Spring Trip through Germany/Switzerland/Austria | FerrariChat
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Spring Trip through Germany/Switzerland/Austria

Discussion in 'Europe' started by Supercarlover, Dec 10, 2005.

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  1. Supercarlover

    Supercarlover Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2004
    1,760
    Texas
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    Joshua B.
    #1 Supercarlover, Dec 10, 2005
    Hello all. I'm a Texan F-chatter who is travelling with my school through Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Our travel dates are Feb. 28 - March 11. I know we'll be flying in to Zurich and flying out of Stuttgart. I realize that the Geneva Motor Show will be going on during that time, and I am trying to lobby my leaders to stop by there, as well as make a detour to visit the Bugatti plant in Molsheim, France.

    Do any of you have any suggestions on automotive-related stops we could make? I'm not sure of our exact itinerary, but any and all recommendations are greatly appreciated.

    Thank you so much. I am very excited about this trip and I hope to make it as memorable as possible.

    *edit* Also, does any one know of websites (in English) that give distances between European cities? I'm specifically looking for distances between Zurich and Geneva, Zurich and Molsheim, Molsheim and Stuttgart, Zurich and Stuttgart. Thank you! :)
     
  2. maranello71

    maranello71 Formula 3

    Jan 23, 2004
    1,221
    Chicagoland
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    Andre
    #2 maranello71, Dec 10, 2005
    I think Simon is the best person to give you advice, he's been to Molsheim and is the greatest expert on automotive "pilgrimage" that I know.

    Simon, are you there??

    From my part I would suggest to plan a visit to the amazing Alfa Romeo museum near Milan if you can stretch your trip that far. It's only 3 hours train from Zurich, but you'll have to book an appointment as it's not a public museum. Also the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart is an unmissable, amazing historical collection very well presented in spectacular surroundings. Porsche also has its own museum near Stuttgart, definitely worth a visit although I've never been there myself.
     
  3. Supercarlover

    Supercarlover Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2004
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    Joshua B.
    #3 Supercarlover, Dec 10, 2005
    Thank you, I do appreciate it. I hate the fact that I'm not in charge of my own trip, but such is the case when going with a group. I'm just excited that I get to travel to this part of the world. I've been to England (twice) and Belgium (once). Time to expand the passport a little. :)
     
  4. Dutchman

    Dutchman F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 4, 2002
    6,184
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    Ton
    #4 Dutchman, Dec 10, 2005
    If you travel in a large group the chances are limited that you can have any influence on the trip at all.
    But....good luck!
     
  5. Supercarlover

    Supercarlover Formula 3

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    Joshua B.
    #5 Supercarlover, Dec 10, 2005
    'Tis true, 'tis true. But, the most they can say is "no". :D

    Besides, I'm kind of hoping they'll give us a couple of days to go travel on our own (with a couple of other people). We'll see what happens, though.
     
  6. ze_shark

    ze_shark Formula 3

    Jul 13, 2003
    1,274
    Switzerland (NW)
    #6 ze_shark, Dec 10, 2005
    Try www.viamichelin.com.
    Consider the Schlumpf Collection in Mulhouse. If you are into Bugattis, that could be a good alternative to Molsheim.
     
  7. hedge

    hedge Formula 3

    Jun 11, 2003
    2,320
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    Marc
    #7 hedge, Dec 11, 2005
    If you are flying in to Zurich, the Auto Salon in Singen is not oo far on the train - I did this journey when I collected my 328 from them. An amazing showroom full of some of the most exotic and rare cars you will ever see..

    http://www.auto-salon-singen.de/

    Have fun
     
  8. Supercarlover

    Supercarlover Formula 3

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    #8 Supercarlover, Dec 11, 2005
    Whoa!! Cool. Thank you. I will certainly keep this in mind. Is an appointment needed to take a look around? I know this sounds like a stupid question, but do they have English-speaking employees. I must admit, I'm lacking heavily when it comes to other languages besides English. I guess I ought to start learning some German. :)

    *edit* Holy crap, a McLaren F1, and Koenigsegg, and at least 2 (3 listed) Paganis????? WOW! I will definitely try to stop by. Thank you again.
     
  9. maranello71

    maranello71 Formula 3

    Jan 23, 2004
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    Andre
    #9 maranello71, Dec 12, 2005
    Beware, most of these cars are not actually there but appear on the internet as they're being sold on commission. Only if you are seriously interested they organise a private viewing/test drive.

    Nevertheless they always have several beautiful supercars including several vintage models in the showroom. You don't need an appointment, just walk in - it's a car dealership like any other.
     
  10. Supercarlover

    Supercarlover Formula 3

    Sep 30, 2004
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    Joshua B.
    #10 Supercarlover, Feb 1, 2006
    So.....I have some more concrete plans. We will be arriving in Zurich in the morning (8 a.m.) on March 1st. I have the rest of the day to travel, once we get situated into the hotel. The Auto Salon is definitely a great idea. I would much prefer to get a tour of the Buggati plant, though. Any contacts here that I may use? I know my professor contacted them, and they said they were not able to do a large-group tour, with them being so busy building the Veyron. Would they accept a tour of 1-5 people?

    Also, we have planned to attend the Geneva Auto Show on March 3rd. A guided tour of Lake Geneva is scheduled for Saturday, March 4th. Is Lake Geneva worth it? Should I plan on spending a second day at the Auto Show? Or would that be the best day (because it's a Saturday) to go visit the Bugatti plant?

    Any and all wisdom/experience/insight is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
     
  11. nasharty

    nasharty Formula Junior

    Dec 3, 2004
    447
    Geneva
    #11 nasharty, Feb 2, 2006
    Lake of Geneva (Lac Léman) is the largest lake in central Europe.
    It's 580 sq km (224 sq mi). Trust me, you will like it.

    On the other hand, try to avoid the motor show during the weekends. Although, it is very organized and well sorted, you are still better off if you visited it during a working day.
     
  12. Supercarlover

    Supercarlover Formula 3

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    #12 Supercarlover, Feb 2, 2006
    Hmm....Thank you for the advice. Good point on the Auto Show too. I've seen lots of natural beauty (I lived in western Canada for 9 years), but I guess I'll have to make a decision when I get there. Any other thoughts?
     
  13. Supercarlover

    Supercarlover Formula 3

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    #13 Supercarlover, Feb 21, 2006
    One week before I leave. I'm getting very excited. I sent an e-mail to Bugatti today. Hopefully they will return with a favorable reply.
     
  14. Supercarlover

    Supercarlover Formula 3

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    #14 Supercarlover, Feb 28, 2006
    Today is departure day. Thank you all for your advice. I'm sure I will enjoy this trip immensely.
     
  15. Supercarlover

    Supercarlover Formula 3

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    #15 Supercarlover, Mar 10, 2006
    I leave from Stuttgart tomorrow morning. It has been a good trip.

    In Switzerland, I spotted 4 Bentley Continental GTs, 1 BMW M6, and 1 Aston Martin Vanquish.

    I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Thank you, Europe, for your hospitatlity. :)
     

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