06 Mar 2024
ALL ABOARD THE AEROTRAIN
Original Travel launches four new 'Aerotrain Trips', where travel is by train one way and plane the other
What do you call trips where you travel one way by train and the other by plane? Aerotrain trips, of course! It's a big trend at Original Travel – so much so that the luxury operator has launched four new aerotrain itineraries and tweaked other rail trips to allow the option of flying in or out.
The combination makes it possible for travellers to go further or to enjoy rail travel, even if short on time. As such, the new itineraries reach destinations as far as Morocco, Istanbul and Sicily, while a new Swiss Alps trip means skiers can now enjoy a city break in Paris after the piste. Now, that's what we call apres-ski. Previous rail-only itineraries to Transylvania and the Norwegian Fjords have also been given the aerotrain treatment, reflecting how the majority of clients were preferring to book these longer-distance trips.
Tom Barber, Co-founder of Original Travel, says: 'We are huge fans of rail travel in all its forms and the myriad train trips we offer are constantly evolving. It's fantastic to now be able to offer those clients who want to go further or are pushed for time the option of combining rail and air and still travel in a more eco-friendly – not to mention, enjoyable – way.'
Alpine Adventure
Fly to Geneva for a quick train transfer to Saas Fee, where you'll spend seven nights enjoying the alpine resort, renowned for its epic views and reliable snow afforded by its high altitude of 11,500ft. When you've had your fill of winter sports, leave the fairy-tale mountains behind and jump on a train to Paris, taking in the idyllic Swiss scenery as you go. During your two-nights' stay in the city of love, you can wander the streets at your leisure, visiting patisseries and antique shops, or Michelin-star restaurants. For your final night before taking the Eurostar back to London, enjoy a drive around the city in a vintage car, touring the arty neighbourhoods which will be illuminated by the streetlights.
Prices from £3,100pp, based on two sharing and including outbound flight, all train travel, transfers, seven nights' stay at a ski resort with access to slopes and two nights' hotel accommodation in Paris. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk
Live la dolce vita on this nine-day train trip to the sweet and sun-baked Sicily. Nestled at the tip of Italy's boot, this little island has its own charming personality, from Mount Etna's peak to the sparkling seas. Home to some of Europe's finest ancient Greek ruins, there's plenty to entertain history buffs and sun seekers alike. The train journey to Sicily will first take you through Milan, Europe's glitzy fashion capital. Next, spend a night in Naples, the birthplace most famous Italian dish – pizza. Hop on the next train and head onwards to Sicily, where you'll spend the next six nights in Taormina and Syracuse, quaint coastal destinations that perfectly capture Sicily's charm. If you're wondering how a train goes from mainland
Prices from £2,000 pp, based on two sharing and including all train travel, return flight, transfers, private tours and nine nights' hotel accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk
A Barcelona to Morocco Combo-Train Adventure
Embrace the contrast of two continents on this two-week holiday combining highlights of Andalucia and Morocco. Your adventure begins with a journey on the Eurostar from London to Paris, before a second train ride takes you to Barcelona. Spend one night here before heading to Granada, where you'll spend the next two days discovering the city's historical sites and sunny beaches. After you've had your fill of Andalucia, catch the ferry to Tangier for a two-night stay before transferring to Fes, where you will tour Morocco's largest archaeological site for glimpses of the ancient city. Rabat and Marrakech are your next destinations, each city ready to impress with their fascinating history and irresistible cuisine. Prices from £2,700pp, based on two sharing and including all train travel, return flight, a range of activities and tours, and 13 nights' hotel accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk
Tour of the big quadruple: Turkey, Austria, Hungary and Romania
Hop between four European cities over 11 days as you travel by train from London to Istanbul. Soak in scenic window views and historical city sites as you stop in Vienna, Bucharest and Budapest before arriving in Turkey's largest city. Life in the slow lane has never been so exciting. Your adventure begins with a train ride from London, through Paris and Zurich, to Vienna. Here, you'll jump straight into a walking tour of the city's historic centre and urban art scene. Next, journey through Budapest and relax in its toasty thermal spas before heading to Bucharest where you can learn about its communist past. Istanbul is your fourth and final stop, where a soothing hammam ritual will mark the end of your holiday.
Prices from £2,200pp, based on two sharing and including all train travel, return flight, a range of activities and tours, and 8 nights' hotel accommodation. Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk
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Follow us on instagram @originaltravel for more travel inspiration and for more information contact: press@originaltravel.co.uk; 020 3582 4990
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Notes to Editors:
Original Travel curates tailor-made itineraries, crafted by destination experts, to 77 countries worldwide from Anguilla to Zimbabwe. Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, the company has created over 50,000 itineraries since its launch in 2003, each one unique and adhering to the company ethos that “Life is in the Detail”.
Original Travel also has its own specialist dive division. Original Diving is the world's only luxury dive travel outfit.
11 of our consultants are recognised as Conde Nast Traveler's 2023 Travel Specialists, including repeat inclusions for Co-founder Tom Barber (family specialist), Jacqui Brooks (Indonesia specialist) and Oliver Rodwell (Mexico specialist). Our new additions include Ben Williams (Egypt) and Kate Little (Romania).
Original Travel clients enjoy a wealth of additional services they would not find with any other UK tour operator, including:
- Access to a network of 70-plus Concierges who live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are extremely well-connected. They lend fantastic ground support, offering insider recommendations, facilitating any last-minute changes and troubleshooting.
- A brace of additional services designed to make departure easier than ever. Every Original Travel client, regardless of whether they're off on a city break, or a multi-destination sabbatical, will enjoy UK airport meet and greet, fast track UK check-in, fast track UK security*, lounge access and pre-booked flight seats. There are also upgrade options to include: a luggage transfer service from your home to the airport; fast track check-in and security and lounge access on your flight home; fast track through immigration on your return to the UK.
- The knowledge that not only will Original Travel absorb the carbon footprint of their international flights, but also - in an industry-first - car-hire and transfers, and other flights (even if booked independently).
- The knowledge that they are contributing to Our Foundation, which supports nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 developing countries. To date, nearly £1.5 million has been invested to support five key areas: child protection, vocational training, economic development assistance, preservation of cultural and natural heritage and safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples.
