La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the first Italian-made luxury train, makes its much-anticipated debut with a bold ambition: to reinvent the very essence of travel in motion. Eight curated itineraries blending art, landscapes, and three-star Michelin cuisine by Heinz Beck, all in celebration of Italian excellence in motion.
The train was unveiled today at Roma Ostiense Station, within the exclusive La Dolce Vita Lounge dedicated to its passengers, on the eve of the inaugural journey, scheduled for April 4th. The first trip, "Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards" will take guests to the charming destination of Montalcino.
Born of a visionary collaboration between Arsenale and Orient Express, and supported by Fondazione FS Italiane and FS Treni Turistici Italiani of the FS Group, this pivotal project signals the renaissance of rail as the ultimate luxury. La Dolce Vita Orient Express marks a new era in the Italian tourism landscape, offering travelers an exclusive experience that fully embraces the essence of Made in Italy. It celebrates the country’s cultural, scenic, and gastronomic heritage, guiding guests on a unique journey through Italy's most emblematic destinations.
The Routes
Traversing 14 Italian regions, the train offers eight exclusive itineraries tailored for discerning international travelers. From the canals of Venice to the coves of Portofino, the medieval charm of Siena to the sun-drenched stones of Matera, and from Montalcino’s famed vineyards to the truffle paths of Nizza Monferrato, each journey is a celebration of Italy’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Sicily reveals itself in stages - Catania, Palermo, Taormina… each one capturing a different hue of the island’s timeless allure. Thoughtfully designed to embrace the philosophy of slow travel, these routes invite guests to connect deeply with local traditions, flavors, and landscapes.
The Train
With 31 cabins, 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins, and the signature La Dolce Vita Suite, the train is the result of a meticulous restoration and design process. Originally Z1 Italian model carriages, each has been reimagined through a major investment that drew on the technical and artisanal excellence of Southern Italy, specializing in railway craftsmanship and design, with work carried out between Brindisi and Palermo. This innovative project marks the creation of Italy’s first private luxury rail fleet, which will ultimately comprise six bespoke trains.
Interior design
The interiors, by Milan’s Dimorestudio, are a reverent salute to Italian design's golden age: geometric echoes of Gio Ponti, the sensual modernism of Gae Aulenti, whispers of Osvaldo Borsani. It embodies the spirit of mid-century glamour, an homage to La Dolce Vita and the cultural pulse of 1960s Italy.
Onboard experience
Guests embark from the Orient Express Lounge, envisioned by artist-architect Hugo Toro, where period motifs are refracted through a contemporary lens. There, beneath a lacquered tangerine ceiling, an aperitivo hints at the opulence ahead. Onboard, guests are treated to menus composed by chef Heinz Beck, inspired by the regions they traverse. Each dish is a narrative seasoned with regional soul. The whole experience is distinguished by its high level of service, while stops at select destinations allow passengers to explore the unique cultural and historical aspects of each region. La Dolce Vita Orient Express invites travelers to rediscover Italy, slowly, elegantly, and with a remarkable attention to detail.
