When Orient Express made its first trip in 1883, it revolutionized travel, allowing passengers to take away a single mode of transportation across Europe. It was popular among European elites, including the royal family, with a comfortable bedroom, elegant restaurant, and a salon that houses smoking compartments and women’s reception rooms. The Jet era wrote about the disaster of the legendary train that ceased service in 1977 when commercial air travel began. It was then partially revived as the Simple Orient Express in Venice (now operated by Belmond), but in the new era it is lit for the Orient Express. The iconic brand will partner with Italian hospitality group Arsenel to operate luxury trains, hotels and yachts for Italian assets, a joint venture between Accor Group and LVMH.
As a Rome-based journalist, I regularly take Italian high-speed trains, but I knew this trip was different when I had the opportunity to ride the new Ladolce Vita Orient Express for my first trip from Rome to Montalcino. I didn’t even bother to have a trip that usually took several hours to last a day. From the moment I stepped into the gorgeous lounge at Ostiense Station, when I returned the next morning, I embraced the art of slow travel and the opportunity to truly appreciate the scenery I usually speed up. Meanwhile, I enjoyed a relaxed lunch by one of Rome’s most decorated chefs, got to know my fellow passengers, toured and dinner at the historic Tuscan winery, rattling the tambourines as the charming singer entertained everyone at Barker with a classic song rendition.
The first of six trains, the Ladolce Vita Orient Express, currently spends 1-2 nights on eight itineraries in Italy. In addition to the taste of Tuscan vineyard trips I have experienced, there is the route from Rome to Venice and Portofino. It passes through the area below Abruzzo and stops at Matera, known for its ancient cave dwellings. You will ferry across the Messina Strait and take guests to Taormina and Palermo, Sicily. Here’s what you’ll be on and how to book.
Mid-century design and luxurious accommodation
As you might expect from the name, the train embraces the charm of the 1960s during the Dolce Vita era. Designed by Milan-based Dimoristudio. This incorporates many medieval references. Barker, for example, features a diamond pattern reminiscent of the recently revived Gio Ponti Arlecchino train, which debuted in 1960. Black and white photographs of Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and other film stars adorn the hallways between the cabins.
There are two different accommodations to choose from. Deluxe cabin and suite. Each can accommodate up to two passengers. The deluxe cabin has a sofa bed that folds up at night, while the large suite features a comfortable bed, a separate sofa and a black lacquer table with two chairs. Both have a bathroom with toilets, sinks and showers, plus amenities such as luxurious robes and slippers. My suite had very few folding trays next to the bed and USB port, so I was able to charge my phone. My carry-on suitcase fits easily into the corner of the suite. The deluxe cabin has an overhead luggage rack. Guests traveling on a carry-on car can store large suitcases in the lounge.
Gourmet cuisine by famous chefs
The food is the highlight of the train. My journey began with a welcome drink (in my case, a cappuccino) in the lounge at Ostiens Station, followed by a decadent five-course lunch by Heinzbeck, the chef behind La Pergola, the only three Michelin Star restaurants in Rome. Each menu is inspired by the train route, so on a Tuscar trip from Rome, I tasted food like Panzanella (Tuscan bread salad) Pumpkin gnocchi with shrimp, mushrooms and black kale.
The next morning I chose to have a continental breakfast in the suite. My cabin steward brought me a tray with bread and pastry baskets, a selection of butter, jam and cheese, smoked salmon, fresh fruit, orange juice and a cappuccino. If you choose to have breakfast at the cafeteria, you can order a cult.
A dream trip to the Italian region
Each itinerary offers the opportunity to select at least one or two excursions at an additional cost. I went on a tour and tasting dinner with some of my fellow passengers and sampled dinner at the Algiano Winery. The visit began with a tour of the owner’s private collection of medieval and Renaissance art, then peered into the basement to see the barrels and enjoyed an aperitif. They then held a four-course dinner paired with a variety of vintages from the wineries Rosso Di Montalcino and Brunelo Di Montalcino.
Usually guests have either lunch or dinner by train, but not both. If you are on board, you can choose an excursion that includes dinner, go out yourself, or dine at a restaurant of your choice.
Onboard entertainment
When we returned to the train after dinner, we were invited to the barker for live music and drinks. We drank Francia Corta, an Italian sparkling wine, just as Rome-based American singer Tess Amodeo Vickery (related to Frank Sinatra) raised us with classic songs such as Mambo Italiano and New York, New York. She handed me the tambourines and encouraged us to shake them and sing along. After she finished the set, the DJ came over to continue the party.
cost
Prices for the La Dolce Vita Orient Express start at $3,500 per person in the Deluxe Cabin. Tickets are available for purchase at Orient-Express.com.
