Specialist rail tour operator Erail (www.erail.co.uk) has this week announced the launch of its forthcoming new 2011/12 Train Tour Holidays brochure in which they unveil their largest ever programme of independent rail tours to Europe and beyond.

The new programme has been designed to suit both discerning and adventurous independent travellers and combines the operator’s firmly established and most popular tours with a number of tempting new holidays which are unique to Erail. The new programme is to have its official brochure launch on 29th March at The Grand Restaurant in London’s St. Pancras Station.

One notable new addition to the programme is a tour to Lake Garda from just £553 per person sharing a twin room. Accommodation is based upon 4* hotels on the lakeside for 3 nights, followed by 2 nights in Venice at the Rialto by the Grand Canal. Lovers of culture will also enjoy Erail’s Grand Tour of Italy, a 10 day break taking in the glorious sights and architecture of Rome, Florence and Venice from just £741.

Also new to the 2011/2012 programme is an 18 day Grand Tour of Europe which starts from Paris and visits Barcelona, Nice, Italy, Lucerne, Cologne and Amsterdam. There is plenty of time for outlet shopping and this tour is ideal for overseas visitors, for example from China, holding a Schengen Visa. Prices start from as little as £1495 per person in a twin room and a London extension is also available for just £225.

Those seeking a holiday packed with dramatic views and breathtaking scenery will find Erail’s Swiss Lakes and Mountains irresistible. With prices from £803 per person sharing a twin room this 8 day rail tour features quality accommodation and represents great value-for-money.
Amongst some of the more unusual tour options available is ‘The Great Escape’ tour taking in the new East Germany including the now rebuilt city of Dresden, and the opportunity to visit the infamous Colditz Castle.

The new programme has been designed to offer something for everyone but the ultimate rail experience must surely be the 20 day Tran Siberian rail tour to Beijing with special guided excursions to Lake Baikal and Mongolia.

While air travel continues to be more stressful and expensive than ever, and concern for its environmental impact grows, there is no better time than the present to enjoy the alternative holiday experience. This year more than ever looks set to see record numbers of holidaymakers sit back, relax and let the train take the strain.

To find out more about Erail’s new programme visit www.erail.co.uk