“Being first to market makes a huge difference and Tourwriter helps us do that.”
Summary
Company: Marvellous Escapes (UK luxury slow rail travel specialist)
Challenge: Create complex, bespoke rail itineraries quickly while maintaining personalised service
Solution: Tourwriter tour operator software
Results: First-to-respond with fully quoted itineraries, streamlined operations, 24/7 client support
Crafting unique rail journeys for the culturally curious
At the heart of Marvellous Escapes lies a love for slow travel and a belief that the journey itself is just as precious as the destination. Founded by travel industry expert Paul, the agency specialises in tailor-made rail holidays, an area experiencing a renaissance as travellers crave richer, more meaningful and more sustainable experiences.
Paul’s passion was shaped by years working in river cruising, where the journey was the highlight, not just the means to an end. This ethos transitioned seamlessly into the world of rail travel, where each panoramic window frames an unfolding story through the Alps, across the Rockies, or aboard legendary trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
“Our travellers are drawn to culture, history, art, food… they love the slower pace that train travel brings,” says Paul. “It becomes part of the adventure, not just the way to get there."
Paul Tavener, Founder, Marvellous Escapes
Why Marvellous Escapes excels
Luxury that’s personal, flexible and high-touch
Marvellous Escapes has built a reputation for highly personalised service that goes far beyond simply booking trains. Each itinerary is crafted to the traveller’s wishes, from flights and hotels to private tours, restaurants and transfers. The secret, Paul explains, is involving clients deeply in the planning.
“We want to tick every box: everything they want, nothing they don’t. Being part of that conversation, and sharing their excitement, really brings the journey to life for everyone involved.”
Paul Tavener, Founder, Marvellous Escapes
This commitment continues long after the itinerary is finalised. Travellers receive 24/7 on-trip support via WhatsApp, not only for assistance, but often just to share a breathtaking photo from the Bernina Express or a meal enjoyed along the way.
Why rail, why now?
What’s surprised Paul most in moving from cruises to rail is how travellers today want longer, richer journeys, sometimes stretching to a month. They’re looking for depth, discovery and a sense of connection that only slow travel delivers.
From bucket-list routes like the Maharajas’ Express in India to the classic Glacier Express, Marvellous Escapes helps travellers make these dreams real, often to mark life’s big moments like anniversaries or milestone birthdays.
“It’s a booming area. People want new ways to see the world. Train travel delivers exactly that.”
Paul Tavener, Founder, Marvellous Escapes
The role of tech in bespoke travel
Where tech meets the art of travel design
Building highly bespoke itineraries can be complex: dozens of moving parts, each subject to change months (or years) before departure. For Marvellous Escapes, the biggest challenge has always been speed: creating these intricate plans quickly enough to delight clients and win bookings, without sacrificing quality.
This is where Tourwriter became a game-changer.
“The look and feel is modern and clean, so there’s no barrier for the team.
But the real magic is how easily we can move things around, customise, and get quotes out fast.
Being first to market makes a huge difference and Tourwriter helps us do that.”
Paul Tavener, Founder, Marvellous Escapes
With every supplier, train, tour and activity stored in one intuitive system, Marvellous Escapes can respond quickly to client inspiration, adding an extra night here, a new excursion there, while keeping back-office operations smooth and organised.
Technology as a partner in personalised travel
Marvellous Escapes sees technology not as a replacement for the human touch, but as the key to delivering it at scale. Faster proposals mean more time to focus on creativity and client relationships; clearer back-office systems keep everything running seamlessly behind the scenes.
“Ultimately, it’s about inspiring our clients, getting them excited about their journey and presenting something that’s easy to understand, even if the trip itself is complex,”
Paul Tavener, Founder, Marvellous Escapes
As demand for authentic, slower travel continues to grow, Marvellous Escapes is ready to meet it. They are combining deep expertise, personal service and smart technology to design rail journeys that are truly marvellous.
What's next? Pioneering the future of luxury rail travel
What sets Marvellous Escapes apart isn’t just their deep love for rail journeys or their dedication to personal service. It’s how they combine these timeless values with forward-thinking use of technology.
By investing early in tools like Tourwriter, Marvellous Escapes have positioned themselves ahead of the curve. They are turning what could be a slow, manual process into a fast, seamless experience without sacrificing quality or the high-touch, bespoke approach their clients value most.
“We’ve always believed technology shouldn’t replace the personal touch. It should make it stronger.
“Tourwriter helps us respond faster, design more creatively, and stay completely focused on what matters: the traveller’s experience.”
Paul Tavener, Founder, Marvellous Escapes
In an industry where many agencies still rely on outdated systems or spreadsheets, Marvellous Escapes’ approach is refreshingly modern and it’s paying off. Their team will spend less time wrestling with admin and more time creating unique, story-rich itineraries that inspire and delight.
As slow travel gains momentum and traveller expectations continue to rise, Marvellous Escapes isn’t just keeping pace, they’re setting the pace. Blending creativity, personal passion and cutting-edge tools, they’re proving that even in the most traditional corners of luxury travel, innovation is the real ticket to lasting success.
Frequently asked questions
What does Marvellous Escapes specialise in?
Marvellous Escapes specialises in tailor-made luxury rail holidays, focusing on slow travel experiences that emphasise the journey itself. They design bespoke itineraries featuring iconic trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Glacier Express, and Maharajas' Express, combined with carefully curated hotels, private tours, restaurants, and transfers.
How quickly does Marvellous Escapes respond to travel inquiries?
Marvellous Escapes is typically first to respond with a bespoke, fully quoted itinerary. Using Tourwriter, they can create complex multi-component proposals quickly, giving them a competitive advantage in winning bookings from travelers who are comparing multiple agencies.
What makes Marvellous Escapes different from other rail travel agencies?
Marvellous Escapes combines deep expertise in luxury rail travel with highly personalized, client-focused service. They involve travelers deeply in the planning process to ensure every detail matches their preferences, provide 24/7 on-trip support via WhatsApp, and specialize in longer, richer journeys that can extend up to a month, catering to culturally curious travelers seeking depth and connection.
What regions and train routes does Marvellous Escapes cover?
Marvellous Escapes designs rail journeys across Europe (including the Alps and classic routes like the Bernina Express and Glacier Express), North America (such as the Rockies), India (featuring the Maharajas' Express), and other global destinations. Their expertise extends beyond just booking trains to crafting complete experiences around each journey.
How does Tourwriter help Marvellous Escapes deliver personalised service?
Tourwriter enables Marvellous Escapes to store all suppliers, trains, tours, and activities in one intuitive system, making it easy to customise itineraries quickly. They can respond rapidly to client inspiration, adding extra nights, new excursions, or adjustments, while keeping back-office operations organised. This allows them to spend more time on creativity and client relationships rather than manual administrative work.
Why is slow rail travel experiencing a renaissance?
Travelers are increasingly seeking sustainable, authentic experiences where the journey itself is part of the adventure. Rail travel offers panoramic views, cultural immersion, and a sense of connection that flying cannot provide. The growing demand reflects a shift away from rushed itineraries toward richer, story-driven experiences that create lasting memories.
