Review: The Orient Express La Dolce Vita
The world of luxury rail travel is about to witness a dramatic shift. While the historic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express by Belmond has long held the crown for Art Deco elegance, a new contender is arriving on the tracks. The Orient Express La Dolce Vita represents a bold departure from 1920s nostalgia, instead embracing the groovy, glamorous aesthetic of 1960s and 1970s Italy. With reservations now open for departures starting in spring 2025, travelers are getting their first look at this rolling masterpiece.
A New Era of Italian Design
The most striking aspect of the La Dolce Vita train is its interior design. Unlike the dark woods and intricate marquetry of traditional luxury trains, this vessel is a celebration of mid-century modern style. The project is led by Dimorestudio, the Milan-based architecture and design firm founded by Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci.
They have moved away from the museum-like atmosphere of older trains to create a space that feels like a high-end Milanese apartment from the golden age of Italian cinema.
The Aesthetic Details
When you step aboard, do not expect Agatha Christie. Expect Federico Fellini. The design language features:
- Bold Geometrics: Carpets and fabrics feature strong geometric patterns typical of the 1970s.
- Material Mix: The cabins and public spaces utilize a mix of brass, lacquered wood, and smoked mirror surfaces.
- Color Palette: The tones are warm and earthy, featuring terracotta, burnt orange, and deep purples, contrasted with cool silvers and chrome.
The train consists of 11 cars in total. These carriages are not brand new builds but are actually refurbished vintage railcars from the 1920s to 1940s, specifically the old “Treno Azzurro” carriages. However, the interiors have been gutted and reimagined to meet modern standards of luxury and technology.
Accommodations: Suites and Cabins
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita is exclusive by design. It accommodates a maximum of only 62 passengers, ensuring an intimate atmosphere and attentive service. The train offers three distinct categories of accommodations.
1. The Deluxe Cabins
There are 12 Deluxe Cabins available. These serve as the entry-level option but sacrifice nothing in terms of style. They feature sofa seating that transforms into a double bed at night. The use of space is clever, incorporating fold-out tables and leather accents. Every cabin has its own private bathroom with a shower, a significant upgrade from many heritage trains that still rely on shared facilities.
2. The Suites
For those requiring more space, the train offers 18 Suites. These rooms include a master bed and a separate lounge area with armchairs. The layout allows for daytime relaxation without sitting on your sleeping quarters. The design focuses on curved lines and soft lighting to create a cocoon effect as the Italian countryside rolls by.
3. The La Dolce Vita Suite
This is the pinnacle of the experience. There is only one La Dolce Vita Suite on the train. It occupies a larger footprint and offers a private dining area, a spacious bedroom, and a premium en-suite bathroom. Guests in this suite receive dedicated concierge service and priority access to all off-train excursions.
Dining and The Bar
Food is the heartbeat of Italian culture, and the La Dolce Vita train places a heavy emphasis on its culinary program. The train features a dedicated Dining Car and a Bar Car, both designed to be social hubs.
The Ristorante
The dining experience is an all-Italian affair. The menu relies on “Made in Italy” excellence, sourcing seasonal ingredients from the regions the train passes through. If the train is traveling through Tuscany, expect truffles and Chianti. If it is in Sicily, the menu will pivot to fresh seafood and citrus.
The dining car decor features glossy lacquer walls and plush velvet banquettes. Breakfast, afternoon tea, and a formal dinner are served here. The culinary team has partnered with renowned international chefs to curate menus that rival Michelin-starred establishments in Rome or Milan.
The Lounge Bar
The Lounge Bar is the center of social life on board. It features a central counter, live piano music, and an aperitivo hour that is taken very seriously. The wine list focuses exclusively on Italian producers, ranging from the Super Tuscans of Bolgheri to the sparkling Franciacorta of the north.
Itineraries and Routes
The Orient Express La Dolce Vita is not just a shuttle between two cities. It operates on a “slow travel” philosophy. Most itineraries are 1 to 2 nights, allowing guests to savor the journey.
The train uses Roma Ostiense station as its main hub. This station has been outfitted with a dedicated Orient Express lounge to welcome guests before departure.
Popular Itineraries include:
- The Coast to Coast: A journey from Rome to Venice via Portofino. This route highlights the maritime beauty of the Italian Riviera.
- The Sicilian Tram: This route travels south to Sicily, crossing the Straits of Messina (where the train is loaded onto a ferry, a rare experience). It stops in Palermo and Agrigento, allowing guests to view the Valley of the Temples.
- The Wine Route: A tour through Montalcino and the vineyards of Tuscany, focusing on wine tastings and vineyard visits.
- The Southern Odyssey: A journey connecting Rome to Matera (the city of caves) and Palena, exploring the less-traveled Basilicata region.
Pricing and Booking
Luxury of this caliber commands a high price. As of the pre-booking phase for the 2025 inaugural season, prices start at approximately €3,500 (around $3,800) per person for a one-night journey in a Deluxe Cabin.
Suites command a significantly higher rate, often exceeding €5,500 per person per night. These rates are all-inclusive, covering all meals, beverages (including wines and spirits), and guided off-train excursions.
Because the train holds only 62 passengers per trip, availability is expected to be tight. Accor (the hospitality group behind the Orient Express brand) and Arsenale S.p.A. (the Italian luxury hospitality partner) have opened reservations well in advance to manage the high demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express? No. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) is owned by Belmond (LVMH). The Orient Express La Dolce Vita is owned by the Accor Group, which owns the rights to the “Orient Express” brand name. They are two completely different trains with different designs and routes.
When does the train officially launch? The train is scheduled to welcome its first passengers in the spring of 2025. Reservations are currently open.
Is there a dress code? Yes. During the day, the dress code is “smart casual.” For dinner, the code shifts to formal attire. Men are expected to wear jackets and ties, and evening wear is recommended for women.
Are children allowed on board? Yes, children are welcome. However, due to the limited space in cabins and the adult-focused atmosphere of the dining and bar cars, it is generally better suited for older children or adults.
Does the train have Wi-Fi? Yes, the train is equipped with modern Wi-Fi and air conditioning, unlike some older vintage trains that lack these amenities.