2026 Itinerary

The 2026 Event

Having already raised over £800,000 for military charities since 2012 through charity driving events, the A Driving Force team have their sights firmly set on reaching a cumulative £1,000,000 target of fundraising and 1,000,000 miles of travel with ADF26! 

Between now and the event start, our participants will be raising money for our charity partner, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. We ask them to raise a minimum of £1,500 but this is never seen as a target, as we aim to smash our event £100,000 objective once again. 

Participants will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, whilst getting to experience some of the best roads, with stunning locations that are, literally, the stuff of dreams! 

This incredible and challenging journey will take participants through:

• Dunkirk, France
• Strasbourg, France
• Saalfelden, Austria
• Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Split, Croatia
• Sarajevo, Bosnia
• Graz, Austria
• Salzburg, Austria
• Heidelburg, Germany
• Brussels, Belgium
• UK

Day 0 – Dunkirk, France

Friday 31 July 2026

Optional Channel Crossing and Overnight Stay in Dunkirk

What began as a simple plan for guests to check in and avoid the early morning rush has transformed into a lively prelude for our grand adventure!

A Driving Force has received a special invitation to join the Mayor and distinguished officials for an unforgettable evening at the Dunkirk Memorial Museum. Savor drinks and hors d’oeuvres as you mingle with fellow adventurers and set the tone for the excitement ahead. Don’t miss this chance to kick off your journey in style—come and celebrate with us!

Day 1 – Dunkirk to Strasbourg, France

Saturday 1 August 2026

Dunkirk to Strasbourg – Fantastic Launch and Potential visit to Strasbourg Centre

True to the spirit of every A Driving Force event, we’re kicking things off with an electrifying launch you won’t want to miss! While final touches are still being coordinated with French officials and dignitaries, you can count on an unforgettable spectacle brimming with grandeur, energy, and the signature flair that defines our adventures. Get ready for a celebration filled with dazzling moments and high anticipation as we set the tone for the incredible journey ahead!

With the echoes of Dunkirk’s launch still ringing in our ears, we hit the road heading south —charging forward on an epic drive packed with excitement! The route is direct and filled with anticipation, as we race towards our first official overnight stop in the magnificent city of Strasbourg. Prepare for a thrilling journey as we traverse stunning landscapes and set the stage for more adventures to come!

Day 2 – Strasbourg, France to Saalfelden, Austria

Sunday 2 August 2026

Autobahn!

Up bright a breezy, and still full of the buzz of yesterday’s spectacular launch, we make our way across the border into the fabled country of the Autobahn and the Bratwurst! Whistling our way over derestricted Autobahns and down towards the mountains for our second night of the adventure in the breathtaking town of Saalfelden and our beautiful hotel the Brandlehof Conference Centre.

Day 3 – Saalfelden, Austria to Ljubljana, Slovenia

Monday 3 August 2026

A day of mountaineering taking in the thrill of the Grossglockner Pass and then through the beauty of the Triglav National Park

Day 3 is where the adventure hits overdrive! Get ready to leave the ordinary behind as we trade the highways for the legendary Grossglockner Pass in Austria — a mecca for car enthusiasts and a playground for the world’s top manufacturers pushing their machines to the limit.

Imagine pristine, perfectly maintained alpine roads twisting skyward with barely a soul in sight—this is pure driving bliss! After an adrenaline-fueled morning conquering the Grossglockner’s soaring peaks, we charge southward, briefly dipping into Italy before blasting east into Slovenia.

The journey gets even more thrilling as we enter the enchanting Triglav National Park, where crystal-clear roads snake along shimmering rivers, leading us towards the mythical Triglav mountains. And for those who crave a true driving challenge. Brace yourself for the legendary ascent—over 30 jaw-dropping hairpin bends winding up to the summit, promising heart-pounding excitement at every turn!

After this epic day behind the wheel, we roll triumphantly into Slovenia’s vibrant capital, Ljubljana, to celebrate our third night of the tour. Prepare for stories, laughter, and memories made on roads most can only dream of!

Day 4 – Ljubljana, Slovenia to Split, Croatia

Tuesday 4 August 2026

The stunning Croatian coastline route

As we bid farewell to the soaring peaks, our adventure takes a thrilling turn—racing south across the border into Croatia and veering west toward the legendary coastal highway! Picture endless ribbons of flawless tarmac hugging the coastline, with dazzling turquoise waters and jaw-dropping beaches around every bend. This is a drive straight out of your wildest dreams, where each mile promises new wonders and unforgettable vistas.

Tonight, you’ll call the enchanting medieval city of Split home. Dive into luxury at our spectacular beachside hotel or venture into the heart of the old town for an evening overflowing with vibrant culture, lively streets, and unforgettable memories. This is where adventure and relaxation collide—make the most of it!

Day 5 and 6 – Split, Croatia to Sarajevo, Bosnia

Wednesday 5 August and Thursday 6 August 2026

Split to Sarajevo via Mostar with an evening reception in Hemingway’s Bar on Wednesday, and the morning on Thursday to yourself. The rest is a secret…!!

Day 5 – Set those alarms and get ready! Today’s going to be unforgettable! We’re kicking off early, setting our sights even further south before swinging east to the border of Bosnia. What’s in store? We’re keeping the details hush-hush for now, but trust us: expect surprises, adventure, and memories you’ll be buzzing about for years to come! 

When we roll into Sarajevo – your new home for the next two nights – you’ll have just enough time to recharge and refresh in your stylish room. Then, the evening comes alive: we’ll whisk you off to one of the city’s hottest up-and-coming districts, where dinner, drinks, and laughter await.

Tonight’s all about cutting loose and soaking up the vibrant local scene – so go ahead, celebrate hard, because tomorrow morning you get to sleep in!

Day 6 – you can stay in bed all day if you want to, the time is yours to enjoy this wonderful city. Indeed, we won’t need you until 5pm, at which point, we’re off to do something interesting in the City!

Day 7 – Sarajevo, Bosnia to Graz, Austria

Friday 7 August 2026

A long but interesting drive!

Today we wave Sarajevo off and start heading back up North through amazing countryside and valleys, cross the border into Croatia and keep heading all the way towards the mountains and to our final destination for the night, the Austrian city of Graz.

Day 8 – Graz, Austria to Salzburg, Austria

Saturday 8 August 2026

A day of choices!

Today is a day of choices, for the historian buffs amongst you, a visit to Hitler’s summertime lodge the infamous Eagles Nest beckons. For the die-hard petrol heads, there can be no other option but a detour back along the Grossglockner again! Whatever your choice, you’ll have a cracking day, and we’ll all rejoin each other at the birthplace city of Mozart, Salzburg.

Option 1 to The Eagles Nest then hotel – giving most time at The Eagles Nest and local museum/bunker.

Option 2 to The Eagles Nest via the Grossglockner Pass…again! Less time at The Eagles Nest and local museum/bunker, but….The Grossglockner!

Day 9 – Salzburg, Austria to Heidelburg, Germany

Sunday 9 August 2026

Autobahn!

Imagine the thrill—today’s route throws you straight onto the legendary German Autobahn. The day promises a relentless dash on derestricted highways—no speed limits, just endless opportunities to experience automotive freedom at its finest. Every mile brings us closer to the enchanting city of Heidelberg, steeped in history and charm, where our adventure continues with stories waiting to be written.

Day 10 – Heidelberg, Germany to Brussels, Belguim

Monday 10 August 2026

More autobahn today, followed by our epic end of tour party and award ceremony at an exquisite Chateau near Brussels!

The grand finale of our epic journey awaits! But first, get ready for one last exhilarating sprint along the legendary Autobahns, where every mile is a celebration of freedom and speed. As we head toward the Belgian border, anticipation builds — Brussels beckons!

There, in a stunning chateau, we’ll toast unforgettable memories, share laughter in grand style, and crown our adventure with a spectacular party and an awards ceremony fit for legends. This is the triumphant ending our adventure truly deserves!

This is the triumphant ending our once in a lifetime adventure truly deserves!

Through 10 Countries, in 11 Days, £100,000 to be raised for SSAFA

Almost 3000 miles across some of the ultimate driving roads. An event of a lifetime!


Included in the entry fee: 

  • A money can’t buy launch event! 
  • 10 Nights 4* or above carefully selected accommodation on a B&B basis 
  • Secure parking for your car at each location 
  • Routes updated daily via your mobile phone 
  • Loan of a professional two-way radio 
  • Access to a detailed app of your itinerary packed full of need-to-know information 
  • Sticker pack for your vehicle 
  • Event clothing 
  • Event support team with you 24/7 for the duration of the trip 
  • A celebration event on the tour 
  • Special surprises on the tour
  • Services of the AA (subject to a small additional fee to secure back to UK coverage) 

 All of this is only £3,299* per car, based on two people sharing a car – that’s just £1,650 per person

* The total price is £4,799 less your £1,500 fundraising. As soon as you achieve your £1,500 Enthuse fundraising target, we will discount that from your final invoice payment. This guarantees the money for SSAFA, and all participants are encouraged to raise as much funding as possible in addition to the minimum £1,500 to help the Charity in achieving its objectives.

Help us to meet our fundraising target and donate to the event today!:

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