Beat the Winter Driving Blues

If heading to mainland Europe, there are miles, sorry, kilometres of epic roads to enjoy. For Italy lovers, the Dolomite Road runs through these natural wonders in the astonishing Italian Alps.

Start your 62-mile journey in Bolzano on the SS 241 before joining the SR 48 and ending in Cortina d'Ampezzo, all while trying not to let your jaw hit the floor as you drive up through canyons and past cliffs, epic peaks and astonishing vistas.

Be sure to stop off and enjoy the numerous mountain villages and towns to enjoy the food and the culture. If you have time, take a detour to Malga Ciapela and enjoy the views from the comfort of a cable car that whisks you up to 11,000 feet.

For the more dedicated, take in three countries in one trip with the Grand Tour of Switzerland, France and Italy as recommended by the Guardian newspaper.

Covering 500 miles, you begin on Geneva Lake's Leman waterfront and then head south into France and on to the D902. Dive through the Mont-Blanc tunnel (seven miles long and for anyone with a sports car, it can offer the best soundtrack in the world) and pop out in Italy. Soak up the mountains, the coastline and the many country towns on your way to your destination of Florence via Turin, Alva and Savona.

For petrolheads, mainland Europe also offers the world's greatest driving roads. Well, according to Top Gear anyway - in 2007, Clarkson, Hamster and Captain Slow recommended the hairpin-infested Stelvio Pass in Italy (60 in all) that requires extreme talent to negotiate at pace.

In 2010, the team went on to fall head over heel-and-toe in love with Romania's Transfagarasan highway that runs from north to south along the Carpathian Mountains. The highest road in Romania, don't expect it to be open between winter and spring though.

Keen drivers (with an obliging insurance company) should also consider the 'public toll road' that is the infamous North loop of the Nurburgring in Germany. Pay your money and head out on to this 13-mile former race circuit turned public road - and realise just how untalented a driver you are. For a reasonable charge, take one of the 'ring taxis to see how a lap should be done.

For those who want to go further afield, the Pacific Coast Highway in California is an iconic coastal road that features epic coastline views and towering cliff faces.

Make sure your fly-drive holiday offers a convertible (a Ford Mustang is a must) so you can fully enjoy the 123-mile route that starts in Monterey before heading to artful Carmel-by-the-Sea, proceeding on to take in the majestic splendour of Big Sur's redwoods.

Take some time out to enjoy the region's wine culture too before ending your journey in Morro Bay; San Francisco is only a four-hour drive away from there so why not take in its sights and sounds too?

To really get away from it all, Australia's Great Ocean Road offers another awe-inspiring coastline to drive along. Running for 155 miles between Torquay and Warrnambool in south-west Victoria, be sure to pull up just east of the Port Campbell National Park and take in the sight of the 'Twelve Apostles', 12 enormous limestone stacks that rise up out of the shoreline. These and the myriad of attractions, hotels and wildlife make this route an unforgettable and exotic experience for any 2011 summer holiday.