Posted on September 08, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

Autumn is the perfect time of year to get away from it all with a touring holiday.  From the tranquil blue waters of the Pacific coast of the USA and the clear, crisp Alps of Switzerland, you’ll be spoilt for choice for inspiration!

1. Pacific Coast Highway

A flashy convertible is a must here.  The route from LA to San Francisco takes you on a journey down Rodeo Drive, winding around ranches and vineyards around the Santa Ynez Mountains and meandering slowly around the Big Sur coastline. 

LA Car Hire

2. Autumn in New England

Book your car at Boston Airport and gear up for some leaf watching.  At this time of year, the drive takes you through the Berkshires in Massachusetts via the famous Mohawk trail and into Vermont.  Here you’ll enjoy stunning 360 degree sights of fiery autumn colours.  Inject a real taste of America into trip and get your head down at one of the many historic inns that punctuate the fall trail.  Also, be sure to have at least one giant breakfast in a vintage roadside diner.

Boston Car Hire

3. Great Ocean Road Australia

This route isn’t called the Great Ocean Road for nothing.  The 125-mile long road slices through the southeast of Australia, a land famous for its lush rainforests, manicured beaches and arches of ocean carved rock.  Be sure to roll down the windows, feel the wind in your hair and inhale the refreshing combination of eucalyptus and salty sea air. 

Australia Car Hire

4. Grossglockner Road.  Highest Mountain in Austria

Grossglockner Road is recognised as one of the prettiest alpine highways in the whole of Europe and to prove it, it has featured in hundreds of films and car ads.  Legend even has it that the Romans lay the original foundations for this route. 

Austria Car Hire

5. Northern Lakes Italy

The stunning Lake Orta at the foothills of the Alps is the perfect place to begin a drive around some of the most beautiful lakes in Italy.  From Orta, take a drive along the Borromean Gulf on Lake Maggiore, where the scenery changes swiftly from lightly sloping shores peppered with villas and spectacular gardens to stunning cliffs that drop fearlessly into the water.  Meanwhile, more luxurious villas and stunning views await you at Lake Como.  Driving further on from Como, you’ll find a magical route through mountains, vineyards and olive groves to Lake Garda.

Italy Car Hire