Is This the Most Glamorous Way to Travel Through Italy?

The revival of the Orient Express brand has introduced a distinctly Italian chapter in luxury rail travel with the launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express in 2025. Departing from Rome’s Ostiense station, this train offers a sumptuous journey through some of Italy’s most iconic landscapes, promising an immersive experience that combines heritage, design, and gastronomy.

Originally famous for connecting Paris to Istanbul since 1883, the Orient Express has evolved beyond its classic route to emphasize an unparalleled onboard experience. The Italian iteration embraces a mid-century aesthetic inspired by renowned designers Gio Ponti and Gae Aulenti, reimagining the 1970s carriages with rich materials and vibrant décor. Passengers find themselves welcomed by private butlers and suites that blend comfort with retro glamour, including features like full-sized beds and luxe leather furnishings.

As the train departs Rome, travelers are treated to the gradual transition from urban vistas to coastal scenes dotted with small beaches and Mediterranean flora. The onboard ambience reflects a celebration of Italian culture, where live piano music and curated jazz soundtracks enhance the leisurely pace of the journey.

Central to La Dolce Vita’s appeal is its culinary offering, curated by Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. Dining aboard is an event in itself, with multi-course menus paired expertly with Italian wines. The dining and bar cars serve as social hubs where passengers engage amidst elegant décor, savoring regional specialties amid the backdrop of Italy’s rolling hills and seaside towns.

Beyond the rails, the itinerary incorporates carefully selected excursions that deepen the connection to Italian heritage. One highlight is a stop in the Brunello-producing vineyards of Montalcino. Guests can join intimate tours of estates like Tenuta Pian delle Vigne, owned by the Antinori family, followed by tastings of prized wines accompanied by local cheeses and meats. These shore visits are designed to complement the train’s luxury, providing an authentic yet curated taste of Italy’s famed wine country.

The journey also emphasizes theatricality and conviviality, with live musical performances and vibrant social gatherings unfolding after dinner. This spirited atmosphere contrasts sharply with the minimalist trends prevalent in contemporary travel, positioning La Dolce Vita as a maximalist celebration of indulgence and escapism.

In a broader context, La Dolce Vita aligns with a growing niche of luxury sleeper trains worldwide, each offering unique regional interpretations. Recent launches include the Britannic Explorer in the UK, showcasing British botanical elegance and wellness-focused amenities, and Australia’s The Ghan, famed for traversing rugged outback landscapes. Meanwhile, Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer caters to travelers seeking panoramic mountain views with off-board hotel stays.

La Dolce Vita’s distinctiveness lies in its fusion of design, gastronomy, and cultural engagement, presenting Italy not merely as a destination but as a vivid narrative experienced through every detail of the journey. This approach redefines train travel as a mobile stage for storytelling and sensory indulgence.

While details on all route variations remain limited, the current offerings focus primarily on two- and three-night loops from Rome, touching iconic locales like Venice, Portofino, Matera, and Sicily via a train-ferry crossing. Each itinerary is tailored to highlight different facets of Italian heritage and landscape, making the journey as varied as it is lavish.

In essence, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express embodies a revival of classic luxury rail travel infused with contemporary Italian flair. It invites passengers to step into a crafted world of elegance and pleasure, where the journey itself becomes an immersive exploration of Italy’s cultural richness and scenic beauty.