The legendary Orient Express is bringing the romance of classic European travel back to life with its newest ultra-luxury itinerary: the Orient Express La Dolce Vita Grand Tour. Inspired by the historic Grand Tour journeys once favored by aristocrats and cultural elites, this extraordinary five-night rail adventure promises an immersive voyage through some of Italy’s most captivating destinations.
Combining timeless glamour, Michelin-starred dining, and breathtaking scenery, the new itinerary transforms train travel into one of the most exclusive experiences in modern luxury tourism.
A Modern Grand Tour Across Italy
Departing from Rome, the journey begins with guests settling into the lavish interiors of the La Dolce Vita train as the Italian countryside unfolds outside panoramic windows. The experience immediately channels the golden age of rail travel, blending vintage sophistication with contemporary comfort.
The first destination is Venice, where travelers arrive in the early evening before boarding a private water taxi through the city’s iconic canals. Guests can spend the evening wandering hidden alleyways, discovering intimate cocktail bars, or joining curated experiences designed to reveal a different side of Venice.
Back onboard, the train’s elegant Bar Cart becomes the social heart of the evening, complete with live music and entertainment that evoke the glamour of 1960s Italy.
From Ancient Matera to the Shores of Sicily
The journey continues south toward Matera, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and famed for its ancient cave dwellings carved directly into limestone cliffs. The destination offers a dramatic contrast to Venice’s waterways, immersing travelers in Italy’s deep cultural history and cinematic landscapes.
Culinary experiences remain central throughout the trip, with menus crafted by renowned Michelin three-star chef Heinz Beck. Each meal reflects the flavors and traditions of the regions visited, elevating the onboard dining experience into a destination of its own.
One of the most remarkable moments of the itinerary unfolds during the crossing to Sicily. In a rare spectacle of engineering and heritage rail travel, the train is carefully transported by ferry across the Strait of Messina, surrounded by sweeping Mediterranean views.
Once in Sicily, guests will explore the postcard-perfect coastal beauty of Taormina and the vibrant cultural energy of Palermo before returning to Rome to conclude the unforgettable journey.
Inside the La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Since its debut in 2025, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express has quickly become one of the world’s most talked-about luxury train experiences. Designed with unmistakable Italian flair, the train pays homage to the glamour of the 1960s with interiors featuring rich crimson tones, polished wood, gold accents, and elegant suites that feel more like boutique hotel rooms than traditional train cabins.
Exclusivity is another defining feature. With capacity for just 62 passengers, the experience remains deeply intimate and highly personalized.
The train itself serves as both transportation and destination, offering travelers a slower, more refined way to experience Italy’s landscapes, culture, cuisine, and artistry.
The Return of Slow Luxury Travel
As travelers increasingly seek meaningful experiences over fast-paced itineraries, luxury rail journeys are enjoying a major renaissance. The Orient Express La Dolce Vita Grand Tour captures this shift perfectly, blending nostalgia, cultural immersion, and ultra-premium hospitality into one seamless experience.
More than just a train ride, the itinerary represents a return to the romance of travel itself — where the journey becomes every bit as memorable as the destinations.
The inaugural Grand Tour departs on May 21, with prices starting at approximately €15,760 (around $18,500) per passenger.
For luxury travelers seeking Italy’s most stylish new adventure, this may be the ultimate ticket.
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