Guests aboard the Orient Express La Dolce Vita train will traverse the length and breadth of Italy immersed in the retro glamour of the 1960s. Olivia Palamountain reports
One of the world’s most iconic rail experiences is being reimagined for a new generation of train travel in Italy, with services anticipated to begin in spring 2025.
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita (part of hotel group Accor) will begin taking reservations soon (April 2024 was tipped but they still don’t seem to have opened), ushering in an era of luxury slow and sustainable travel through the famed landscapes and cultural capitals of the Italian peninsula.
Attendees of the 2024 DUCO Travel Summit in Milan enjoyed an exclusive first look at the vintage-inspired train cabins and amenities, with an impressive 400 cabins already been pre-booked following an initial sales period late last year. 
Developed in partnership with Italian hospitality group Arsenale along with support from Trenitalia and the Fondazione FS, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express promises an immersive celebration of classic Italian style, cuisine and joie de vivre reminiscent of the country’s glamorous 1960s era.
The train covers a choice of nine one- and two-night itineraries riding through the breathtaking scenery of Italy’s distinct regions. Routes range from travels through Sicily and the sun-soaked Italian south to Monferrat, Tuscany and coast-to-coast journeys from Venice to Portofino and from Palermo to Rome.
Guests will wine and dine in quintessential Italian fashion with menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs and sommeliers featuring the finest local delicacies and vintages.
On board, 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, a La Dolce Vita suite and a restaurant, lounge and bar will conjure the art, design, and creativity of the 1960s and 1970s, promising a level of sophistication and indulgence befitting the Orient Express legacy.
Pricing is tailored to travel preferences and departure date. Starting prices referring to a one-night itinerary are €3,500 per person in a deluxe cabin and €4,700 per person in a suite.
A private lounge at Rome Ostiense station will provide a taste of the experience before departure, setting the tone to prepare travellers for their adventure to come.
With its first journeys embarking in spring 2025, the “La Dolce Vita” Orient Express experience celebrates the rich cultural legacy, striking landscapes and zest for living that has made Italy one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations for generations.