where we swapped lengthy motorways for country and mountain roads. We couldn’t leave Germany without a pit-stop at one of the country’s national treasures, Neuschwanstein Castle, a building so picturesque that Walt Disney took inspiration from it. Continuing on our travels, we sped through the Austrian mountains where we refuelled our energy at a mountainside restaurant outlooking gorgeous alpine forests and glossy lagoons. After a short drive through Switzerland we crossed into Italy and marvelled at the world-famous Stelvio Pass, a route that every petrolhead dreams of driving. This is the road where you realise the true meaning of why you bought a supercar! Arriving at our Italian residence, Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi Bormio, we were greeted by a magnificent luxury alpine resort with a spa that was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Originally built by the Ancient Romans, the natural springs supply at least 15 different outdoor tubs, pools and baths which all overlook the mountain range. Heaven!

Day Four

It was now time for a change of scenery so we began our journey to the Stelvio Pass in Italy and this is where we swapped lengthy motorways for country and mountain roads. We couldn’t leave Germany without a pit-stop at one of the country’s national treasures, Neuschwanstein Castle, a building so picturesque that Walt Disney took inspiration from it. Continuing on our travels, we sped through the Austrian mountains where we refuelled our energy at a mountainside restaurant outlooking gorgeous alpine forests and glossy lagoons. After a short drive through Switzerland we crossed into Italy and marvelled at the world-famous Stelvio Pass, a route that every petrolhead dreams of driving. This is the road where you realise the true meaning of why you bought a supercar! Arriving at our Italian residence, Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi Bormio, we were greeted by a magnificent luxury alpine resort with a spa that was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Originally built by the Ancient Romans, the natural springs supply at least 15 different outdoor tubs, pools and baths which all overlook the mountain range. Heaven!

Day Five

Due to the hotel spa being so incredible, we decided to postpone our drive into Milan by a few hours to make the most out of the utter beauty and relaxation. We departed at midday and drove a further 25 kilometres of the Stelvio Pass, cruising the steep inclines, sweeping curves and hairpin bends before finally reaching Milan. The transition from a laidback and tranquil mountain resort to a thriving metropolis was somewhat surreal but trust me when I say we adjusted very quickly. No sooner had we checked into ME Milan Il Duca, sipped drinks at Radio Rooftop Bar and dined at STK, the party mood was well and truly underway.

Supercars coming up winding mountain road led by blue audi

Our penultimate day was an early start followed by a short two-hour drive heading south to Canelli which is part of the Barolo wine region of northern Italy. We were welcomed by another mind-blowing spa resort, San Maurizio, a monastery-turned-hotel perched high upon the hills with 360-degree views of lush vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. After a tasty lunch, we were escorted to a private wine cellar to sample some of the best vintage vinos from a local wine producer. The good times rolled straight into the evening where we admired the spectacular Italian view from the terrace and enjoyed a delectable five-course meal at the hotel’s on-site Michelin starred restaurant.

Day Six

Our penultimate day was an early start followed by a short two-hour drive heading south to Canelli which is part of the Barolo wine region of northern Italy. We were welcomed by another mind-blowing spa resort, San Maurizio, a monastery-turned-hotel perched high upon the hills with 360-degree views of lush vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. After a tasty lunch, we were escorted to a private wine cellar to sample some of the best vintage vinos from a local wine producer. The good times rolled straight into the evening where we admired the spectacular Italian view from the terrace and enjoyed a delectable five-course meal at the hotel’s on-site Michelin starred restaurant.

Day Seven

Our supercar rally adventure was coming to a close but spirits were still high and adrenaline was still pumping. We left the resort in Canelli just before midday and drove along the mountain roads of the Alps once again while experiencing some of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen. We finally reached the coast and made our way into Cannes, arriving at the famous InterContinental Carlton Cannes. And what’s a final night without a party? The good times rolled well into the night at the super-exclusive Bâoli Beach Club; it was the perfect way to round off an utterly unforgettable experience.

After dining on one last delicious breakfast, we made our way to the airport and caught our flights home. With the memories of an incredible week shared with new friends, it seems surreal to return back to daily life. What keeps me going? Knowing that in just one short year I’ll be putting pedal to the metal once again, exploring the open roads of more gorgeous European destinations, residing in stunning hotels and dining in some of the best restaurants in the world. But, for now, it’s time to hang up my car keys on the hook and simply flick through the pictures on my phone – after all, a picture speaks a thousand words…

Engines Off...

After dining on one last delicious breakfast, we made our way to the airport and caught our flights home. With the memories of an incredible week shared with new friends, it seems surreal to return back to daily life. What keeps me going? Knowing that in just one short year I’ll be putting pedal to the metal once again, exploring the open roads of more gorgeous European destinations, residing in stunning hotels and dining in some of the best restaurants in the world. But, for now, it’s time to hang up my car keys on the hook and simply flick through the pictures on my phone – after all, a picture speaks a thousand words…