Bookings for the eight new itineraries have just opened.
Get ready to live the good life on a locomotive in Italy next year. Orient Express is rolling out its new La Dolce Vita train in the boot-shaped country in the spring of 2025. The new service, developed by Arsenale, Orient Express, and Trenitalia, will allow travelers to explore some of the most beautiful parts of Italy in the lap of luxury.
“La Dolce Vita Orient Express is set to offer an inimitable take on luxury rail travel, reigniting a bygone era through a contemporary lens, Italian style,” newly appointed general manager Samy Ghachem said in a statement.
La Dolce Vita will offer eight scenic itineraries across the European nation. The all-inclusive roundtrips depart from Rome before journeying to desirable destinations, such as Venice, Matera, Tuscany, Piedmont, Portofino, Abruzzo, and Sicily. The new routes collectively cover over 9,941 miles of track, running through 14 regions and 131 cities.
Guests will have the chance to embark on curated excursions to stunning natural wonders, vibrant city centers, and other memorable locations. One adventure stops in Matera, the third oldest city in the world, allowing guests to see ancient architecture and incredible caves first-hand. Another itinerary spotlights the breathtaking mountainous village of Palena. One other journey will see La Dolce Vita float to Sicily. The train will be decoupled at Calabria and loaded onto the world’s first passenger rail ferry for a trip to the island. It will then be reassembled and continue on the tracks in Messina.
Labeled “Italy’s first luxury train,” La Dolce Vita pairs old-world Italian glamour with the finest modern amenities. The sumptuous interior is an ode to the craftsmanship of the 1960s and ‘70s. The 12 carriages host no more than 62 passengers at a time, creating a truly intimate travel experience. Accommodation includes 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, and one, suitably flashy La Dolce Vita Suite.
The train has gourmands covered, too. Michelin three-star chef Heinz Beck will oversee all the cuisine onboard, while Vinitaly will carefully pick the wines for each journey. The respective menus will, of course, showcase the best Italy has to offer. You’ll live the good life, indeed.
Guests can book one of the eight itineraries by visiting the Orient Express website or contacting their travel agent. Pricing will change depending on travel preferences and departure date, but a one-night itinerary starts at €3,500 per person for a deluxe cabin or about €4,700 per person for a suite.
