Auberge Resort Collection has partnered with Black Tomato and Mercedes-Benz to create five drivable itineraries across the United States.

Road trips in the Remarkable Drives of Discovery collection begin and end at an Auberge property and include experiential programming from Black Tomato and the opportunity to test drive Mercedes-Benz vehicles exclusively for the duration of the trip, including the 2021 S-Class and GLS600 Maybach.

The itineraries also benefit from a collaboration with Los Angeles-based aviation marketplace, Surf Air, which can provide ease of access to select destinations. 

The five bespoke, multi-destination itineraries cover Texas and New Mexico; New England; Big Sur and Napa; Utah, Colorado and New Mexico; and Connecticut, Maryland and Virginia. 

“Following a year of limited travel, multi-stop trips allow guests to discover more of the beauty that this country has to offer,” said Craig Reid, president and chief executive of Auberge Resorts Collection.

“With the expertise of Black Tomato, we’ve conjured up some of the most exquisite stateside journeys, so guests can experience multiple destinations in one trip, all while staying at our award-winning Auberge properties.”

The programme includes a six-night Sunrise to Sunset on the California Coast itinerary, pairing the expanse of Big Sur with gourmet immersion in Napa Valley. The trip includes a private horseback ride and guided walking tour of Carmel and Monterey, a champagne hot air balloon ride and local wine tastings. Prices start from $8,650 per person.

Guests can also choose a ten-night Wild Gourmet in the Southwest package, traversing the height of the Rockies to the depths of the Rio Grande. The itinerary includes a guided trout fishing and 4x4 tour of Telluride’s backcountry, a Native American cooking class and a chocolate tasting experience. Prices start from $10,950 per person. 

Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, said: “As the past year for many has felt rushed and manic, these itineraries are an antidote and a call to embrace the luxury of being languid – taking the time to dwell in these mesmerising landscapes, go off-the-grid and off-itinerary, and embrace the merits of a slower form of travel.

“We are thrilled to bring these destinations to life by creatively collaborating with our friends at Auberge Resorts Collection, as their unmatched luxury portfolio provides a seamless home away from home while on the road.”

Monique Harrison, head of brand experience marketing at Mercedes-Benz USA, added: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Black Tomato and Auberge Resorts Collection for the second year to provide luxurious vehicles for the premiere, road trip experience.

“Pairing a Mercedes-Benz vehicle experience with Auberge Resorts Collection’s breathtaking accommodations and Black Tomato’s expertise delivering unparalleled, rare travel moments, we invite those looking for an escape to rediscover the adventure of travel in the country’s most comfortable accommodations both on the road and off.”