The legendary Orient Express is gearing up to enchant travel enthusiasts with its new "La Dolce Vita" train service, commencing in spring 2025. Offering a throwback to Italy's glamorous La Dolce Vita era of the 1960s and 70s, the service will open bookings in April for its first season.
Travelers will have a choice of nine meticulously curated itineraries that traverse both northern and southern Italy, ranging from one to two nights. The train boasts eleven cars, including 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, and the exclusive La Dolce Vita Suite, each designed to encapsulate the artistic flair of the period. All accommodations feature private bathrooms and luxurious furnishings, with deluxe cabins offering convertible sofas and suites furnished with double beds, sofas, and armchairs.
Highlighting its richly planned routes, the two-night "Coast to Coast" journey explores Venice, Portofino, and Rome in the north, while the southern route "La Transiberiana Italiana" offers stops in Palena, Matera, and Rome. Additionally, the one-night "Sud Italia – Maratea e Palermo" itinerary promises a picturesque voyage along Sicily’s coast before heading to Maratea and Rome.
Onboard experiences are set to redefine luxury travel with live music, gourmet dining, and a sophisticated bar service offering a range of beverages, including premium wines and spirits for an additional charge. Planned excursions aim to immerse guests in the regional culture with activities like wine and food tastings, pizza sampling at the Santavenere Hotel in Maratea, truffle experiences in Nizza Monferrato, and private art tours in Venice.
With pricing set according to travel preferences and departure dates, the initial rates for one-night journeys start at $3,802 per person for deluxe cabins and $5,105 for suites. Prospective travelers can secure their reservations with online bookings opening on April 24. This new chapter for the Orient Express not only revives the splendor of Italy's iconic La Dolce Vita era but also offers a unique luxury travel experience that promises to be as unforgettable as the destinations themselves.