While most of us are currently dreaming about lazing on beaches once the holiday-season hits, come September there is nothing like chasing the late summer sunshine on a road trip. However, steer clear of the iconic routes and take the road less travelled with tour operator DialAFlight. This self-drive specialist offers a plethora of adventures on four wheels, whether the plains of South Africa appeal, Virginia’s heritage music trail sounds sweet or Portugal’s dramatic coastline and historic castles beckon.

Itineraries Include:

PORTUGAL - Pousadas de Portugal

For anyone who’s dreamt of sleeping in a castle, a convent, a monastery or a fortress, this historic six-night self-drive tour of northern Portugal is available from £569 per person (saving 10 per cent). Valid for departures from 15 September – 27 October, the price includes flights from Gatwick to Oporto with Tap Air Portugal, accommodation in a selection of rare and beautiful accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and car hire.

This picturesque self-drive tour explores the green, undulating northern province of Portugal, known as the ‘cradle of Portugal’, visiting landmarks such as the historic Guimarães Castle and Mount of Santa Luzia in Viana do Castelo. Explore  the area’s Minho traditions and dramatic coastal beaches, while further east in the Trás os Montes e Alto Douro, encounter vast plateaus, river valleys, and mountains, with time at the end to explore Peneda- Gerês National Park. Discover part of the route on foot, before taking in the breathtaking scenery with the region’s famous Rojões à moda do Minho (fried diced pork) and a glass of local green wine.

VIRGINIA, USA - The Crooked Road Self-Drive

For fans of authentic, all-American music, this exciting nine-night self-drive tour of Virginia’s heritage music trail is available from £1,099 per person (saving 10 per cent). Valid for departures from 1 September - 20 October, the price includes flights from London to Washington DC with United Airlines, hotel accommodation on a room-only basis and car hire.

Hit the Crooked Road and become a fiddler on the ‘hoof’ with this tour of the source of country music. Beginning in America’s capital city, Washington DC, explore hotspots such as The White House and the Lincoln Memorial, before heading to south-west Virginia visiting the country music towns of Floyd and Galax and Abingdon, Big Stone Gap, which straddles the line between Virginia and Tennessee, Roanoke, home to the famous music venue ‘Country Cabin’ and Charlottesville. Finally, travel north on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the Skyline Drive, through Shenandoah National Park, before arriving back in Washington.

SOUTH AFRICA - Battlefields & Safari Self Drive 

For those wanting to safari without having to share a 4X4 with strangers, this exciting six-night self-drive tour of South Africa is available from £1,565 per person (saving £50 per person). Valid for departures throughout September, the price includes flights from London to Durban (via Dubai) with Emirates, accommodation in four-star hotels and lodges on a mixed-basis, car hire and a full-day battlefields tour.

Combining history and adventure, this special self-drive tour starts in the ocean-side city of Durban, before driving to the beautiful and majestic Zululand hills via the spectacular World Heritage Site of Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park, and relive the heroics at the battle sites of the Zulu wars. Next head to the shores of Lake St Lucia for some exciting game drives in Hluhluwe Game Reserve, home to all the Big Five - lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant and the endangered black and white rhino, before returning to Durban.

For more information on all of DialAFlight’s self-drive offers, visit http://www.dialaflight.com/holidayoffers/ or call 0844 556 6060.

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citruspr: 01590 676432 / info@citruspr.co.uk / www.citruspr.co.uk 

Press contacts: Hayley Smith / Beth Kendall / Jo Dey