Road & rail wrap: Rail Europe goes presidential, Scenic hits the open road with Harleys + more
Yes, it’s time for another road and rail wrap. Travel Weekly’s editor is even donning his Thomas the Tank Engine train conductor hat in the office today to mark the occasion.
Rail Europe adds ‘The Presidential’ to Great Train Journeys portfolio
Great Train Journeys, Rail Europe’s portfolio of luxurious train journeys around the world, has announced its latest addition: Portugal’s ‘The Presidential’.
A journey that focuses on the country’s fine food and wine, The Presidential is a mouth-watering journey that spoils guests with meals prepared by some of the country’s (and the world’s) most renowned and upcoming chefs.
The culinary talents in 2019’s departures between 20 Sept and 26 October include chefs Henrique Sá Pessoa (two Michelin stars), Oscar Goncalves (one Michelin star), Leandro Carreira, Alexandre Silva (2012 winner of Top Chef), Óscar Gonçalves, as well as Nuno Mendes and Bruno Rocha. Rising stars include André Lança Cordeiro and Pedro Pana Bastos.
There are three packages on offer aboard The Presidential. The first is a nine-hour ‘Presidential Experience’, a return Sao Bento-Vesuvio day trip which includes a gourmet lunch with pairing wines and a port-tasting excursion to Quinto do Vesuvio. Prices start at $1,390 for this package.
The second offer is a two-day ‘Escapade Pack’ from Sao Bento to Duoro. It includes a return Presidential Experience from Porto to Vesuvio, grape treading in one of the world’s last stone pits and an overnight at Casa do Rio. Prices for this package start at $4,274.
The third offer is the three-day ‘Premium Pack’. It includes private tours to Serralves (Portugal’s premier modern art museum) and Casa de Musica (the country’s grandest concert hall), an overnight stay at the Intercontinental Hotel and Six Senses Duoro Valley, a boat cruise, as well as Michelin-class meals on board the train and at Palacio das Cardosas and O Gaveto. Prices start at $8,548 for this package.
For more information, click here.
Scenic hits the open road with Harley side-car tour
Your clients can pull on the leathers and helmet and hit the high road on a Harley Davidson side-car tour with Scenic.
Offered as a Scenic Freechoice option in the 2020 Canada, Alaska and USA programs, this one-hour experience takes guests beyond the extraordinary as through the Canadian countryside.
Dragoman offers last-minute deals for India, Nepal, Africa and South America
Overlanding specialists Dragoman have a number of fantastic last-minute offers on journeys through India, Nepal, South America and Africa.
Some of the journeys currently on sale include:
Poppodams & Palm Trees – 39 days from Delhi to Chennai (was $3,775; now $3,209)
Guests can explore western and southern India on a 39-day journey from Delhi to Chennai, relaxing in the beautiful beach huts of Goa, discovering the magnificent ruined city of Hampi, and experiencing true Indian hospitality at a community guesthouse.
The Incas & Andes – 22 Days through Boliva and Peru (was $2,585; now $2,197)
This trip is packed with highlights of both countries, including Dragoman’s Wild Andes trek above the Urubamba Valley which leaves the tourist trails behind, and a stay in a remote Quechuan village with local hosts.
Moghuls, Mahel & Mayhem – 16 days from Kathmandu to Delhi (was $1,830; now $1556)
Great for those short on time, this trip takes in all the highlights of Northern India, from the River Ganges at Varanasi and Chitwan National Park to the Taj Mahal and the sprawling Agra Fort.
For full details of all trips currently on sale, click here. Dragoman brochures can be ordered from TIFS, and the reservation team can be contacted at agents@dragoman.com.au.
UTracks’ 2020 pilgrim trail departures now available at 2019 prices
Active European travel specialist UTracks is offering select 2020 tours at 2019 prices if booked before 1 July 2019.
Reservations are now open for many of UTracks 2020 European departures. All of its self-guided Spanish and Portuguese Camino journeys and Italy’s Francigena Way and St Francis Way trips are available at the 2019 rates if booked within this financial year.
UTracks general manager Kate Baker said pilgrim walks are best planned well in advance.
“Pilgrim walkers plan their trips often years in advance. They’re necessarily organised so they have time to increase health and fitness before embarking on their life-affirming experience,” she said.
“Our ‘book now and travel next year’ is a rare opportunity for these dedicated travellers to beat a likely price increase in 2020 and be top of the queue for our first choice of accommodation.”
For more information and bookings, click here or call 1300 303 368.
Latest News
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull is departing the agency with effect from Friday May 10. Over the past three years, Turnbull played an instrumental role in driving growth, with one of the agency’s most significant achievements being the increase in visitor spend. Under her leadership, Tourism WA achieved a record breaking $17.7 billion in […]
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
DriveAway has launched its Brit-Euro Blitz: Explore the UK, Europe & Ireland campaign, designed to inspire travellers to uncover the beauty and diversity of those destinations during May and June. The campaign arrives amidst a surge in popularity for destinations across the UK, Europe and Ireland, with year-to-date increases averaging around 30%. Notably, cities such […]
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Great Southern’s Fly and Stay Free special offer will have travellers taking in the views along the east coast between Adelaide and Brisbane next summer. This bright orange locomotive chases the summer sun, sharing the incredible coastline with those who want to experience it by train. The journey reflects the best of Australia, from charming […]
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Gen Z travellers prefer to limit alcohol when overseas and have an increased reliance on TikTok when planning a trip, according to a report by StudentUniverse, the world’s largest online travel retailer for young people. The State of Student & Youth Travel Report for 2024 delved into the latest travel sentiments amongst those aged 18-25 […]
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.