Prior to the Concorso d’Eleganza we travel to Munich to meet up at the Bayerischer Hoff (hotel) where we have some amazing classic cars waiting. From here, we travel in the direction of Lake Como in a Mercedes 280SL, a 190SL and an AC. As we depart in sunny conditions we quickly learn that luck is on our side and we will be able to reach lake Como perfect conditions throughout the trip.

Tour d’Eleganza with A. Lange & Söhne

First stage of the Tour d’Eleganza with A. Lange & Söhne.

Starting off in the center of Munich, we quickly find our way out of the city and get to enjoy the scenery. Driving around in a 60 year old car sure is something memorable. You forget about time and are forced to relax as these cars bring you back to the basics. No electronics to play with, no navigation and the horsepower doesn’t compare to cars nowadays.

A. Lange & Söhne Tour d'Eleganza experience

A. Lange & Söhne Tour d'Eleganza experience

Viewpoint at Naturparkhaus Kaunergrat in Austria.

Along the way we make several stopovers on the Tour d’Eleganza and switch cars to be able to enjoy the different ways of handling. During our first lakeside stop we attend a nice catered lunch with the enjoyment of traditional music. After being refuelled we continue our way towards the Austrian border. Along out trip we pass by a great viewpoint at Naturparkhaus Kaunergrat. From here we have a great view over the valley. After a short stop we slowly find our way into the mountains and up curvy roads. At some point we are up to 2000 meters with snow stacking up to over a meter while driving with the roof down wearing a t-shirt. Finally after 333 km we reach our destination in Guarda Val where we will spend the night.

Stop-over at Garda Val in Lenzerheide.

A. Lange & Söhne Tour d'Eleganza experience

Ready for a new day on the Tour d’Eleganza

Waking up the next day in sunny conditions gives a great forecast of what is about to happen. After our breakfast we continue our Tour d’Eleganza in the direction of St Moritz and end up at an airport nearby. Here we change our cars for two helicopters for a visit of Swiss ski manufacturer ZAI.

Passion for the product

Although I haven’t been on skis since I was 16 years old, it was amazing to see how high-end skis are being made. While Simon Jacomet, co-founder of the brand, was telling about his products the passion clearly showed. Wanting to make a high-end product using nothing but the best materials and pure craftsmanship is something you see in the final product. The longer he was telling about what they do, the more you see the link with high-end watchmaking. Even the servicing of thoroughly used skis isn’t a problem for this company as they show us a set which is halfway though the process of being restored to a like new condition. For those with an interest in skiing make sure to check out the ZAI website to get an idea about their high end and hand-crated products.

Always in direct connection with the snow covered moutains

Explaining the use of stone material in a ski.

On top of the world

Time to make our way back to the airport but not before having a short coffee brake. Now what could possibly be a better place to do that then on the top of the roughly 3000 meters high Hüfi Glacier? After making sure it’s safe to land the helicopter, we touch down on the glacier and take our first steps in the thick fresh snow. There you are, standing on top of the world just like that. Time for some coffee and traditional ‘nusskuchen’ in one of the most amazing surroundings you can think off. After 10 minutes and countless selfies we take off again to head back to our oldtimers with which we continue our trip.

On top of the Hüfi Glacier.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Not far from the airstrip we make a stopover for lunch in a natural resort. As you can imagine access by car is limited so we change into a horse carriage to take us to the Lej de Staz, located on the edge of a lake. Once again an amazing location with a great restaurant so if you are in the area they are worth a visit. Then it’s time for the final trip to lake Como in Italy. We all choose our preferred ride for the last part of this epic adventure. As soon as we cross the Italian border the landscape once again changes with every mile we get closer to our destination. Finally after 2 days of amazing locations and company we arrive at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo where we end the Tour d’Eleganza by enjoying a small celebration drink. We toast to an epic adventure.

Arrival at Lake Como in Italy!

We want to thank A. Lange & Söhne for this great adventure and all who made it an experience never to forget.