The La Dolce Vita Orient Express is more than just a train – it’s a rolling tribute to Italy’s golden age of travel. With its sumptuous interiors, world-class service, and a gastronomic experience curated by Michelin-starred chefs, it transports you back into a world where time slows, indulgence reigns, and beauty is savoured at every turn.
Departing from Rome Ostiense Station, we chose the two-day, one-night journey that promises to immerse passengers in the essence of Italian sophistication, offering an opulent taste of Tuscany’s famous vineyards.
Before embarking, we were welcomed into an exclusive lounge at Rome Ostiense Station. Here, sipping on fine Italian prosecco and relaxing in sumptuous armchairs, ready to meet our fellow travellers. The space, adorned with art deco finishes and intricate brass detailing, sets the tone for what’s to come.
The train’s interiors, designed by Dimore Studio, are a love letter to Italian mid-century design. The firm celebrated for its cinematic approach to aesthetics, took inspiration from the 1960s and 70s, blending polished brass, walnut panelling, lacquered surfaces, and plush velvet to create an atmosphere of retro elegance. The colour palette is a warm interplay of deep ambers, rich crimsons, and shimmering golds, reminiscent of the era’s glamorous lounges. The 18 suites and 12 Deluxe cabins are a marvel of both form and function. By day, they offer a sophisticated lounge space, with a convertible velvet sofa, mirrored back wall, and wood-slatted ceilings. As night falls, the cabin seamlessly transforms into a cosy sleeping area with an elegant bed draped in fine Italian linens.
Every meal aboard is a celebration of Italian cuisine, overseen by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck. The dining car, with its striking chrome accents, striped floors, and orange leather seating, perfectly embodies Italy’s bold yet refined style. Indulging in a seasonal menu, featuring classic flavours elevated through contemporary artistry – from homemade truffle pasta, creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes, and slow-cooked osso buco. Each dish is carefully paired with exceptional Italian wines, including the coveted Brunello di Montalcino, sourced from the very vineyards we are soon to explore.
The bar car is where La Dolce Vita comes to life. With harlequin-print walls, curved velvet seating, and a dimly-lit ambiance, it becomes a playground for lively conversation and indulgence. Handcrafted Negronis and live jazz performances, curated to capture the soul of Italy’s nightlife. As laughter and music fill the air, the journey feels like a dream woven from vintage Italian cinema.
Hospitality is paramount, with an exceptional staff-to-guest ratio ensuring personalised service. Every detail, from handwritten welcome notes to impeccably tailored uniforms, reflects the commitment to creating an unforgettable experience.
As the train glides through rolling Tuscan hills, we soaked in the views of cypress-lined roads, golden vineyards, and medieval towns. The highlight of the “Taste of Tuscany” itinerary is Montalcino. A picturesque hilltop town renowned for its centuries-old winemaking traditions. Having departed Rome Ostiense in the morning, and after a gourmet lunch onboard, we arrive in Montalcino to spend the afternoon.
On disembarking we are treated to a private vineyard tour, followed by an intimate wine tasting that showcases the depth and complexity of Brunello di Montalcino. With free time to meander through Montalcino’s charming streets and visit artisan shops and historic landmarks before returning to the train for an indulgent evening of gourmet dining, fine wine, and sunset views over the countryside. As night falls, the train becomes a venue for live music and entertainment, immersed in the spirit of Italian joie de vivre.
The rhythm of the train cradles us into a restful sleep, and as the sun rises on the second day, we are gently woken and ready to indulge in an Italian breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingers as we manage to savour our final moments of luxury and elegance onboard. By mid-morning, the train pulls back into Rome Ostiense station, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
To encapsulate this experience, I am reminded by the words of Federico Fellini, the legendary filmmaker who immortalized Italian glamour:
“La Dolce Vita is not just a phrase – it is an invitation to savour every moment, indulge in beauty, and live as though art were life itself.”
And that is precisely what the La Dolce Vita Orient Express offers, a chance to immerse oneself in the poetry of travel, enveloped in the finest Italy has to offer.