Are you up for an adventure holiday?

Anastasia Bernhardt finds ten adventures to thrill well-heeled adrenaline junkies

Monteverdi

1. World Road Trip

Tuscany

If off-roading is your thing, how about setting off in a Range Rover SVAutobiography on a trail that takes in five continents, eight countries and some of the most extreme terrains? Land Rover has teamed up with Abercrombie & Kent to launch ‘the most luxurious road trip ever’. The route takes in Europe, Morocco, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Utah, Chile, Sydney and Tasmania, to name but a few. You’ll stay at the world’s best hotels, breakfast in Zion National Park and look into a telescope that can see the beginning of time – and all just in 21 days… phew! £100,000 per person, based on two travellers.

2. Victory roll

It’s hard to match a flight in a genuine 1940s Spitfire. Flights are conducted from the famous WW2 fighter station of RAF Biggin Hill and out over the green fields of Kent. Experience a victory roll or just fly straight and level, looking out over those iconic elliptical wings while listening to the noise of the Rolls-Royce Merlin. The Biggin Hill Heritage hangar is the Spitfire centre of the world, with over 12 Spitfires and Hurricanes based there. Flights are conducted under CAA approval and take place throughout the year. Scramble! Scramble! £2,750 for a 30-minute experience.

3. Surf safari

Few thrills in life compare with chasing the perfect wave, except, perhaps, chasing that wave from a private seaplane across the Maldives. Take off from Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa to circle the islands in search of surf and ride the waves without another soul in sight. If you get tired, paddle back to the plane for refreshment, before flying off to catch the next pushing tide. The best waves are to be had from April to October, pros should go between June and September for the biggest swells. From $9,000.

4. Plain sailing

Converted from a traditional Pinisi Indonesian boat that once carried spices between the islands of Sumba, Flores, Sumbawa and Sulawesi, Alexa has been gutted and transformed into a design retreat by Veronika Blomgren, who runs the interior design school Details in Moscow. It can be chartered with a crew of seven for just two people – the ultimate romantic getaway. The captain used to sail the vessel in its trading days, so you won’t find a better guide to the Indonesian Archipelago. Once on board there’s unlimited diving for certified divers (and a PADI accredited instructor for those who aren’t), an open cinema, massage treatments and the freedom to sleep under the stars. From £2,665 per night.

5. On yer bike

Get to grips with South America on a 128-day motorcycle that circumnavigates the continent. From the jungles of the Amazon to sub-zero temperatures in Patagonia, the 33,000km ride will take you along the world’s longest mountain range, across the Salar de Uyuni salt flats and the packed streets of Rio. This isn’t for inexperienced riders as road conditions range from long loose gravel to rutted dirt tracks, but you can buddy up with a co-rider for moral support. February 2017. $34,990, if you bring your own bike.

6. On home soil

You don’t have to leave British soil to get your kicks. Make like Bond and book on to the Aston Martin England All Stars journey. The marque has collaborated with Elegant Resorts to create a self-drive experience behind the wheel of the spy’s favourite car, in a convoy of just six Aston Martins. The four-night England tour begins with a night at The London EDITION and a private dinner by Jason Atherton, a helicopter ride to Blenheim Palace to pick up the cars, before making for the Cotswolds for a black tie dinner with Robert Laycock (a member of the Fleming family). There’s also time for a private tour of the Aston Martin factory in Gaydon and a spot of r’n‘r at Dormy House. 4–8 September. £6,600 per person.

7. Change of pace

Motoring is for men and it has a negative impact on the environment, right? Verve Rally is one race that defies these conceptions. The nine-day event is a female-friendly carbon neutral car rally across Europe, snaking through Reims, Lyon Nice and Monte Carlo, Lake Como, Lucerne, and the Alps. With just four hours driving time a day, it’s not a test of endurance, more a luxurious jaunt along Europe’s best roads, punctuated with meals at the best hotels and restaurants. 30 July and 3 September. From £2,470.

8. On your left you will see…

Hear the words guided tour and run the other way? You won’t baulk at Aman’s private jet tour of Asia, which takes eight guests on an 18-day adventure, from Beijing to Sri Lanka. Highlights include exploration of the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan, Jaipur’s Amber Fort and Galle Fort in Sri Lanka. And, of course, you’ll only be staying at the finest Aman resorts along the way, whether in a tented camp on the outskirts of Ranthambore National Park amongst India’s tigers, or in one of five intimate lodges spread throughout Bhutan’s central and western valleys. $63,888 per person.

9. To sea by land

This one will appeal to both yachties and motorheads, and is undoubtedly the best way to travel to the Monaco Yacht Show. Departing from Beaulieu in the New Forest on 24 September, participants in the Redman Whiteley Dixon Auto Tour will spend three days driving their classic or super cars through France, stopping off at the finest château along the way, to arrive in Casino Square, Monte Carlo, for a champagne reception on the Salle du Empire Terrace at the Hôtel de Paris just in time for the yacht event.

10. Double Trouble

Where to charter a superyacht? Well, there’s the Caribbean and the Med but, peak season, you’re packed in like sea cattle. How about Tahiti? The land of double rainbows, palm trees and deserted beaches. While you’re at it, you might as well hire two. Vantage is a sleek 150ft yacht with room for 12, while Ad-Vantage carries its watersports toys, which include a Triton submarine, three boats, fishing tender (for deep sea fishing in the Society Islands), plus room for six guests and more crew. From $192,500 per week, plus expenses.  

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