Great Train Journeys' New Addition - The Presidential

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 9-hour The 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 AU$1,390.

The second offer is a 2-day Escapade Pack from Sao Bento to Duoro. It includes a return Presidential Experience from Porto – Vesuvio, grape treading in one of the world’s last stone pits and an overnight at Casa do Rio. Prices start at AU$4,274.

The third offer is the 3-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 AU$8548.

For more information, visit www.greattrainjourneys.com.au.

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Half price companion fares on the Belmond Eastern & Oriental

For a limited time only, Rail Plus is offering 50% off companion fares on the Belmond E&O for selected March and April departures and all departures between September and December 2018. That amounts to savings of up to a whopping $2,000!

Journeying between the vibrant and modern cities of Singapore and Bangkok, passengers will not only enjoy the contrasting landscape of this South East Asian peninsula as the train passes through a series of quaint villages, winding rivers and ancient temples, but also indulge in the incredible flavours of this region.

The 3D/2N journey from Singapore to Bangkok will depart on 10 March and 23 April, while the 4D/3N journey from Bangkok to Singapore will depart on 14 March, 6 April and 27 April.

Based on twin share in the Pullman and State Cabins, bookings must be made by 25 April.  The promotional code is EC50. Visit www.railplus.com.au or call 1300 555 003

Rail tours in Italy

ITALIAN rail travel experts International Rail have developed three rail tour modules which can be travelled individually or as a 14-night comprehensive touring experience in Italy.

All the itineraries include first class rail travel, three or four star accommodation with private facilities, some meals, tour escort and a selection of guided sightseeing activities such as city tours, cooking lessons and recommendations for restaurants and other tourist activities.

The modules are available year-round and include a nine-night package taking in Rome, Florence and Venice, three nights in Orvieto and Tuscany and two nights in Sorrento and Pompeii. Respective prices are from $1989, $999 and $789 respectively. All prices are low season twin share with high season prices only marginally higher.

All the modules are designed to give travellers a degree of independence with organised travel and accommodation and the security of an experienced tour operator.

More details on specific itineraries are available from International Rail by calling 1300 387 245 or visit www.internationalrail.com.au