Luxury train travel on La Dolce Vita Orient Express

Luxury train travel is currently in the spotlight, with Belmond’s Venice-Simplon-Orient Express soon adding the Italian Riviera to its route this year. If you miss a chance on this exclusive Italian route, there’s another opportunity next year with Accor’s La Dolce Vita Orient Express.

Despite the similar names, Accor’s offering is distinct from Belmond’s. La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a genuine revival of the 150-year-old rail brand, offering eight seasonal itineraries exclusively in Italy.

In 2025, passengers can board historical carriages from Rome Ostiense station, journeying through Venice, Portofino, Montalcino, and beyond. The luxurious experience begins at the train station’s La Dolce Vita lounge.

Orient Express accommodation

Once aboard, passengers can enjoy 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, a restaurant, lounge, and bar. Designed by Milanese firm Dimorestudio, the décor reflects the 1960s era, evoking its spirit.

Deluxe cabins feature private bathrooms, with staff transforming sofas into plush beds at night. Suites offer more space and amenities, including a bed, sofa, armchairs, table, and private bathroom.

Dine in style

Dining on the Orient Express is a gourmet Italian experience. Breakfast features Sicilian brioche, regional jams, fresh fruit, and coffee, while dinner offers fresh dishes paired with sommelier-selected wines from the regions visited.

Aperitivo time (a personal favourite of ItalyNewsOnline), offers a buffet of antipasti, signature cocktails and limoncello. A photographer will capture your early evening memories with a vintage Polaroid.

Itineraries

There is a choice of eight 1- and 2-night itineraries, all offering incredible views, plus cultural and gastronomic experiences. These are just a couple of examples of the itineraries you could enjoy.

2-night itinerary: Venezia – Portofino

A round trip of three days and two nights, you depart from Rome Ostiense enjoying lunch on board, before arriving in Venice the same afternoon. In the ethereal city, you’ll be captivated with private art experiences, artisans and an historic palace.

Overnight, you’ll travel from Venice to Santa Margherita Ligure, where you’ll transfer to Portofino. Departing in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy dinner on board with musical entertainment.

In the morning, you’ll arrive back in Rome from where you can explore the city.

1-night itinerary: Maratea and Palermo

A one-way journey to Sicily, you’re on board for 2 days and 1 night.

Departing from Rome Ostiense, take in the views as you head south. Partake of lunch on board, before your afternoon arrival in Maratea. There you will explore the “City of 44 Churches” with its stunning seaside views, then experience the awe-inspiring sight of the world’s second-largest Christ statue. Follow this up with a magical pizza tasting at Santavenere Hotel, prepared by the renowned pizzaiolo and chef Pier Danilo Seu.

An evening’s entertainment on board as you head to the toe of Italy.

On the second morning, the ferry takes you to Sicily with a coastal ride along the island to Palermo, stopping off at Messina.

Tickets for La Dolce Vita Orient Express go on sale April 24, with prices starting at €3,500 per person for a deluxe cabin and €4,700 per person for a suite.