Familly friendly 4x4 tours in the alps
 

Does anyone know of a company offering alpine driving tours. I'm not looking for brain out off roading. Just the chance to explore off the tarmac with my family in the alps.

I don't think you need a tour company. That would be a waste of money, imho. The off tarmac tracks are simple enough for you to do in your own 4x4 safely.

Even if you did need assistance it would not be far away.

We spent a few days exploring last August. If you want GPS let me know.

Dan

This was my first thought when I read the question.
For instance, there is the classic "Stella Alpina" which can be accessed, part of the way, with just about any vehicle.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...a-alpina-68958
It is supposed to be closed to vehicular traffic for most of the year, although seeing the state of some of the barriers this may not be the case (I have been there only for the duration of the annual bike meet-up day and I have considered returning when things are quieter).

Exploring for the sake of exploring such routes is an attractive idea to me; it's not exactly "Capt James Cook" stuff going to the ends of the known world, and beyond, but there is still a lot to be recommended about places near to home.

Dan,
For which routes do you have GPS tracks?

Hi,

I have some tracks for some of the LKGS/Fort Central Etc and also Mount Jafferau / Fort Pramand, Also mount Sacerello.

These are on Wikiloc.

We ran out of time, all the tracks are clearly marked on IGN and IGC maps. Maps you would need to find these are here. You can get these in the UK, from Stanford maps in London or via ebay, amazon etc etc.

If we had more time we would have spent weeks just exploring the tracks and camping for free. We took a bath at the local Piscine!

Dan

Thanks Dan! I am not surprised that you ran out of time.

I see you went to Lake Rochemolles on the classic Stella route; beyond there, at the track junction showing in white on your Wikiloc, is the wild camping area near the mountain refuge hut (I forget the name of the latter). Thereafter, the track becomes much steeper, with far more rocks and gravel - much knarlier basically + it gets into the summer snow line.

Yes, hard to beat a decent paper map.

Hi,

No problem

I know where you mean I had planned to pop up there. I think it is the highest Glacier you can drive to in Europe. I was a little disappointed to of missed it out.

Camping along the tracks is nice, there are plenty of potential spots and it is nice to be on your own at night. Fort Pramand is a little creepy, I think Fort Central can get busy from what I saw through my Binoculars. There are pictures etc of all the routes on our website, which you can get to via the maps link above.

Hoping to explore some more this summer, on our way hopefully to Albania.

If you guys pop up on any tracks, I would be interested to see pictures etc.

@Moggy. What are your planned dates?

Cheers

Dan

I've done plenty of independent travelling, but my understanding was it's pretty much impossible to off road in france now unless you are part of an organised event.
Is this incorrect, can I just get some maps and go exploring?

The plan is to go in August, we are heading to eastern Europe but I fancied doing a bit in the alps on the way. I've done plenty of tarmac driving in the alps, notably the Route Des Grand Alps, and love the area, so now I feel I would like to explore off the beaten track.

If I could do it independently that would be great but my understanding was this isn't possible in France?:(

Your other thread has an encouraging trip report from 2009 + Dan's routes in here are helpful.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...x4-tours-70379

"It's easier to get forgiveness than permission".

Don't think you need any permission as long as you follow local signage and any closures. I spoke with a Local at Tende and he was very encouraging and never suggested any restrictions.

While we were around last August we came across loads of people doing the same as us. I think as the tracks are on the map, you should treat it like any other route and just obey the local signs etc. you'll be fine.

Obviously I am assuming by off road, you mean unpaved. Not true off road, off road. :confused1:

Dan

Following on from the other thread.

We are both going the same way, my very rough plan

France / Belguim / Germany / Austria / Solvenia / Croatia / Bosnia / Montenegro / Albania / Macedonia (maybe) / Greece / Bulgaria / Romania / Hungary / Solvakia / Czech Republic / Home.

Not set in stone at all, If I enjoy the Balkans (which I think I will) I may cut out some of the return places and come home on a more direct route. My plan is to get to Solvenia ASAP and slow down from then on, I may even spend a few days in Turkey (Gallipoli Peninsula).

Blue Landcruiser looking lost and confused and it will be us :Beach:

Hi,

You have a lot planned, for the 4 or 5 weeks you have. Will you have time for beer?beer

We should have our rough plans a bit more set in a few weeks. I think by the beginning of August we'll be around the Maritime Alps. After that I am not sure.

If paths cross it would be cool to have a beer.

Croatia and Montenegro are very nice places. I did not spend as much time as I would have liked in Bosnia. You should check out the Durmitor national park in Montenegro and the Plitvička National park in Croatia, also Zeljava airbase if you like that kind of thing. We a few pics on our site of the base, loads more on google thou.

The ferry network in Croatia is very good. So if you need a break from driving it is a good way to see some of the area. The island of Lumbarda is very nice. I know. Good campsite there.

Cheers

Dan

if all goes according to plan, we will be in a camel trophy yellow landcruiser, that's if it goes according to plan as this is it at the moment!

http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/...pse35cd299.jpg


I love the alps and my family have never seen them so I am keen to show them some of it, then we will also be heading East.

Romania is an interesting place, the transfag is amazing. Think of a reason why the girls are stood at the side of the road before your son asks you!

I would love to see the dalmation coast but it may be a bit packed at that time of year.

Looks like you need to get busy!

On the Dalmation coast it will be busy in August, but like I said use the ferries, then you can see it. The island I mentioned is not too bad.

On the mainland. Travel on the minor roads slightly in land or on the border. Very quiet.

All the Italians go home at the last few days of August. Avoid the Italy Slovenia Croatia coast road on those days it is hell!

We found in land on minor roads very quiet, try it.

Dan

Hello Dan

I guess it does sound a lot, but I get itchy feet within a days rest normally and some of my planned countries are just transit routes. You should have seen my original plan, this is the cut down route to allow enough annual leave left to maybe get a sneaky trip away to Morocco over Christmas again. :rofl:

All and any information for routes and nice overnight stops gratefully received, this is my first trip to the area, I don't like cities or busy places but love getting off the beaten track and exploring.

I will be reading your website with interest and hopefully we will bump into each other for a bier

Thanks

Matt

Noted Moggy, trying to think of something to tell him already :Beach:

mr naïve here, first one I saw thought was waiting for her granny or something!:oops2:

looks like we might be taking a tour in the Alps, there's one someone gave me the link for end of July beginning august. after that we'll probably head on east.

happily it's not me sorting the truck, the garage are doing it, but they will need to get a bit of a whizzy on!

Hey Moggy
Thats some project you have bitten off! We work on L/C's every week for Overland Prep, so if you want an independent view point on something or advice on kit then just give us a call. Hopefully you can make it to #HUBBUK meet and pick up a few ideas? We will be there and are hosting a debate on Land Rover v's Land Cruisers. Hope to catch up soon, will watch with interest.
Enjoy!

Would love to see a recording or transcript of that debate?

Dan

you'll need a bell and gloves for that debate!

As a registered A&E nurse I may be able to offer some assistance!:eek3: