BA - The Club - Five epic drives to do with the kids

Berlin to Lubbenau, Germany

Time: 3 hours
Crank up Kraftwerk and hit one of the impeccable roads out of the city, heading for the idyllic Spreewald Lubbenau. Experience both Germany’s zippy autobahns and leafy B-roads by meandering via the naturally beautiful lakes of Wannsee, the perfect place for a break and a traditional German Hanuta biscuit (two wafers sandwiched together by Nutella).
I-spy: Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels in the Wannsee woods.
Stretch your legs: Lubbenau feels a bit like a summer camp, and Spreewald Forest has a multitude of options for walking, cycling and picnicking – or jump aboard a barge tour.

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Bergen to Stavanger, Norway

Time: 5-7 hours
Introduce little ones to the land of Vikings, trolls and fairytales on a trip through the fjord-rich Hardanger region and dramatic Ryfylke area. Choose from two routes – the first involves two ferries, while the other goes inland towards Voseevangen, then down through picture book-pretty Odda and Nesflaten. Stop off at the Salmon Studio in Suldal and watch the fish, through glass windows, on their 22km journey along the stream.
I-spy: Who’ll be first to spot the traditional stave church in Røldal?
Stretch your legs: Get closer to the action at the Svandalsfossen waterfall in Ryfylke: walk up the steps to feel the force of the rushing water.

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West Cliff Drive from San Jose, California

Time: 2 hours
Sun and smooth roads make driving in California a dream. Nip down to Santa Cruz from San Jose to pick up West Cliff Drive, which passes along the rugged coastline. Check out the famous Steamer Lane surf spot (where fans of gnarly waves have been meeting since the 1930s) before making your way to Natural Bridges State Beach (with Surfin’ Safari on the stereo, naturally).
I-spy: Surfers, beachcombers, sea lions and maybe dolphins, if you’re lucky.
Stretch your legs: Explore the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, located inside a working lighthouse.

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Madrid’s surrounding areas, Spain

Time: Up to 4 hours
Keep your blood pressure in check by avoiding the city and discovering the more relaxed surrounding areas instead. Within 30 minutes, you can be at El Escorial, the monastery and historical residence of the King of Spain. Then head north to Segovia – kids will go gaga for the 12th-century castle, which is straight out of a Disney film. Make Burgos (named Spain’s gastronomic capital in 2013) your lunch stop and try the local cheese – a mild, creamy sheep’s milk variety. Young travellers can use the journey back to Madrid for a well-deserved siesta.
I-spy: Can you count all 160 arches of the ancient Roman aqueduct at Segovia?
Stretch your legs: Extend your trip by continuing north to lovely Logroño, famous for its tapas and wine. Book a hotel and return to Madrid the following day.

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Santorini, Greece

Time: 1 hour
You can drive from one side of this pretty little island to the other in about an hour, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon excursion. An illustrated children’s book of Greek myths will keep young travellers entertained. For the best views, head to the highest part of the island and the Monastery of Profitis. The steep, winding road to the summit is an adventure in itself. Pack crayons and notebooks, and get little ones to draw the view while you soak it in. Or ask them to play photographer and take the family snaps.
I-spy: Elaborate shrines to saints and deceased family members line Santorini’s roads. Look out for candles, photos and icons in gold and glass cases.
Stretch your legs: Swing by Red Beach to paddle in the turquoise waters. The area gets its name from the vibrant hue of the cliffs.

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Photo: Getty

Hannah Hudson

Five epic drives to do with the kids

Berlin to Lubbenau, Germany

Bergen to Stavanger, Norway

West Cliff Drive from San Jose, California

Madrid’s surrounding areas, Spain

Santorini, Greece

Berlin to Lubbenau, Germany

Bergen to Stavanger, Norway

West Cliff Drive from San Jose, California

Madrid’s surrounding areas, Spain

Santorini, Greece

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