Image by © Condé Nast Archive/CORBIS

I used to have this preconceived notion that traveling via train was classy, romantic, and chic – just like it was in the 1940s or portrayed in old movies. Well, boy was I wrong! After traveling from Washington, DC to New York City several years ago, I quickly realized that it certainly did not meet my expectations. As a result, I have not traveled by train since.

But that may be changing soon…

Enter Italy’s new luxurious private train which launched this fall, “Italo”. Suffice to say, this mode of locomotion could be nothing short of fabulous with it’s creators being Diego Della Valle, Tod’s President and CEO and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Ferrari’s Chairman. Even if taking the train isn’t your thing and you prefer to fly commercial first class or private (those doing the latter should really consider reducing their carbon footprint – just saying) would be intrigued by the trendy train’s amenities such as; meals catered by Mario Batali’s Eataly, wi-fi, Frau leather recliners, private valets, touch screen TV’s and two sitting rooms that can be reserved for meetings or used as a private compartment for up to four passengers. This train honestly sounds more accommodating than Air Force One. No to say there will be any screaming children or other forms of annoying noise pollution aboard but if you’re looking for supreme quietness to de-stress and relax, the train boasts a Prima Relax car. And it only makes sense that both loud convos and cell phones are strictly prohibited in it.

Italo currently travels between Milan to Naples and later this year – Salerno, Florence (in under two hours), Bologna, Venice, Padua and Rome (within three hours). I think I just found my vacation destination for 2013!

Prices start at a humble $63 for Milan to Rome and $72 for Milan to Naples. For additional information, visit www.raileurope.com