You don’t have to be a driving enthusiast to appreciate that one of the best ways to explore a destination is on four wheels. Road trips provide a fantastic opportunity to experience multiple must-see locations and local landmarks in just a few days, all the while showcasing some of the world’s most awe-inspiring scenery.
From high-altitude adventures in the snow-capped French Alps to the lunar-like landscapes of Utah and European escapades worth earmarking, we’ve done our homework in order to share with you some of the best road trips in the world.
France
Crowned as one of the most touristed countries in the world, it’s no surprise that a road trip to France peaks expedition bucket-lists everywhere. With a varied landscape that spans world-famous cities, fragrant countryside and snow-capped summits - peppered with layers of history and culture - hodophile’s can have a taste of it all.
Provence Lavender Route
Best experienced in summer, this fragrant journey weaves through blooming purple fields, hilltop villages and sun-soaked vineyards - delivering some of the most beautiful scenery sandwiched between Côte d’Azur and Provence. A pleasure for all the senses, this aromatic drive travels from the French Riviera to the Alps in the height of lavender season, passing landmarks including the UNESCO-listed Palais de Papes, The Abbey of Sénanque, the hilltop villages of Luberon and more - all with a backdrop of purple hues. While you’re here, lavender-themed attractions like the Arôma Plantes farm and distillery, Sault, are worth a visit.
Route des Grandes Alpes
From fragrant fields to the French Alps, this spectacular drive from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean serves up a slightly higher altitude adventure, winding through 16 Alpine passes and dramatic mountain scenery along its 684km route. Those up for a more challenging drive can tick off the highest paved mountain pass, standing at 2,764 metres. When a break from behind the wheel calls, catch a cable car and soak up panoramic views of Mont Blanc in Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, or try your hand at watersports in France’s answer to the Grand Canyon, Gorges du Verdon. Better still, extend your stay and take advantage of some of the most spectacular skiing in the world…
Recommended stays in The French Alps:
Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin - Courchevel
Le Val Thorens, A Beaumier Hotel - Val Thorens
Hôtel Le Blizzard - Val D’Isère
Italy
It turns out this boot wasn’t only made for walking. From the tranquil waters of Lake Como to the cypress-lined hills of Tuscany and globally renowned Amalfi Coast, Italy is responsible for some of the best road trip routes in Europe. When you’re not behind the wheel, pitch up in a charming medieval town or a rolling vineyard and refuel with a glass of the good stuff.
Lake Como to Lake Garda
A scenic journey combining elegant lakeside towns with mountain backdrops, the Lake Como to Lake Garda road trip weaves together glamour, alpine drama and laid-back lakeside charm. Beginning among Lake Como’s elegant villas and mountain-hugging roads, the route winds south through rolling vineyards and historic towns before revealing the expansive shores of Lake Garda. Expect sparkling lake views, medieval villages, olive groves and dramatic mountain backdrops throughout, with plenty of opportunities to stop for leisurely lunches, lakeside strolls and cultural detours along the way.
Cruise the Amalfi Coast
From calming lakes to coastal splendour, this is without doubt one of the world’s most iconic coastal drives, tracing a winding ribbon of road along Italy’s coastline. Complete with hairpin bends, precipitous pastel villages and breathtaking sea views as far as the eye can see, this challenging route connects must-visit gems such as Positano, Amalfi and Ravello that make up the Amalfi Coast. The journey’s nailbiting twists and turns are, however, richly rewarded with leisurely local lunches, boutique shopping, idyllic beach stops and captivating cultural landmarks, including the Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea.
Recommended stays in the Amalfi Coast:
Le Sirenuse - Positano
Caruso, A Belmond Hotel - Ravello
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria - Sorrento
The USA
The US is no stranger to road trips, with the likes of Route 66 paving the way (literally) providing a blueprint of epic drives that combine deserts, mountains, coastlines and character-packed towns. Whether you’ve always wanted to catch sight of Cali’s Big Sur or you’re drawn to roads less travelled, one thing is guaranteed - your US road trip will be unforgettable.
Pacific Coast Highway
Having made its name as one of the best American road trips, the Pacific Coast Highway delivers 1,600 miles of legendary ocean views, from San Francisco to Los Angeles and beyond. Whether you’re squeezing the whole family into an SUV or want to conquer this mighty stretch in a classic sports car, you’ll soar up the coast via Hwy 1, Hwy 101 and the I-5 passing pause-worthy points including the Big Sur and Redwood National & State Parks.
Scenic Byway 12
For something more otherworldly, this scenic route through southern Utah feels as though you’ve landed on another planet entirely. Brave the backroads through the best of the red-rock country from Bryce Canyon National Park to Torrey, near the Capitol Reef, and watch on as the scenery shifts from lunar-like canyons to pine forests and historic towns that look like they’ve been plucked from an Old Western. Fancy a detour? Just two hours from Torrey you can extend your adventure and complete Utah’s “Mighty 5”.
Recommended stays in the USA:
The Beverly Hills Hotel - LA
Post Ranch Inn - Big Sur
For a ready-made itinerary, check out our golden state road trip, promising a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
The UK
Who says you need to travel halfway across the globe to uncover the best scenic drives? Believe it or not, some of the most spectacular road trips can be found on your very doorstep. From the crumbling castles and cow-clad Scottish Highlands to the rolling fells and valleys of the Lake District, there’s so much natural beauty to discover within the UK.
Lake District Scenic Loop
If rolling fells, mirror-like lakes and challenging hikes are your idea of a good time, throw your waterproofs in the boot and head northwest for the Lake District. So postcard-worthy it could exist in a fairytale, this popular plot on the UK map is a haven for nature enthusiasts eager to ramble, relax beside roaring fires and gaze at lush surroundings from the car window. The Keswick Loop via Buttermere is a favourable Lake District road trip, taking in highlights such as Honister Pass, Buttermere and Crummock Water. At 23 miles, it’s a short but oh so sweet drive that showcases the region’s wild beauty.
North Coast 500
A history buff’s dream, this raw and rugged route circles the dramatic Scottish Highlands, highlighting some of the most magnificent castles and coastal scenery along the way. Considered a hotspot for those with a van and a grand plan, drivers will get a taste of how wild and wonderful the outer edges of Northern Scotland really are. With 500 miles to cover, an abundance of iconic spots await on-foot discovery too, from the Black Isle Peninsula and awe-inspiring Smoo Cave to the historic sites of Dunrobin and Ardvreck Castle and charming whitewashed village of Ullapool.
Recommended stays in Scotland:
Gleneagles - Auchterarder
Fairmont St. Andrews - St. Andrews
The Balmoral Hotel - Edinburgh
Canada
If epic transcontinental journeys are on your bucket list, Canada is where to hit the road. From soaking in captivating coastal sights along theTrans-Canada Highway to exploring the Rockies and Tofino’s temperate rainforest - this North American gem is a destination of incredible diversity.
Trans-Canada Highway
Travelling coast-to-coast from the Atlantic to the Pacific, this iconic journey showcases Canada at its most spectacular. Picture everything from lush forests and fertile prairies to towering mountain ranges and glass-still lakes; the Trans-Canada Highway is the country’s ultimate road trip. From vibrant cities such as Montréal and Québec City where European charm, food culture and unique fortifications collide to Winnipeg’s indigenous heritage and the world-famous Rocky Mountain landscapes of Banff and Lake Louise, this varied route is nothing short of inspiring.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
Often ranked among the world’s most scenic drives, the ‘Promenade des Glaciers’ (as the French call it) link the nation’s two most symbolic national parks - Banff and Jasper. This unforgettable 230km journey north from Lake Louise traverses past striking glaciers that elegantly spill into turquoise lakes. Prepare for scenery so picturesque it defies description, with giant mountains, thundering waterfalls and abundant wildlife at every turn. Scenic viewpoints are, of course, a must, with the vivid blue waters of Peyto Lake and the mighty Athabasca Glacier among standout stops.
Recommended stays in Canada:
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Lake Louise
The Rimrock Resort Hotel - Banff National Park
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge - Vancouver
South Africa
From winelands to wilderness and bush to beach, South Africa is a destination of extraordinary diversity. With so much natural beauty to soak up, knowing where to start can be overwhelming - until you discover its scenic drives. Spoiler alert: these particular drives don’t guarantee sightings of the ‘Big Five’!
The Garden Route
Crowned as one of the world’s most dramatic coastal drives, the Garden Route, South Africa road trip stretches from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape, weaving past ancient forests, wave-lashed shorelines, semi-arid deserts and wildlife-rich national parks. En route, sip your way through the Cape Winelands, spot whales in Hermanus, detour to Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farms and Cango Caves, relax on Plettenberg Bay’s beaches, adventure in Tsitsikamma National Park (home to the world’s highest bungee jump, if you’re brave enough!), and finish with an unforgettable Eastern Cape safari.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Prefer a short and sweet spin? This short but iconic route on the Cape Peninsula serves up a 9km-long scenic toll road, popular with motorists and bikers alike. Travellers will pass through Hout Bay, one of the most active fishing harbours in South Africa, the rural and artistic village of Noordhoek and the world-famed Table Mountain National Park - a perfect pitstop for stretching your legs!
Recommended stays in South Africa:
Pezula Nature Retreat - Knysna
Eagles Crag Lodge - Shamwari Game Reserve
One&Only Cape Town - Cape Town
Whether you’ve always dreamed of cruising along the Pacific Coast in a Ford Mustang Convertible or want to weave your way through scented vineyards and steep, shelving towns in Italy’s Amalfi Coast, there’s a road trip suitable for everybody in our curated list. Seen something you like? Give our expert team a call on 0203 816 0985 and we’ll tailor a road trip that ticks all of your boxes.
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