The world of luxury train travel continues to grow, driven by a passion for slow travel, nostalgia, and an appreciation for lavish interiors reminiscent of the golden age of rail journeys, like Belmond?s Royal Scotsman Train. The upcoming Orient Express La Dolce Vita exemplifies this trend. Set to debut later this year, this new “vintage-style” train will offer one- and two-night journeys across Italy, promising an unparalleled travel experience.

This project is a collaboration between the French hotel group Accor and the Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale S.P.A. They have teamed up with Trenitalia – Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato – and the Fondazione FS Italiane to bring this exquisite train to life. It’s important to note that this Orient Express differs from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which is owned by Belmond and operates a route from London to Venice.
Inspired by “La Dolce Vita” – a term encapsulating the sweet life and the iconic Italian style of the 1960s – the train’s design pays homage to Italy’s rich cultural heritage. The architecture and design studio Dimorestudio, led by Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran, drew on the work of 20th-century Italian design icons such as Giò Ponti, Nanda Vigo, Gae Aulenti, and Osvaldo Borsani to create a space that is both luxurious and nostalgic.

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita will feature 11 carriages, accommodating jus...