For years, La Dolce Vita has been one of Club GT’s defining driving tours, taking guests through the twists and turns of the Dolomites. It’s a route that has delivered unforgettable moments on some of Europe’s most celebrated roads, as we tackled four countries in the span of just a few days.
This year however, the journey has changed. This year, we’re taking The Long Way Round.
A New Chapter
New restrictions have recently been implemented in the Dolomites, making driving some of the region’s iconic passes increasingly inaccessible, as local authorities are introducing a number of measures to control traffic and preserve the UNESCO World Heritage Site from excess tourism. Reservation systems, vehicle restrictions and access controls means driving through the Dolomites requires more planning and flexibility than ever before. Rather than asking guests to navigate these new constraints, we saw this as an opportunity to create a journey where the focus remains exactly where it should be: on exceptional roads and an effortless touring experience.
Rather than compromising one of our flagship tours, we went back to the map and designed a journey with its own identity. The result is The Long Way Round: From the Adriatic to the Alps, a six-day grand tour that celebrates taking the scenic route.
Endless Shades of Blue
From 13th – 18th September, Club GT guests will depart from Split, carve through Croatia’s Adriatic coastline and cross Italy and Slovenia for two final days in Austria, following the endless shades of blue that define both the Adriatic Sea and the Austrian lakes.
Replacing Dolomites passes with coastal roads doesn’t mean sacrificing the driving experience. If anything, it expands it. Long stretches of open tarmac hugging the coastline give way to technical mountain roads before opening onto quiet inland routes. From the iconic Adriatic Highway to the exhilarating hairpins of the Dalmatian bends, every road on the itinerary has been carefully selected to capture the thrill of performance car driving.
Mid-September is also the ideal time for a grand tour in this region. As the summer season draws to a close, the Adriatic settles into a quieter rhythm. The roads are less congested, the temperatures remain ideal for driving, and the coastline can be enjoyed at its very best, long after the peak-season crowds have departed.
Into The Mountains
Beyond the coast, The Long Way Round turns towards some of the region’s most rewarding mountain roads. The route takes in the Dalmatian Mountains and the roads around Platak, Croatia’s highest ski resort. Here, the driving changes as coastal roads give way to mountain passes, tight hairpins and fast, flowing sections of road. It is the kind of terrain that demands attention from behind the wheel – and rewards it.
The tour shifts gear as we continue through Slovenia towards the Julian Alps and Karawanks. Winding mountain roads, technical corners and changing elevations offer a different kind of driving experience, with each section bringing its own character.
From Croatia’s iconic Kameni ledenjak stone glacier to the forested roads around Platak and the dramatic scenery of the Julian Alps, the route has been carefully chosen to make the most of the landscape and the cars.
Beyond The Road
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Club GT tour without exceptional hospitality, world-class dining and outstanding experiences to match the moments behind the wheel.
Over the course of the trip, guests will stay at a collection of 5-star, award-winning hotels, from Le Méridien Lav Split with front-row sea views of the marina and private beach to Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera, home to the 6,000 m² Aquapura Spa. The tour continues to Hilton Rijeka Costabella for a Michelin-starred dinner inspired by Croatian flavours before concluding at the iconic Schloss Velden on the shores of Lake Wörthersee, a firm favourite among Club GT members.
Along the way, a traditional Dalmatian experience at Planika complemented by regional grill specialties and a fire show awaits, before Michelin-starred dining at Nebo Restaurant, where contemporary Croatian cuisine is served with panoramic views over the Adriatic. In between drives, there’s ample time to unwind in award-winning spa facilities. Plus, our grand finale will see us crossing Lake Wörthersee by private speedboat for a celebratory closing dinner at SOL Beach Club. Positioned right on the water’s edge, it’s the perfect setting for one final evening of fine dining.
The Outcome
The Long Way Round tour marks a new chapter for Club GT.
As European destinations continue to evolve their approach to sustainable tourism and protecting natural landscapes, we are called to evolve with them. While the restrictions across the Dolomites may have changed a familiar route, they have also inspired the creation of another one.
Sometimes, taking the long way really is the best way.
Join our ultimate coast-to-coast adventure now. Head to Upcoming Tours or click the link here for more information: https://clubgtevents.com/events/2026-the-long-way-round/
