New operator Adventures By Train aims to grow trade sales

Newly launched small-group tour operator Adventures By Train is aiming to grow its trade sales as it expands.

The company, launched this year by director Jim Louth, who founded sister brand Undiscovered Destinations in 2004, is bidding to build “strong partnerships” with agents.

Louth said: “We see the travel trade as vital to our growth, and we aim to increase the proportion of bookings coming through agents as we expand.”

The operator offers a combination of first-class travel along “classic rail routes” and four and five-star hotels. The trips are fully escorted, with group sizes kept to a maximum 12.

“Rail travel has always inspired me,” Louth said. “After many years creating escorted tours around the world for our Undiscovered Destinations brand, I wanted to give travellers a slower, more immersive way to journey.”

Asked how the business would support agents, he said: “We are keen to build strong partnerships.

“My own industry background is one of having worked for an agency, Trailfinders.

“We provide detailed itineraries, marketing copy and high-quality images.

“We would also consider visiting agents to offer in-person training. Although no fam trips are currently planned, this is something we will consider in the future as the brand develops. 

“We are also happy to discuss joint promotions or incentive schemes to reward sales.”

A team of six UK-based employees work across both Adventures by Train and Undiscovered Destinations.

Adventures By Train’s 2027 Around the World by Train in 100 days itinerary, departing on March 14, 2027, begins in London and travels eastwards through Europe, Asia and into North America, visiting France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Japan, Canada and the US.

The tour, priced at £112,900 per person, with a couples discount available at £89,950 per person based on two sharing, includes a tour leader for all sections of the rail journey, all accommodation, meals as specified in the itinerary, first-class rail travel for daytime travel and private sleeping compartments for overnight journeys, luxury cruise ship sailings from Tokyo to Vancouver and New York to Southampton, ferry crossings from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan and Shanghai to Osaka, guided sightseeing tours, private car or minibus transfers and all entry fees for the sites listed in the itinerary.