Aston Martin scored headlines this week when it was revealed than an ultra-limited edition DB10, used in the making of SPECTRE, was sold at auction for $3.4 million. Just 10 were made and eight were reportedly wrecked during filming, all for the sake of cinematic entertainment. But if you missed out on that sale, or would rather save your pennies for a holiday, you can have the best of both worlds with these three new driving packages.
The touring escapes are a special collaboration between the venerable British marque and luxury travel retailer Elegant Resorts, who describe the trips as “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences, a range of bespoke journeys limited to six vehicles carrying 12 guests, beginning April 2016. Each trip has been curated to reflect the aesthetic and heritage the cars, in tandem with luxury hotel stays and a high level of personal service.
Scottish Legends – 5 nights
Drivers can explore the Highland landscapes around Glencoe and Glen Affric behind the wheel of an Aston, after a welcome dinner by Michelin-starred chef, Jeff Bland at The Balmoral in Edinburgh. You’ll head west for a private tour of Inveraray Castle with the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, staying overnight at Inverlochy Castle, followed by a two-night stay on the private island of Eilean Shona, complete with a traditional Scottish dinner. The tour concludes with a two-night stay at the private, historic and charming 10,000-acre Glen Affric Estate, with a tasting of rare whiskies hosted by Peter Prentice, VIP Ambassador for Chivas Regal.
Italy Unpacked – 5 nights
This trip begins in the aquatic city of Venice with dinner in the company of Italian designer, author and owner of the Bauer Il Palazzo, Francesca Bortolotto Possati. You’ll drive through some of Italy’s most picturesque scenery, taking in Verona and stopping for a Michelin-starred lunch at La Fontanina before reaching Lake Garda for a two-night stay at Grand Hotel A Villa Feltrinelli (pictured above). Enjoy the stunning Dolomite Mountains with a scenic drive through Sella and its Marmolada Glacier, Trentino and the valleys of Fassa and Fiemme, stopping to enjoy a picnic hamper for lunch. The driving experience concludes in Milan, with a private dinner in the company of Aston Martin’s chief creative officer, Marek Reichman before an overnight stay in the Palazzo Parigi.
England All-Stars – 4 nights
The high-end London road trip kicks off with a welcome dinner prepared by Michelin-starred chef, Jason Atherton in the Private Dining Room at The London EDITION hotel. Then it’s a transfer by chopper to Blenheim Palace to pick up your Aston Martin for a drive through the charming landscapes of the Chiltern Valley and the Cotswolds to Cornwell Manor in Oxfordshire for more Michelin-starred dining. Explore a scenic route from here to Cirencester for a stay at Barnsley House (pictured below) and an optional hot-air balloon ride and private dinner. The tour concludes with a private factory visit and dinner hosted by Marek Reichman at Aston Martin’s HQ in Gaydon, Warwickshire, with an overnight stay at Mallory Court.
