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Since the advent of the modern highway network, scenic driving has often taken a back seat to the convenience of a freeway commute. But as driving enthusiasts will tell you, the back road drive through rolling countryside is one of life's greatest pleasures. That’s why some companies have started offering a variety of driving holidays through some of the most spectacular parts of the world. Red Travel, for instance, is noted for its self-drive tours through the Italian countryside in that most passionate of Italian cars, the Ferrari. Boasting a “new travel concept”, Red Travel distinguishes itself from run-of-the-mill tour operators by providing a support vehicle – an Alfa Romeo V6 coupé – to assist in looking for parking in cramped Italian towns, as well as providing extra luggage capacity over and above what a Ferrari can hold. Satellite navigation? No need, as a Red Travel Tour Director will show you the way in his Alfa Brera. There’s a staggering choice of cars available for the journey: from the fast and fun F430 F1 Spider to the latest 599 GTB Fiorano F1. Red Travel has a hot-blooded companion just right for you, be it an open-topped V8 sports car or a front-engined V12 super-granturismo. 
The back road drive through rolling countryside is one of life's greatest pleasures. Italy is a gorgeous and varied country, with tiny ancient villages and sprawling wine-growing countryside in equal measure. Red Travel takes you from beautiful cities like Milan, Venice and Florence to the fascinating cellars – complete with tasting opportunities – of wine-rich regions like Biondi Santi and Castello Banfi in Tuscany. Red Travel will also introduce you to a world of gastronomic tradition, where you can dine on the best fare from renowned chefs like Fulvio Pierangeli of Il Gambero Rosso in Tuscany, Annie Féolde of Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, and Heinz Beck of La Pergola, which is reputed as one of Rome’s top restaurants. Home to some of the world's most influential fashion houses, Italy is ripe with couture shopping opportunities, and Red Travel has that covered as well. They will take you – in your red Ferrari – to the showrooms of renowned designers such as Armani, Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Ermenegildo Zegna, to name a few. With a broad choice of superb lodgings, from the grand Exedra in Rome to the charmingly rustic Villa La Massa in Florence, all accommodations are welcoming, evocative and steeped in heritage – much like the countryside they are based in. Naturally, all itineraries are tailor-made to accommodate your needs. Whether you choose a single day trip or eight days across the Italian peninsula, Red Travel’s high standard of personalized service ensures that you get the most out of your Roman holiday. |
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The Drive of Your Life: Luxurious Road Trips
Few experiences can compare with the joy of driving down the highway in a magnificent automobile. With the top down, the music up and the engine howling, a road trip can be the ultimate escape. Amir Ali goes in search of the best driving holidays.
Published in: November 2007
