G Adventures launches the Rail Collection

In an exciting move that’s set to transform how thousands of travellers connect with the world, G Adventures has launched a new immersive travel option, the Rail Collection. Featuring iconic rail journeys and lesser-known routes, the 60-trip-strong collection celebrates the belief that the journey is just as enriching as the destination, and offers so much more than just getting from A to B. Instead, every small group trip acts as a gateway to cultural immersion, encouraging connection with local people, and allows travellers to travel flexibly and responsibly – all while revelling in the joy of the journey.

The diverse new collection includes trips from across G Adventures’ travel styles, from Solo-ish to Geluxe, meaning every type of traveller, from budget-conscious to comfort-seekers, can experience the exhilarating and eye-opening adventure of train travel, on a journey that combines spontaneous encounters and stress-free transport logistics. Instead of rushed airport transits and wasted time on flights that bypass local life on the ground, every rail journey is a focal point and unforgettable part of the experience, from the rarely seen landscapes and villages viewed from a window seat on a journey through India or Italy, to the unexpected conversations and memories made from sharing a cabin with locals on a night train in Vietnam.

As the name suggests, the majority of every journey is taken by rail, a mode of transport that can prove challenging to coordinate independently in some parts of the world. True to all G Adventures trips, every element of the new journeys are pre-planned for the group and guided by charismatic Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). By swapping flights for rail, travellers will reduce carbon footprint, and enjoy an easier way to explore more responsibly, while making the most of authentic connections and soaking up every detail along the way. The collection also creates a more positive impact on harder-to-reach local communities; the trains will stop off at smaller transport hubs and stations, so the group can buy from local sellers and take in daily life in lesser-seen parts of the country.

“Rail travel can be so much more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a gateway into responsible cultural exploration, where the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination,” says Yves Marceau, vice president of product at G Adventures.

“It is often viewed as a slow-paced and tame way to travel but, in reality, it can be thrilling, vibrant and filled with cultural immersion. Travellers want the thrill of adventure without the stress of planning every detail, the freedom to explore without the hassle of airports, and a journey that feels as immersive as the places they visit. We’ve picked 60 fantastic trips from across G Adventures’ travel styles that really celebrate the different experiences available through train travel; from high-tech commuter trains in Japan, to sleeper trains in Vietnam,” he says.

From newly-launched adventures to traveller favourites, the 60 trips that form the Rail Collection are available to book now and include:

• Highlights of Poland: From traditional cooking classes to fascinating walking tours, on this 10-day Classic journey, the group will experience the highlights of Poland, travelling on regional trains from vibrant Warsaw to the ‘Venice of Poland’, Wroclaw and beyond. Poland is a country steeped in history, with intricate medieval and neoclassical architecture and under-appreciated natural beauty. Journeys range from three to almost five hours, leaving plenty of time to gaze out the window at the parts of the country that are seldom seen.
• Solo-ish China: On this 11-day adventure that’s been carefully crafted for solo travellers, the group will travel on China’s high speed Bullet Train, whizzing from Shanghai to Yangzhou, Xi’an, Luoyang and Beijing. It’s a true cultural immersion – not just for the dumpling-making classes, strolls around archaeological treasures and time in the ‘Venice of Shanghai’, but for the mode of transport, travelling in smooth comfort at speeds of up to 350km/h and getting delicious local meals delivered right to every plush, padded seat.
• Back Roads of Japan: Criss-crossing the country on Japan’s world-famous high-speed Shinkansen bullet train is just one part of this 11-day Classic adventure. It’s also jam-packed with other cultural experiences, taking the group off the beaten path and away from the bigger cities and into community homestays in places like Hagi, a quaint farming and fishing town. On the Sea of Japan there’s a visit to the Tottori Sand Dunes and fish market (home to some of Japan’s best crab) and a chance to learn the traditional art of “washi” paper making.
• Uncover India: High Deserts & Markets: This affordable 15-day trip geared to 18-to-Thirtysomethings showcases India’s man-made wonders and natural marvels without missing its most famous cities and sights. On the morning train from Delhi to Agra, the group will take in small towns and arid terrain (while tucking into a local breakfast served at their seat). Meanwhile, on an eight-hour journey from Pushkar, the group will be fully immersed in local life, watching the comings and goings of passengers on the journey and travelling through countryside before reaching the breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces of Udaipur. As for the rest of the trip? Think sunrise hikes, beach time, fort visits and more.
• Epic Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City & Handmade Noodles: This 14-day wallet-friendly Roamies adventure squeezes in almost all of Vietnam, making the most of the country’s excellent hostel scene and its famous night trains, where the group will sleep in a four-berth soft sleeper – a compartment with two compact bunk beds. Aside from the three-night train journeys, other highlights include trips to night markets, a noodle-making class, time exploring the historic tunnels of the Vietnam war and time on palm-lined white-sand beaches.
• Highlights of Italy: This 9-day highlight-packed Classic adventure through Italy takes in the big cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, while also showing off plenty of Italian countryside and small towns, from the comfort of a local train. There’s a chance to taste world-renowned wines in Montepulciano, a tour of Rome through an immigrant’s eyes thanks to Migrantour, a G Adventures-supported social enterprise, plus time exploring the canals and backstreets of Venice. Plus, plenty of one euro espressos at train stations to fuel the journey.

The article G Adventures launches the Rail Collection first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.