La Dolce Vita Orient Express To Connect Rome And Istanbul: Route, Pricing, And Everything To Know

More than 140 years after the original Orient Express became one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys, a new luxury route will revive the romance of travelling between Europe and the East. The La Dolce Vita Orient Express will launch a five-day, four-night journey from Rome to Istanbul in October 2026, offering travellers a lavish rail experience with Michelin-starred dining, elegant interiors and stops in some of Europe’s most celebrated destinations.

Rome To Istanbul: A Five-Day Luxury Rail Journey

The inaugural journey departs from Rome’s Ostiense Station on 22 October 2026. Before boarding, passengers will be welcomed at the private Orient Express Lounge to enjoy aperitivo-style dining, sparkling wine and live Italian music.

The train is designed to reflect the glamour of 1960s Italy. Created by Milan-based Dimorestudio, the interiors feature vintage-inspired décor, rich textures and bold colours. Accommodating just 62 passengers, the train offers an intimate atmosphere with deluxe cabins, suites, and the exclusive La Dolce Vita Suite.

After departing Rome in the evening, guests will settle in for their first night onboard and enjoy a gourmet dinner curated by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck while the Italian countryside rolls past the windows.

Venice, Budapest, And Romania Feature Along The Route

The first stop is Venice. Passengers will be transferred to the city centre by water taxi and can spend the day exploring the canals, historic palaces, and winding streets of the Floating City. Curated experiences, including private lagoon tours and themed city explorations, will be available before guests return to the train that evening.

On day three, the train arrives in Budapest, often called the "Pearl of the Danube." Travellers can discover the Hungarian capital at their own pace, exploring its grand architecture, historic landmarks and vibrant riverside atmosphere. Lunch and optional cultural experiences are part of the stop before the journey continues eastward.

The following day, the train crosses the scenic Carpathian Mountains and enters Romania. Here, passengers will visit the medieval city of Brașov and the mountain town of Sinaia, both known for their historic charm and picturesque landscapes. This stretch of the route highlights a slower side of European travel, with dramatic mountain views and lesser-explored destinations.

Michelin-Starred Dining And Italian Glamour Onboard

Dining is one of the centrepieces of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express experience. Throughout the journey, passengers will enjoy menus created by Heinz Beck, the acclaimed chef behind Rome’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant La Pergola.

Meals will showcase regional ingredients inspired by destinations along the route, while evenings onboard feature live music, aperitifs and fine wines. The experience is designed to evoke the golden age of luxury rail travel, where the journey is as important as the destination.

Each night, guests can retire to cabins inspired by classic Italian design, blending vintage aesthetics with modern comforts. The train’s limited capacity ensures a more personalised and exclusive experience than conventional rail services.

Tickets And Pricing Details

The journey concludes on the fifth day in Istanbul, the historic eastern terminus of the original Orient Express route. Upon arrival, travellers can explore the city's famous mosques, bazaars, palaces and bustling streets, continuing a tradition that has fascinated travellers since the late nineteenth century.

Tickets for the Rome-to-Istanbul journey start at EUR 20,000 (approximately INR 22.3 lakh) per person, making it one of the most exclusive rail experiences available.

The launch is part of a broader revival of the Orient Express brand. Alongside La Dolce Vita Orient Express, plans are underway to bring back the historic Orient Express in 2027. The company has also announced luxury hotels in Rome and Venice, as well as the future debut of the Orient Express Corinthian yacht.

As luxury rail travel continues to gain popularity worldwide, the new Rome-to-Istanbul route is expected to bring together heritage, fine dining and slow travel into a modern interpretation of one of history’s most legendary journeys.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

1. When will the Rome-to-Istanbul La Dolce Vita Orient Express launch?

The inaugural Rome-to-Istanbul journey is scheduled to depart from Rome’s Ostiense Station on 22 October 2026, marking the debut of one of Europe’s most anticipated luxury rail experiences.

2. How long is the journey?

The itinerary spans five days and four nights, allowing passengers to enjoy both the onboard experience and curated excursions in several iconic European destinations.

3. Which destinations are included on the route?

The journey begins in Rome and travels through Venice, Budapest, Brașov, and Sinaia before arriving in Istanbul, combining famous cities with scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks.

4. How much do tickets cost?

Fares start from €20,000 per person (approximately INR 22.3 lakh) and include accommodation, gourmet dining, onboard entertainment, and selected excursions.

5. Who is responsible for the onboard dining experience?

The culinary programme has been created by Heinz Beck, the acclaimed chef behind Rome’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant La Pergola, with menus inspired by the regions along the route.

6. How many passengers can the train accommodate?

The train accommodates just 62 guests, ensuring an intimate atmosphere, highly personalised service, and a more exclusive travel experience.