An Exclusive Preview of Italy’s Stunning La Dolce Vita Orient Express Train—and How to Make Your Reservation

For over a century, the Orient Express has fascinated travelers as a luxurious European hotel on wheels, transporting high society from Paris to Istanbul since 1883. This legendary train has become part of folklore (often referred to as the “spies’ express”) and pop culture, featuring in works like Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, while establishing a benchmark for refined transcontinental travel.

Unfortunately, the allure of leisurely travel couldn't compete with the rise of high-speed trains and low-cost flights, leading to the original Orient Express line's last journey in 2009, as reported by The Guardian.

However, in recent years, the iconic train experience has experienced a revival, thanks to luxury hospitality brands revitalizing these legendary rail journeys. This includes the upcoming La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy, a collaboration between the French hotel company Accor, real estate investment firm Arsenale, and Italy’s Trenitalia Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and Treni Turistici Italiani.

Launching in spring 2025, La Dolce Vita Orient Express will transport guests to various regions across Italy with itineraries lasting between two and three days. Passengers can choose from nine different routes, depending on the season:

• Venice to Portofino
• Venice to Siena
• The Italian Trans-Siberian: Matera and Palena
• Journey from Rome to Montalcino
• Journey from Rome to Monferrato
• Southern Italy: Maratea and Palermo
• Traveling from Palermo to Rome
• Exploring Sicily
• Sicily and the Mediterranean Sea

Guests can select from 12 luxurious cabins and 18 suites, with rates starting at $3,800 per person for a deluxe cabin and $5,100 per person for a suite.

The concept for the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express train pays homage to the era of La Dolce Vita, a remarkable period in history, along with the artistic and cultural vibrancy of Italy in the 1960s, as stated in a press release. Dimorestudio envisioned a mid-century-inspired decor for the train's refurbished carriages—complete with vibrant terra-cotta hues, tongue-and-groove ceilings, and abundant brass accents. Dining on board La Dolce Vita trains will be a refined experience, featuring exclusive recipes from master Italian chefs using locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by award-winning Italian wines. Additionally, travelers will have access to a lounge and bar, along with entertainment, all celebrating the artistry, design, and creativity of the 1960s and 1970s, as noted in the release.

As passengers depart from the Rome Ostiense station in Italy, those on the La Dolce Vita journey will enjoy exclusive access to a private lounge and a calming pre-boarding atmosphere.

The trains will travel approximately 10,000 miles of railway, including 4,400 miles of historic, non-electrified tracks that navigate through lesser-known countryside regions. Passengers will be treated to breathtaking views of alpine mountains and sun-kissed southern beaches, as well as bustling cities like Venice and Rome. "We are excited to unveil a new chapter in travel with La Dolce Vita Orient Express. This venture captures the spirit of sophisticated exploration, blending elegance with adventure," stated Orient Express CEO Gilda Perez-Alvarado in a press release.

It is important to distinguish this service from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, currently operated by Belmond, a subsidiary of LVMH, which runs between London and Venice. La Dolce Vita Orient Express represents the latest evolution of the iconic train line.

How to reserve your spot on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express

Beginning April 2, 2024, travelers from the United States and Canada can call (833) 661-3080 to arrange their journey on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Online bookings will be available starting April 24, 2024, via the La Dolce Vita website.

This article was first published in December 2021 and was updated on March 19, 2024, to reflect the latest details.