The world of luxury train travel continues to grow, driven by a passion for slow travel, nostalgia, and an appreciation for lavish interiors reminiscent of the golden age of rail journeys, like Belmond’s Royal Scotsman Train. The upcoming Orient Express La Dolce Vita exemplifies this trend. Set to debut later this year, this new “vintage-style” train will offer one- and two-night journeys across Italy, promising an unparalleled travel experience.
This project is a collaboration between the French hotel group Accor and the Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale S.P.A. They have teamed up with Trenitalia – Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato – and the Fondazione FS Italiane to bring this exquisite train to life. It’s important to note that this Orient Express differs from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which is owned by Belmond and operates a route from London to Venice.
Inspired by “La Dolce Vita” – a term encapsulating the sweet life and the iconic Italian style of the 1960s – the train’s design pays homage to Italy’s rich cultural heritage. The architecture and design studio Dimorestudio, led by Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran, drew on the work of 20th-century Italian design icons such as Giò Ponti, Nanda Vigo, Gae Aulenti, and Osvaldo Borsani to create a space that is both luxurious and nostalgic.
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita will feature 11 carriages, accommodating just 62 guests. The train will include 12 deluxe wood-paneled cabins, 18 master suites, and a single, exclusive “La Dolce Vita” suite. Each cabin will offer double beds, a sofa, armchairs, and a private bathroom, with room service available around the clock. Dining options are equally impressive, with a restaurant car serving lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea, and a Bar Car offering live music, an aperitivo and antipasti buffet, after-dinner cocktails, and a selection of fine Italian wines.
The train’s itineraries have been meticulously curated to showcase Italy’s diverse landscapes, from the majestic Alps in the north to the sun-kissed southern coastline. Departing primarily from Rome, the journeys will cover destinations like Milan, Florence, Venice, and Sicily, with the unique opportunity to travel via the world’s only passenger rail ferry.
Rome will serve as the central hub for many of these journeys, with the Orient Express La Dolce Vita Lounge at Rome Ostiense station providing a luxurious starting point. This fully staffed lounge will offer passengers refreshments, baggage services, and personalized travel preferences, along with changing rooms and showers for freshening up before departure.
Two-night journeys will include routes such as Rome-Venice-Portofino, Rome-Venice-Siena, and Palermo-Agrigento-Taormina, offering travelers a taste of Italy’s most iconic cities and landscapes. One-night journeys, like Rome-Montalcino and Rome-Maratea-Palermo, promise equally captivating experiences. For those looking to extend their adventure, the Orient Express will also debut its first hotels in 2024, with properties in Rome and Venice.
Looking ahead to 2025, La Dolce Vita plans to expand its reach with international routes to Paris, Istanbul, and Split on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast. This will allow travelers to explore even more of Europe’s most enchanting destinations in unparalleled style.
Reservations are already open, with fares starting at $2,700 per person per night in a deluxe cabin and $4,000 per night in a suite. These rates include accommodation, meals, selected wines and spirits, onboard entertainment, excursions, and taxes. For those interested in more premium experiences, there are additional options available at an extra charge.
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita promises to be more than just a train journey. It is a return to the elegance and romance of travel from a bygone era, offering an experience that is as luxurious as it is unforgettable.
