Small-group adventure specialist Explore Worldwide has announced a new partnership with International Rail Australia, making it easier than ever for Aussie travellers to connect to their European tours by train.
Agents are encouraged to incorporate rail connections when booking an Explore Worldwide tour, streamlining travel to and between destinations. With access to thousands of rail routes, the service aligns with Explore’s wider sustainability strategy to reduce reliance on short-haul flights and promote overland travel experiences.
“We know how much our customers love travelling by train – not just as a way to lower their carbon footprint, but as an opportunity to slow down and take in the scenery as it unfolds outside their window.” – Ben Ittensohn, Regional Director AUNZ at Explore Worldwide.
A major advantage for agents is the ability to connect multiple Explore tours by rail. For example, travellers can move seamlessly from the Amalfi Coast Walking tour to the Hiking the Dolomites tour without taking a flight, a unique selling point for eco-conscious clients.
This partnership further supports the work that Explore Worldwide are doing to incorporate rail travel into their business culture. Having already launched a collection of rail journeys throughout Europe and Asia, and incorporating train travel where possible on other tours, to support the movement toward lower carbon travel.
“Explore reward their employees who opt for train travel on their leave, by offering additional leave in return. We have included this in company policies to support our team to shift travel behaviours, and now we are encouraging customers to travel by rail where they can too.” – Ben Ittensohn.
Explore’s rail-friendly itineraries are rapidly gaining tractions. The Balkans Rail Adventure tour saw a 67% year-on-year increase in bookings, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable overland travel among Australian adventures.
Featured Rail Journeys
Currently, more than three dozen tours can be accessed by rail as part of the new partnership, including below following: *Prices in AUD
Balkans Rail Adventure
15 nights. From $6,110 per person
Get an authentic taste of the Balkans, journeying through the heart of the region on this fast-paced rail adventure. Travel from Slovenia to Kosovo, via Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia & North Macedonia, ticking off bucket-list sites and getting to grips with the historic and modern culture of the former Yugoslavia. Explore lesser-travelled cities as well as areas of rural beauty, hopping on and off soviet-era trains and refuelling with authentic local food and drink.
Highlights of Albania
10 nights. From $2,620 per person
Uncover Europe’s hidden gem on our tour of Albania. Historic sites, charming Ottoman-era villages and the colourful capital, Tirana, are all waiting to be discovered on our tour that ticks off the highlights. Explore the Adriatic Coast, the White Mountains and the peaceful shores of Lake Ohrid, sipping raki with locals and sampling tasty traditional Albanian fare along the way.
Trekking in Spain
7 nights. From $1,990 per person
Traverse the Picos de Europa on this week-long walking holiday. Explore the stunning national park, heading out on daily walks through the unspoilt and wild landscapes of the western, central and eastern massifs. Get a real taste for life in rural northern Spain, staying in the small village of Sotres, refuelling with homemade Asturian food and even meeting with the makers of the famous Cabrales blue cheese.
Amalfi Coast Walking
7 nights. From $2,820 per person
The posterchild of Italy’s southwest, the Amalfi coast is a patchwork of postcard-perfect seaside towns and lush rural landscapes. Walk the ancient stone stairways, limestone cliff paths and old mule tracks that link Campania’s picturesque villages and discover Italian icons from Ravello to Positano and Capri. At the end of the day, relax and enjoy organic wine and farm-to-table food at our rustic agriturismo.
Trade partners and agents can access more information about rail offerings and booking support via:
https://www.exploreworldwide.com.au/experiences/rail-journeys
