Explore the open road with Ker & Downey's most scenic drives in the world. Ready to get your motor running? Add one of these scenic drives to your next Ker & Downey journey!
The Great American Road Trip
Going-to-the-Sun-Road, Montana | Does the idea of driving across America conjure up images of a station wagon full of kids? It’s the great American pastime with miles and miles of open road to explore. Arguably, the most beautiful road in all of America is the Going-to-the-Sun-Road in Montana. It spans the width of Glacier National Park, crosses the Continental Divide, and winds its way through the park. The infamous drive offers 50 miles of scenic wonders — from glacial lakes to cedar forests and green tundras. It’s only open from mid-June to mid-September because of heavy snowfall in the winter months. It is certainly one of the most stunning roads in America.
Pacific Coastal Highway, California | There’s no better way to experience cruising down the Pacific Coastal Highway than with the windows down and an epic road trip playlist. The State Road 1 makes its way through most of the Pacific Coast in California. The views of the Pacific Ocean along the way are spectacular. This infamous road trip is on the bucket list of many.
Monument Valley, Arizona | A drive through Monument Valley is an excellent way to view the scenery of the American Southwest. The 17-mile road offers incredible views of the impressive large-scale southwestern landscapes. Take a drive in the early morning to catch the best light to photograph your journey.
Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
The winding Transfagarasan Highway is both scenic and exciting to drive with hairpin turns and long S-curves. It was named the “Best Road in the World” in 2009 by Jeremy Clarkson, former host of Top Gear. The Transfagarasan Highway was built in the 1970’s by Nicolae Ceaușescu. Its purpose was to be s strategic military route to traverse the Carpathian mountain range should the Soviets invade Romania. Today, however, it’s an attraction for driving and motorcycle enthusiasts. It is also popular with outdoor adventurers looking for a good hike or bicycle ride. And along the southern section of the road, Poenari Castle is visible. Vlad the Impaler, known to have been a resident of Poenari Castle, served as inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula.
Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa
Chapman’s Peak Drive is often described as one of the most scenic drives in the world. The five-and-a-half mile road took seven years to build on the western side of the Cape Peninsula. It hugs the mountain making 114 curves between Noordhoek to Hout Bay. The result being jaw-dropping 180° views of the Atlantic coastline.
Hai Van Pass, Vietnam
The Hai Van Pass in Vietnam is a mountainous highway between Hue and Hoi An. It is claimed to be “one of the best coast roads in the world” by Top Gear’s former host Jeremy Clarkson. The Hai Van Pass makes its way through the green hillsides, mountain valleys, and along the deserted shoreline. It climbs to an elevation of 1600 feet at the top of the pass.
Crossing the Andes, Argentina and Chile
Explore the depth of the Patagonian Lake District with a stunning drive between Argentina’s San Carlos de Bariloche and Chile’s Pucón. The Chilean Lake District is one of the most remote destinations on the planet. Forego the typical, complex flight schedules and opt instead for scenic drives between these two neighboring countries’ most stunning regions. At the end of your drive, check into andBeyond Vira Vira, a tranquil working hacienda. A Relais & Chateaux property set amid a beautiful landscape of romantic lakes, jagged peaks, and gently puffing volcanoes. From there you’ll be able to further explore the surrounding Pucón with tailor-made excursions and all-inclusive luxury.
Phuket’s Northeast Loop, Thailand
For insight into Thailand’s rural fishing communities and shrimp farms, take a drive along Phuket’s Northeast Loop. It provides excellent views of Phang-nga Bay and some of the small fishing villages in the area.
The Alps, Germany
More than just a scenic drive, Ker & Downey's Alps by Classic Car journey is a five-day escapade for motorcar enthusiasts. The trip pairs modern cars and motorways with a bygone era of sophisticated travel. You’ll take an exhilarating chauffeured drive in a sports car along the Autobahn to a BMW production plant for a private visit. Then travel back in time in a perfectly restored classic car like the 1935 Mercedes coupe, which will take you meandering through the scenic Bavarian countryside.
Milford Road, New Zealand
New Zealand sets the stage for the stunning landscape of the the Lord of the Rings. It’s easy to see why a drive through the country could be one of the most scenic in the world. A drive through Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area offers gorgeous views and plenty of places to stop for photographs.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
The world's largest war memorial, the Great Ocean Road, is dedicated to soldiers killed in World War I. Built between 1919 and 1932 by soldiers returning from war, it winds through various terrain hugging the southeastern coastline of Australia for 151 miles. The Great Ocean Road provides access to prominent landmarks like the famous limestone stack formations known as the Twelve Apostles. If you’d prefer to get out and stretch your legs, there is also about 65 miles of walking trails that follow the coastline along the road from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles.
Coastal Drive, Bali
The best way to experience the remote coastal road from Amlapura to Amed is by bicycle or motorbike. It winds its way through forests and rural villages constantly changing views of the land and sea.
Scenic drives are a great way to see the world, especially with Ker & Downey. We don't do self-drives. Instead, expect to be chauffeured in luxury vehicles with private drivers. Add one of these scenic drives to your next Ker & Downey journey. For more information, contact a Ker & Downey destination specialist. To stay up to date on all of our online content, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.