AUTO & THE SCENIC ROUTE

Navigator pairs some of the world’s most magnificent drives with a scenic cruise

Top Image: Ferrari Portofino

A quintessential Italian marriage

Ferrari Portofino

Famed for its picturesque coastline, the Amalfi Coast has long attracted waterborne travelers to discover its glorious culture, artistic heritage and vibrant culinary scene. Cruise from the historical city of Naples and the chic islands of Capri and Ischia across the bay to explore the shimmering coastline and cliffside fishing villages and lemon groves that dot the vertiginous landscape from Sorrento to Ravello. Step ashore in Ravello and take to the wheel of a Ferrari Portofino. An Italian tourer par excellence, the Portofino, which takes its name from the beautiful town on the Italian Riviera, combines unparalleled versatility and comfort with outright performance. Effortlessly handling the twists and turns along the heavenly coastal route from Ravello to Positano and across the headland to Sorrento, the Portofino comes into its own. As you glide along the SS163, hugging the coastline as it plunges into the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, the only decision to be made is whether to change from an authentic coupé to a drop top.

~ Cruising distance | Naples to Capri & Ischia to Ravello | 75 nautical miles

~ Driving distance | Ravello to Positano | 24 miles

Côte d’Azur

Aston Martin DB11

Aston Martin DB11

For sheer opulence, nowhere can match the glamorous stretch of coastline from St. Tropez to Monaco – best discovered by superyacht. Afterwards (or before) enjoy a different perspective from the French Alps as you drive an Aston Martin through the Col de Turini mountain pass. If you can find one to drive, the Aston Martin One-77 is one of the most exclusive Astons of all time, but with only 77 made, getting your hands one is in nearly impossible. Fortunately, when it comes to Aston Martins we are inundated with beautiful models. Take your pick from the elegant open-top Aston Martin DB 11 Volante; the beautiful, mode day motoring icon Aston Martin DB9; or the more aggressive Aston Martin Vanquish, pure and simply a big-boy’s toy of unbridled prowess. They all beg to be enjoyed in one of the world’s most spectacular settings and promise the kind of pleasure and enjoyment that can only come from driving an Aston Martin.

Aston Martin DB11

Aston Martin DB11

~ Driving distance | Monaco to Col de Turini via Sainte-Agnès | 36 miles

~ Cruising distance | St. Tropez to Monaco, including Îles d’Hyères | 110 nautical miles

Sunshine State

Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet

Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet

Famed for its year-round balmy climate, the “Sunshine State” of Florida boasts plenty to do both ashore and aboard. Go behind the wheel of the Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet for a sublime drive from Miami’s Ocean Drive to Key Largo, boarding your superyacht to take in the Florida Keys. Fast, powerful and with astonishing turn-in grip, the drop-top version is perfect for the combination of the downtown environment of Miami and the open coastal roads that run south to the Keys. Embrace the warm sunshine and fresh sea breezes as the Carrera S’s balanced chassis and super responsiveness delivers an exhilarating ride powered by 443 horsepower through its twin-turbocharged 3-liter six-cylinder engine. Take to the water in Key Largo and drop anchor in the inviting sea surrounding the Islamorada archipelago. Spend a few days in the fishing capital of the world, casting a line for sailfish offshore before cruising on to discover the quirky and cosmopolitan Keys.

Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet

Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet

~ Cruising distance | Key Largo to Islamorada to Key West | 90 nautical miles

~ Driving distance | Ocean Drive to Key Largo | 70 miles

California Dreaming

Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder

Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder

One of the most scenic drives in America, California’s Pacific Coast Highway (sometimes called Highway 1) is well worth the hype. Spend a long weekend cruising around San Francisco Bay and Drake’s Bay, heading inland for a winery tour to Napa Valley, before swapping superyacht for Lamborghini in Half Moon Bay. The Huracán EVO Spyder delivers raw, unabashed performance as you take California’s State Highway 1 to sun-drenched Los Angeles. Revel in the sound of the 5.2-liter 10-cylinder engine as you drive along a variety of coastal landscapes, through small towns and California’s coastal winelands and alongside the Big Sur, crossing over the Bixby Bridge (one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world) to L.A.’s Santa Monica Beach, stopping to overnight in the stunning Carmel-by-the-Sea, and stretching your legs along the infamous Pebble Beach.

~ Cruising distance | San Francisco Bay to Drake’s Bay to Half Moon Bay | 175 nautical miles

~ Driving distance | Half Moon Bay to Los Angeles | 414 miles