Rail Europe Announces Italian Hi-Speed Rail Expansion Offering Milan to Rome Service

New Trenitalia Line Connects Major European Cities with Italy's Financial and Political Capitals

WHITE PLAINS, NY - December 19, 2008: Rail Europe, the largest distributor of European rail products in North America announces the launch of Trenitalia's new Milan to Rome hi-speed rail link. The new line shaves an hour off this popular route, connecting Italy's political and financial capitals in just 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The new route establishes Milan as Italy's main point of connection with Europe's larger hi-speed rail network, for the benefit of business and leisure travelers alike. Milan is currently served by Artesia trains from Paris, Cisalpino from Basel, Bern and Geneva, Riviera from Nice and Elipsos overnight trains from Barcelona.

Trenitalia's ETR500 AV Red Arrow Train which will service the new route and will be available for reservations on www.raileurope.com in January 2009 was designed by famed Italian automotive designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro. Giugiaro was recently named Automotive Designer of the Century for his unprecedented achievements in designing for Audi, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Maserati, Volkswagen and others. The Red Arrow reaches a maximum velocity of 186 miles an hour (300 kilometers an hour), offering rail travelers in Italy an equivalent level of speed, service and convenience as other European countries.

Experience Italy with Rail Europe
Trenitalia's new generation of intercity trains within Italy make the journey worth savoring, as travelers relax in style aboard spacious, newly renovated and fully air conditioned carriages. Passengers can order from an extensive menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections from the restaurant car, as well as snacks and beverages from the bar car as they enjoy the passing scenery. Trenitalia's InterCity Plus and Eurostar Italia trains, offer speedy connections between Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Bologna and Naples and convenient access to many smaller Italian towns.

Rail Europe offers a full range of Trenitalia tickets that can be tailored toward each traveler's individual needs for a truly unique Italian rail experience. By reserving tickets through Rail Europe's website www.raileurope.com, customers benefit from fast, convenient, hassle-free booking process and access to special deals and offers.

The Rail Europe Advantage
As airport security lines grow and consumer eco-concerns become more of a factor in travel decision making, rail travel has re-emerged as an efficient, rewarding and eco-friendly option. With unique access to the vast European rail network, Rail Europe encourages you to make train travel a part of your European travel experience. The company celebrates over 75 years as a leader in European travel and believes that the spirit of train travel is about enjoying the simple pleasures, respecting the environment and connecting with people, places and cultures

For more information or to book any of Rail Europe's wide range of economical railpasses and point-to-point tickets on trains throughout Europe, consult a travel agent or log on to Rail Europe's web site, www.raileurope.com or call Rail Europe at 1-888-382-7245 (U.S.) or 1-800-361-7245 (Canada).

Photos: High-resolution photos of European trains may be downloaded by
the media at www.raileurope.com/presspix
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