WORDS
GINNY CUMMING, CHARLOTTE OLIVER
T H E B I G
Q U E S T I O N
Which are the
best spring road trips?
As Europe bursts into bud, it’s a great
time to get out and see the scenery.
The real question is: where to drive?
F O R G L A M O U R P U S S E S
Amalfi Coast
WHERE?
About an hour’s drive from
Naples, this stretch of coastline is the
most scenic and dramatic in Italy. The
40
km-long winding road is famous for its
stunning views and towns, including the
hill-hugging Positano.
HOW?
Such a glamorous destination
deserves to be explored in style. And
there’s no better way than in a classic
Italian convertible, roof off and the sun
shining. It’s sure to give you a real taste
of la dolce vita.
WHAT?
A few companies offer classic
car hire, including Nostalgic Vintage Car
Travel (
nostalgic.eu
),
which will set you
up with a beautiful classic Alfa Romeo
Giulietta Spider, from €1,000, including
insurance, for four days. Pick your car up
in Sorrento, 50km from Naples.
F O R N A T U R E L O V E R S
Eden Valley
WHERE?
Eden Valley, in Cumbria, is one
of the most beautiful places in England.
Bordered by the Lake District in the west,
the Pennine mountain range in the east
and the Yorkshire Dales in the south, it
offers up an unspoiled slice of rural life.
HOW?
Combine the best of glamping
with the romance of a bygone era on a
gypsy-caravan holiday. You get to roam
bucolic countryside to the clip-clop of
horses’ hooves with your own chauffeur,
then camp in complete seclusion to really
feel part of the landscape. It’s rustic, yet
super-glam, and totally unforgettable.
WHAT?
One night for two adults
from £150, children are £20 per night
(
wanderlusts.co.uk; canopyandstars.co.uk)
.
Fly to Newcastle; caravan pick-up is from
Penrith, 116km away.
F O R H I S T O R Y B U F F S
Romantic Road
WHERE?
A 350km highway through
Germany’s southern provinces, the
Romantic Road takes you back in time to a
bygone Bavaria. Along the road between
Würzburg and Füssen, you can marvel
at historic cities, medieval walled towns,
eternal castles and the foothills of the
Upper Bavarian Alps.
HOW?
Eschew the hassle of driving with
an organised bus tour to ensure that
every hidden gem is found. Transported
from castle to castle, you’ll slip into
another era – and, with your hands free,
you can get the pictures to prove it.
WHAT?
Europebus runs hop on, hop
off tours from April to October (
touring-
travel.eu
),
with tickets valid for six months.
A return for the entire length costs €122.
Fly to Munich and pick up the bus there.
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T H E R E G U L A R S
