Corvette Road Trip - European Vacation, Part 2

The route to Bastogne is filled with many WWII war memorials, such as this Sherman Tank parked in the city of St. Vith.

It's not unusual to see graveyards such as this one near Bastogne. These sites serve as a sobering reminder of the human toll exacted by the fighting.

Bastogne is located 82 km from Spa and makes a very worthwhile stopover.

The Nürburgring is known for its speed, but don't try speeding through town, as we learned on our way to the track. Fines must be paid on the spot, so be careful.

The American war memorial is located just a short drive from downtown Spa. The memorial features a museum that offers a close-up look at the Battle of the Bulge.

Manufacturers test their prototypes on Mondays at the Nordschleife. This is a good time to spot new models, such this Vauxhall sedan based on the Holden Monaro. The circuit offers many choice viewing locations around its 12.93-mile loop.

The BMW Ring Taxi is an excellent way to experience the 170-turn Nordschleife-or "Green Hell," as it's called by the locals. Reservations must be made online in advance of your visit. The taxi's professional drivers have done thousands of laps around this demanding course and aren't afraid to push their cars to the limit. Don't eat before your ride!

Corvettes are a rare sight in Europe and always get noticed. These workers are checking out this Z06 before it enters the 'Ring starting line.

Bastogne was completely restored after almost being destroyed during the December 1944 siege. General George Patton saved U.S. soldiers and local residents from total destruction when he broke through enemy lines and liberated the city.

If you want to try your hand on an unlimited-speed highway, try the A1. The entrance is about 19 km south of Nürburgring. Stay out of the left lane unless you're passing, and watch your mirrors. Cars close fast when they're approaching you at 150-plus mph.

The Corvette is amazingly stable at 240 km (150 mph). Our Z06 peaked at 196 mph-legally-during one of our blasts.

Antwerp, Belgium, is an easy drive from the Nürburgring. We stopped for lunch and a quick tour before driving back to the airport in Amsterdam.