Yesterday at Roma Ostiense Station, the Orient Express returned with an ambitious, Italian, luxury travel venture: the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a high end train with a distinctly mid-century flair.
The ceremonial unveiling took place in the exclusive La Dolce Vita Lounge, a dedicated space designed by artist-architect Hugo Toro, where a tangerine lacquered ceiling hovers above guests enjoying their first taste of the opulence to come.
This marks Italy’s first private luxury rail fleet, born from a collaboration between Arsenale and Orient Express, with support from Fondazione FS Italiane and FS Treni Turistici Italiani. The inaugural journey departs tomorrow, April 4, whisking passengers to Montalcino on the aptly named «Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards» itinerary.
ELLE Decor A-List firm Dimorestudio has transformed former Z1 Italian railway carriages into moving galleries of mid-century Italian design. The interiors pay homage to the nation’s design legends—Gio Ponti, Gae Aulenti, Osvaldo Borsani—capturing the glamour of 1960s Italy when «la dolce vita» wasn’t just a phrase but a cultural movement.
The train features 31 cabins, including 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins, and the signature La Dolce Vita Suite. This fleet will traverse 14 Italian regions on eight itineraries, from Venice’s romantic canals to Sicily’s sun-drenched landscapes. Each journey embraces slow travel, allowing guests to savor Italy’s cultural tapestry at a civilized pace.
The deluxe cabins feature cool color palettes, mirrored back walls, and wooden slat ceilings, with each space offering a private ensuite bathroom—a luxury not always found on overnight trains. During daylight hours, the cabin’s sofa serves as a comfortable seating area before transforming into a double bed at night, with ottomans doubling as coffee tables and stools. Room service is available via in-cabin tablets, offering a selection of Italian delicacies including olives, fennel-infused taralli, cheese boards, and breadsticks.
Three-star Michelin chef Heinz Beck oversees the culinary program, creating menus that reflect the regions being traversed. Mornings begin with «The Grand Tour of Italy» breakfast, featuring freshly squeezed juices, Sicilian brioche, artisanal jams, and aromatic Italian coffee. As evening approaches, the train undergoes what’s called «The Great Transformation»—lights dim, decor subtly shifts, and a pianist unveils a new repertoire while the sommelier prepares signature cocktails and wine pairings in the Bar Car.
The Lounge Bar itself is a warm, inviting space with a luminous lacquered ceiling and sophisticated furnishings in soft beige, off-white, and camel tones. Here, guests partake in the cherished Italian tradition of Aperitivo, enjoying a buffet of antipasti paired with expertly crafted cocktails and fine Italian wines. The experience extends beyond the rails with curated stops that immerse travelers in local traditions and landscapes.
«We’re introducing a new model to global tourism—rail cruises as the third pillar alongside cruises and hotels,» Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, noted in a press release. «This project represents a benchmark for Made in Italy, promoting sustainable travel and supporting local entrepreneurship.»
Gilda Perez Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express, describes it as «a new chapter in Italian train journeys» where «the glamour of 1960s and 1970s Italy meets the country’s rich hospitality.»
When fully operational, the ambitious project will comprise six trains operating 600 trips annually, with prices starting from €3,500 per night. The fleet is being built in workshops between Brindisi and Palermo, with a total investment of €240 million. Already, pre-bookings show strong international appeal, with 47% coming from American travelers.
To book your own adventure, head to the Orient Express site. All aboard for la dolce vita, indeed.
Julia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she manages the brand’s social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million, conducted interviews with A-list celebrities, and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, art and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.
