Luxury train with 1960s Italian design, gourmet dining, elegant cabins
Stazione Roma Ostiense, 00154 Roma RM, Italy Get directions

"Revived by Accor in 2025, I learned that La Dolce Vita Orient Express will let travelers book the historic Paris-to-Istanbul route aboard 17 original Orient Express carriages dating to the 1920s that were traced and recovered after being found abandoned on the Poland–Belarus border. The carriages have been painstakingly restored by French artisans such as Rinck, Ateliers Jouffre, and the Tapestry Manufacture of Burgundy to preserve Morrison & Nelson marquetry and Lalique glasswork while reimagining interiors for modern travelers; glossy paneled walls, marble sinks and Lalique touches give a luxurious feel. I noticed vibrant green banquettes, deep red bedroom furnishings that open onto long corridors, dining tables glowing in golden surroundings, moody color palettes and plush furniture that lend a sumptuous, Art Deco-inspired vibe, and the design explicitly celebrates masters like Ruhlmann, Dunand and Lalique-Haviland while integrating 21st-century craftsmanship and technology. Afternoon tea is even served in one of the restored carriages, and the restoration—inspired in part by the Golden Age of Italian design—signals the train's next chapter, with plans for the carriages to run through Rome, Venice, Naples and along Sicily in 2027." - Connor Sturges
"A newly relaunched luxury train inspired by 1960s Italian design with 12 carriages, a restaurant and bar, and 31 cabins accommodating up to 62 passengers. Even entry-level cabins include full bathrooms with showers and high-end bath products, while suites offer a large bed, separate sofa, and a sitting area; menus are crafted by three-Michelin-star chef Heinz Beck. Italian-focused itineraries run one to three nights and place strong emphasis on optional, paid excursions (such as winery visits), with pre-departure service from a chic lounge at Rome’s Ostiense Station and an onboard vibe that is elegant but slightly more casual—featuring Franciacorta sparkling wine and participatory live entertainment. One-night fares for a Deluxe Cabin start around $3,910 and typically include meals, a curated selection of wines, soft drinks and cocktails, and transfers to and from the Orient Express lounge at Rome’s Ostiense Station." - Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz is a writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest, Surface Magazine, Brooklyn Magazine, T Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country, Condé Nast Traveler, Robb Report, Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy" Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"An art deco–inspired revival of the brand’s classic luxury rail experience, this forthcoming service is scheduled to begin operating in Italy this spring as part of a broader revitalization that restores the sumptuous train interiors, gourmet dining, and high-touch service associated with the historic line." - Bailey Berg
"The La Dolce Vita Orient Express starts the European rail portion, running a Rome–Venice–Portofino circuit and back as part of the broader Europe itinerary." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Launching from Roma Ostiense station in spring 2025, this retro-elegant service pays tribute to 1960s glamour and emphasizes refinement throughout its 31 cabins and suites, which feature cozy bedding, chocolate wood accents, and large picture windows. The culinary program is a highlight: bookings are open and the train’s executive chef will be German-born Heinz Beck of La Pergola (Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant), promising haute cuisine to match the stylish décor." - Eleanor Hardy