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

Photo credit: Tim Charody

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.