La Dolce Vita Orient Express will launch its first international route in October 2026, introducing a new five-day luxury Rome to Istanbul journey.
The inaugural departure, scheduled for 22 October, marks a modern interpretation of the historic journey, combining Italian design, gastronomy and cultural immersion.
The operator said the journey has been designed to reflect the spirit of the original Orient Express, which first launched more than 140 years ago, while reinterpreting it for a new generation of luxury travellers.
The experience begins at the Orient Express Lounge at Roma Ostiense station, designed by Hugo Toro, where guests will be welcomed with aperitivo-style dining, live music and drinks before boarding the train.
On board, passengers will travel in mid-century Italian-inspired cabins designed by Dimorestudio, reflecting the glamour of 1960s Italy. Dining is overseen by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck, with curated menus served alongside cocktails and panoramic views throughout the journey.
The five-day itinerary includes an evening departure from Rome with dinner served in the Restaurant Car as the train travels toward Venice, where guests disembark the following morning to explore the city’s canals, palaces and historic streets before rejoining the train later in the day. The journey continues to Budapest for a full day ashore, before crossing the Carpathians with a stop in Brașov and onward travel through Sinaia, ahead of arrival in Istanbul on day five.
Along the way, guests will experience curated off-train moments designed to showcase local culture, landscapes and heritage across the destinations visited.
Rates start from €20,000 per passenger. La Dolce Vita Orient Express reservations include transfer to the train station, accommodation, table d’hôte dining, beverages (including selected wine and spirits, mineral water, soft drinks, tea and coffee) and onboard entertainment. Optional off-board experiences are available at an additional cost. Some premium wines and spirits, as well as selected à la carte dishes, are also chargeable.
For those looking to extend their stay, Orient Express La Minerva in Rome is positioned as a pre- or post-journey hotel option, with the brand also developing a forthcoming sailing yacht collection as part of its wider expansion across rail, hotel and sea experiences.
