We previously wrote about the luxurious Orient Express travel in Italy in 2022 and again in 2023. Now, with new itineraries in place, we are thrilled to share more details about the 2025 offering for the La Dolce Vita Orient Express Train. The moment you enter the luxurious lounge at Ostiense Station in Rome, you’ll embrace the concept of slow travel and take in beautiful landscapes. Travelling through 14 Italian regions, the train offers eight exclusive itineraries designed for discerning international travellers. The train features 31 cabins, 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins, and the signature La Dolce Vita Suite. It is the result of a meticulous restoration and design process.
Composed initially of Z1 Italian model carriages, each carriage has been reimagined through a significant investment that tapped into the technical and artisanal excellence of Southern Italy, particularly in railway craftsmanship and design, with restoration work conducted between Brindisi and Palermo. This innovative project marks the development of Italy's first private luxury rail fleet, which will ultimately include six bespoke trains. The interiors, designed by Milan’s Dimorestudio, pay homage to the golden age of Italian design. They reflect geometric influences reminiscent of Gio Ponti, the sensual modernism of Gae Aulenti, and whispers of Osvaldo Borsani. The design encapsulates the spirit of mid-century glamour, celebrating La Dolce Vita and the cultural vibrancy of 1960s Italy. The train features mid-century design elements, such as a bar car with a diamond pattern reminiscent of Gio Ponti’s Arlecchino train, and hallways adorned with photos of iconic movie stars like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot.
The eight Dolce Vita Train itenaries
Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards - Rome Montalcino Rome: In search of the most beautiful hidden treasures in Italy, La Dolce Vita Orient Express beckons you to explore the renowned vineyards in the heart of picturesque Tuscany.
Venice and Portofino - Rome Venice Portofino Rome: A legendary voyage to uncover the wonders and secrets of Venice. Followed by an exploration of Portofino, a charming village on the Italian Riviera, before returning to Rome, the Eternal City.
Venice and Tuscany - Rome Venice Siena Rome: A grand expedition unveiling the marvels and mysteries of Venice, followed by an immersion in Siena, a Tuscan gem, before concluding in Rome, the Eternal City.
Eternal Stones of Matera - Rome Matera Pescocostanzo Rome: From Rome, set off to discover the splendors of Matera and its UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Truffle Route - Rome Nizza Monferrato Rome: From Rome to Monferrato, enjoy an array of the Italian wonders of Piedmont. And as a final touch, savor the exquisite truffles and fine wine.
Shores of Sicily - Catania Palermo Taormina Catania: From the palaces of Palermo to the treasures of Taormina, a Sicilian adventure that leads straight to the famed Mount Etna.
From Rome to Sicily - Rome Maratea Taormina Palermo: A coastal odyssey to Sicily’s shores, venturing through Maratea, the “City of 44 churches,” with its azure Mediterranean vistas and idyllic beaches.
From Sicily to Rome - A journey along the coast of Sicily. From Palermo to the wonders of Maratea, the sea, and spectacular beaches.
There are two accommodation options: deluxe cabins and suites, both for a maximum of two passengers. Deluxe cabins include a fold-out sofa bed, while suites offer a comfortable bed, a separate sofa, and a black lacquer table with chairs. Both have bathrooms with a toilet, sink, shower, and amenities like plush robes and slippers. Deluxe cabins have overhead luggage racks, while larger suitcases can be stored in the lounge.
The train’s cuisine is exceptional; catered by Heinz Beck, the chef of Rome’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, La Pergola. A typical five-course lunch may include dishes like panzanella with prawns and pumpkin gnocchi with mushrooms and black kale. In the morning, you can enjoy a continental breakfast in your suite, which includes a basket of bread and pastries, butter, jam, cheeses, smoked salmon, fresh fruit, orange juice, and a cappuccino. Alternatively, you can have breakfast in the dining car with à la carte options. Amid the refinement of fine linens and delicate China, you are treated to a homemade Italian breakfast inspired by the illustrious era of La Dolce Vita. Revel in a selection of freshly squeezed fruit juices, Sicilian brioche, artisanal jams, and aromatic Italian coffee. The Room service menu features a delightful array of savory Italian delicacies, including olives, fennel taralli, Italian cheese platters, and breadsticks.
The Orient Express transformed travel with its first journey in 1883, offering a luxurious way to traverse Europe. It became popular among the elite but was discontinued in 1977 due to the rise of air travel. Recently, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express made a comeback, and now a new venture combining Accor Group and LVMH with Arsenale is set to launch luxury trains, hotels, and yachts. The La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy's first luxury train, had its debut on April 4th with the "Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards" journey to Montalcino. This collaboration, supported by Fondazione FS Italiane and FS Treni Turistici Italiani, aims to redefine luxury rail travel by showcasing Italy's rich cultural and culinary heritage
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