Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, or NTV, will become Europe's only privately owned high-speed train service when the first locomotive hits the rails tomorrow, travelling from Rome to eight cities in Italy. The company, chaired by Luca Cordero di Montezemolo of Ferrari and backed by private investors, hopes to be running 25 trains eventually, with an engine under every car to help increase capacity. The bright red (what else?) trains are big on style, with interiors of the same Italian Poltrona Frau leather also found in Ferrari and Maserati automobiles.

Discerning travellers can choose seats in the high-end Club and Prima class cars, but WiFi, live TV and en route films are complimentary for everyone, with premium services like gourmet meals from Eataly on offer and served in-seat rather than in a dining car. The network will include several popular destinations, inculding Rome, Naples, Florence, Venice, Bologna and Milan.