Intrepid Travel is launching a new trip range dedicated to rail travel, which includes 40 trips and three new itineraries; Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure, Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul, and Paris to Rome by Rail. Also on offer are popular routes such as Bangkok to Southern Thailand, and lesser-known routes like Varanasi to Agra, India, as well as rail family adventures from Tokyo to Kyoto and Rome to Pompeii.
The range will cater to the rising trend of train travel. Intrepid recently conducted external research, surveying 2,800 travellers in the UK, US, Canada and Australia with the data showing that 75 per cent of travellers are interested in taking a train journey during their next trip, primarily motivated by scenery, relaxation, and the iconic nature of historic rail routes.
Each rail trip will be accompanied by one of Intrepid’s local leaders, who will not only help travellers navigate complex routes and stations, but also maximise the experiences during rest stops and overnight stays. With an average group size of 10-12 travellers, Intrepid rail trips offer customers community, conversation, and a sense of connection.
Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure (11-Days from $4,595 AUD)
This new tour makes use of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, constructed in the late 1940s following the route of ancient tea caravans from Beijing, China through Mongolia. The trip begins in Beijing, travelling through hilly landscapes in China, exploring Inner Mongolia and visiting Khustai National Park, the dunes of the Gobi Desert and Sainshand, before disembarking in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia.
Express to the Orient: Paris to Istanbul (15-Days from $5,995 AUD)
Travelling from Paris to Budapest by train, follow the same route as the historic Orient Express. Travellers will stop to explore iconic spots and lesser-known sites in Strasbourg, Munich and Salzburg, and then journey on local trains along the Simplon-Orient Express route from Belgrade to Istanbul, stopping for local delicacies, like a traditional Serbian lunch in a Salaš home.
Paris to Rome by Rail (10-Days from $5,570 AUD)
Hop on the Gotthard Panorama Express through Switzerland, taking the original historic route on the Gotthard railway, constructed in 1872. The journey spirals through the alps, with panoramic views of the countryside, and Wassen Church, as well as stops for scenic hikes, medieval castles and a fresh farm-to-table Italian cooking demonstration.
IMAGE: Switzerland/Intrepid
