Intrepid Launches Rail Travel Series with 40 Unique Trips
Intrepid Travel has unveiled a new rail travel series featuring 40 distinct itineraries, catering to the increasing interest in train travel. This initiative aligns with new data indicating that 92% of travelers intend to incorporate train journeys in their next trips.
Each itinerary will be led by an Intrepid local guide who will assist travelers in navigating intricate routes and stations, ensuring they maximize their experiences during rest stops and overnight stays. The series includes popular routes such as Bangkok to Southern Thailand and lesser-known journeys like Varanasi to Agra in India, as well as family adventures from Tokyo to Kyoto and Rome to Pompeii.
In addition, customers can now enjoy flight-free travel options, with itineraries starting from London via Eurostar. These include routes from Paris to Rome, Paris to Istanbul, Paris to Berlin, and Paris to Madrid.
An Intrepid spokesperson commented, "Our rail journeys offer an added dimension of discovery, allowing travelers to move at a slower pace, experience more of the countryside, and enjoy greater opportunities for local interactions. With an average group size of 10-12, Intrepid rail trips foster community, conversation, and a sense of connection."
The spokesperson further highlighted that this launch is part of Intrepid’s long-term product development strategy aimed at reducing carbon emissions by replacing internal flights with less carbon-intensive options where possible.
Three New Itineraries
The three newly introduced rail itineraries include the Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure, Paris to Istanbul, and Paris to Rome by Rail.
The 11-day Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure, starting at €2500, follows the historical route of ancient tea caravans from Beijing to Mongolia. The journey begins in Beijing, traversing China's hilly landscapes, exploring Inner Mongolia, visiting Khustai National Park, the Gobi Desert dunes, and concluding in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital.
The Paris to Istanbul itinerary spans 15 days and is priced from €3500. It follows the route of the legendary Orient Express from Paris to Budapest, with stops at iconic and lesser-known locations in Strasbourg, Munich, and Salzburg. Travelers then switch to local trains from Belgrade to Istanbul, enjoying local delicacies such as a traditional Serbian lunch in a Salaš home.
Lastly, the 10-day Paris to Rome by Rail itinerary, priced from €3000, takes travelers on the Gotthard Panorama Express through Switzerland. This historic route, built in 1872, offers panoramic views of the Alps, countryside, and Wassen Church. The journey includes scenic hikes, visits to medieval castles, and an Italian farm-to-table cooking demonstration.