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5 offbeat self-driving experiences around the world

Tourists in Mario Kart and costume in Japan
Put your small-screen skills to the test on a Super Mario Kart driving tour. Image: Getty

It’s common to hire a sensible, reliable car when travelling overseas.

Or perhaps you’ve joined a bus tour that takes you from highlight to highlight as you peer serenely out the window.

You wonder, “is there any other way to see this city?”

If you don’t mind being gawked at by passers-by and you’re up for a bit of fun, get behind the wheel of these iconic vehicles and see the city from a new (and typically much-lower) angle.

1. Super Mario Kart in Japan

Who do you choose: classic Mario or hot-tempered Wario? Perhaps dainty Princess Peach or you prefer brawn over brains with Donkey Kong. With a guided or self-guided tour, put on your costume, hop in a go-kart and take your small-screen skills to the streets of Tokyo or Osaka (pictured above).

See the bustling cities’ famous landmarks like Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace and the Shinsaibashi district in Osaka. Don’t worry, unlike the game there hopefully won’t be any banana peels or oil obstacles to avoid.

2. Trabi’s in Germany

A pink trabant car driving past the Brandenburg Gate
See Berlin from a new angle in an iconic Trabant. Image: Getty

Take a journey back in time in the driver’s seat of the Trabant – an iconic East German vehicle. These days, the mostly plastic car, known as the Trabi to locals, aren’t allowed to be owned or driven privately in Germany. However, tourists can cruise down the streets of Berlin in a convoy of these brightly coloured, teeny-tiny vehicles.

Fold yourself up like origami, squeeze into the driver’s seat and join a Trabi safari for a truly different perspective. Motor down Karl Marx Avenue or visit the remains of the Berlin Wall at the famous East Side Gallery.

3. Mustang Convertible in USA

If America’s famous Route 66 is on your bucket list, become a star in your own movie while behind the wheel of an American muscle car like a Mustang Convertible.

Join a multi-day guided tour and journey across almost 4000km of highway. Put the roof down, feel the wind in your hair and swoon at the power behind the wheel of this famous four-wheeled Ford stallion.

4. Fiat 500 in Italy

A convey of Fiat 500's in the Italian countryside
Don’t miss out on seeing Italy from the drivers seat of a classic Fiat 500. Image: Getty

If driving miniscule vintage cars gets your engine revved up, don’t miss your chance to drive a classic Fiat 500 through Florence. With one of the most identifiable body shapes and tiny two doors, half the fun of driving a Fiat 500 will be figuring out where to place your knees if you’re more than five-feet (about 150cm) tall.

Join a guided convoy as you sweep through charming Tuscan country-side villages while learning about the local lore.

5. Supercars in Monaco

If money wasn’t an obstacle what’s your dream car? A Ferrari 488 Pista Spider? Perhaps a stylish Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, or the mind-boggling McLaren 765LT.

In Monaco, you can  become a local for the day, with a full-day supercar experience. The GPS is pre-programmed to guide you through Monaco and the French Riviera, giving you a taste of how the other half live.

Ready to start driving?

Get an International Driving Permit before you go.

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