Orient Express La Dolce Vita Revives Rome–Istanbul Route

A Legendary Route Returns in 2026

More than 140 years after the original Orient Express redefined luxury rail travel, a new chapter is opening on the tracks between Rome and Istanbul. On 22 October 2026, La Dolce Vita Orient Express will re‑inaugurate the historic Rome–Istanbul route with a five‑day, four‑night journey priced from €20,000 per person.

This will be the train’s first international itinerary, conceived as a slow, immersive passage through landscapes and cities that have long connected Europe with the East. Designed for travellers who value time, contemplation and cinematic scenery as much as the destination itself, the experience blends Italian glamour with grand European narratives.

For official details and bookings, visit the La Dolce Vita Orient Express site:
https://www.orient-express.com/la-dolce-vita/a-dream-train

Onboard: Italian Glamour and Michelin-Starred Dining

Journeys begin at the Orient Express Lounge at Roma Ostiense, designed by architect Hugo Toro, where guests are welcomed with Champagne, aperitivo‑style bites and live Italian music. Boarding in the evening, travellers step into cabins and suites inspired by 1960s Italy, created by Milan-based Dimorestudio with a palette of rich textures and retro-chic lines.

Once underway, dining becomes a centrepiece of the experience, with menus curated by three‑Michelin‑starred chef Heinz Beck served in elegant dining cars. Throughout the journey, guests can expect refined service, curated wines and a pace that encourages lingering over each course as the European countryside unfolds beyond the windows.

The Route: From Rome to Istanbul via Venice and Budapest

The Rome–Istanbul itinerary is structured as a cultural arc linking some of Europe’s most evocative cities and landscapes. Departing Rome in the evening, the train travels north to Venice, where guests have a full day to wander canals and palazzi or opt for curated lagoon experiences.

From there, La Dolce Vita Orient Express continues east to Budapest, the “pearl of the Danube”, giving passengers time to explore its thermal baths, grand boulevards and dual character spanning Buda and Pest. The following day, the journey crosses the Carpathian Mountains, pausing in Brașov and Sinaia, where medieval streets, mountain scenery and aristocratic architecture evoke the romance of Old Europe.

The final leg sees the train roll into Istanbul, completing a route that echoes the legendary 1883 Orient Express arrival in Constantinople. Disembarking, guests can dive straight into the city’s domes, bazaars and waterfront districts or continue further east on their own itinerary.

Philosophy: Slow Travel and the “Pleasure of the Journey”

Beyond luxury hardware and headline cities, the Rome–Istanbul La Dolce Vita journey is framed as a “philosophical statement” about reclaiming the value of time and the joy of unhurried travel. Orient Express positions the route as a cultural crossing where landscapes, histories and civilisations tell the story of Europe’s ongoing dialogue with the East.

As the brand notes, if the railway was once a symbol of technological progress and connection, in 2026 this route becomes an invitation to savour contemplation, conversation and the simple act of watching the world glide past your window. For those able to secure a cabin, it promises to be an all‑encompassing experience rather than just a way to get from A to B.

The Wider Orient Express Revival

The La Dolce Vita project sits within a broader revival of the Orient Express brand, which is also preparing to introduce L’Orient Express in 2027 using original 1929 carriages. Together, these trains aim to bring different eras of railway glamour back to life, from Italian‑inflected mid‑century style to faithfully restored Belle Époque extravagance.

For travellers, this means a growing portfolio of themed itineraries across Italy and beyond, each anchored in immersive storytelling, design‑driven interiors and fine dining. The Rome–Istanbul route stands out as the flagship international journey—an homage to the mythic original and a statement of intent for the future of luxury rail.