Agents booking Explore Worldwide for their clients can now ask International Rail for a tailored quote for one of 66,000 rail routes available across Europe.

More than 30 Explore tours, including Highlights of Albania, Trekking in Spain and Amalfi Coast Walking, are now available with rail as a result of the partnership.

Explore said the tie-in came as part of its ongoing focus on sustainability and an effort to offer customers and agents clients’ more environmentally-friendly choices.

This includes replacing internal flights on certain itineraries with rail and bus journeys and giving staff an extra day off if they book rail trips.

“This year marks 200 years since the first railway journey, and travelling by train remains one of the most immersive—and sustainable—ways to explore,” said Hannah Methven, the B Corp operator’s sustainability specialist.

"By partnering with International Rail, we hope to help more of our customers to embrace slow, scenic journeys while reducing their carbon footprint."

Explore’s deal with International Rail comes after Intrepid Travel and Exodus Adventure Travels partnered with flight-free specialist Byway to offer more rail options.