More than 150 years ago, Georges Nagelmackers turned a dream into a reality when he launched the first luxury Orient Express train. Soon, Orient Express will head back on track to offer travelers an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most beloved countries: Italy.
Orient Express La Dolce Vita will welcome its first passengers in 2023. Six trains will embark through several iconic itineraries across 14 regions and beyond, including three international destinations from Rome to Paris, Istanbul and Split. A magical stopover in Rome will feature the very first Orient Express Hotel, Minerva, scheduled to open in 2024.
The concept for the new Orient Express La Dolce Vita trains pay tribute to “La Dolce Vita”, a historical period of glamour, joie de vivre and artistic fervour in Italy during the 1960s. With support from Accor, La Dolce Vita train’s official hospitality partner, and thanks to the partnership with Trenitalia and Fondazione FS Italiane, the journey invites passengers to travel through more than 16,000 km of workable railway lines – 7,000 km of which are not electrified and are vestiges of Italy’s storied history. The Orient Express La Dolce Vita offers a new way of experiencing the country: an environmentally-friendly adventure where forgotten roads are explored, hidden treasures discovered and where architectural triumphs take centre stage.
Designed by Dimorestudio, the global architectural and design studio founded by Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran in 2003, the Orient Express La Dolce Vita train embodies the Italian art of living and all its beautiful traditions with a more contemporary spirit of travel. The train’s sumptuous decor will adorn 12 Deluxe cabins, 18 Suites, and one Honour Suite and restaurant, all boldly celebrating the craftsmanship, design and creativity of the 1960s and 1970s.
In collaboration with renowned local and international chefs and sommeliers, travelers will experience 5-star service on board, savoring the beauty and excellence of “Made in Italy” through award-winning Italian wines and exclusive haute cuisine. Before departure at the Roma Termini station, the Orient Express executive loungewill welcome passengers offering them a selection of refreshments in a convivial and elegant space, complete with dedicated services and staff to assist them.
On-board services will include fine dining, entertainment and a lounge bar, trained staff dedicated to providing the highest standards of luxury, reserved routes, and offers created “ad hoc” with exclusive locations and additional options: including ground services and key contacts in the territory, plus an integrated supply chain on and near the rails.
Itineraries are designed to provide a highly emotional travel experience, appealing to all five senses. Most itineraries will be in Italy, where the Alps, bucolic hillside landscapes and paradise beaches of the South will take centre stage. In addition, three dedicated itineraries will connect Italy to Paris, Istanbul and Split, traveling across eight countries. This blend of different cultures is a part of a unique journey that will pass through beautiful and mysterious Venice to the romantic City of Lights and down to the ancient splendour of Split. Guests can spend between one and three nights in complete comfort in luxurious settings.
Discover the diverse landscapes, culture, arts, and history of Italy’s northern regions, from the Italian Lake district to the Dolomites, and the Veneto. A cozy and luxurious journey exploring the secret marvels of Venice, the enchanting region of Langhe, and the unique beauty of the court of the Gonzaga’s in Mantova. The route includes remarkable mountain landscapes along the Vie del Barbaresco and Alba, where in November travelers will experience the first truffles and wine of the season or the snowing peaks of the Alps in Cortina.
From Rome to the court of the Farnese family through the enchanted gardens of Ninfa and the romantic hills of Umbria. On the winding road up to Montalcino, the endless vineyards, olive orchards, and rolling hills dotted in red poppies will offer guests an immersion into beauty. Itineraries along the artistic treasures of Tuscany from Siena to Florence will invite travelers to experience a never-ending sense of awe and inspiration at every turn. The route climbs the “Bel Paese” to reach the Salento stretch along the Ionian coast, between the landscapes of baroque Lecce up to Matera and its signature stones. Dedicated itineraries will journey up to Campania to see the picturesque Naples, Pompei and Paestum.
