Director of global sales Ben Ittensohn said the operator’s product team had been briefed to feature travel by public transport “wherever possible”, stressing it was not only a “more sustainable way” to travel but also an “authentic way” to see countries.

“Joining diverse travellers, commuters and locals, and traveling more slowly through these countries we feel we know already – that’s the way for your customers to really get to know these wonderful destinations, away from the main hotspots,” said Ittensohn.

Explore said the new range took advantage of Europe’s rail and ferry networks. Trips include:

• Barcelona, Provence and the Italian Riviera, a 12-day tour through Spain, France and Italy, from £2,399pp
  
  
• Dalmatian Island Hopping, a seven-day trip through Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, from £1,299pp
  
  
• Highlights of the Greek Island, an eight-day visit to Athens and the Cyclades Islands, from £1,095pp
  
  
• Highlights of Spain, Portugal and Morocco, a 15-day tour focusing on art, architecture and food, from £2,199pp
  
  
• Rome to Venice by Rail, a seven-day adventure through Italy by train, from £1,295pp