Atlas Overland: The Alps

[etsdit]

Hi Everyone...

I intend to take an overland trip from the UK through France and Italy across the Alps into Switzerland and back...

I have been looking at Atlas Overland. They seem quite well organised. I was wondering whether anyone had any experiences with them...

You can view details of the company and the tour here:

http://www.atlasoverland.com/content/thealps.html

I would appreciate any feedback.

PS. I see that BASHER has had dealings with them in Corsica!!!

(http://www.landrovernet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17037&highlight=atlas+overland)


Regards

[vogue se]

I'm sure this is a great trip as Overland proposes.
A few year ago, I did it on my own. With some research and a bit of luck on the campings all great routes can be done in the Alps. On the French site of the border there is Tignes/Val d'Issère which is superb. After you become a member of the club you enjoy yourself at the 2000 are terrain.
All other passes Overland is mentioning are in Italy. There you can still drive free over these roads.
I wouldn't hesitate to book it. In a couple of years this experiance might be over when our loved green boys and girls get what they want.

[Astbury]

Hi Everyone...

I intend to take an overland trip from the UK through France and Italy across the Alps into Switzerland and back...

I have been looking at Atlas Overland. They seem quite well organised. I was wondering whether anyone had any experiences with them...

You can view details of the company and the tour here:

http://www.atlasoverland.com/content/thealps.html

I would appreciate any feedback.

PS. I see that BASHER has had dealings with them in Corsica!!!

(http://www.landrovernet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17037&highlight=atlas+overland)


Regards

etsdit,

TBH I think its a bit of a waste of money to pay someone to lead you around main land europe. Camp sites are very easy to find in France & Italy and I am sure you will be able to hook up with some people on here that can meet up with you on your way that will be more than happy to show you some of the nice off road parts (if thats what your looking for). 90% of your trip will probably be on normal roads so it sounds to me as your paying a high price for the 10% (if your lucky) off road bits of the trip.

Switzerland is very nice to drive through and the Alps are out of this world, though they are busy! lots of motorbikes take to the mountain passes in the summer and they are closed due to snow in the winter (a lot are still closed even now)
Forget camping in Switzerland, the camp sites are horrid, swiss vans with sat dishes and so on.... though you will find some nicer places in Italy. In CH its much better to wild camp though pick a place off the road.

Hope this helps. We have driven/camped all over Switzerland plus quite a lot in France and italy too. If you need help to organise the trip on your own let me know and I will try to help if I can

C

[vogue se]

etsdit,

90% of your trip will probably be on normal roads so it sounds to me as your paying a high price for the 10% (if your lucky) off road bits of the trip.

C

Those 10% are fabulous greenlanings. I'm more then happy I discovered these roads.

[etsdit]

After long deliberation, I decided to go on the "guided tour"...

It is not too expensive, considering all camping and ferry costs are included. I have never driven in Mainland Europe - so driving in convoy is perhaps the better starting option...

However I want to thank you guys for the advice... and If this trip goes well, I will definately do it next summer on my own!

And who knows... maybe we can all meet up and do some serious driving?

Rest Assured I will let you know how it went, and I am bound to post some pics of my expedition!!!

later,

[rustyveedub]

Have you been on the trip yet?

[Astbury]

Have you been on the trip yet?

I wouldnt think so we still have snow up in the mountains and a lot of the passes are still closed.

C

[Jandude]

Switzerland just sounds better and better, Asbury!

I'm working there about once a month for the foreseeable. Is it worth my arranging meetings so I can drive down for a long weekend, hit some mountains/lakes/passes, get to Geneva for a day or two working and then drive home (UK) again?

[Astbury]

Switzerland just sounds better and better, Asbury!

I'm working there about once a month for the foreseeable. Is it worth my arranging meetings so I can drive down for a long weekend, hit some mountains/lakes/passes, get to Geneva for a day or two working and then drive home (UK) again?

Sure lets works something out, you can have a stop over in Zurich if you like then we can head south. If it is views you want the yes Switzerland is the place, if its off roading then France is the place to go. Most of the passes should be open now or open very soon.

Right now I am quite busy working on the Landy having a Pop top fitted, relocating the oil cooler for the winch and then fitting the inside of the back out.

All has to be ready mid July, oh and I have a couple of trips back to England working to fit in too.

Give me a shout with some dates.

Cheers

C

[Jandude]

I've just been reading about your pop top; I like the idea of a Landy-based camper and am thinking (long term) about something simliar.

I should have some dates at the end of this month for when I have to be in Geneva - I'll give you a shout when I know more and see if we can work something out; a weekend full of great views sounds fab!

[Astbury]

I've just been reading about your pop top; I like the idea of a Landy-based camper and am thinking (long term) about something simliar.

I should have some dates at the end of this month for when I have to be in Geneva - I'll give you a shout when I know more and see if we can work something out; a weekend full of great views sounds fab!

did you get your dates?

The Landy is still being worked on but should be ready next week some time. Monday August 1st is a public holiday over here so we will be making a long weekend of it.

C

[Jandude]

Everything's changed this week. The client's needs have changed so my involvement is ending which means no more trips to their offices, more's the pity.

This means my plan to go overland to CH is off for now. Maybe I'll do it next summer as a holiday instead.

Your conversion is looking impressive, btw - another supporter here!

Will try to hunt you up at Billing tomorrow to say hello.

[Astbury]

Everything's changed this week. The client's needs have changed so my involvement is ending which means no more trips to their offices, more's the pity.

This means my plan to go overland to CH is off for now. Maybe I'll do it next summer as a holiday instead.

Your conversion is looking impressive, btw - another supporter here!

Will try to hunt you up at Billing tomorrow to say hello.

Thanks! Though I wont be at Billing, im back in Zurich now

C

[Jandude]

I don't envy you all the business travelling. Have done it for some time now and I still don't like it.
Have fun...