“La dolce vita” means “the sweet life”—and there’s no better way to experience it than aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express. This glamorous 12-carriage train takes guests on one- and two-night trips around Italy.

Sound like your perfect vacation? Dive into the details: the itineraries, costs, and on-board experience of this luxury train journey.

Where does La Dolce Vita Orient Express go?

There are eight itineraries available as of 2025. Mainland Italy routes depart from Rome:

• Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards travels to Montalcino, where you can explore on your own or sample Brunello wines at a local winery.

• Venice and Portofino gives you an afternoon and evening in Venice before departing for Portofino, a picturesque village on the Italian Riviera.

• Venice and Tuscany offers an evening in Venice, followed by a visit to the medieval town of Siena.

• Eternal Stones of Matera takes you to Matera to see its historic cave houses, then to Pescocostanzo, a tiny town considered one of the prettiest in Italy.

• The Truffle Route is something different: a journey to the Piedmont town of Nizza Monferrato, known for white truffles and its namesake wines.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express also has three itineraries in Sicily.

• Shores of Sicily travels from Catania to the city of Palermo, then Taormina. Sign up for a class in making cannolo, the signature Sicilian dessert.

• From Rome to Sicily begins with an afternoon in Maratea. After a night of travel, the train is loaded onto a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina. You then continue to Taormina, then disembark in Palermo.

• From Sicily to Rome is the same journey, just reversed.

What’s it like aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express?

In a word: Spectacular.

The train was designed by Dimorestudio as a modern homage to ’60s and ’70s Italian design. Picture serpentine sofas, gleaming wood, glossy lacquer, brass fixtures, and geometric fabrics. The deluxe cabins have a sofa that folds out to a double bed, while the larger suite cabins feature a double bed, a sofa, and a table with two armchairs.

When you board, you’ll meet the conductor assigned to your car. Press a button in your room anytime you need a drink, a fresh towel, or an answer to a question.

Meals are taken in the dining car, and each night’s menu is inspired by the region you’re visiting. After dinner, there’s live music and drinks in the lounge car. The best part may be the Italian breakfasts: freshly squeezed juices, Sicilian brioche, artisanal jams, and Italian coffee.

Is this the same as the original Orient Express train?

The original Orient Express was a long-haul train journey: Paris to Constantinople (now Istanbul) in under 76 hours. It was famed as a “rolling palace,” with plush upholstery, comfortable beds and impeccable service.

The Orient Express also added additional trains to Athens, Brussels, and London, and continued its Paris-Istanbul service until 1977.¹ Service was cut back little by little and the train lost its cachet, becoming a standard European sleeper train. The Orient Express train ended its run in 2009.

But the story wasn’t over. The spirit of this legendary train was recently revived as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a Belmond company. This version of the Orient Express offers luxury train travel between major European cities, such as Paris to Budapest, Amsterdam to Venice, and Rome to Paris.

Once a year, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers the classic, five-night Paris to Istanbul itinerary. Dress to impress! Formal evening attire is customary, and jeans are most definitely not allowed.

How much are tickets for La Dolce Vita Orient Express?

The shorter, one-night itineraries start at 4,160€ per passenger. Two-night itineraries begin at 6,560€ per person and go up to 9,440€. (Prices subject to change.)

Is La Dolce Vita Orient Express all-inclusive?

Just about. Your La Dolce Vita Orient Express reservation includes:

• The round-trip transfer to and from the train station
• Accommodation in your private cabin
• Meals and beverages on board
• Entertainment
• Taxes

Gratuities are not included in your fare. You’ll pay extra for some premium drinks and menu items, as well as any excursions or activities.

What’s the cancellation policy for La Dolce Vita Orient Express?

The Orient Express, like many other luxury vacations, has a strict cancellation policy. That’s why you need to buy travel insurance with trip cancellation protection!

If you cancel your trip more than 90 days before your departure date, you’ll have to pay a fee: 25% of your total costs. You’re allowed to make one change to your date/itinerary for free, but additional changes cost 200€.

If you cancel your trip anytime from 31 to 90 days before departure, you’ll pay a 50% penalty. Any change of date or itinerary in this time period is considered to be a cancellation. If you’re less than 30 days out from departure, you’ll forfeit the entire amount you paid. (Check the company’s most recent terms and conditions before you book your trip, as the policies may change.)

Should you buy travel insurance for La Dolce Vita—or any other train journey?

 “We strongly recommend that you get a personal travel insurance [plan] for your trip,” the La Dolce Orient Express train company says.²  But train travel seems much calmer than other forms of travel. What could possibly go wrong?

Well… quite a few things, actually.

• If you have to cancel your train trip for a covered reason, travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits can reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.
• If you miss your train’s departure for a covered reason, travel delay benefits can reimburse you for additional accommodation, meals or travel expenses and lost prepaid expenses you incur because of a covered travel delay. Insurance can also arrange for you to catch up with your train at its next stop—or, if that’s not possible, you may be able to file a trip interruption claim.
• If you become seriously ill or injured, emergency medical and dental benefits can reimburse (or pay in advance) the cost of medical care for covered emergencies and pay for your travel back home. All you have to do is call 24-hour assistance or contact us via the Allyz® app.

For international trips, we recommend the robust protection of OneTrip Prime or OneTrip Premier. for maximum protection, buy your plan as soon as you make your first trip deposit. Get a quote now.

Bonus question: Is there a travel dupe for La Dolce Vita Orient Express?

You crave the serene experience of seeing Italy by train… but you just can’t spend thousands of dollars on a one-night round trip. Are there other options?

Italy’s state-owned train company has introduced FS Treni Turistici Italiani: tourist trains to popular destinations. These include both espressi (express) and treni storici (historic trains).

Express trains travel scenic routes, such as Rome to Marseille or through the Umbrian countryside. Comfortable seats, a lounge car with bar, and white-tablecloth dining add a luxurious touch.

Historic train journeys are typically single-day trips that take you to towns like Torrenieri or Verona aboard carriages from the 1930s-1950s. Browse the options here.

Read more: How to Travel Europe By Train

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