Over 19 days, up to six friends or family members will be whisked away on the ultimate bucket list adventure, a bespoke Interrail journey with overnight stays in magnificent historic homes along the way: an English mansion, a French chateau, a Catalan manor, an Italian villa and a German castle.
From a retired naval officer to a hotelier-turned-Host, the owners of the historic homes on the Airbnb Heritage Tour have made it their mission to breathe life back into these heritage buildings - all bookable under Airbnb’s new historical homes category which now offers travellers an easier way to search for almost 20,000 heritage buildings in the UK, Spain, France, Germany and Italy.
This new category combined with a brand new Itinerary curated by Interrail, makes it easy to create your own heritage tour of Europe by train. The bespoke itinerary connects different areas of Europe that offer the best choice of historical homes available on Airbnb.
Emmanuel Marill, Airbnb regional sirector, EMEA, said, “We are excited to be offering this epic adventure which celebrates the golden age of 19th-century travel when there was more time to appreciate adventures with friends and family for longer. By combining the very best of train travel with the best of heritage in Europe, we hope travellers will reconnect with history and culture and enjoy travel as it once was.”
1st stop: 31 August - 3 September
Bath, UK
The epic adventure begins in London. Climb aboard at Paddington Station and wind your way to the historic city of Bath where Host Sophie will welcome you and your five friends to her magnificent baronial-style 19th-century mansion surrounded by a classic English garden and manicured lawns.
2nd stop: 3 - 6 September
Saint-Georges-sur-Cher, France
After three nights of rest and relaxation in Bath, the transcontinental journey continues via the Channel Tunnel into France. You will pass through charming towns and cities along the way before arriving at Chissay-en-Touraine, where retired naval officer Pierre will welcome you to a gorgeous château, which has been in his wife’s family for close to 50 years.
3rd stop: 6 - 10 September
Sant Pere de Ribes, Spain
The romantic train journey to Spain will take you through the ever-charming south of France, staying over in gastro paradise Montpellier for a night of good food and wine.
Recharged and replenished, you will continue south to your home for three nights: a 250-year-old Catalan manor just outside Barcelona hosted by Aleksandra, originally from Slovenia but passionate about Spain and Spanish culture.
4th stop: 10 - 14 September
Lucca, Italy
After three nights in the sun-drenched Catalan villa, the slow travel railway adventure will take you and your friends along the Côte d'Azur, before arriving at the ancient city of Lucca in Tuscany.
There, you will be greeted by David, the Host of a magnificent 400-year-old villa. According to David, guests shouldn’t miss the secret garden behind his house, with a fountain and fabulous pool.
5th stop: 14 - 18 September
Behren-Lübchin, Germany
For the last leg of the journey, you will voyage north over the Italian Alps, passing through Austria and Bavaria, stopping over for one night to explore the baroque and beer-loving city of Munich.
Finally, you will travel from Munich to the Baltic coast where hotelier Kevin, his opera director partner Till and their dog Lucky will be waiting to welcome you to their charming 19th-century castle.
Eligible applicants with an Airbnb account may apply here before 20 July at 11:59 PM CET by telling Airbnb why you and your friends would be the perfect travel group for this adventure. Describe who you’d like to bring with you and tell them about your passion for adventure, interest in cultural heritage and willingness to share your experience with the wider world.
Applicants must be aged 18 or over and may enter only once. Up to five companions (aged over 18) may join the selected applicant. The terms and conditions of the contest can be found here.
