The most spectacular drives to add to your travel wish list

The Amalfi Coast, Italy

The iconic Amalfi Coast is one of the most cinematic road trips in Europe. Carved into steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, this legendary stretch of coastline winds between colourful towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, revealing breathtaking sea views around almost every corner.

The drive itself is part of the magic: dramatic hairpin bends, lemon groves cascading down the hillsides, and elegant villas perched high above the water. Travellers often begin their journey in Naples or Sorrento, slowly making their way along the coast with stops for long seaside lunches and sunset aperitivos.

Stay in a clifftop hotel overlooking the sea, explore hidden beaches by boat, or wander through historic piazzas where bougainvillea spills from sun-warmed balconies.

Utah’s national parks scenic drive, USA

For landscapes that feel almost otherworldly, a road trip through Utah is hard to beat. Known for its vast desert scenery and dramatic red rock formations, the state is home to some of America’s most extraordinary national parks.

Many travellers follow a route linking Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Arches National Park, where towering sandstone arches, deep canyons, and sweeping desert landscapes create a spectacular backdrop for the journey.

Scenic routes like Utah State Route 12 are considered among the most beautiful drives in North America, while luxury desert lodges and design-led retreats provide the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring.

The South of France & Route Napoléon

Combining glamour with history, a road trip through the South of France offers an effortlessly stylish adventure. Begin along the sun-soaked French Riviera, perhaps in Nice or Saint-Tropez, before heading inland along the historic Route Napoléon.

Following the route taken by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815, the road winds through lavender fields, pine forests, and charming Provençal villages before reaching the foothills of the Alps.

Along the way, pause in hilltop towns for long vineyard lunches, explore local markets, and soak up the timeless atmosphere of southern France.

Iceland’s Ring Road

For those drawn to wild, dramatic landscapes, the circular Ring Road offers one of the world’s most unforgettable journeys around Iceland.

The route reveals an ever-changing landscape of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches. Highlights include the spectacular icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the striking coastline near Vík, and the geothermal landscapes surrounding Lake Mývatn.

Most visitors take a week or more to complete the journey, staying in remote lodges and enjoying the unique experience of soaking in geothermal hot springs under the northern skies.

California’s Pacific Coast Highway

Few routes capture the romance of the open road quite like the Pacific Coast Highway. Stretching along the dramatic coastline of California, this iconic drive links iconic cities with rugged coastal scenery.

The most spectacular stretch runs between San Francisco and Los Angeles, passing through the wild cliffs of Big Sur where the mountains plunge dramatically into the Pacific Ocean.

Along the way, you can stop in charming seaside towns, enjoy world-class coastal dining, or stay in luxurious oceanfront retreats where sunset views are simply unforgettable.

Patagonia, Chile & Argentina

Few places on earth feel as vast and untamed as Patagonia, a remote wilderness stretching across southern Chile and Argentina. For travellers seeking a road trip defined by dramatic landscapes and raw natural beauty, this is one of the most extraordinary journeys in the world.

Routes through Patagonia reveal an ever-changing landscape of turquoise lakes, towering glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. One of the most iconic drives is along Ruta 40, which runs the length of Argentina and passes some of the region’s most spectacular scenery, including the striking granite towers of Torres del Paine National Park and the vast ice fields surrounding Los Glaciares National Park.

Luxury in Patagonia comes in the form of remote lodges set against breathtaking backdrops, where guests can spend their days hiking among glaciers, riding horses across open plains, or sailing past icebergs before returning to gourmet cuisine and panoramic views. It’s a road trip that feels truly off the beaten path – and all the more unforgettable for it.

To plan your perfect luxury road trip, speak to your personal Travel Counsellor today.