Head out on the highway: The best driving holidays in Europe

(Image credit: www.richardpardon.co.uk)

published 11 August 2017

Amalfi Coast

Home to quaint, historical towns, stunning cliff-top resorts and some of the country's finest cuisine, Italy's gorgeous Amalfi Coast draws in thousands of visitors annually, and it's not hard to see why. Nearby Naples provides the ideal vantage point from which to discover its charms. Take advantage of this personalised package from travel company Truly, based around a three-night stay at one of the city's top hotels, to ensure you don't miss any of the area's best attractions. The highlight is a day's hire of a Maserati Granturismo, with a recommended drive taking in some of the region's most picturesque places. The first stop should be popular Positano, with its pretty, pastel-hued houses and fashionable shops, while not to be missed is the historic architecture of Amalfi itself. There's time to take in panoramic views from the idyllic Ravello, the loftiest of the coastline towns, before continuing to the end of the Amalfi Drive. The day concludes by journeying to Sorrento, where you will enjoy a meal in one of its Michelin-starred restaurants.

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For glamour, good food and sunny, scenic routes, head south to the Cote d'Azur. To help you make the most of this diverse region of unparalleled seaside resorts, beautiful hilltop villages and winding mountain roads, the experts at Ultimate Drives have put together a four-night itinerary. It includes rental of a top sportscar, with models from Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini on its books. Setting off from Cannes, take it for a spin along the coast to the Port of Antibes before heading up into the breath-taking Alpes-Maritimes. This provides the perfect precursor to a run down what is one of the most famous driving roads in the area, the Route Napoleon. Opened in 1932, it traces the journey Napoleon Bonaparte took in 1815 on his return from Elba, marked along the way by statues of the French Imperial Eagle. A final, high-octane drive follows the mountain pass of Col de Turini, included as a stage of the Monte Carlo Rally and famed for its tight hairpin turns, before continuing down the Mediterranean coast to Monte Carlo, where you'll spend your final night.

Sometimes the best vistas are right on our doorstep, and there are few places in the UK that can rival the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Navigating such terrains requires a careful choice of transport, and here adventure travel specialist Flash Pack has partnered with Mini to offer a road trip package including four days exclusive use of the new Countryman. Leave all preconceptions of the petite car behind – this latest model, with its smart 4x4 drive, state-of-the-art satellite navigation and surprisingly capacious interiors, will guide you down the region's winding and remote roads with ease. The packed itinerary takes in historical sites such as the majestic Scone Palace and foodie destinations including Dalwhinnie Distillery, where you'll be treated to a whisky and chocolate pairing. There's also plenty of opportunity to explore the great outdoors; zip line through the Alvie Estate, kayak around the white sandy islands of Arisaig Bay and take your Mini off-road where, if you're lucky, you'll spot some of Scotland's 'Big Five' wildlife: golden eagles, red deer, otters, red squirrels and seals.

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