Italy Unveils Luxurious La Dolce Vita Orient Express Train

Italy’s eagerly awaited La Dolce Vita Orient Express train will begin its journeys in the spring of 2025. This travel experience aims to elevate rail travel with a distinctively Italian flair, offering a range of one-to-two-night itineraries that traverse the country from north to south.

The La Dolce Vita Orient Express train features 12 carriages, including 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, and one exclusive La Dolce Vita Suite, accommodating a maximum of 62 passengers per journey. The train will cover 16,000 km of track, including 7,000 km of non-electrified railway, across 14 regions and 131 cities in Italy.

The launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express represents a collaborative effort between Italian hospitality group Arsenale S.p.A., Orient Express, Trenitalia-Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato, Fondazione FS, and Treni Turistici Italiani TTI. This venture promises to redefine the concept of rail travel by merging the elegance of the 1960s and 1970s La Dolce Vita era with modern comforts.

Each journey aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express will begin at the newly established Executive Lounge at Roma Ostiense station. Designed by the renowned Italian Dimorestudio, the train’s interiors pay homage to Italy's rich design heritage, drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Carlo Scarpa and Gio Ponti. The train’s aesthetic is a seamless blend of historical and contemporary elements, celebrating both the past and the present in a luxurious setting.

A key highlight of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express experience will be the culinary offerings curated by the esteemed three Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. Travelers can expect a gourmet dining experience that reflects the diverse culinary traditions of Italy. The wine list, curated in collaboration with Vinitaly, will feature a selection of exquisite wines from across the country, showcasing both prominent labels and lesser-known gems.

One of the most unique aspects of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express routes is the access to previously hard-to-reach destinations, such as the ancient city of Matera in Basilicata and the picturesque mountain village of Palena in Abruzzo. Additionally, one itinerary includes a journey on the world’s first passenger rail ferry to Sicily, providing a seamless transition from land to sea and back again.