Review · SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEYS
6-Day Drive 9 Swiss Passes, Glacier Express Route +Stelvio, Italy
Nine passes, one Porsche, and big views. This 6-day self-drive route is built for people who want the Alps at road level, with a Porsche 718 Boxster and a plan that lines up the classic pass viewpoints, not just random driving. I like that the trip mixes famous scenery, like the Stelvio hairpins, with shorter, practical photo stops. I also like the comfort factor: multiple 4 and 5-star hotel nights are included so you drive hard, then actually recover well.
One drawback to think about is that the price is high, and you will still pay for things like fuel, parking, and some admission fees, so the total spend can creep up.
In This Review
- Key things that make this drive work
- Porsche 718 Boxster, programmed GPS, and how the pace stays in your hands
- Hotels across Zurich, Pontresina, and Andermatt, plus why the “where you sleep” matters
- The price reality: what $11,629.51 for up to two really covers
- Day 1 in Zurich: meet-and-greet, then get ready to drive the Alps
- Day 2: Lake Lucerne, Susten Pass bridges, and Furka’s Bond-style viewpoint moment
- Day 3: Oberalp Pass on the Glacier Express line, then Engadine passes and Pradaschier fun
- Day 4: Fuorn into the Italian Tyrol, Mustair’s UNESCO abbey, and Stelvio’s 48 hairpins
- Day 5: Albula Pass canyon views, Bergün’s rail museum, and Klausen’s 136 curves
- Day 6: a slower finish after the pass sprint
- Who this Porsche Alps route is best for
- Should you book this 6-day Porsche pass sprint?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour start and end?
- What car do I drive?
- How long is the Porsche rental?
- Is this tour guided or self-led?
- Which hotels are included?
- Are fuel, parking, and admissions included?
- What passes and major roads are included?
- Do I get help if I get stuck or need support?
- What are the weather and cancellation basics?
Key things that make this drive work

- Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 for 96 hours, with hotel delivery and pickup
- Self-led timing, so you stop when the view is good, not when a bus schedule says so
- A pass-focused route that hits Furka, Oberalp, and Italy’s Stelvio, plus more
- Programmed GPS and an English road-book, which keeps you from fighting directions in mountain towns
- En route support by call or WhatsApp, plus a tour briefing at the hotel
Other panoramic rail runs we have ridden
- Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Zurich★ 4.5 · 164 reviews
- Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich With Private Guide★ 4.5 · 34 reviews
- 6-Day Drive 9 Swiss Passes, Glacier Express Route +Stelvio, Italy★ 5.0 · 5 reviews
Porsche 718 Boxster, programmed GPS, and how the pace stays in your hands
The headline is the car. You’re driving a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Roadster, and it’s set up so you can enjoy the curves without constantly worrying about logistics. You also get comprehensive car insurance, programmed GPS, a day-by-day road-book in English, and a private setup for your group.
For me, the value here is not just the brand name. It’s that you’re given the tools to reduce stress: the GPS is already loaded, the route is already planned day by day, and there’s en route support if something unexpected happens. That lets you spend your energy on simple decisions like when to pull over, how long to stay at a viewpoint, and whether you want the short walk or the quick photo stop.
Also, know the practical side. Fuel and parking are not included. If you plan to do extra stops beyond the listed ones, budget time and money. And there’s a hard requirement: the minimum driver age is 23.
Hotels across Zurich, Pontresina, and Andermatt, plus why the “where you sleep” matters

This is a driving trip, but it’s also a comfort trip. Your included hotel nights include 5-star stays at the Renaissance Hotel Zurich (2 nights), GrandHotel Kronenhof in Pontresina (2 nights), and The Chedi Hotel in Andermatt (1 night). You also get local tourism taxes at hotels, which are not included, so expect that small added line item.
I like hotel choice on trips like this because tired drivers make worse decisions. Being placed in major alpine towns reduces the risk of last-minute, under-planned driving. Pontresina is especially useful as a base when you’re doing Glacier Express style roads and then still want a calmer vibe than the busiest spots.
One more real-life consideration: your start hotel in Zurich is the Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel, and it’s in a more modern, industrial area. That can mean fewer charming, walkable dinner options right outside your door. If that bothers you, you can still plan a short drive or quick transit to find better food, but it’s worth knowing up front.
The price reality: what $11,629.51 for up to two really covers

This tour is priced per group up to 2 people, at $11,629.51. That number feels big, and it is big. The reason is that you’re paying for a bundled experience: Porsche rental for 96 hours, hotel nights, private transportation support, programmed GPS, road-book, insurance, and all tour mileage are included.
Here’s what you should compare in your head. If you tried to build this yourself, you’d likely spend heavily on a Porsche rental, then add expensive multi-night hotel stays in Zurich and the Engadine area, plus the extra cost of insurance and hours spent figuring out routes and parking. This package is basically buying you time and friction removal, not just the car.
What can add cost outside the package:
- fuel and parking
- local tourism taxes at hotels
- admission fees at ticketed sights
- lunch and dinner
- travel insurance (not included)
So the “value” depends on how you travel. If you’re the kind of person who already likes staying in 5-star hotels and driving a real sports car, the package is easier to justify. If you’re trying to do this on a tight budget, you’ll feel every paid add-on fast.
Day 1 in Zurich: meet-and-greet, then get ready to drive the Alps

Day 1 is simple on purpose. You meet at 5 PM at the Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel. You’ll get a personal tour briefing at the hotel, plus the basics you need to make driving day feel smooth.
This is when you want to do two things. First, confirm everything about your car handoff, since the car delivery and collection are part of the included service. Second, plan your first dinner, because Zurich evenings are only fun when you’re not hunting for a decent meal after a long travel day.
The best part of Day 1 is mental. You start with enough structure that tomorrow feels like a road trip with a plan, not a scavenger hunt.
Longer Swiss itineraries, six days plus
Day 2: Lake Lucerne, Susten Pass bridges, and Furka’s Bond-style viewpoint moment

Day 2 is where the Alps start to feel like a theme park built for drivers. You roll past scenic stretches toward Lake Lucerne, with one of the iconic views near Weggis. This is a great “warm-up stop,” because you can enjoy the mountains quickly before you commit to the longer pass hopping.
From there, you head to Susten Pass. It’s famous in a very Switzerland way: 26 bridges and tunnels carved into the rock. Even the world of Porsche seems to love this road, and the route is a reminder that the Alps are not just scenery, they’re engineering.
Next comes a glacier stop at Stein Glacier, then Aareschlucht, the Aare River Gorge. This is more than just a photo pull-off, you get a short walk between impressive rock formations. The itinerary lists admission for this as not included, so you’ll want to factor in ticket time or any payable entry.
Then the day twists through Grimsel Pass and onward toward Andermatt, where you can stroll past the wooden houses. After that, you get Rhone Glacier access, including the 100-metre-long blue ice tunnel and ice chamber cut into the glacier new each spring since around 1870. That sounds like a science museum, and it’s also a chance to cool down before the final big viewpoint.
Finally, Furka Pass delivers the classic “movie moment” people talk about. The plan even frames it as a James Bond style scene, with the kind of high, open alpine view you’d expect from a dramatic car chase. You get a short stop here, so the trick is deciding what you want most, a quick photo or a slow stare that makes you forget you’re rushing.
Quick practical tip: Day 2 is packed with 10 to 20-minute stops, plus a couple longer ones. If you’re the type who likes to linger, you may want to choose what you truly care about, then keep the rest focused and efficient.
Day 3: Oberalp Pass on the Glacier Express line, then Engadine passes and Pradaschier fun

Day 3 follows the famous Glacier Express style route. The key high point is Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres, and the drive is designed to mirror what you see from the iconic panorama train, but with more freedom. Even with a short stop, the altitude and the straight-line views help you feel how the Alps connect.
You can also stop at Benediktiner Kloster Disentis, which is an early medieval Benedictine monastery with Carolingian art and UNESCO World Heritage status since 1983. If you like architecture and quiet interiors, this stop can slow your whole day down in a good way. Admission is listed as not included, so check whether ticketing is needed on arrival.
For views, Il Spir Conn is a great choice. It’s set up for Rhein Schlucht and the famous Horse Shoe bend. If you want that specific Rhine Gorge look without hiking a long trail, this is the more practical way to get it.
Next is Erlebnisberg Pradaschier, where you can do tobogganing. The itinerary says it’s the longest toboggan run in Switzerland. Admission is not included, but if you enjoy playful activities, this is one of the rare “do something” stops rather than just “look at it.”
Then comes Julier Pass, stepping up to 2,284 metres before you reach your boutique alpine hotel area. There’s an optional 1-hour stop in St. Moritz, a luxury alpine town with lakes and snow-capped views. Pontresina is the quieter, more relaxed alternative for your overnight base, with traditional Swiss architecture and access to hiking trails.
From a driver’s perspective, Day 3 is where your route starts to feel like a full Alps course. You get altitude, scenery, and culture in the same day, not just high roads and big skies.
Day 4: Fuorn into the Italian Tyrol, Mustair’s UNESCO abbey, and Stelvio’s 48 hairpins

Day 4 is the passport stamp day. You start with Fuorn Pass, a fast, sweeping route that opens into the Italian Tyrol. If you’re coming from Switzerland’s steep logic and clean signage, Italy’s roads can feel similar in altitude, but different in driving vibe.
You then have a stop at the Convent of Saint John Mustair, an early medieval Benedictine monastery in Val Müstair. This place is UNESCO World Heritage, valued for its exceptionally well-preserved Carolingian art. Admission is listed as not included, so plan a little extra time for ticket handling if needed.
The highlight, though, is Passo dello Stelvio. You’re driving the iconic zig-zag hairpin route with 48 numbered turns over 47 km (29 miles), climbing to 2,757 metres. This is not just a road, it’s a riding lesson in how the Alps punish and reward you. You’ll want to plan your stop time so you don’t get pulled into too much wandering when the best window for views and photos is short.
After Stelvio, you have Berninapass, which runs parallel to the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway. The idea here is that the Alps look even more dramatic when you see how trains and roads each carve their own path through the same valleys.
One extra stop is mentioned for learning about flora and fauna at the only Swiss National Park. That’s a good match for people who want a more nature-focused intermission, not just viewpoints.
Driver note: Hairpin roads like Stelvio make you more alert and more careful. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take that seriously. If you’re great on curvy roads, this day is a favorite.
Day 5: Albula Pass canyon views, Bergün’s rail museum, and Klausen’s 136 curves

Day 5 mixes dramatic driving with a calmer “learn something” stop. Albula Pass follows the Albula river for a while and climbs in a section alongside a cliff with serpentines. You get a view over the Albula canyon, which is the kind of visual pay-off that makes an earlier long climb worth it.
If you like trains, the Bahnmuseum Albula in Bergün is a strong break. There’s a chance to spot a train crossing on impressive stone viaducts, and there is a railway museum component. Admission is listed as not included, but even if you just watch the trains for a bit, it changes the whole day from pure road thrills to a broader “how the region works” story.
Then comes Klausen Pass, connecting Altdorf in Uri with Linthal in Glarus. The plan frames it as one hour from Zurich, and it’s described as having up to 1,948 metres elevation and 46 km (29 miles) with 136 curves. That is the kind of road count that makes drivers smile. It’s not just one dramatic moment, it’s a long sequence of turns that keeps the focus on driving.
This is also a nice day for selecting your energy level. If you’re tired, you can treat each stop as a quick photo, then enjoy the pass drive as the main event. If you’re feeling great, you can spend longer on views and the museum.
Day 6: a slower finish after the pass sprint
Day 6 is listed as a day at leisure, then departure later for your next destination. That’s a smart structure after several consecutive mountain-driving days. You don’t get forced into one last long drive, which makes the trip feel less exhausting than some “drive all day every day” packages.
If you want a practical plan, use the morning to reset: light walking, a late breakfast, and returning the car support calls you might have. Then enjoy the afternoon however you like, since the key work is already done.
Who this Porsche Alps route is best for
This works best if you’re:
- comfortable driving on twisty mountain roads and handling frequent turns
- excited by scenic road stops, not just cities
- the kind of traveler who values a well-supported plan, GPS included
- okay with paying extra for fuel, parking, and some ticketed sights
It also suits couples who want a private experience up to 2 people, with enough structure that you can enjoy the drive instead of planning every minute. Fitness wise, the plan says moderate physical fitness is recommended, which mainly affects walkable parts like gorge strolls.
If you want a trip that is mostly walking in towns, this may feel too car-focused. But if you love the idea of matching your route to iconic passes and rail panoramas, it’s a strong fit.
Should you book this 6-day Porsche pass sprint?
Book it if you want a driver-first Alps experience with luxury recovery built in. You’re getting the Porsche rental, comprehensive insurance, tour mileage, hotel nights, and strong route support in one package, which is exactly what you want when the roads get serious.
Skip it or rethink it if you hate paying add-ons, since fuel, parking, and some admission fees are not included. Also, if you know you’ll want extra walking time at every sight, the stop timing may feel short.
For the right type of traveler, this is the kind of trip that feels like a lifetime highlight, not just another European drive.
FAQ
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts at Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel, Turbinenstrasse 20, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland. It ends back at the same meeting point.
What car do I drive?
You drive a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Roadster.
How long is the Porsche rental?
The Porsche rental is for 96 hours, with a CHF 3000 deposit on your credit card, and a minimum driver age of 23.
Is this tour guided or self-led?
It is a private, self-led route. You get a personal tour briefing at the hotel, a programmed GPS, and a day-by-day road-book in English, plus call or WhatsApp support en route.
Which hotels are included?
Included hotel nights are 2 nights at Renaissance Hotel Zurich, 2 nights at GrandHotel Kronenhof in Pontresina, and 1 night at The Chedi Hotel in Andermatt.
Are fuel, parking, and admissions included?
No. Fuel and parking are not included. Admission fees are also not included, even though some stops are listed as free.
What passes and major roads are included?
The driving route includes Alpine passes such as Furka Pass, Oberalp Pass, and Stelvio Pass, plus other passes mentioned like Susten Pass, Grimsel Pass, Fuorn Pass, Berninapass, Albula Pass, and Klausen Pass.
Do I get help if I get stuck or need support?
Yes. There is en route support by call or WhatsApp, and you get a tour briefing at the hotel.
What are the weather and cancellation basics?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund.
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