The journey of a lifetime. Hard to say what it is, but Airbnb launches a unique opportunity today. On the occasion of the Interrail 50th birthday and to relaunch train travel – and slow tourism in general – Airbnb and Interrail offer the opportunity for a group of six friends to live an experience to once in a lifetime. The winners will, in fact, face a modern “Grand Tour” to discover Europe, staying in splendid historic homes.
We leave the UK on August 31st to conclude the great journey on September 18 in Germany, passing through France, Spain and Italy. The rail adventure includes a stay in an English residence, a French château, a Catalan manor, an Italian villa and a German castle.
The nominations open today, Monday 11 July and they will close on Wednesday 20. Anyone wishing to participate in the selections can propose themselves to the site www.airbnb.com/airbnbheritagetour, telling who and why he would like to be the protagonist of this unique journey together with 5 of his friends. Among the criteria that the jury will consider for this adventure proposed by Airbnb and Interrail there will be: spirit of adventure (essential for traveling over 3,500 km by train), a taste for discovery and the pleasure of sharing.
The new Airbnb Historic Houses category
The houses that will open their doors to the “winners” are bookable on Airbnb within the new category Historic Houseswhich now offers travelers an easier way to search for the accommodation of their dreams among the quasi 20,000 historic buildings across the UK, Spain, France, Germany and Italy. Furthermore, thanks to the collaboration with Interrail, it will be possible to create a personalized itinerary that combines railway routes and historic Airbnb houses to create your own personal “Grand Tour” of Europe by train.
“We are thrilled to offer this incredible adventure that celebrates the golden age of travel of the 19th century, when it was there more time to enjoy long adventures with friends and family. By combining the best of train travel and European heritage, we hope that travelers reconnect with European history and culture and enjoy the journey as it once was, ”explained Emmanuel Marill, Airbnb Regional Director, EMEA.
The Airbnb and Interrail itinerary
First stage: August 31 – September 3
Bath, United Kingdom
The adventure begins in London, at Paddington train station, towards the historic city of Bath: here the host Sophie will welcome her five friends in her magnificent 19th century aristocratic home, surrounded by a classic English garden and manicured lawns.
Second stage: 3 – 6 September
Saint-Georges-sur-Cher, France
The journey continues in France through the Channel Tunnel. On the way we will pass through charming towns before arriving in Chissay-en-Touraine, where retired naval officer Pierre will welcome guests in a splendid castle, which has belonged to his wife’s family for nearly 50 years.
Third stage: 6 – 10 September
Sant Pere de Ribes, Spain
The romantic train journey to Spain will lead you through the fascinating south of France, with a stop in Montpellier for a night of fine food and wine. Recharge your batteries, the journey continues south to the 250-year-old Catalan manor just outside Barcelona, hosted by Aleksandra, originally from Germany but passionate about Spain and Spanish culture.
Fourth stage: 10 – 14 September
Lucca, Italy
After three nights in the sunny Catalan villa, the railway adventure will take you along the French Riviera, before landing in the ancient city of Lucca, in Tuscany. There the group will be welcomed by David, the host of a magnificent 400 year old villa with a secret garden and a fabulous swimming pool.
Fifth stage: 14 – 18 September
Behren-Lübchin, Germany
For the fifth and final leg, we will travel north beyond the Italian Alps, passing through Austria and Bavaria, with an overnight stop to explore the baroque city famous for beer, Munich. From here we will travel to the Baltic coast, where host Kevin, his fellow opera director Till and their dog Lucky will be waiting to welcome you to their charming 19th century castle.
Applicants must have at least 18 years old and can participate only once, adding up to a maximum of 5 companions over the age of 18. All competition terms and conditions and the Airbnb Heritage Tour itinerary are available at www.airbnb.com/airbnbheritagetou. Ready to go on the journey of a lifetime?
Source: Vanity Fair
