Originally published 20 September 2011

London Bridge, the Great Ocean Road, Australia

1. The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Considered the top tourism experience in Victoria, the Great Ocean Road takes in stunning coastlines, national parks and quaint towns.

Stretching all the way from Victoria's surf capital, Torquay, in the east, to the picturesque fishing village of Nelson in the west, the journey can be broken down into sizeable, time-dependent chunks.  Don't miss the iconic Twelve Apostles, or the beautiful seaside town of Port Fairy.

Chapman's Peak Drive, South Africa

2. Chapman's Peak, South Africa

Winding its way along South Africa's south-western tip, Chapman's Peak takes in the dramatic Atlantic coastline between Noordhoek and Hout Bay.

This 9km route is packed full of highlights, including plenty of whale watching spots, horse riding and hiking opportunities, watersport activities and stunning landscapes which provide a wonderful backdrop for every keen photographer.

To find out more about tailor-made holidays in South Africa, visit our dedicated South Africa section, or speak to a South Africa specialist directly on 01993 838 550.

Self-drive from Swakopmund to Cape Cross, Namibia

3. Swakopmund to Cape Cross, Namibia

A self-drive holiday to Namibia is a great option as like South Africa, the infrastructure is well developed, the political situation very stable and so it's a very safe country to drive around in.

The coastal route between Swakopmund and Cape Cross in particular offers stunning coastal scenery, all of which can be enjoyed at your own pace. Throughout this picturesque stretch of the country, you are likely to see huge seal colonies and impressive shipwrecks,

To find out more about self-drive holidays in Namibia, read our online guide, or speak to a Namibia specialist directly on 01993 838 525.

The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Canada

4. The Cabot Trail, Canada

Canada has wonderful roads – scenic, safe and largely empty. The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia has been hailed one of the most scenic coastal drives in North America and rightly so, as it takes in mountains, forest wilderness, windswept coastal beauty and charming fishing villages.

To find out more about self-drive holidays in Canada, read our online guide, or speak to a Canada specialist directly on 01993 838 700.

The Hai Van pass, Vietnam

5. The Hai Van Pass, Vietnam

The Hai Van pass, although not a route you would drive yourself, is still one of our favourite coastal drives.

Indeed, Jeremy Clarkson certainly thought it was pretty special when he filmed Top Gear here is 2008, describing the route as "a deserted ribbon of perfection—one of the best coast roads in the world."

To find out more about tailor-made holidays in Vietnam, visit our dedicated Vietnam section, or speak to a Vietnam specialist directly on 01993 838 140.

The bay of Ayjah

6. Oman's north-eastern coast

Leaving the soaring dunes of the Wahiba Sands in Oman, you soon reach the coast and the relief of a sea breeze. The coastline here is stunning, dotted with small fishing villages, sandy beaches and ancient ports.

Stop at Ras Al Jinz, where turtles come ashore to lay their eggs and explore the pretty village of Ayjah with its old buildings, lighthouse and picturesque view of the boatyards of Sur.

To find out more about tailor-made holidays in Oman, visit our dedicated Oman section, or speak to an Oman specialist directly on 01993 838 430.

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