While the colder Autumn weather might not put us all in the mood for a road trip, we can at least start planning for the Spring. One particular driving route that is sure to delight when the better weather returns – and can look pretty amazing in the autumn too – is that of Geneva-Chamonix-Florence-Milan.

This road trip begins by the majestic Lake Geneva and follows a route along the shore and into France. Taking the D902, your altitude will increase as you approach Chamonix via Thonon-Les-Bains. The Mont Blanc Tunnel – which stretches for an astonishing seven miles under the very highest alp – is sure to give you a buzz, but coming out into the glorious (hopefully) Italian light in the Aosta Valley is likely to be even more amazing.

After popping into Turin for a coffee, you’ll find the Mediterranean at Savona. The glorious Levantine Riviera will keep you captivated for a long while, taking you as far as La Spezia where delightful little roads are just waiting to be discovered. Using these roads you’ll soon find yourself in spellbinding Florence.

For the return route, make a full circuit by choosing the minor roads to Bologna or Modena, and then head back up to the Alps via Milan.

If your current breakdown cover does not include European nations, then you should consider taking out short term European breakdown cover, which will provide additional reassurance on the challenging turns (but admittedly well built) roads of the Swiss, French and Italian Alps.