Accor unveils first Orient Express train

ROME – The strategic partnership between Accor and LVMH for the fabled Orient Express brand is finally coming to life as April 4 marks the official unveiling at the Roma Ostiense Station of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express train. The first itinerary, Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards, will take guests from the Rome station to the picturesque town of Montalcino.

Coming soon is the first Orient Express hotels with the opening of Orient Express La Minerva Rome in Spring 2025 and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice in late 2025. They will be followed by Orient Express Corinthian in 2026, the first of two Orient Express sailing yachts.

The rail collaboration is between Arsenale and Orient Express and supported by Fondazione FS Italiane and FS Treni Turistici Italiani of the FS Group. It celebrates the country’s cultural, scenic, and gastronomic heritage through Italy's most emblematic destinations.

Traversing 14 Italian regions, the train offers eight itineraries – from the canals of Venice to the coves of Portofino, from the medieval Siena to the stones of Matera, and from Montalcino’s vineyards to the truffle paths of Nizza Monferrato. Sicily reveals itself in stages - Catania, Palermo, Taormina.

Thoughtfully designed to embrace the philosophy of slow travel, these routes invite guests to connect with local traditions, flavors, and landscapes. Menus created by three-star Michelin Chef Heinz Beck is a highlight of each journey.

With 31 cabins, 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins, and the signature La Dolce Vita Suite, the train is the result of a restoration and design process. Originally Z1 Italian model carriages, each has been reimagined through a major investment that drew on the technical and artisanal excellence of Southern Italy, specializing in railway craftsmanship and design, with work carried out between Brindisi and Palermo. This project marks the creation of Italy’s first private luxury rail fleet, which will ultimately comprise six bespoke trains.

The train interiors, by Milan’s Dimorestudio, are a reverent salute to Italian design’s golden age: geometric echoes of Gio Ponti, the sensual modernism of Gae Aulenti, whispers of Osvaldo Borsani. It embodies the spirit of mid-century glamour, an homage to La Dolce Vita and the cultural pulse of 1960s Italy.

Gilda Perez Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express, stated, “The launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express marks the beginning of a new chapter in Italian train journeys, made possible through our partnership with Arsenale Group. This unique experience is an invitation to rediscover Italy through a new lens—where the glamour of 1960s and 1970s Italy meets the country’s rich hospitality and warm conviviality.

“The train’s design is brought to life by Dimorestudio, with every detail embodying the spirit of this celebrated period, with all of its zest and charm. The guest journey begins at the La Dolce Vita Lounge at Ostiense Station, a historic space crafted by artist-architect Hugo Toro, setting the stage for an exceptional Italian adventure. Onboard, guests can indulge in gastronomy signed by Michelin-star chef Heinz Beck. A true celebration of all that Italy represents, this voyage captures the essence of the country’s landscapes, flavors, and way of life. From the moment the journey begins at the La Dolce Vita Lounge – guests are brought into a new travel experience that celebrates Italy’s landscapes, flavors, and culture – signed by Orient Express.”

Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale, added, “With La Dolce Vita Orient Express, we are introducing a new model to the global tourism landscape, leading an emerging trend: rail cruises, which are becoming increasingly relevant worldwide. Thanks to the synergy between Italian excellence in railways and manufacturing, this project helps strengthen an integrated hospitality system that complements the cruise and hotel industries.

“The third pillar of tourism starts in Italy and is driven by an Italian company. I believe this is crucial for the revival of our Made in Italy, especially in the industrial and tourism sectors. Our commitment translates into a production that, to date, represents an international benchmark, with the ambition of creating a tourism offer that extends travel beyond peak seasons and promotes alternative destinations, thanks to the exclusivity and comfort of one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to travel.

“The Dolce Vita train can become a symbol of Italy’s dedication to enhancing its territories, supporting local entrepreneurship, and strengthening national railway production, while contributing to a more integrated tourism system.”

By Jeffrey Weinstein