More than 140 years after the original Orient Express captured the imagination of European travellers, a new luxury rail service is set to revive the romance of transcontinental train travel. The La Dolce Vita Orient Express will launch its first journey from Rome to Istanbul on 22 October 2026, offering a five-day, four-night itinerary that blends Italian elegance with classic European scenery.
The train departs from Roma Ostiense station, where passengers are welcomed in a dedicated Orient Express Lounge designed by architect Hugo Toro. The space offers aperitivo-style dining, live Italian music, and champagne before boarding. Once aboard, guests move into suites and cabins inspired by 1960s Italy, created by Milan-based Dimorestudio. The dining car serves menus crafted by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck.
A Journey Through Europe's Heart
The route traces a historic arc across the continent. After an overnight journey, passengers wake in Venice, where they can explore the city's canals and streets or opt for curated experiences such as a lagoon boat tour or a Casanova-themed walk. The train then continues to Budapest, the “pearl of the Danube,” where travellers can explore the city's architecture and enjoy lunch on either the Buda or Pest side of the river.
Crossing the Carpathian Mountains, the train stops in two Romanian towns: Brașov, known for its medieval old town, and Sinaia, a mountain resort. Onboard, each evening features aperitifs, dinner, and live music. The final afternoon brings arrival in Istanbul, where passengers can explore the city's domes, bazaars, and streets, or continue their journey eastward.
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a revival of the original service that began in 1883, connecting Paris to Istanbul. The new iteration focuses on Italian luxury and design, with a distinctly Mediterranean character. Tickets start at €20,000 per person, placing it firmly in the realm of high-end travel. For those interested in broader European rail developments, the Dublin–Belfast rail journey is set to fall under two hours following a €700 million upgrade.
The train's launch comes amid a surge in luxury travel across Europe, with operators competing for affluent customers seeking unique experiences. Istanbul itself has seen a rise in high-end offerings, as detailed in Istanbul's luxury scene marrying Ottoman heritage with modern design. The Orient Express brand, now owned by French hospitality group Accor, aims to capitalise on this trend by offering a product that combines nostalgia with contemporary comfort.
For most Europeans, the €20,000 price tag remains prohibitive, but the service highlights the enduring appeal of rail travel as a mode of exploration. The journey from Rome to Istanbul covers some of the continent's most varied landscapes, from the Italian peninsula to the Balkans and the Turkish straits. It also underscores the cultural and historical ties that bind Europe to its eastern neighbours.
As the travel industry recovers from the pandemic, such high-end offerings may signal a broader shift toward experiential journeys. The La Dolce Vita Orient Express is not just a train ride; it is a curated narrative of European history, design, and cuisine, packaged for those who can afford to travel in style.
