You know you can travel with the Four Seasons around the world by private jet. Or if you didn’t know, our PSA today is that you can travel the world with the Four Seasons by private jet. But did you also know that the Four Seasons can hook you up with the ultimate road trip? Think of it as a scavenger hunt, but next level. Your ride is a luxury car, of course. Instead of randomly stopping along the way, the Four Seasons hooks you up with private vineyard experiences. They dial you into the top restaurants and get you the VIP treatment with the chefs. There are even hot air balloons involved, because why not? And all that’s before the surprises along the way. The next trip is Napa Valley, but past trips have included Geneva to Megeve. This is the road trip to put on your list.
If you’ve ever wanted to mix the pleasures of the open road with meals and accommodations by one of the top names in hospitality, it may be time to book a Four Seasons driving vacation. The hotel and resort group recently put together two unique drive-eat-stay luxury packages just for motoring enthusiasts.
You can almost leave your wallet at home (but bring your driver’s license!) because everything is included: access to local landmarks, swanky accommodations, top-flight meals, and even gratuities.
And the car you’ll drive? Bring your own if you wish; the Four Seasons team will even transport it from your home to the start line. But most enthusiasts will probably choose to drive a classic vehicle or a modern supercar that the organizers will make available. A 1960s Mercedes 190SL roadster? The brand new Lotus Eletre 900-horsepower SUV? A 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder? Up to you.
So far, there are two driving experiences on the schedule: one in Switzerland, the other in California.
Drive 1: Geneva and Megève
Coming right up, from June 12 through 18, is the Swiss automotive trip — perhaps the ultimate Father’s Day gift. You’ll stay two nights at Geneva’s Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, right on the shore of the famous lake, followed by four nights at the company’s Hotel Megève in the Alps. The tip-off that this is really all about the driving is that the distance between the Swiss capital and the chic ski resort is only about 40 miles — an hour on the A40 highway, if that. But proximity and efficiency are not the point, and on this trip, highways are to be avoided anyway. Scenic routes take precedence. Here, hairpin turns aren’t obstacles but attractions.
You’ll have to (perhaps reluctantly) leave your car a few times a day, but it might just be worth it. Besides gourmet meals, there are wine and cheese tastings on the roster, and you can get an insider’s look at watchmaking from masters of this Swiss art form.
Drive 2: Napa Valley, California
Drive number two will take place this October 29 through November 4. It starts with a welcome dinner at the Four Seasons’ Vineyard Barn in Calistoga, where you’ll be surrounded by more than 20 acres of cabernet vines and unobstructed mountain views.
The next day, you get behind the wheel of your preferred car and take off on preselected routes, returning to the Four Seasons Napa Valley Resort each evening. There, you can enjoy a personalized treatment at the highly-rated Spa Talisa…and have a glass of Opus One in the crisp night air.
But most of the fun takes place on the asphalt and at the various daytime stop-offs. You’ll venture as far south as San Francisco for a fully catered ferry ride across the Bay, and have exclusive access to wineries along the route. On the last full day, you can opt to leave earthly concerns behind in a soaring hot-air balloon, then come back down for the multi-course gala dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included?
Everything. Use of a car, meals, accommodations, excursions, even gratuities. The Four Seasons guest relations team handles all the logistics.
Can I bring my own car?
Not a problem, but various vintage vehicles and modern supercars are available for the asking. You must reserve ahead via [email protected].
What other automotive trips can I book?
More Four Seasons drive-eat-stay packages are in the works, so stay tuned. Message us at [email protected] and we’ll dial you into the latest info.
