The Roads Less Traveled: Our Edit of Epic Driving Adventures

August 20, 2025 by Hidden Doorways

There’s an alchemy to the perfect road trip—that magical combination of stunning scenery, cultural discovery, and the simple freedom of the open road.

Some journeys demand adventure: navigating hairpin turns through Swiss Alpine passes, winding along clifftop drives carved into South African coastlines, or venturing deep into Nepal’s remote Himalayan valleys. Others invite a more leisurely pace: meandering through Hampshire’s hidden villages, drifting past lavender fields in vintage cars, or taking gentle loops around Italy’s legendary lakes.

These carefully curated driving adventures span continents and cultures, each offering a unique perspective on some of the planet’s most breathtaking landscape

Lakeside Luxury – Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Italy

Just 90 minutes from Milan, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni sits on the edge of Lake Como and makes for quite the spectacular starting point for a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. The journey combines a healthy dose of Italian culture and history with pit stops at Villa Balbianello (of Star Wars and James Bond fame) and the centuries-old gardens at Villa Melzi, to name a few. Meanwhile, sparkling lake views, Alpine forests, and winding countryside roads provide a tonic for the soul, with multiple culinary options available from Michelin-starred dining to artisanal pizza on the water’s edge.

Country Charm – Heckfield Place, UK

While setting up camp and remaining within the glorious walls of Heckfield Place would be understandable, the surrounding countryside has so much to offer. Think picturesque hidden villages and private gardens, discovering country corners on horseback, and even the chance to ride an old steam train. To finish a day of discovery, stopping off at one of the many centuries-old pubs for a bite to eat and a taste of the local culture is a must. And if you’re interested in cars beyond their ability to facilitate a local adventure, Chicane Aston Martin is just a stone’s throw away – restoring, maintaining, and caring for more than 20 Astons.

Spice of Life – Banyan Tours, India

Here culture and wilderness come together for one of the most colorful journeys one could ever wish to embark upon. Setting off through the heart of central India, Banyan Tours has created an extraordinary road trip. Starting in Bhopal (an 11th-century city), travelers can revel in the local culture and even pay a visit to the Museum of Man, which showcases India’s rich and diverse heritage in every sense. Then it’s on to the Stupa at Sanchi (one of India’s best-preserved Buddhist sites) before taking in South Asia’s richest collection of prehistoric paintings in the caves at Bhimbetka Hill. From here the Satpura Range can be reached: an elevated highland made up of sandstone peaks, gorges, waterfalls, and ravines that nurture dense jungles that can be explored on foot, by canoe, or by jeep.

Rocky Road – Hotel Yellowstone, USA

Hotel Yellowstone is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to explore the wonders of this vast and diverse ecosystem in Wyoming. From the 26-mile scenic loop of Grand Teton National Park, where jagged 13,000-foot peaks shoot up from shimmering lakes, explorers can take the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway straight into the vast expanses of Yellowstone National Park. Here lies 2.2 million acres of natural glory. From an abundance of hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles that make up half of the world’s total hydrothermal features to diverse wildlife and stunning vistas all around, the adventure is endless.

Majestic Mountains – Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

A road trip through the Himalayas is surely on everyone’s bucket list. Shinta Mani Mustang is tucked into Nepal’s remote Mustang region (it’s in the name), and the rugged route to the lodge is an adventure all its own. From Pokhara to Jomsom, the road winds along the Kali Gandaki River Valley, offering spectacular views of beautiful Tibetan-influenced villages and ancient monasteries tucked into cliffs. It’s best explored by 4×4 during the day before retreating to the luxury of the Shinta Mani lodge as the nights draw in.

Riding High – The Fife Arms, Scotland

From meandering through whisky country at leisure on the Royal Deeside Heritage Trail to exploring the Cairngorms National Park and legendary North Coast of Scotland, The Fife Arms offers a jumping-off point for discovery in every direction. Towering sea cliffs, white sand beaches, and untouched Highland wilderness welcome guests from every corner of the globe for a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy jaw-dropping vistas through every twist and turn.

Atlantic Adventure – Ellerman House, South Africa

Affectionately known as “Chappies,” Chapman’s Peak Drive is ideal for anyone looking to become better acquainted with Cape Town. One of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, this stretch covers 5.6 miles of road carved into 2,000-foot cliffs with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean at every turn. Ellerman House is also ideally situated close to the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, which encompass five circuits through 148 wine farms, as well as the famous Garden Route, which stretches 186 miles along the coast through forests, lagoons, and pristine beaches.

Desert Discovery – Mii amo, USA

If the desert intrigues, the Red Rock Scenic Byway should be high on the agenda. This legendary road trip winds past a naturally sculpted landscape featuring formations such as Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock among its many scenic roads. Mii amo itself is situated in a canyon, providing a serene space to rest and restore among the dramatic vistas of Arizona’s red-rock country.

Alpine Altitudes – Bürgenstock, Switzerland

Set off for the drive of a lifetime through the holy trinity of European mountain roads. Bürgenstock’s mountainside location offers direct access to the legendary “Big 3” Alpine passes: Furka, Grimsel, and Susten. A combination of hairpin turns through Alpine forests, glacier views, and high-altitude landscapes provides a feast for the eyes and a different perspective.

True Romance – Airelles Gordes La Bastide, France

There’s nothing, surely, more romantic than an open road surrounded by lavender fields and a vintage car ready to explore it. Airelles Gordes La Bastide is situated in one of the more picturesque spots of the Luberon Valley, offering easy access to explore the Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey, a string of the prettiest French villages, vineyards, lavender fields, and more. Set off inside an iconic Citroën 2CV for an unforgettably magical journey.