La Dolce Vita Orient Express Makes Grand Premiere: A New Era of Luxury Train Travel
At Roma Ostiense station, an exceptional train, the ultimate symbol of Italian refinement, is unveiled during an inauguration ceremony, also marking a new era of travel.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the first luxury train entirely designed in Italy, makes its highly anticipated debut with a bold ambition: to reinvent the essence of travel. Eight carefully curated itineraries combine ancient culture, picturesque landscapes, and gastronomy by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck, celebrating Italian excellence in motion.
This extraordinary train was presented today at Roma Ostiense station in the exclusive La Dolce Vita Lounge reserved for its passengers, on the eve of its very first escapade, “Journey through the Tuscan vineyards”, which will take its passengers to the charming village of Montalcino from tomorrow, April 4.
The result of a shared vision and collaboration between Arsenale and Orient Express, with the support of Trenitalia, Fondazione FS, and Treni Turistici Italiani, this major project marks the rebirth of the railway as the ultimate embodiment of luxury. La Dolce Vita Orient Express thus opens a new chapter in the history of Italian tourism, offering its travelers a unique experience, imbued with elegance and Made in Italy know-how. It honors the cultural, natural, and gastronomic heritage of the peninsula by taking its passengers to discover Italy’s most iconic destinations.
The Routes
Crossing fourteen Italian regions, the train offers eight exclusive itineraries designed for a discerning international clientele. From the Venetian canals to the coves of Portofino, from the medieval charm of Siena to the radiant glow of Matera’s stone, from the vineyards of Montalcino to the truffle trails of Nizza Monferrato, each journey elegantly celebrates Italy’s rich heritage. Sicily unfolds through fascinating stops in Catania, Palermo, Taormina… each revealing a nuance of the island. True to the philosophy of slow travel, these itineraries invite a deep and refined immersion in local traditions, authentic flavors, and remarkable landscapes.
The Train
Featuring 31 cabins, including 18 suites, 12 Deluxe cabins, and the exceptional La Dolce Vita Suite, the train is the result of a meticulous restoration and design process. Originally Italian Z1 model carriages, each carriage has been redesigned thanks to a substantial investment mobilizing the technical and craftsmanship excellence of southern Italy. The work was carried out between Brindisi and Palermo. This innovative project marks the birth of Italy’s first private fleet of luxury trains, which will eventually comprise six trains.
Interior Design
The interiors, designed by Milan-based studio Dimorestudio, are inspired by the golden age of Italian design: geometric echoes of Gio Ponti, sensual modernism of Gae Aulenti, and subtleties of Osvaldo Borsani. The ensemble exudes the elegant glamour of the 1960s and pays vibrant homage to La Dolce Vita and the creative and artistic profusion of that era.
The On-Board Experience
Passengers board from the Orient Express Lounge, designed by architect-artist Hugo Toro, where period motifs and contemporary accents interact beneath a yellow lacquered ceiling. There, a gourmet aperitivo hints at the opulence to come. On board, Chef Heinz Beck’s cuisine is inspired by the regions traveled through. Each dish tells a story imbued with the soul of the local terroir. Exceptional service is a constant focus. Selected stops allow passengers to explore the cultural and historical riches of each region. The Dolce Vita Orient Express invites travelers to rediscover Italy slowly and elegantly.
” With La Dolce Vita Orient Express, we are introducing a new model to the global tourism landscape, spearheading an emerging trend: rail cruises, which are becoming increasingly important internationally. Thanks to the synergy between Italian excellence in the railway sector and manufacturing know-how, this project contributes to strengthening an integrated hospitality system, complementary to the cruise and hotel industries. The third pillar of tourism begins in Italy and is driven by an Italian company. I am convinced that this is essential for the revival of our Made in Italy products, particularly in the industrial and tourism sectors. Our commitment translates into a production that, to this day, represents an international benchmark, with the ambition of creating a tourist offering that goes beyond peak seasons and promotes alternative destinations. This is thanks to the exclusivity and comfort of one of the most efficient and sustainable modes of transport. The La Dolce Vita train can become a symbol of Italy’s commitment to enhancing its territories, supporting local entrepreneurship and strengthening national railway production, while contributing to a more integrated tourism system, “ said Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale.
Gilda Perez Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express , said : “ The launch of the Dolce Vita Orient Express marks a new chapter in the history of Italian rail travel, made possible by our partnership with the Arsenale Group. This unique experience invites guests to rediscover Italy in a new light, blending the glamour of the 1960s and 1970s with the country’s warm hospitality. The train’s design, by Dimorestudio, captures the essence of this legendary period. The journey begins in the Hugo Toro-designed La Dolce Vita Lounge at Ostiense Station, inviting them on an exceptional Italian adventure. On board, Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck’s gastronomy enhances the journey by celebrating the Italian landscapes, flavors and art of living. From the moment they arrive at the La Dolce Vita Lounge, guests are transported to a world where every detail celebrates the sights, flavors and culture of Italy – a total immersion by Orient.” Express ” .