IMAGES: GETTY; COURTESY OF TURO; ALAMY
CLASSIC CAR TOURS
CRUISE C A L I FORNI A’ S I C ONIC WE ST COA S T
T HE DRI V E The Golden State has enough variety for a lifetime, but California State Route 1 (SR-1) captures some of the best in a single trip, from lush vineyards to vibrant beach towns, with plenty of breathtaking coastal scenery. From the surfing hotspot of San Diego, the road heads north
as Interstate 5, before peeling away towards Huntington Beach, which is well worth a stop for its iconic pier and breezy West Coast vibe. Traffic around Los Angeles is inevitable, but make time to explore Santa Monica and Venice Beach, or take a spin around the mid-century mansions of Beverly Hills before curving north west to Santa Barbara, dubbed the ‘Californian Riviera’ for its balmy climate and laid-back lifestyle. It’s also here that the Santa Barbara Mission, a Franciscan monastery with peaceful gardens and sweeping views of the Pacific, has stood since 1786. Also rich in 18th-century history is the town of San Luis
Obispo, gateway to the sleek, modern wineries of the Santa Ynez Valley. It’s also a short hop to Hearst Castle, a 1920s-era, Mediterranean-inspired estate full of antiques and lavish interiors. As the road winds north towards Monterey, the stretch of coast known as Big Sur unfurls with jaw-dropping beauty, its rugged cliffs scored with redwood-backed coves. Enjoy the ocean vistas on the final leg to San Francisco, one of America’s most storied cities, renowned for its Victorian architecture and tram rides up hair-raisingly steep hills.
THE V EHIC L E Powerful and stylish, Ford Mustangs or Chevrolet Camaros are made for the Californian tarmac. Evoke the Hollywood Golden Age with a more classic choice, such as a Cadillac Eldorado or a Chevrolet Impala, but consider the distances between stops when driving (the above trip is around 600 miles in total) — fuel efficiency and comfort are important.
Clockwise from top left: Bixby Bridge has carried California State Route 1 since 1932; Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros are built to own the Californian highways; Morocco’s High Atlas mountains are packed with towering peaks, Berber villages and trails that reveal waterfalls and ancient rock art
HOW TO DO IT Avoid the heat of high summer and visit in April-May or September-November instead, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. The route itself is well signposted, and a range of
accommodation and amenities make this an achievable self- drive trip. San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco offer numerous options for international flights and car hire. Turo is an excellent resource for hiring cars, typically in and around the major cities. Several classic vehicles are available to hire, too, including 1960s Ford Mustangs and Ford Thunderbirds.
turo.com
TA KE A WI LD RIDE IN MOROC C O ’S AT L A S MOUNTA INS
T HE DRI V E From otherworldly desertscapes to lush mountain gorges, Morocco rewards adventurous travellers, but it would be remiss not to explore Marrakech — this frenetic web of gardens, palaces and bustling, spice-scented souks make it one of the world’s most beguiling cities. From here, the N9 threads into the ochre foothills of the Atlas Mountains, where the drama of the Moroccan landscape reveals itself. After Ait Ourir, the road snakes through the Tizi n’Tichka
Pass, a route of plunging valleys and argan tree forests. Head east on the P1506 towards Telouet for the Glaoui Kasbah, a crumbling 19th-century fortress that evokes Telouet’s former days as a vital Saharan trading post. Refuel on traditional tagine at the town’s restaurant-auberge before winding on to Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified city that rises on a rocky outcrop like a mirage. Film fans will recognise it as a backdrop from the likes of Gladiator and Game of Thrones, and a short drive away is the very ‘capital’ of Morocco’s film industry, Ouarzazate, home to studio tours as well as the rambling Taourirt Kasbah. Head north east to take the R704 as it runs through the Dadès
Gorges — a ribbon of dramatic, rocky canyons topped with fortresses. Birdwatching and scenic hikes are on the cards here; otherwise the village of Merzouga beckons to the east. Home to luxurious tented camps and the ‘sand sea’ of Erg Chebbi, it promises camel treks and unforgettable sunsets over the dunes.
THE V EHIC L E While a classic Jeep looks and feels the part for this rugged, sand- swept adventure, it’s generally easier to source a modern 4WD, such as a Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen T-Roc R or Dacia Duster, which are well suited to both urban routes and rougher roads in more rural areas.
HOW TO DO IT Morocco swelters in the summer, and winter snow is not uncommon in some areas of the Atlas, so consider mid-to-late spring, when temperatures are warm and the southern stretches of the Dadès Gorges bloom with damask roses. Moroccan roads are generally pleasant to drive, though
winding mountain routes can be a challenge. Some rural roads are uneven or under construction, so bear this in mind when planning the trip and choosing a vehicle. Cars are best hired at the outlets at Marrakech Menara Airport. Some luxury hotels in Marrakech offer private excursions into the Atlas in classic cars, with trips ranging from a couple of hours to half-day tours.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER – LUXURY COLLECTION 53
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