The drive: the Paso di Stelvio
The Paso di Stelvio in the Italian Alps, the second highest road in the Alps and one which features 60 hairpin bends. Gradients vary between seven and 15 per cent, which makes it more of a challenge for the numerous big-lunged cyclists who attempt it. Even in a powerful car this is a tricky drive.
The car: Mercedes-Benz SLK 350
The eternally fashionable small roadster, the SLK pioneered the folding hard-top roof that everyone else has now shamelessly copied. But given the Stelvio's unpredictable weather, it's just perfect for feeling the sun on your face one minute and dodging the snow the next. Fast too.
The drive: the Col de Turini mountainpass
Between Sospel and La Bollene Vesubie in the French Alps. This is one of the stages in the Monte Carlo rally: a tight, narrow road framed by a spectacular gorge so steep you'll need sharp judgement, first gear and good brakes.
The car: BMW Z4
A two-seater roadster which is also a proper sports car with great steering and handling. It makes mincemeat of the Col, but with its intriguing, almost modernist styling, it's equally at home if you want to pose in Cannes, Nice or Monte Carlo.
The drive: El Camino de la Muerte
El Camino de la Muerte, which translates as "Death Road" in Bolivia. It connects La Paz to the Yungas and is believed to be the most dangerous road in the world. It winds through beautiful rainforest, is little more than a gravel track and hazards include waterfalls, huge ruts and buses overloaded with locals.
The car: Nissan Pathfinder
If you absolutely insist on driving this way, that is. Nissan's off-roaders are the toughest in the business and will take whatever you throw at them. This looks like a full-size Tonka toy and it's this sort of invincibility you need in Central America.
The drive: the B660
The B660 between Ramsey in Cambridgeshire and Bedford. Lord knows it's not easy to find empty roads south of the Watford Gap, but the B660 is as good as it gets. The long straights, fast-sweeping corners and tight second-gear bends will get the adrenaline pumping.
The car: Lotus Elise
A local hero - Lotus's HQ is less than 100 miles away in Norfolk - the Elise is ultra-light, fast and handles with pin-sharp accuracy. Who said the great British sports car was dead?
The drive: Route 190 through Death Valley
Just 55 miles from the man-made bacchanalia of Las Vegas lies this surreal natural wonder. There aren't that many corners, but the scenery is harshly beautiful. You'll need plenty of water and sunscreen.
The car: the Ford Mustang convertible
The latest model is a clever retro update of the original, ground-breaking 'Pony' car. Okay, so the bits underneath are as old as the hills, but that doesn't matter out here - this is one of the most atmospheric places on the planet, and a 'Stang convertible amps up the myth even more.
The drive: Rv7
The Rv7 from Bergen to Oslo in Norway. In a 2006 National Geographic survey of World Heritage sites, Norway's lovely western fjords topped the list. It's a beautiful country to drive in: you should take the ferry from Newcastle to Bergen, then head across the Rv7 through Gol and Geilo to Oslo.
The car: Volvo XC90
The chunky, handsome off-roader perfect for Scandinavian driving adventures: it's versatile, rugged and comfortable, but also as environmentally friendly as an SUV gets. Norway doesn't have a car industry, but their Swedish neighbours have been known to knock out a car or two.
The drive: from Cape Town to Franschhoek
Settled by expelled French Huguenots in the 17th century, Franschhoek is regarded as the wine and food capital of South Africa. Driving along the Helshoogte Pass, you'll drive through empty roads framed by dramatic mountain scenery.
The car: Audi TT Roadster
You'll need a soft-top to make the most of South Africa's marvellous climate, and the latest TT roadster adds impressive dynamics to that ultra-fashionable body. The best of the both worlds, in other words.
The drive: the Great Ocean Road
From Torquay to Warrnambool in Victoria, Australia, the Great Ocean Road clings to a stunning coastline for the better part of 300km, only deviating to pass through the forests of Cape Otway.
The car: 1960s VW Microbus
The 1960s VW Microbus is slow, noisy and old-fashioned. But to do this journey in anything else would be a crime. Besides, it means you can take your time.
Read more about road trips at Highland driving , Revs and Rivieras and Take the high road
