The Orient Express is returning to Italy, and the project comes with concrete names: the "La Dolce Vita Orient Express" is being developed by the Italian company Arsenale S.p.A. in cooperation with the luxury brand Accor. After several years of development, the train welcomed its first passengers in April 2025 and has been gradually expanding its offerings ever since.
The luxury train through Italy has long since moved beyond the concept stage. What is taking shape is a growing network of exclusive rail journeys covering large parts of the country, deliberately presenting Italy as a coherent experiential space . The emphasis is not on speed but on the journey itself, with landscape, culture, and atmosphere as central elements. The "La Dolce Vita Orient Express" welcomed its first passengers on April 4, 2025. In 2026, the service continues; night journeys through December 2026 are currently being promoted.
Luxury Train Italy: Routes Through 14 Regions
The project is clearly defined in its scope. A total of six trains, each with eleven wagons, are planned to travel through 14 Italian regions and more than 130 cities. Capacity per train is deliberately limited: around 60 guests travel simultaneously in an exclusive setting with various cabin categories, including Deluxe cabins, Suites, and a specially appointed Honor Suite. The routes are designed to connect different parts of Italy, incorporating both well-known destinations and lesser-explored regions. The luxury train through Italy is thus intended not only to cover classic travel destinations but also to open up new perspectives on the country.
A look inside the dining car of the "La Dolce Vita Orient Express," where Italian cuisine and service concept are an integral part of the travel experience.
Connections from Roma, Venezia, and Palermo
The main departure points are several cities, most notably Roma, but also Venezia and Palermo. From these hubs, various routes fan out across the entire country, with some including international segments. Planned, and in part already in operation, are connections from Italy to European metropolises such as Paris, Istanbul, and Split. These routes draw on the historic idea of the Orient Express, linking Italy with other cultural centers of Europe.
The routing is designed to capture as many facets of Italy as possible. This includes alpine regions in the north, cultural landscapes in central Italy, and coastal and island regions in the south. Routes pass through areas around cities such as Venezia, Firenze, Siena, Napoli and Palermo, among others. Depending on the route, journeys typically last one to several nights. The result is an experience that is not reduced to individual stops but is conceived as a flowing movement through diverse landscapes and regions.
Amenities: A Luxury Train With Limited Capacity
The trains are designed for a discerning clientele and feature a clearly structured spatial concept. In addition to the cabins, dining areas, lounge zones, and service spaces are available, making time on board a central part of the journey.
The interior design draws on the aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s, combining classic elements with contemporary expectations. The overall vision merges Italian design with modern comfort.
Exterior view of the "La Dolce Vita Orient Express," which has been traveling select routes through Italy since 2025.
Slow Travel and the Use of Existing Rail Lines
A key component of the concept is the idea of unhurried travel. The focus is not on speed but on a conscious appreciation of the route and its surroundings. In this way, the luxury train through Italy becomes part of a broader trend toward more sustainable and immersive travel.
Existing rail lines are also utilized, including sections that have previously received little attention from the tourism sector. The goal is to open up new territories while making meaningful use of existing infrastructure.
Culinary Experience and Service as Part of the Journey
The concept on board is equally well defined. A high-caliber gastronomic offering is planned, placing Italian cuisine and regional products at the center. This is complemented by service aligned with classic luxury standards .
In this way, time aboard the train itself becomes an essential part of the journey. The luxury train through Italy brings together routes, design, and service into a comprehensive offering where the journey, not just the destination, takes center stage.
Being Part of the "Grand Tour" for 16,000 Euros
The so-called "Grand Tour" is among the most exclusive offerings of the "La Dolce Vita Orient Express" and is conceived as a five-day round trip. The journey begins and ends in Roma, connecting stops such as Venezia, Matera, Taormina, and Palermo. In terms of pricing, this route is positioned well above the shorter journeys: while one- or two-day trips start at around 3,000 to 6,000 euros per person, the "Grand Tour" sits firmly in the absolute premium segment at around 16,000 euros or more per person.
