Voyages Jules Verne

Voyages Jules Verne was founded in 1978 on the basis of one simple idea - to operate a train from London to Peking (Beijing) and thence to Hong Kong. In doing so the market to China was opened up at a time, remarkably, when the 'bamboo curtain' was still officially in place.

Further innovative train journeys were to follow and many travel firsts were also achieved including inaugural flights to previously inaccessible areas and the opening of remote border crossing points.

In 1982 Serenissima Travel was acquired and added a complementary list of cultural itineraries to the overall portfolio as well as introducing clients to themed travel such as walking, music & opera and cruising.

World events from 1989 to 1991, most notably the Tian an Men incident in China and the Gulf War, further shaped the future of the Company as even more diversification was necessary. Far from bemoaning the travel recession at the time, this resulted in an expansion of the company's portfolio while still retaining the core group travel ethos.

Voyages Jules Verne was acquired by Kuoni Travel in 1998 but still retains its independent and innovative approach to a comprehensive list of destinations and themes.

Today the range of product encompasses longhaul and shorthaul, weekends and expeditions, the conventional and the unexpected, a variety of themes and special interests - all underpinned by quality and value for money.

The tradition of innovation and creativity is still alive today and evidenced, amongst others, by stays at a convent in Rome, heritage properties in India, the use of royal steamers on the Nile, and a series of special events exclusively arranged for VJV clients.