La Dolce Vita Orient Express
La Dolce Vita Orient Express
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express marks a new chapter in the history of luxury rail travel. Owned and run by the original Orient Express brand, this train has reimagined the golden age of travel through a distinctly Italian lens. Unlike the 1920s Art Deco stylings of its Venice Simplon sibling, La Dolce Vita takes inspiration from the bold design and cultural energy of 1960s and 70s Italy. The result is a train that feels both nostalgic and contemporary – a celebration of Italian style paired with the pleasures of slow travel. Journeys traverse Italy’s most captivating routes, from the Renaissance treasures of Florence to the coastal charm of Portofino, the ancient cave dwellings of Matera and even the island beauty of Sicily. Each itinerary combines time on board with immersive off-train experiences, so you might explore Rome’s timeless landmarks with an expert guide, taste wines on the slopes of Mount Etna or sail past pastel-hued villages on the Ligurian coast. With only 62 passengers on board, each journey feels boutique and exclusive, where the focus is as much on the places you’ll visit as the atmosphere along the way. Dining is a central part of the experience, with menus created in collaboration with leading chefs and paired with regional wines selected by expert sommeliers. From breakfast in your cabin to aperitivo in the bar car and refined dinners in the restaurant, every meal showcases Italian hospitality at its best. Service throughout is discreet yet attentive, adding a final flourish to what is not just a train journey, but a celebration of Italy’s artistry, culture and landscapes.
Travelling on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express is as much about the journey as the destinations you visit. Step aboard in Rome’s dedicated Executive Lounge, where your adventure begins with champagne and a warm welcome. As the train glides through Italy, settle into your cabin before joining fellow travellers in the bar car for an aperitivo, accompanied by live piano music. Dine on seasonal dishes such as truffle risotto or fresh seafood, paired with wines from the very regions you’re passing through.
Off the train, curated excursions bring each destination to life. Explore the winding lanes of Matera with a local guide, sample olive oils and wines in Puglia, or enjoy a private cruise along the Ligurian coast. In Tuscany, visit celebrated vineyards or join a hands-on cooking class, while in Sicily, you might walk the slopes of Mount Etna before relaxing at a family-owned winery. Each stop is designed to reflect the local culture, offering intimate and authentic encounters that connect you with Italy’s heritage.
Executive Lounge in Rome
Itineraries visit the likes of Portofino on the Italian Riviera
Dining on La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Accommodation on board is divided across two categories, each blending retro design with modern comfort. The Deluxe Cabins feature private en suite bathrooms, mirrored walls, wooden ceilings and flexible layouts that transform from a lounge by day into a cosy double bed at night. Suite Cabins offer more space, with sofas, armchairs and a stylish palette of terracotta, orange and purple enhanced by brass details and bespoke furnishings. Every cabin is attended by a dedicated steward, ensuring discreet yet personalised service. Whether enjoying breakfast in bed, ordering Italian delicacies via in-room tablet service, or simply watching the scenery unfold through wide windows, your cabin is designed to be both a retreat and a vantage point for the journey.
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express operates mostly from May through October (with a few notable exceptions such as a number of Sicilian routes in March and April), a span that captures Italy in full bloom, golden summer light and harvest-time richness – ideal for its richly varied itineraries. Early in the season you’ll find cooler mornings and lush landscapes, perfect for journeys such as Venice & Portofino, where coastal towns and Renaissance gems look their freshest. Mid-summer brings vibrant energy and dramatic scenery on longer routes like the Shores of Sicily, where coastal vistas, island charms and Mediterranean seas are at their fullest. These months are also well suited for experiencing seasonal festivals and enjoying warm evenings on board and off. As autumn rolls, the train slows into a richer, more contemplative mood. This is when wine regions such as those in Tuscany glow with colour and the southern itineraries, including Sicily offer fewer crowds.
