A BRAND-NEW luxury train service is set to launch in Italy next year – and tickets have already gone on sale.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express recreates the atmosphere of 1960s Italy, all while passing through some of the country’s most popular holiday hotspots.
Details of La Dolce Vita Orient Express were first released earlier this year, including the features of its 12 deluxe cabins and 18 cabin suites.
All of the cabins will have cosy bedding, wood detailing, carpeted floors and huge windows to admire the unmissable views.
The cabin suites have been described as “true master bedrooms” thanks to their luxurious amenities like a large bed, a private bathroom and armchairs.
Even though the inside of the train is beautiful, the views outside the window are just as amazing, travelling through the Italian countryside.
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Passengers can choose to book one of eight itineraries, with one route taking guests from Venice to Portofino.
Another route takes passengers from Matera to Palena, while another journey ventures from Palermo to Rome.
The eight routes will cover 14 regions, visiting a whopping 131 cities in toal.
Departures will begin operating from next spring, with tickets already on sale.
You’ll have to start saving though with one-night stays starting from cost €3,500 (£3,000) per person for a deluxe cabin.
This figure creeps slightly higher with a cabin suite, with tickets starting from €4,700 (£4,026).
Before departing guests will be invited to the Orient Express La Dolce Vita Lounge, where they’ll watch a “mysterious ballet” complete with Turkish guitars and Italian sweets.
And on their first night onboard, guests will receive a handwritten letter inviting them to the restaurant, where a Storyteller will reveal “secrets and mysteries of the world” between each dish.
Samy Ghachem comments: “It is a privilege to join La Dolce Vita Orient Express at this key period in the revival of the iconic Orient Express brand and the launch of Italy’s first foray into luxury rail hospitality.
“La Dolce Vita Orient Express is set to offer an inimitable take on luxury rail travel, reigniting a bygone era through a contemporary lens, Italian style.”
The UK leg of the Orient Express
The UK leg of the Orient Express, which had connected London with Istanbul, via several other destinations on the continent since the 1900s will cease to operate this year.
A spokesperson from the line’s operator Belmond said: “We’re adjusting operations in 2024 ahead of enhanced passport and border controls.
“We want to avoid any risk of travel disruption for our guests – delays and missing train connections – and provide the highest level of service, as seamless and relaxed as possible.”
Passengers will need to take the Eurostar to Paris where they’ll be able to board the famous train.
Other luxurious train journeys
At the end of last year, the Royal Scotsman in Scotland was named one of the best train journeys in the world by Conde Nast Traveler.
The Scottish train made the list thanks to its indulgent and intimate atmosphere.
Another fancy train journey in the UK is the four-night Welsh Dragon holiday, run by Steam Dreams Rail Co.
Three scenic train journeys you can take in the UK
Cornish Coast – One trip that rail enthusiasts seem to love is along a stretch of the Cornish coast and takes just 10 minutes to complete.
The route from St Erth to St Ives only stops at Carbis Bay en route to its final destination, but the views out the window for the whole journey are pretty spectacular.
Another highlight of the journey is that St Ives station is situated right next to Porthminster beach, meaning the sand and sea can be accessed almost immediately.
Meanwhile, the station is less than a ten minute walk into town, where the harbour, shops, galleries and pubs can be explored.
Durham to Edinburgh – Another train route that people in the UK love is the East Coast train line between Durham and Edinburgh, with coastal views and city landscapes among the sights that can be seen out the window.
Newcastle, Berwick, Lindisfarne and Durham Cathedral are all among the highlights on that route.
Scotland’s West Highland Line – While Scotland is home to plenty of famous landmarks and top attractions, it also has one of the most breathtaking train routes in the world.
Scotland’s West Highland Line has previously been dubbed the best rail journey in the world by Wanderlust – and it’s easy to see why.
The journey from Glasgow to Fort William is one of my favourite train routes – and I’ve interrailed through mainland Europe.
With mountain landscapes, serene lochs, wistful moors, and wildlife all visible through the train window, it’s certainly a route all holidaymakers should consider doing at least once.