A stunning journey through the picturesque Alpine landscape awaits as the model-turned-racing driver embarks on a thrilling ride alongside her fiance in a remarkable Porsche 911 and a classic Maserati. Witness the perfect blend of elegance and speed as they navigate the breathtaking countryside.
Embark on a thrilling adventure as Jodie Kidd takes on Switzerland's breathtaking Grand Tour. Prepare yourself for an immersive experience that will ignite your senses and leave you in awe.
As you journey through this mesmerizing landscape, you'll be greeted by the thunderous sound of cascading waterfalls and the gentle melody of cowbells. The air is perfumed with the vibrant hues of wildflowers, painting the scenery with a kaleidoscope of yellow, purple, and pink. The road stretches before you, winding its way up into the lush mountains adorned with glistening silver streams.
With anticipation coursing through your veins, you'll follow in Jodie's footsteps as she and her fiancé Joe embark on their own adventure. Their first stop: the Flüela Pass, a mountain pass that promises awe-inspiring vistas and a rush of adrenaline.
Begin your own journey by arriving in Zurich, the gateway to this magnificent experience. From here, a five-day expedition awaits, taking you along the iconic scenic route that spans a staggering 1,643km through Switzerland's jaw-dropping landscapes. Along the way, indulge in the finest accommodations and savor delectable cuisine in the prestigious hotels and restaurants that pepper this incredible route.
It's time to fulfill your driving aspirations and immerse yourself in Switzerland's grandeur. Are you ready to embark on the most unforgettable adventure of a lifetime?
Taking a dip in the lake before embarking on our journey
Our venture begins with a taste of luxury at the Hotel La Réserve Eden au Lac, nestled next to the picturesque Lake Zurich. Its rooftop eatery, La Muña, offers breathtaking views and exquisite cuisine, providing the perfect location for us to map out our route. The following morning, we seize the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the refreshingly pristine waters of the lake. Draped in our robes, we stride to a nearby pontoon and plunge in. We are met with an invigorating coolness and unparalleled clarity. On return, our ride for the expedition is ready and waiting. The head honcho of high-end car rental Edel & Stark, Benedikt Lüchinger, makes a personal appearance to acquaint us with our chariot - a sleek Porsche 911 Turbo S Convertible. Conveniently, all we need to do is leave it at the valet section of Zurich Airport when we conclude our adventure. Their service is exceptional, adding to our anticipation to hit the road.
La Muña: Jodie and Joe planned their route in the cozy interior that overlooks the city
Within an hour we’re whizzing past Lake Walen (wind in hair of course) until we start the climb up from Davos along the gorgeous Flüela Pass and down to the lower Engadin valley. We stretch our legs in the tiny upland village of Guarda, which is all hushed narrow cobbled streets and grand pastel-hued buildings. We drink cold mountain water from a trickling fountain. Grand Tour signposts scatter the route, and we see one pointing us to St Moritz, our stop that night.
St Moritz in the sunshine
A lovely wide stretch of road opens up and changes the pace. Joe loves it, whooping into the air: we’re skirting along the path of the boulder-strewn River Inn and he’s charmed by the little church spires we pass and the long shadows that dance across the valley in the late afternoon sun. Before long we spy Lake St Moritz. I’ve been to this pretty mountain resort many times and have played polo and ice golf on the frozen lake, but I’ve never seen it without a thick blanket of snow over it. It’s just as glorious in the summer.
Our place of stay is the grand Badrutt's Palace Hotel, a castle-like structure that's brimmed with pleasant recollections from my past visits. The welcoming ambience of its majestic lobby sets my heart aglow every time I step in. Truly, this is a place unlike any other. As aptly observed by Joe while we savored an exquisite peach bellini at the Renaissance Bar, the hotel provides a unique gateway to a bygone era, with its enchanting vintage charm. Later that evening, we had the pleasure of dining at Chesa Veglia, a local hideaway boasting the charm of a 17th-century Engadin farmhouse, situated right across the hotel. One can't help but admire the quintessential Swiss chalet aesthetic while relishing a divine meal crafted from the freshest regional ingredients.
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All smiles: Jodie Kidd and fiancé Joe Bates outside Badrutt's Palace Hotel in St Moritz
The next morning, we open our curtains to a hive of activity, the lake is dotted with sailing boats and SUP boarders. Joe can’t resist a swim so heads down to a jetty and leaps in. I opt for the hotel’s pool and spa instead. Refreshed and road-ready, we drive past larch-covered slopes and more shimmering lakes. We see hikers, cyclists and even windsurfers. We stop to watch and are told that every day at noon the Maloja wind whips up, making Lake Silvaplana a prime spot for alpine windsurfing.
Majestic palaces from storybooks and serpentine turns
A cozy waterside spot serves as the perfect setting to dig into the unique Grand Tour Snack Box that we fetched from the delightful Laagers Samedan bakery, cherished for its local charm. Switzerland's Grand Tour trail is dotted with bakeries where these adorable picnic boxes are available. Each box is a culinary delight, packed with local beverages and unique dishes specific to the region. What we received was a delicious assortment of silserbrot (preserving a soft pretzel-like taste), nut-infused meringues, birnbrot (a pear-infused bread), the famous Engadin walnut tart slices, and cold bottles of Rivella, a favorite Swiss beverage known for its exclusive milk serum-based recipe. Every bite was a taste of heaven.
In the driver's seat, Jodie Kidd embraces the exhilarating adventure of Switzerland's Grand Tour route. As we continue on our journey, we encounter majestic fairy-tale castles perched on mountain tops, crumbling ruins that whisper tales of the past, and remote villages nestled in the Graubünden canton, where Romansh serves as the primary language.
Our quest takes us closer to the Italian border, and filled with wanderlust, we opt to traverse the entire length of the breathtaking Splügen Pass. Crossing over into Chiavenna, we embark on a scenic drive through the idyllic Bregaglia valley, pausing briefly for a refreshing espresso before resuming our winding ascent along the captivating road.
This particular mountain pass, situated at an impressive altitude of 2,115m, is undeniably the most thrilling experience from our entire journey. The continuous succession of hairpin bends, the awe-inspiring tunnels carved into the mountainside, and the nerve-wracking narrow stretches that cling perilously close to the edge all contribute to the heart-pounding exhilaration. As I take control of the steering wheel, I am grateful not to be sitting in the passenger seat. The adrenaline rush is utterly invigorating.
As we make our way towards Bellinzona, we deviate from the highway to embark on another of the Grand Tour's extraordinary high-altitude tracks: the St Gotthard Pass, which links the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino with the German-speaking Uri. One of the most remarkable segments along this route is the old Tremola road, characterized by its sinuous path and paved with resilient granite stones. Although it might be slightly bumpy, the sheer joy experienced while navigating the endless switchbacks is immeasurable. Additionally, the vertigo-inducing vistas that unveil the vast expanse of the granite abyss beneath leave a lasting impression on all who encounter them.
We traverse across the apex, greeted by a stark, desolate panorama. Our journey takes us by a slate-hued body of water and energy-churning windmills, adding an eerie, almost gloomy allure to the alien-like environment. As our descent takes us into the Ursern valley, reaching deep into Andermatt - a quaint hamlet nestled in the fold of the Swiss Alps - we find ourselves enveloped by the idyllic charm quintessential to Switzerland. The verdant slopes gracefully speckled with wildflowers, babbling brooks, and the symphony of bells chimed by cattle greet us back. Our destination, The Chedi comes into view, a haven of modern elegance and five-star hospitality, its driveway also serving as the resting spot for a multitude of elite supercars. Having heard promising tales of the establishment's indulgent spa offerings, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to unwind following a lengthy session commandeering the wheel.
Subsequently, our journey continues as we decide to explore the wonders of Andermatt, a quaint Swiss town. Amid the glow of Friday's nightlife, Pinte Pub & Club beckons promisingly as our next destination. My partner Joe and I have a shared passion of experiencing different pubs around the globe. Our order at the bar is Eichhof lager and an assortment of burgers, immediately falling in love with their Raclette Burger. As we settle in, Tom Rey, the manager, strikes up a conversation about their fresh produce. He reveals that the majority of the meat and dairy products used are procured within the canton, and the bread is baked in the town's local bakery. He elaborates on the town's roots as a simple mountain farming village that grew owing to its strategic position along the important Alpine route connecting northern with southern Europe. Today, it's a top-rated destination for rallies and road trips attributed to these mountain passes. Intriguingly, Tom informs us of the fantastic rock-climbing opportunities that Andermatt has to offer. The adventurer within us is piqued, and we promise to return for an attempt at the numerous via ferratas crisscrossing the stunning ridges of this remarkable town.
Embarking on a thrilling adventure in a powerful Maserati, the following day brings a rendezvous with Herbert Allemann, a local vintage car enthusiast. Introduced at the esteemed Goodwood Revival event, Herbert unveils his meticulously restored OSCA Maserati 1600, which once competed on the iconic racing grounds.
The sleek vehicle is an extraordinary sight, flawlessly maneuvered by its passionate owner. Engrossed in conversation, we traverse the scenic Oberalp Pass, sharing tales of our mutual love for automobiles and appreciation for Switzerland's charm. During our return journey to The Chedi, Herbert points out the legendary petrol station featured in the iconic Bond film Goldfinger, alluding to the impending allure of our next destination: the world-renowned Furka Pass to Gletsch.
Witnessing Herbert's dedication to preserving automotive history and his ability to effortlessly navigate the breathtaking Swiss landscape in his remarkable Maserati is an experience unmatched in its excitement and beauty.
Embarking on Switzerland's Grand Tour is an extraordinary adventure, especially when accompanied by notable figures like Jodie Kidd. Among the breathtaking sights lies the OSCA Maserati 1600, a red-letter day in the journey.
As we navigate through the winding roads, embracing the thrill of each turn, the serene landscape transforms dramatically. Tranquil pastures yield to majestic rock formations adorned with mesmerizing waterfalls. Captivated by the scene, we pause on a ridge, where the Rhone glacier, jagged peaks, and a winding road with hairpin bends create a captivating tableau. Pondering the history of the route, we spot the Hotel Bélvèdere, an iconic establishment from 1882, forever immortalized in the film Goldfinger.
Fascinatingly, the hotel was once a hotspot for visitors craving a view of the glacier, which used to extend right up to its doorstep. Regrettably, it has remained closed since 2016, preserving the nostalgia of its glorious past. Through these exhilarating moments, Switzerland unfolds its unrivaled charm, making the Grand Tour an unforgettable escapade.
Soon we’re emerging into the glorious green Valais where a succession of villages with dark and ornate wooden chalets and steepled white churches flit past the window. The milky blue Rhone River races alongside us and the magnificent snow-capped Mount Blanc comes into view on the horizon.
We stop at roadside Taverne zum guten Freund in Blitzingen for lunch and are served an Assiette valaisanne – a groaning platter of local cheeses and perfectly folded slices of the traditional Valais cured meats served with pickled gherkins, onions and tomatoes. As Joe is driving, I take the opportunity to sample a local mountain wine called Heida. Made from the heida grape variety – it’s rich, ripe, aromatic and incredibly strong at 14.5%. It’s yet another reminder that we must try to stock more Swiss wines in our pub.
Zermatt in ultimate style
As we near the end of our journey, we find ourselves traversing breathtaking hills adorned with lush vineyards, brimming with anticipation to reach Zermatt. This picturesque alpine town, nestled at the base of the awe-inspiring Matterhorn, holds a special place in Joe's heart, having spent a blissful month skiing and living here years ago.
Joe shares one of the town's best-kept secrets - the enigmatic Matterhorn's distinct triangular silhouette is often veiled by wisps of clouds. However, our timing couldn't have been more perfect as we are greeted by a crystal-clear view of the iconic, fang-like peak in all its splendor, dominating the landscape as we approach.
Wandering through Zermatt, visitors are treated to a plethora of activities, from world-class skiing to exploring charming boutique shops and savoring exquisite Swiss cuisine. The town's undeniable allure lies not only in its natural beauty, but in the harmonious blend of tradition and luxury that permeates every corner.
Immerse yourself in the captivating tales that whisper through the cobbled streets, where centuries-old wooden chalets coexist alongside lavish chalets and upscale hotels. Each corner offers a new surprise; be it the enchanting Gorner Gorge, a breathtaking natural wonder carved by the pristine waters of the Gornera River, or the chance encounters with local wildlife in the surrounding alpine meadows.
As the evening sets in, Zermatt illuminates with a warm and vibrant atmosphere as discerning diners indulge in the delights of award-winning restaurants, serving up a delectable fusion of Swiss and international cuisines.
Whether seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or seeking serenity in the embrace of nature's grandeur, Zermatt beckons with open arms, promising an unforgettable experience for all who heed its call.
In the car-free region of Zermatt, we leave our Porsche behind in nearby Täsch. Then, the next leg of our journey begins as we take a ride to the train station, from where our hotel’s electric vehicle takes us in. We traverse the narrow, sharply elevated lanes, and finally reach The Omnia Mountain Lodge. The sliding glass doors of the lodge part, guiding us into a stone cavern where an elevator seamlessly transfers us through the mountain's heart up to the check-in area. Finishing our day leaving the reclusive spy's tire tread behind in this manner cooked up a fascinating climax.
Our impeccable stay in the modern and uniquely appealing mountain lodge is just as memorable. The moments include lounging in our penthouse with a sweeping view of the majestic Matterhorn where we find ourselves sitting late into the night, captivated by the sights of mountaineers' lights as they brave their way to the peak to behold the sunrise. And the unrivaled dining experience in the lodge's restaurant is worth mentioning - a meticulously curated menu of Swiss mountain cuisine paired with the finely crafted wines of the Valais region graced our table. It’s with a heavy heart that we pack our bags the following day, preparing to depart this scenic beauty.
As we make our way back to Zurich, entering the picturesque Bernese Oberland region, I can't help but marvel at the diverse range of roads, landscapes, and cultures we've encountered in such a compact country. Remarkably, not once did we lose our way, thanks to the invaluable assistance provided by the Grand Tour of Switzerland app and the official Grand Tour road signs, ensuring seamless navigation through Switzerland's majestic mountains and enchanting valleys. Along the way, we shared countless moments of laughter, making this journey even more memorable.
During our explorations, we had the incredible fortune of meeting individuals who exhibited a remarkable passion for their cars, homeland, cuisine, and wines. These encounters left us feeling immensely privileged. We have made a pact amongst ourselves to embark on the complete circuit of the Grand Tour in the near future; however, the only predicament now is deciding who will have the opportunity to take the wheel.