On Friday, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express departed Rome’s Ostiense station for its first official journey, offering passengers a luxury rail experience through the Tuscan countryside.
This new train marks the return of a golden age in travel. Inspired by the world-famous Orient Express, the Italian-made version combines retro glamour with modern luxury, championing the idea of “slow tourism” through Italy’s landscapes and cuisine.
As reported previously by Italy News Online, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a joint project by Orient Express, Italian hospitality company Arsenale, and Ferrovie dello Stato. This inaugural route, called Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards, is one of eight itineraries covering 14 Italian regions, from Liguria and Veneto in the north to Sicily and Basilicata in the south.
The train itself consists of 12 carriages dating from the 1960s, now completely refurbished. Inside, guests will find 18 luxury suites, 12 deluxe cabins, a bar, a lounge and a restaurant curated by Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck.
Travellers begin their journey in the Dolce Vita lounge at the station. From there, the train glides past coastal towns like Santa Severa and Santa Marinella before heading inland to Tuscany.
By early evening, guests can enjoy an aperitivo featuring local Brunello wine or disembark for a visit to the hilltop town of Montalcino. The train also passes through Florence and Pisa before returning to Rome on Saturday morning.
High demand for La Dolce Vita
Demand has been high. All seats on the first journey sold out, and the rest of April and most of May are already fully booked. Future itineraries include stops in Venice, Portofino, Matera – the UNESCO-listed city of cave dwellings, and Sicily. In autumn, guests will travel through the truffle-rich region of Monferrato in Piedmont, with plenty of opportunities to taste local Barolo and seasonal delicacies.
Prices start at €3,500, with most bookings so far made by American travellers, followed by guests from Europe and the Middle East. While the cost is far higher than a typical Trenitalia ticket, Barletta insists it’s not only aimed at the super-rich.
“Some people are booking as a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said. “They might be celebrating an anniversary, retirement, or simply want to see Italy in a relaxed and meaningful way. It’s not just about the luxury train — it’s about seeing the country differently, including places like Abruzzo, which are often overlooked.”
Further information and booking details are available on the official Orient Express website here.
