Struggling through Thursday? This road and rail wrap is bound to get you on the road to Friday. Evidentally, we’re struggling with Thursday too.

Self-Drive hot specials

International car leasing and rental experts globalCARS have just released a range of 2019 Early Bird deals which include savings of up to $1114 for Peugeot’s European self-drive holiday leases of 21 days or more.

The Sydney-based operators have deals which include seven free days for all bookings, plus 50 per cent discounts of pick-up and drop-off fees with a further three free days for recent repeat customers or an option of 10 per cent off leases of 90 days or more.

The company is also offering Citroen Europass rates of as little as $62 a day for 28 days on 2019 bookings and with Peugeot Europe rates from just $73 per day for 28 days. Both these are book and pay by December 31, 2018.

For some deals available from Renault Eurodrive the Clio 4 Petrol Manual rate starts from as low as $25 a day for longer leases up to 175 days and also give pick-up discounts and free bonus days for repeat customers. European vehicle leases made through globalCARS also include full insurance with no excess including fuel inversion (incorrect fuel), glass and punctures.

Seabourn elevates 2019 Alaska and British Columbia Season with new UNESCO Banff National Park & Rocky Mountaineer Journey

Seabourn, the world’s finest ultra-luxury travel experience, is announcing a new pre-cruise opportunity for guests to explore the beauty of western Canada during the upcoming 2019 season in Alaska and British Columbia through the UNESCO Banff National Park & Rocky Mountaineer Seabourn Journeys package.

Guests will experience the grandeur of the majestic Canadian Rockies, the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site of Banff National Park and picturesque Lake Louise, including two days on one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys in a luxury, glass-domed coach.

The signature seven-day land program is designed along the lines of other pre- and post-cruise Seabourn Journeys around the globe, offering in-depth experiences of local culture, history and natural wonder with transportation and accommodations at first-rate hotels and restaurants included. This exclusive and optional Seabourn Journey is available in conjunction with select departures for the 2019 Alaska and British Columbia cruises onboard Seabourn Sojourn.

Grasshopper Adventures unveils cycling tour of China’s Yunnan Province

Grasshopper Adventures is excited to unveil a new 14-day bike tour exploring the Yunnan Province of China. Intrepid riders will cycle through the ancient towns of the Tea Horse Trail, a network of caravan paths winding through the mountains, from mystical Shangri-La to the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge to Lijiang. The tour covers 510 km by bicycle and starts at $4,900 USD. It is scheduled for June 10-23, 2019.

The two-week adventure begins in the foothills bordering Tibet, with the dramatic backdrop of Yunnan Province. This is a land of mysticism, spirituality and jaw-dropping landscapes where ancient cultures meet the modern world. Guests will ride from China’s alpine utopia of Shangri-La through the stunning landscape of Tiger Leaping Gorge, to the ancient Bai Kingdom city of Dali.

The majority of the riding is on small roads through villages with minimal traffic. Riders who find the cycling too challenging can still experience the adventure by using the support vehicle when conditions get too hard. Tour highlights include:

• Visiting the world’s largest prayer wheel and the stunning Songzanlin Monastery
• Exploring the mythical utopia of Shangri-La by bicycle
• Riding through Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Discovering the ancient Bai Kingdom city of Dali
• Exploring the picturesque backstreets of Lijiang
• Touring Jian Chuan with its quaint canals and bridge
• Cycling to the historic town of Shax

Ecruising’s true blue authentic Australian Expedition

If you have ever had a hankering to explore Australia’s outback heartland or navigate some of its most spectacular coastline, then Ecruising’s epic 13-night Rail and Sail itinerary, The Authentic Australian Expedition, departing 8 March 2020 is surely calling your name.

On an adventure-packed journey spanning Darwin to Sydney, including three nights aboard The Ghan Expedition and a six-night cruise onboard Sun Princess, this is the perfect opportunity to take in some of this country’s most iconic locations.

Departing 8 March, your Australian adventure begins with three nights in Darwin including full-day tours of the renowned Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, plus time to explore the country’s northernmost – and most eclectic, capital city at your leisure.

On 11 March, get ready for the next phase of your journey – a three-night rail trip aboard The Ghan Expedition, where you can absorb stunning outback landscapes from the luxurious comfort of your private cabin. Arriving in Adelaide on 14 March, enjoy one night in the charming City of Churches before embarking Sun Princess for your six-night cruise to Sydney on board on 15 March.

Hertz Switzerland partners with Air Zermatt to provide spectacular views of Swiss Wonders by Helicopter 

Hertz Switzerland and leading Swiss helicopter company Air Zermatt have teamed to provide Hertz car rental customers with the opportunity to enjoy helicopter sightseeing tours at special rates. This includes the helicopter flight named ‘Hertz Prestige Collection’ by Air Zermatt in honour of the new partnership with Hertz.

The exhilarating trip provides breathtaking views of the Matterhorn; the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau trio; and the Aletsch Glacier peaks in the flight’s one-hour duration. Available to Hertz customers who pick up their rental car in Switzerland, the helicopter tour rates are discounted by 10 per cent or more according to the season.

The partnership coincides with both companies celebrating respective milestone anniversaries: Air Zermatt its 50th and Hertz its 100th.

The collaboration has also led to Hertz Switzerland and Volvo Cars Switzerland providing the Air Zermatt team with easy access to Volvo cars for company use in a multi-month rental arrangement.