Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a luxury train project of Orient Express of Accor Group and Arsenale S.p.A., is expected to begin welcoming guests aboard in 2023.

At that time, six trains will begin traveling several iconic rail routes across 14 regions, including three international destinations from Rome to Paris, Istanbul and Split.  In addition, the first Orient Express Hotel, Minerva, is scheduled to open in 2024.

“At Accor, we consider it an immense privilege to re-launch the historic Orient Express brand for passionate and discerning travelers,” said Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO, Accor. “These trains offer a new vision of luxury travel that is beyond our imagination. Our association with Arsenale Group has opened up new horizons in perfect harmony with the heritage and philosophy of Orient Express, and marks our constant desire to keep moving forward.”

The new trains pay tribute to “La Dolce Vita,” the period of glamor, joie de vivre, and artistic fervor in Italy during the 1960s. Designed by Dimorestudio, each train will have 11 cars accommodating 62 passengers and containing 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, one Honour Suite, and a restaurant.

Passengers will also experience five-star food and beverage service on board thanks to collaborations with renowned local and international chefs and sommeliers. Drink and dining options will emphasize the excellence of Made in Italy through award-winning Italian wines and exclusive haute cuisine.

Before departure at the Roma Termini station, guests will be able to enjoy a selection of refreshments in an elegant space, complete with dedicated services and staff to assist them.

Itineraries will run from one to three days and include routes through the north, south and center of Italy as well as three routes with international destinations: Rome to Paris, Rome to Venice to Split (Croatia), and Rome to Istanbul, part of the original Orient Express route.

“It is thrilling to be bringing the refined nomadic spirit of Orient Express back to life for a new generation of travelers,” said Stephen Alden, CEO, Raffles and Orient Express, Accor. “The original train route was innovative in the way it paradoxically brought cultures together – the Occident with the Orient, history with modernity. As artisans of travel, we wish to revive this old world, awe-inspiring ‘journey to elsewhere’ and reconcile certain paradoxes: a journey and a destination, astonishment and inspiration, movement and contemplation. Against the backdrop of breathtaking panoramas and a unique blend of cultures, we are convinced that travelers will have unforgettable experiences in Italy with Orient Express La Dolce Vita.”