The countryside around Marbella is rich in natural beauty, beckoning the lover of the outdoors to explore and discover. Leave the glitz and glamour of the city and head to the in-the-clouds pristine beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Then go underground and be awed at the magnificent Nerja Caves, filled with amazing stalagmite and stalactite formations.

Take a road trip in a modern and stylish MPV

Mercedes V-Class

Sporting a modern and all-new look, the Mercedes V-Class is no ordinary van! Designed for maximum passenger comfort and a superb driver experience, it is the ideal vehicle to book when travelling with a larger group.

Function does not mean a loss of good looks, admire the powerful and expressive front with a tapered hood and modern headlights. The sporty chrome frame of the radiator grill creates a harmonious look highlighting the Mercedes emblem in the middle. Inside, you have multiple seating arrangements that can accommodate between 6 to 8 people and can be mixed and matched. Arrange them all facing forwards or facing one another, singly or in pairs to suit your group. A large panoramic sliding roof opens up for a fun-in-sun experience. Even while open, the advanced climate control systems keep the interior cabin cool and comfortable. Superb sound systems, infotainment controls and ambient lighting all add to the luxurious passenger experience.

For the driver, the V-Class is available with 2 state-of-the-art 4-cylinder diesel engines and powerful, efficient 6-speed manual transmission. Driver Assist features include Cruise Control, Start Assist and Kick-down Switch. The Dynamic Select switch allows you to choose one of 4 driving modes that configure the engine, transmission, suspension and steering characteristics. For safety, there are a host of advanced functions. Good Driving Dynamics, Attention Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Roll Stabilization, front, side and window air bags create peace of mind. A 360 degree camera aids with parking, reversing and navigating tight spaces. Jump in and get comfortable! The driver sits high up, adding visibility and fun while steering this trendy van along the twisting and turning roads of the Spanish countryside.

FABULOUS DAY TRIPS FROM MARBELLA

Explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Drive your group of friends in your luxury Mercedes V-Class van to the magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains for a day of sightseeing. Load up your ski gear, get comfortable and set off for a 2.5 hour drive along the fabulous A-92 scenic road. Head to Malaga where you can stop for a scrumptious breakfast at the Café de Estraperlo, located in Soho Málaga.

Back in your van, drive to Pampaneira, a beautiful Moorish whitewashed village of Las Alpujarras, with a rich cultural heritage. This tiny village of only 300 residents offers narrow alleyways, peaceful squares and traditional houses. See the Iglesia de Santa Cruz, a 16th century Mudéjar church with a stunning gilded altarpiece.

Now drive to Berchules, about an hour away on an incredible scenic, winding mountain road. Hold your breath and head for Pico de Veleta Mountain, the second-highest peak in the Sierra Nevada range. The road climbs a breathtaking 3400m, one of the highest in Europe. Once in the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, you have a choice of over 100km of Alpine ski runs as well as an ice rink, toboggans and ski bikes. There are pistes for beginners, professionals and fun seekers. Enjoy time in the snow before heading back to Marbella for dinner at the two Michelin Star, Dani García Restaurant.

Be awed at the Cueva de Nerja

After your heady trip to the heights of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it is time explore the underground awe-inspiring Nerja Caves. Get the family settled into your Mercedes V-Class luxury van and head off on the AP-7 eastwards. The journey is a scenic 120 km. Drive to Torremolinos and enjoy the lovely seafront with lush green grass and swaying palm trees.

Back in your van, continue to Malaga where you must stop to explore the famous Alcazaba, a Moorish castle built in the 11th century. If you are feeling energetic, climb the ramparts for amazing views. Then enjoy a scrumptious brunch at the Casa Aranda in the city centre, renowned for its excellent churros con chocolate. Art lovers can take a tour of the Picasso Museum, celebrating the works of this renowned artist who was born in Malaga.

Back in your van, drive on to the famous caves. They were discovered in 1959 by schoolboys who were looking for bats Explore and see the oldest paintings in the world, aged at 42500 years, created by Neanderthal Man. Then be awed at the world’s largest stalactite-stalagmite column at 32m high in the Sala del Cataclismo, the Cataclysm chamber. Walk through the massive Sala de la Cascada and the eerie Sala de los Fantasmas, the ghost chamber. When you come back up to ground level, buy a souvenir at the gift shop. Stay on and enjoy dinner at the Nerja Caves Restaurant or drive back to Marbella.

LUXURY HOTELS IN MARBELLA

- Villa Padierna Palace, loved by famous people like Michelle Obama, this beautiful Tuscan-style pink palace offers everything from a swimming pool and tennis courts to a lavish Spa and Beach Club. Address: Carretera de Cádiz, km.166, 29679, Benahavís, Marbella

- Amàre Marbella, deluxe hotel with a beachfront location and modern, cool vibe. Bright rooms have a contemporary Mediterranean feel. Party at the beach club and rooftop bar and rub shoulders with the trend setters. Address: Avda. Severo Ochoa, 8, 29603, Marbella