Six European countries in three days, in a black 911 Carrera, from Munich to Monaco and back. A trip that took years to make happen and three days for two best friends to live.
Can you cross six European countries in three days in a 911 without even noticing the 2,000 kilometres go by? Easily, if you have the right company!
Before I begin, I want to say that this story should have been written years ago, but sadly life sometimes holds you back. That's when you have to shift down a gear and floor it towards your dreams.
Last spring I fulfilled a lifelong dream: to drive through Central Europe in one of my favourite cars, together with my best friend. A trip that took us years to make happen, a week to put together and three days to live!
Day 1: Munich to Lucerne
We collected the black metallic 2025 911 Carrera from Porsche Zentrum Olympiapark in Munich and, after ten minutes of admiring it, set off towards Switzerland. Before leaving, we managed to see the gems below in the showroom.
First destination, the fairytale village of Grindelwald. The Autobahn was calling us to open up the 911's flat six, and that's exactly what we did. It wasn't the first time I'd driven a 911, but it never stops amazing me how effortlessly it goes so fast.
After refuelling in Germany, we crossed into Switzerland and drove on, enchanted by the landscape of that country, and certainly by the car. Needless to say, the downshifts were my favourite part of this 911! First overnight stop: Lucerne.
We went to bed early, since the Swiss aren't known for their nightlife and an early start awaited us the next day. The goal for the day: reach Monaco by night!
Day 2: Como and Monte Carlo
On the morning of the second day we set off on a drive of several hours and around 700 kilometres. First stop Como, which wasn't exactly on our way, but we wanted to experience the town, even for just a few hours. We won't say much about Italian motorway driving: we were doing an average of 160 km/h in the left lane when a Fiat Panda came right up behind us, flat out at 200, flashing its lights!
As soon as we crossed the Swiss-Italian border, which is practically inside the town, Italy welcomed us with its bad road surface and countless potholes. Nothing like Switzerland, where the roads are like butter! We had our pizza and our Aperol, watching the hordes of tourists who flood this beautiful town.
Arriving at night in famous Monte Carlo and at the Fairmont, where we were staying, we sat on the room's balcony for maybe a quarter of an hour, wondering where we were and what we were living!
Besides being a beautiful hotel, the Fairmont sits on one of the town's iconic corners, where lots of car spotters sit and watch the incredible cars go by. It's also built right above the Monte Carlo tunnel, which the F1 circuit runs through. Needless to say, driving a 911 in Monte Carlo is like driving a Yaris in any other town. By their standards, it's just an everyday car!
Pretty tired from the driving, but with our batteries of excitement full, we went for an evening walk to the famous Monte Carlo Casino, to see up close everything we'd been watching in videos for years. This town certainly makes you feel its wealth, what we call old money. The people, the cars, the buildings, the atmosphere: all of it is impressive.
Lambos, Ferraris, Bentleys and anything else you can imagine drive around this town. The Casino is an architectural masterpiece and well worth a visit. We came out winners from the battle of the baize and finally went to bed, full of incredible images and experiences.
Day 3: Monaco and the road to Innsbruck
On the morning of the third day we woke up to the wonderful view of the bay of Monaco. After a much needed breakfast and coffee, we walked to the famous tunnel and the marina.
Walking through perhaps the most famous tunnel for every F1 fan was simply unreal! The walk had some nice surprises in store, both on the road and on the water: we saw the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 and my favourite car of all time, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera!
The road back to Munich took us through Austria, across the Austrian Alps, with Innsbruck as the last stop of the trip. I wouldn't say the Swiss Alps differ much from the Austrian ones, except perhaps for slightly higher speed limits, fewer cameras and cheaper fuel. The beauty is just as breathtaking in both. I will say, though, that after five petrol station stops, the Italian Autogrill are the best, with decent espresso and a sandwich for the road. We paid them two visits!
Day 4: Heading back
The fourth day found us waking early in a freezing Innsbruck, for coffee and breakfast, so we could return the 911 and, sadly, head home.
Our experience? Unique. The fact that we spent three days on the road and they felt like one says it all. A trip of a lifetime had just come true. The car? Fantastic. The 991 and 992 generations are my favourite 911s. They combine performance, style, quality, a timeless look and much more. The only downside of recent years? The price!
As for the places we visited, each is unique in its own way. Monaco is certainly the most impressive, but the Alps come a close second.
The point? Take your favourite travel partner, or partners, and go on a road trip. Anywhere, on any budget. You'll never forget it. It's an experience of a lifetime and an investment in your mental health!
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