Designed to encompass pit stops at Four Seasons hotels, the hospitality company is debuting two new self-drive trips in Europe and the US. Rose Dykins reports
Luxury hotel brand Four Seasons has announced two new self-drive itineraries for 2023, that showcase the highlights of the Alps and Napa Valley, California.
Following the success of the Four Seasons Drive Experience in Tuscany, the luxury hotel group has curated another two customised road trips that incorporate stays at its five-star properties. 
Itineraries involve guests driving a luxury car and following bespoke routes offering breathtaking views, stopping off for fine-dining experiences and cultural activities informed by local insider access.
Both itineraries are designed to celebrate the romance of road travel and savour the journey as well as the destination. Guests have the option of driving either their own luxury car or one arranged by the guest services team.
“Four Seasons Drive Experience is a natural extension of who we are and what we deliver – creating curated experiences that allow guests to discover the character of a locale in new and unexpected ways,” says Alejandro Reynal, president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “From behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle, guests will enjoy an exceptional drive experience, always with Four Seasons service and genuine heart as their guide.”
Marc Speichert, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for the hotel group, adds: “Four Seasons Drive Experience has redefined the world of luxury driving tours, crafting exceptional experiences by bringing together the expertise of Four Seasons and our partners at Canossa Events. In 2023, we are bringing Four Seasons Drive Experience to new, highly sought-after destinations based on a deep understanding of our guests.”
Bookable for June 12-18, 2023, The Four Seasons Drive Experience in the Heart of the Alps incorporates overnight stays at Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva and Four Seasons Hotel Megève. 
Meanwhile, Four Seasons Drive Experience Through Napa Valley will take place from October 29 – November 4, 2023, and includes as stay at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley.
The week-long Four Seasons Drive Experience in the Heart of the Alps will begin at Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva, which will serve as home base for the first few days of the trip. Guests will enjoy a welcome dinner where they can get acquainted with fellow travellers.
During their time in Geneva, guests visit the beautiful Gruyère Village, home to the well-known Swiss cheese. Afterwards, they will embark on a panoramic tour across UNESCO World Heritage Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces.
The 30km stretch of land has striking hillside terraces and historical wine estates dating back to the Middle Ages and guests will enjoy a Swiss wine and cheese pairing while they’re here.
During the second half of the itinerary, travellers journey to the final destination of Megève, stopping along the way to learn about the art of watchmaking. The afternoon will include an adrenaline-fuelled drive passing through Chateau d’Avully, known for soaring towers and architecture, before arriving at Four Seasons Hotel Megève to rest and recharge.
Once in Megève, the agenda includes a trip to the Alpine town of Annecy winding through the Aravis roads and crossing sky-piercing mountains; a visit to Mont Blanc Massif – a mountain range featuring 360-degree views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps; and taking on the remote Grand Saint Bernard Mountain pass that connects Italy and Switzerland.
The Four Seasons Drive Experience through Napa Valley is geared towards food and wine enthusiasts. Centred around the best wineries and culinary experiences In one of the food and wine capitals of North America, guests will arrive at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, which will be their home for the next seven days.
The journey will begin with a welcome dinner at the property’s Vineyard Barn, surrounded by picturesque forests and unobstructed mountain views. The next day will start with a scenic drive to Tomales Bay for an oyster farming experience followed by a gourmet lunch overlooking the bay. In the evening, guests will enjoy a dinner for the five senses, complemented by specialty wines from the region.
The following days will be dedicated to discovering unique flavours and being immersed in fragrant wine notes touring Napa’s most talked about wineries, only accessible to Four Seasons Drive Experience guests, including Opus One Winery, born from the collaboration between two of the most esteemed winemaking figures: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi.
For the final days of the itinerary, guests will take a private ferry tour around San Francisco Bay and end the seven-day experience with hot-air balloon ride over the vineyards.