Bentley's Road Trip Upgrade

author: FutureCar Staff    

Modern marketing often relies on overused superlatives, such as "iconic" and "legendary," that have lost their meaning. Consumers, tired of empty promises, have become jaded by the constant hyperbole. However, there are still brands that pay attention to the true definition of words. Bentley is one such brand, with its new program called Bentley Extraordinary Journeys.

The premise of Bentley Extraordinary Journeys is simple yet remarkable. Guests meet at a designated location, where they pick up a fleet of Bentleys and embark on a meandering route to a specific destination. Along the way, they have the opportunity to drive these magnificent automobiles on some of the most picturesque roads in the world.

At first glance, one might think that this is something any car enthusiast could arrange themselves with a group of friends and a map. However, Bentley's attention to detail and extensive network of partners sets these journeys apart. The experiences they have created are truly extraordinary, and of course, guests get to drive brand-new Bentleys.

Currently, there are six planned journeys across the world, from New Zealand to New Mexico. The first journey, which takes place in Britain, starts at Bentley's own CW1 House and ends at The Macallan, one of Bentley's long-standing partners.

From the moment I arrived at Crewe and stepped into the waiting Flying Spur, I was amazed at every turn. The Extraordinary Journey UK begins with a coffee and croissant at Bentley's state-of-the-art showroom, CW1 House. Afterward, guests embark on a comprehensive tour of the nearby factory, where they witness the genuine craftsmanship behind Bentley's luxury cars. The passion and joy displayed by the people working in the factory are evident and add to the overall experience.

After the factory tour, guests enjoy lunch back at CW1 House before having some time to freshen up at a local hotel. Dinner on the first evening is a truly special occasion, as it takes place in the factory itself, surrounded by partially-completed vehicles. This unique opportunity brings guests closer to the heart of the Bentley brand and builds excitement for the days ahead.

The next day, the journey continues with a drive to Speyside. The fleet of Bentleys, which includes Continental GTs and Flying Spurs, takes on the winding B-roads of Northumberland, crossing the border into Scotland. Along the way, there are luxurious stops, such as lunch at Grantley Hall in the Yorkshire countryside. Bentley's support crew takes care of the cars at each scheduled stop, ensuring they are clean and fueled for the next day.

Arriving at Middleton Lodge, guests find their luggage safely waiting in their cottages. After a refreshing dip in the outside pool, a sumptuous tasting menu with wine pairing awaits. The following day, the journey continues north through the Cairngorms National Park, offering breathtaking scenery and thrilling driving experiences. The day ends at the ultra-secluded Treehouses at Lanrick, where guests can unwind in their personal woodland lodges.

The final leg of the journey takes the convoy into the Highlands and through the Cairngorms National Park. Lunch is served at The Fife Arms in Braemar, where a piper greets the group before a tour of the hotel's art collection. The drive culminates at The Macallan Estate on Speyside, where guests are treated to a guided tour of the distillery and a tasting of rare Macallan expressions. Dinner at the distillery is a memorable experience, and a hidden bar reveals a bottle of the exceptional Macallan 30-year-old whisky as a final digestif.

When I first read about this trip, I was excited, and the actual experience exceeded my expectations. Bentley has truly created something extraordinary. The cost of attending the Extraordinary Journey UK program is £14,950 per person, based on two people sharing. For more details, visit bentleymotors.com.

FutureCar Staff