Accor's inaugural Orient Express train journeying through Italy is now available for booking

The expansion of luxurious train travel aboard the Orient Express is underway, focusing on modern elegance rather than the intrigue of Agatha Christie and her mysteries.

Accor's La Dolce Vita Orient Express — distinct from Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient Express — is ready for bookings for its first trips scheduled for spring 2025. The official reservation window follows a presale in December 2022, where 400 cabins were quickly reserved, so act fast before this luxurious train departs without you.

Confusion has arisen regarding which Orient Express holds the true legacy, as Belmond — formerly known as Orient-Express Hotels — has operated its train for years. Additionally, the two Orient Express entities have grown closer since Belmond's parent company, LVMH, announced a partnership with Accor to expand future Orient Express endeavors. Before this partnership, Accor executives have been promoting their version of this historic luxury train line, highlighting its more spacious and elegant cabins and suites traveling the rails.

The train's accommodations will offer modern luxury on the tracks, while La Dolce Vita Orient Express also pays tribute to the essence of 1960s and 1970s Italy, so brush up on your Federico Fellini films and consider packing some vintage Emilio Pucci for your journey.

The train will boast 12 luxurious cabins, 18 elegant suites, and a special La Dolce Vita suite — all equipped with en suite bathrooms. Additionally, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express features a restaurant, lounge, and bar — and plenty of prestige to show off to friends who believe that sipping a half-bottle of red wine on Amtrak's Acela represents the height of luxury train travel.

"This project captures the spirit of exquisite exploration, merging sophistication with adventure," stated Gilda Perez-Alvarado, the newly appointed CEO of the Orient Express brand, in a recent statement. "As we set forth on this journey, we invite travelers to indulge in the utmost elegance and excitement, surrounded by the charm and grandeur of Italy."

The launch of Italian train reservations coincides with Accor's plans to open its first two Orient Express hotels: Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Dona Giovannelli in Venice. A luxury superyacht for the brand is also anticipated to make its debut in the coming years.

Where is the Orient Express by Accor traveling to?

Depending on the season, travelers can choose from nine unique routes in Italy aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express:

• A two-night journey crossing Italy from Rome to Venice, then to Portofino before returning to Rome
• A two-night triangular route connecting Rome, Venice, and Siena before heading back to the Eternal City
• A two-night trip between Rome, Palena, and Matera
• A one-night wine-themed adventure from Rome to Montalcino (returning to Rome)
• A one-night journey inspired by wine and truffles from Rome to Nizza Monferrato (with a return to Rome)
• A one-night excursion through southern Italy from Rome to Maratea and then to Palermo
• A one-night coastal route from Palermo to Maratea and back to Rome
• A two-night exploration of Sicily from Palermo to Agrigento and Taormina before returning to Palermo
• A three-night adventure from Palermo to Agrigento and Taormina, allowing time for exploration before the train continues to Messina for a ferry to the Italian mainland, then onward to Maratea and Rome

Once on board, guests will enjoy Italian wines and exquisite cuisine. Additionally, the La Dolce Vita lounge at Rome Ostiense station will offer a relaxing space for travelers before their lavish train journey.

Prices for a one-night itinerary begin at 3,500 euros (approximately $3,852) per person in a deluxe cabin and 4,700 euros (about $5,172) per person in a suite. It seems that the names "Agatha Christie" and "Hercule Poirot" won't help with discounts on these premium nightly rates.

A brand representative informed TPG this week that while the new Orient Express hotels in Italy will be part of the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program, La Dolce Vita Orient Express will not be included.

How to make a reservation

Travelers can book their trips by visiting the La Dolce Vita Orient Express website. Those in the U.S. and Canada can also reserve by calling 833-661-3080.