Slowly, slowly Italy with the Orient Express
La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the first Italian-made luxury train, aims to revive the glamour of the classic version and the romanticised notion of Italy’s dolce vita, or “sweet life,” while promoting slow tourism.
Orient Express is a magical way to visit Italy slowly. It is a dream tourism experience that combines design with three Michelin-starred cuisine. The comfort and the possibility of living a unique experience in an atmosphere of timeless elegance, recalling the golden age of rail travel; The original carriages from the 60s were recovered in the Arsenale shipyards of Brindisi and transformed by Dimorestudio: trips departing from Rome; a slow and sustainable tourism, capable of valorising the Italian territories paying homage to the Dolce Vita of the 60s; from 4,500 euros per night.
The itinerary is one of eight covering 14 Italian regions, from Veneto and Liguria in the north to Basilicata and Sicily in the south. On Friday afternoon, passengers travelled along the coast, passing the seaside towns of Santa Severa and Santa Marinella before gliding through the countryside of Tuscany, where by early evening they could sip locally made Brunello wine as part of the aperitivo. As an option, they could disembark and be taken to the hilltop town of Montalcino before returning to the Dolce Vita for their evening meal and entertainment. The train, which also passes through Florence and Pisa, completes its loop back to Rome on Saturday morning.
The journey begins even before boarding in Roma Ostiense’s exclusive lounge. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, with live music, a cocktail bar, luggage service, and even showers for those arriving directly from planes or trains. The staff takes care of the check-in and reception procedures, leaving guests only the task of getting ready to board the train.
Officially inaugurated on April 3, 2025, this Made in Italy luxury train is a tribute to the beauty and culture of the Bel Paese, built around the elegance of designer interiors and an aesthetic that combines vintage and modernity. Inspired by the great design names such as Giò Ponti, Gae Aulenti and Nanda Vigo, each environment blends comfort, refinement and a retro atmosphere, transporting passengers to a suspended time, made of discreet luxury and attention to detail. The original carriages from the 1960s were recovered from the Arsenale shipyards in Brindisi and transformed by Dimorestudio into contemporary spaces that pay homage to the Italian design of masters such as Gio Ponti and Carlo Scarpa. Wood, velvet, mirrored surfaces and warm colours such as terracotta dominate the interiors. The train has nine carriages, destined to become 16 in the next three years. Each convoy will offer 30 cabins (12 Deluxe and 18 Suites) to accommodate 60 travellers upon completion. All cabins, including the Deluxe ones, have a private bathroom, a rarity in luxury trains.
Even the onboard cuisine tells the story of an authentic and refined Italy. The gastronomic experience is signed by chef Heinz Beck, with three Michelin stars at La Pergola in Rome. The different menus for each itinerary enhance local and seasonal products: each dish and wine pairing tells the story of the territory crossed. Lunches and dinners take place strictly while the train moves in the restaurant car with sage walls and an intimate atmosphere.
After dinner, the bar car comes alive with live music. The notes of the baby grand piano, accompanied by a saxophonist and a soulful voice, envelop the guests, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The Italian aperitif blends with the rhythm of the journey: an opportunity to sip a drink, chat, and meet other travellers from every corner of the world.
14 Italian regions
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express itineraries are designed to tell the story of Italy through its most iconic landscapes. Traversing 14 Italian regions, the train offers eight exclusive itineraries for discerning international travellers. From the canals of Venice to the coves of Portofino, the medieval charm of Siena to the sun-drenched stones of Matera and from Montalcino’s famed vineyards to the truffle paths of Nizza Monferrato, each journey is a celebration of Italy’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Sicily reveals itself in stages – Catania, Palermo, Taormina… each capturing a different hue of the island’s timeless allure. Thoughtfully designed to embrace the philosophy of slow travel, these routes invite guests to connect deeply with local traditions, flavours and landscapes.
Born of a visionary collaboration between Arsenale and Orient Express and supported by Fondazione FS Italiane and FS Treni Turistici Italiani of the FS Group, this pivotal project signals rail renaissance as the ultimate luxury. La Dolce Vita Orient Express marks a new era in the Italian tourism landscape, offering travellers an exclusive experience that fully embraces the essence of Made in Italy. It celebrates the country’s cultural, scenic and gastronomic heritage, guiding guests on a unique journey through Italy’s most emblematic destinations.