From Design Icons to Michelin Menus: The La Dolce Vita Orient Express Experience

Italy has introduced its first private luxury train service, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, blending vintage aesthetics with modern luxury. The inaugural journey, “Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards,” took passengers to Montalcino, showcasing the country’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.

The train marks the beginning of a planned fleet of six luxury trains aimed at promoting slow travel. This approach encourages passengers to engage deeply with Italy’s local traditions, flavours, and landscapes, offering an immersive experience of the nation’s iconic destinations beyond the usual tourist routes.

The La Dolce Vita Orient Express draws inspiration from the original Orient Express, launched 150 years ago by Georges Nagelmackers. It revives the timeless charm and elegance associated with luxury train travel across Europe.

The La Dolce Vita Orient Express Train: A Journey Through Italy’s Heartlands

Winding its way through 14 of Italy’s regions, La Dolce Vita Orient Express presents eight carefully crafted itineraries offering a glimpse into the country's cultural and natural tapestry — from the shimmering canals of Venice to the sun-kissed coves of Portofino, the medieval streets of Siena to the ancient stone splendour of Matera.

Vineyards in Montalcino and the fragrant truffle trails of Nizza Monferrato add a gastronomic dimension, while Sicily unfolds in a series of evocative stages — Catania, Palermo, Taormina — each revealing a unique facet of the island’s enduring charm.

Inside The La Dolce Vita Orient Express Train

La Dolce Vita Orient Express comprises 31 cabins — including 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins and the opulent signature La Dolce Vita Suite. The train’s carriages, originally Z1 Italian models, have been restored. This meticulous process drew on technical and artisanal skills from Southern Italy, known for its excellence in railway craftsmanship.

Step aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express and you enter a world of mid-century Italian design. The interiors, crafted by Milan’s Dimorestudio, pay tribute to icons like Gio Ponti, Gae Aulenti, and Osvaldo Borsani, capturing the glamour and spirit of 1960s Italy.

The journey begins in the Orient Express Lounge, designed by artist-architect Hugo Toro, where contemporary style meets vintage charm beneath a striking lacquered tangerine ceiling. Here, an aperitivo offers a taste of the luxury to come. Onboard, three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck creates menus inspired by the regions the train passes through, blending local flavours with refined technique.

Combined with impeccable service and carefully chosen stops, the experience invites travellers to rediscover Italy at a thoughtful, elegant pace.

The Information

Destinations

The train offers a variety of one to three-night itineraries, primarily within Italy. Sample routes include Rome to Venice and Portofino, Rome to Tuscany and Siena, and tours of Sicily, Matera, or the truffle-producing region of Piedmont. Some international routes, connecting Rome to Paris, Istanbul, and Split, are planned for 2025.

Duration

Journeys typically last 1 or 2 nights.

Boarding

Departures are often from Rome, where an exclusive Orient Express Lounge at Roma Ostiense station provides a comfortable check-in experience.

What To Know Before You Go

Attire: Smart daywear is appropriate for daytime travel, and casual, comfortable clothing is best for excursions.

Baggage: It is recommended to travel with one carry-on bag, as storage space in cabins is limited. Additional checked luggage is stored at the station.

Smoking: Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is not permitted on board.

Children and pets: No one under 12 is permitted on board. Guests between 12 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not allowed due to limited space.

Special needs: One suite is designed for guests with mobility limitations. Corridors in the rest of the train are narrow.

Booking And Policies

Pricing: The starting price varies depending on the itinerary, length of journey, and cabin type. One-night journeys can begin around €4,160 per person, while two-night journeys start higher, though prices are subject to change.

Reservations: Bookings can be made through the Orient Express website or by contacting the reservation desk directly by phone.

Payments: Onboard purchases, such as premium beverages, can be charged to your cabin and paid for at check-out in euros (cash or card).

Cancellation policy: There is a strict cancellation policy that may result in forfeiture of a percentage or the full amount of your fare. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

FAQs

Q1. What is La Dolce Vita Orient Express?

It’s a luxury train experience in Italy inspired by 1960s design, combining mid-century interiors with curated stops and Michelin-starred dining.

Q2. Who designed the train interiors?

The interiors were designed by Milan’s Dimorestudio, showcasing mid-century Italian elegance.

Q3. What dining experiences are available onboard?

Guests can enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine prepared with local Italian ingredients.

Q4. Which regions does the train cover?

The train offers curated stops across Italy’s cultural heartlands, combining leisure travel with immersive local experiences.

Q5. Is it suitable for design and culinary enthusiasts?

Yes, the train is ideal for travellers interested in Italian design, gastronomy, and cultural exploration.