Rome In Italy Celebrates A New Era Of Luxury Rail Travel With The La Dolce Vita Orient Express Offering Opulent Cabins And Exquisite Regional Itineraries

Rome in Italy welcomes the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a luxurious mid-century train offering elegant cabins, Michelin-starred cuisine, and scenic regional journeys.

At Rome’s Ostiense Station, a new chapter of luxury travel unfolded as the La Dolce Vita Orient Express made its grand debut. This high-end train—steeped in mid-century Italian elegance—was unveiled in a chic setting: the La Dolce Vita Lounge, a dedicated space crafted by artist-architect Hugo Toro. Beneath its striking tangerine lacquered ceiling, guests were treated to a first glimpse of the train’s opulent style.

Italy’s first private luxury rail fleet, this venture stems from a partnership between Arsenale and Orient Express, supported by Fondazione FS Italiane and FS Treni Turistici Italiani. The first trip, scheduled for April 4, will take travelers to Montalcino along a route aptly named “Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards.”

Renowned design firm Dimorestudio transformed vintage Z1 railway carriages into stunning mobile showcases of 1960s Italian design. The interiors celebrate icons such as Gio Ponti, Gae Aulenti, and Osvaldo Borsani, capturing the essence of Italy’s glamorous mid-century era. The train offers 31 lavish accommodations—18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins, and the flagship La Dolce Vita Suite—and will traverse 14 Italian regions through eight curated itineraries, from Venice’s waterways to Sicily’s sun-drenched vistas. Each journey invites travelers to slow down and fully immerse themselves in Italy’s cultural riches.

Deluxe cabins feature soothing color palettes, mirrored accents, and elegant wooden slat ceilings. Each cabin includes a private ensuite bathroom—a rare luxury on overnight trains. By day, sofas provide comfortable seating, and by night, they convert into cozy double beds. With in-cabin tablets, guests can order Italian treats like fennel-flavored taralli, artisanal cheeses, and more.

Culinary excellence is at the heart of this experience, led by three-star Michelin chef Heinz Beck. The dining journey begins with a “Grand Tour of Italy” breakfast—freshly squeezed juices, Sicilian brioche, and aromatic coffee—and culminates in evening transformations: dimmed lighting, live piano performances, and sommelier-curated cocktails and wines. In the warm, sophisticated Lounge Bar, guests can partake in the beloved Italian aperitivo tradition, savoring antipasti buffets, perfectly mixed drinks, and fine wines.

This ambitious project will eventually include six trains running 600 annual trips, supported by a €240 million investment and built in workshops from Brindisi to Palermo. With starting rates of €3,500 per night, the experience has already captured global interest—nearly half of pre-bookings are from U.S. travelers.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express promises a unique fusion of mid-century glamour, world-class cuisine, and carefully curated cultural experiences. For travelers ready to embrace a slower pace and rediscover the art of the journey, the train’s official website awaits reservations.