Overview
Georges Nagelmackers turned his dream into a reality almost 150 years ago when he launched the iconic Orient Express train across Europe. Now, this legendary experience comes to Italy with La Dolce Vita Orient Express. IRT owners Eleanor and Owen Hardy were among the first guests on board, and to sum up the train and their experience in one word: WOW! Upon their return, La Dolce Vita was immediately added to the list of World’s Top 25 Trains.
Inspired by the craftsmanship and golden age of 20th-century Italian design, La Dolce Vita celebrates glamour, art and joy. It epitomizes “the sweet life” in sleek design, fabulous food, drink and music — and offers outings in some of the loveliest destinations in Italy. Gleaming blue and burgundy carriages have been thoughtfully designed for the modern luxury traveler.
Enjoy a unique and remarkable journey through Italy’s beautiful mountains, coastline, vineyards and olive groves and fields.
La Dolce Vita offers eight 2- to 3-day journeys. Most are round-trip from Rome, except two ending in Sicily. All of the journeys are designed for slow travel, taking in the most scenic rather than the fastest routes. Explore stunning cities such as Rome, Taormina, Portofino, Venice, Catania and more while traveling in luxury.
The train features elegantly designed cars, including 12 Deluxe Cabins and 18 Suite Cabins. A large Dolce Vita Suite is soon to enter the consist. All cabins have fully ensuite shower, sink and toilet with a full range of elegant toiletries, plus ample storage for clothing and smaller luggage. Guests will enjoy a dining car and bar/lounge car.
Accommodation
La Dolce Vita’s seven sleeper cars display the best of Italian late 20th-century design. The train will accommodate up to 62 guests in 31 cabins: 12 Deluxe Cabins, 18 Suite Cabins and one La Dolce Vita Suite. Pricing for this suite will be displayed as soon as it’s added to the consist. If you want the largest cabin on board, let us know.
Suite Cabin
Suite Cabins are 118 square feet and feature a double bed or twin beds. The Suites also include a sofa for two, table, two armchairs, and an ensuite bathroom with rainfall shower, sink and toilet. The bathroom features a marble sink and white, black and gold mosaic on the walls and floor. The cabins have two large picture windows with black-out shades and curtains. They include ample closet and drawer space for clothing. The color scheme is predominantly terra cotta, and it’s a perfect frame for the passing scenery. Mirrored walls used throughout amplify the sense of space.
Deluxe Cabin
Deluxe Cabins are 75 square feet with a sofa that converts into a double bed, while the footstools transition into coffee tables and stools. (Note Deluxe Cabins cannot be made into twin beds.) The Deluxe Cabins include an ensuite bathroom with rain shower, sink and toilet. The color scheme is browns and terra cotta, which beautifully frames the scenery. The mirrored walls magnify the sense of space.
Dining
Indulge in the finest cuisine and wine on board La Dolce Vita. Menus are carefully crafted by Heinz Beck, Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred chef. Chef Beck is renowned worldwide for his culinary expertise and deep connection to Italy. Each dish — from the tiniest mushroom tartlet to lamb encrusted with olives and artichokes — is crafted to celebrate the unique culinary traditions of Italy’s diverse regions, giving travelers an authentic journey of flavor and culture.
The dining car’s eclectic interior, bright colors, large windows and comfortable seating offer a refreshing ambience and the perfect setting for your voyage through the stunning countryside of Italy. All meals on board are included, highlighting seasonal and local products and a selection of beverages.
Lounge Bar
In the Lounge Bar, enjoy superb live music while you savor signature cocktails and the finest Italian wines. Sample delectable snacks while you enjoy the company of your fellow traveling companions over games like chess and backgammon.
Or simply relax the outward-facing serpentine sofas and gaze out your picture window at the gorgeous Italian countryside as you sip your drink and watch the world pass by.
IRT Insights
When IRT owners Eleanor and Owen Hardy visited the brand-new train on its 9th run, in May 2025, their response was WOW. Owen loved the sleek, modern interiors, the dining, scenery and stops off the train. But his favorite element was the staff. “They were professional, friendly, so proud of their new train and so welcoming. I looked forward to every encounter with every one of them, from our steward to the servers in the dining and bar cars and managers. They were fantastic.”
The Hardys also stayed four nights at the brand-new La Minerva Orient Express hotel, just a hop and a skip from the Pantheon, in the middle of Rome but on a quiet piazza. They highly recommend pairing the train with La Minerva, with its fantastic staff, dining, décor and service. The rooftop restaurant, Gigi, has to be one the best in Rome and the most gorgeous. Plus, it’s just 10 minutes from Ostiense Station, departure point of La Dolce Vita Orient Express.
The train includes round-trip transfers from any hotel in Rome, which makes boarding the train station seamless. They know when you’re coming. You are met at the curb. They whisk your luggage away and welcome you into a palace of a private lounge at the station.
One helpful note: in-cabin air conditioning is strong but controlled by your attentive butler. Be sure to let him/her know if the temperature needs adjusting.