Last week marked the inauguration of La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the first luxury train entirely designed and built in Italy.
The train premiered at Rome’s Ostiense Station on the eve of its inaugural journey on April 4th: the “Journey Through Tuscan Vineyards", with Montalcino as its destination.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express represents a new chapter in Italian tourism. It offers travellers an exclusive experience infused with the essence of Made in Italy, celebrating the country’s rich cultural, scenic, and culinary heritage.
The train will travel through 14 Italian regions across eight exclusive itineraries to attract a high-end international clientele. Iconic destinations range from Venice to Portofino, Siena to the Sassi of Matera, the vineyards of Montalcino to the truffle road leading to Nizza Monferrato, and the Sicilian stops of Catania, Palermo, and Taormina.
Each itinerary is crafted to promote a model of slow tourism—an immersive journey into local traditions and Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes.
The train, which comprises 31 cabins - including 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins, and the signature La Dolce Vita Suite - is the result of a meticulous restoration and redesign process. Once at the end of their lifecycle, original carriages were brought back to life through significant investment involving industrial excellence from Southern Italy, which specialized in railcar manufacturing and design. Work was done between CPL in Brindisi (home to Arsenale’s railway workshops) and Omer in Carini (Palermo).
This advanced engineering and design effort has led to the creation of the world’s first and largest private luxury rail fleet, which, at whole operation, will include six trains running exclusively within Italy.
The interiors, curated by DIMORESTUDIO, reinterpret the romance of train travel through a contemporary lens, paying tribute to La Dolce Vita and the eclectic artistic energy of 1960s Italy. Refined materials and artisanal craftsmanship reference the golden era of Italian design, honouring icons such as Gio Ponti, Nanda Vigo, Gae Aulenti, and Osvaldo Borsani. The result is a space where history and modernity meet, turning every journey into a timeless, immersive experience.
The onboard experience stands out for its exceptional level of service, beginning right at the revamped Rome Ostiense station, now positioned as a key hub for luxury tourism.
During the trip, guests will enjoy exclusive menus crafted by Michelin three-star chef Heinz Beck. The culinary offerings are inspired by the route’s destinations, allowing guests to explore the regions through panoramic views, local flavours, and fine wines. It’s a journey where the essence lies not in the departure or arrival but in the continuous discovery of Italy in all its splendour.
Carefully selected stopovers will also allow passengers to delve into each territory's cultural and historical uniqueness, including lesser-known gems. This aligns with Europe’s ongoing commitment to counter over-tourism, helping to promote a more sustainable and enriching travel model.
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Press release and photos courtesy of Orient Express
Photos ©La Dolce Vita Orient Express 2025, Photo Credits Mr.Tripper
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