{"id":149144,"date":"2021-05-13T09:50:41","date_gmt":"2021-05-13T13:50:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/?p=149144"},"modified":"2024-10-01T10:20:03","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T14:20:03","slug":"take-the-scenic-route","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/discover\/take-the-scenic-route\/","title":{"rendered":"Take the Scenic Route"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

As summer approaches, many travellers are ready to get out into the world and explore as many new destinations as possible. The best way to get from point A to point B? On four wheels.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing like a road trip to immerse you in new places \u2013 half the fun of travel is in the journey. You\u2019ll discover spectacular vistas, charming towns, thriving arts scenes, historic architecture and delicious local flavours as you connect with friends and family, going at your own pace to make the most of the trip.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n \"Europe <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n

This season, embark on a\u00a0European escape<\/a>, with curated itineraries to make the journey to your Four Seasons destination more enjoyable. Here, Four Seasons experts share the landmarks, flavours and photo opportunities you won\u2019t want to miss along the way.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n \"Linebreak2\" <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n \"Lon <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n

London <\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
\n

England\u2019s capital city is an exciting blend of rich history and trend-setting scenes, offering everything from the finest food to the most stylish fashions. Explore iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Tower Bridge \u2013 just steps from Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge<\/a> \u2013 or discover some of the world\u2019s most prestigious shopping on Savile Row, only a short stroll from Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane<\/a>. See the city in a new light on a luxury private tour by car, or set sail for an exhilarating boat ride on the Thames River \u2013 the ideal backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos. You\u2019ll feel like British royalty with exclusive access to some of the city\u2019s palaces and museums, or wander through a picturesque Royal Park to find the perfect spot for a picnic, prepared by the team at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. The royal treatment continues as the sun sets: Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge can arrange a private viewing of the stunning Crown Jewels collection at the Tower of London, complete with aperitifs and canap\u00e9s on Tower Green as the Chief Yeoman Warder shares stories about the tower\u2019s dramatic history.<\/p>\n

WORTH A DETOUR:<\/strong>\u00a0Want to get out of the city for a bit? Take a day trip to the British countryside, where you can wander through lush gardens, ride the rolling hills of Hampshire on horseback or explore picturesque Highclere Castle, where the owner \u2013 the eighth Countess of Carnarvon \u2013 will lead you on a private tour of the estate\u2019s art, architecture and antiques.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n \"Lis <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Lisbon to Madrid<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
\n

Discover the scenic mountains and medieval villages that dot the Iberian Peninsula as you drive between\u00a0Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon<\/a>\u00a0and Four Seasons Hotel Madrid<\/a>. The six-hour drive will take you through centuries of history and UNESCO World Heritage sites \u2013 Evora, home to Neolithic monuments and an ancient Roman temple, and Toledo, whose historic quarter contains some of Spain\u2019s oldest religious buildings. In search of a real taste of each city? Plan a stop on Lisbon\u2019s coast to savour the Bulhao Pato clams \u2013 clams steamed in a rich broth of herbs, lemon and white wine. Once in Madrid, ask the Concierge to direct you to one of the city\u2019s tablaos for a high-energy flamenco performance. The Hotel can even arrange private lessons if you\u2019d like to learn the Andalusian dance.<\/p>\n

WORTH A DETOUR:<\/strong>\u00a0A saying in Portugal\u2019s Alentejo region is that \u201ceven time takes its time.\u201d Here, indigenous grape varieties are grown under 3,000 hours of annual sunshine before they\u2019re aged to perfection in French barrels. Follow the Wine Route signs through olive groves and the world\u2019s largest cork oak forest, and pick up a bottle or two from one of the many vineyards. Then stop in a charming town \u2013 Portalegre, Nisa, Marv\u00e3o, Castelo de Vide or Alter do Ch\u00e3o \u2013 for a bite to eat.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n \"Par <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Paris <\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
\n

The City of Lights is a feast for the senses: Beautiful scenery, chic fashions, delicious dishes. Explore them all, with Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris<\/a> as your ideal home base. Cruise the River Seine on a private boat ride, then window-shop as you make your way back to the Hotel along the city\u2019s famed Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es. Unwind with a Michelin-starred dinner from Chef Christian Le Squer\u2019s Twenty Years of Excellence<\/a> menu at Le Cinq<\/a>, honouring the award-winning chef\u2019s dedication to elegant and modern French cuisine, before toasting your time together on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower.<\/p>\n

WORTH A DETOUR:<\/strong> During your stay in Paris, take a day trip to Maison Belle \u00c9poque, the iconic residence of the founders of Perrier-Jou\u00ebt. Home to the largest private collection of French art nouveau in Europe \u2013 and some of the oldest champagne vintages in the world \u2013 the house is opening its doors exclusively to Four Seasons guests. Tour the historic villa and its cellars, savour lunch in the gardens, and visit the vineyard before returning to Paris \u2013 or opt to spend the night at the maison, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n \"Bud <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Prague to Budapest<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
\n

Fall in love with these romantic riverside cities \u2013 just a day apart \u2013 as you marvel at their architecture, culture and old-world charm: Explore historic castles, sip surprising varietals at local wineries, and discover centuries-old craftsmanship and tradition. In Budapest, the Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest<\/a> can arrange a private tour of the archabbey, winery and botanical herb garden at Pannonhalma, Hungary\u2019s oldest abbey and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Near Prague, discover the centuries-old tradition of Bohemia crystal glass-making during a tour of the world-famous R\u00fcckl glassworks, arranged by Four Seasons Hotel Prague<\/a> \u2013 you\u2019ll even have the chance to cut or blow a glass object yourself.<\/p>\n

WORTH A DETOUR:<\/strong> See Budapest\u2019s Eastern mystique and old-world elegance in a new light: As the sun sets, sail down the Danube River in a Venetian-style speedboat, a glass of champagne in hand. The excursion ends with a \u201cJames Bond moment\u201d as the boat picks up speed, whisking you away into the night.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n \"Bop <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Istanbul<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
\n

Perched on both sides of the Bosphorus and lined with the cobbled streets, palaces, mosques and remnants of the Ottoman Empire sits the captivating city of Istanbul. Set out from Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus<\/a> and explore the rich history and culture of the City on Seven Hills: Start in the harbourside Karak\u00f6y neighbourhood \u2013 an up-and-coming district home to some of the city\u2019s best art galleries, Turkish bakeries and boutiques, surrounded by Ottoman-era buildings. Then make your way at sunset to the 14th-century Galata Tower, where Ottoman scientist Hez\u00e2rfen Ahmet \u00c7elebi reportedly used artificial wings to make the first sustained unpowered flight in the 1630s. It was once the highest point in the city and still offers 360-degree views of the streets below \u2013 breathtaking when bathed in the rosy glow of the setting sun.<\/p>\n

WORTH A DETOUR:<\/strong>\u00a0Travel back in time in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood, in the oldest part of the city. Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a converted mosque that was once the Byzantium era\u2019s largest cathedral and seat of the Holy Roman Emperor, where you\u2019ll uncover hidden mosaics. Next stop: The Blue Mosque, constructed between 1609 and 1616 and filled with tiles in different shades of cobalt. For a refreshing break, dive into the underground Basilica Cistern, the largest freshwater source in Istanbul and surrounded by 336 marble pillars.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE<\/h2>\n

Where will the road take you on your next adventure?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\"floral <\/picture>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n