Celebrating the legacy of the original 1883 legendary journey, the Arsenale group, in partnership with Accor, is re-launching a luxurious railway adventure connecting two continents. The inaugural whistle is expected to blow on October 22, commencing a five-day journey. Notable stops include Venice and Budapest. All the details about the La Dolce Vita Orient Express are revealed.
The Mythical Journey Returns: From Rome to Istanbul
The legend returns to the tracks, surprisingly, starting from Rome. The La Dolce Vita Orient Express inaugurates a new itinerary, reinterpreting one of history’s most famous routes in a contemporary key, blending Italian hospitality with the charm of the East. The locomotive’s whistle is set for October 22. After five days (and four nights), the train will arrive in Istanbul, its historic destination.
Inspired by that first legendary journey, which connected Paris to Constantinople in 1883, the Arsenale group (in partnership with Accor, owner of the ‘Orient Express 1883’ brand) is reviving this luxury railway adventure. It promises slow rhythms, landscapes unfolding like paintings outside the window, exceptional culinary experiences, and an immersion in history and art. Significantly, the departure and arrival cities, Rome and Istanbul, are symbolic capitals of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires, respectively.
Journey Highlights: Stops in Venice, Budapest, and More
Along the way, other stops are certainly worth a visit: Venice, historically a symbolic gateway between Europe and Asia, where travelers can explore noble palaces and get lost among its alleys and canals; and Budapest, where one can imagine the splendor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After crossing the Carpathians, there will be stops in Brașov and Sinaia, amidst medieval villages and period architecture. Finally, the train will enter Turkey, arriving in Istanbul.
It remains to be seen if the historic Sirkeci Station, the original terminus of the Orient Express, will be ready. Currently undergoing renovation, its completion by autumn would provide a perfect setting for the journey’s conclusion, amidst literary memories (Agatha Christie wrote ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ in Istanbul, in room 411 of the nearby Pera Palace Hotel) and incredible skylines. A short walk from the station is Sultanahmet Square, presenting a dilemma: which is more impressive, Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque? Yet, the Turkish metropolis continues to amaze with hundreds of other historical monuments: ancient towers and minarets blending with skyscrapers overlooking the Bosphorus.
The Art of Slow Travel and Italian Excellence
The true value of this journey lies not only in the destinations but in the slow pace of travel itself, allowing passengers to be lulled by the train’s rhythm and savor every detail. This begins with the interiors of the carriages, designed by Dimorestudio and inspired by the elegance of the 1960s. Great attention has also been paid to the gastronomic experience, with a menu crafted by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. Craftsmanship and taste: five days on the tracks celebrating the Italian art of living.
Frequently Asked Questions about La Dolce Vita Orient Express
- From which city does the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express itinerary depart? The journey begins in Rome.
- What is the final destination of the train? The final destination of the journey is Istanbul.
- When is the inaugural journey scheduled? The train’s inaugural departure is scheduled for October 22.
- How long does the entire train journey last? The itinerary spans five days and four nights.
- Which historical journey inspires this new railway adventure? It is inspired by the legendary first journey of 1883, which connected Paris to Constantinople.
- Which two major cities, symbols of the Roman Empire, are touched by the route? The two cities are Rome, symbol of the Western Empire, and Istanbul, symbol of the Eastern Empire.
- What intermediate stops are planned in Italy and Hungary? The train stops in Venice, considered the gateway between Europe and Asia, and in Budapest, linked to the splendor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Stops are also planned in Romania, specifically in Brașov and Sinaia.
- Which famous detective novel is associated with Istanbul and the Orient Express? It is ‘Murder on the Orient Express,’ written by Agatha Christie in Istanbul, in room 411 of the Pera Palace Hotel.
- What famous monuments are located near the arrival station in Istanbul? Nearby, in Sultanahmet Square, one can admire Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
- Who is responsible for the interior design of the carriages? The train’s interiors are designed by Dimorestudio, inspired by the elegance of the 1960s.
- Who curates the onboard gastronomic offerings? The menu and the exceptional culinary experience are crafted by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck.
Source: https://viaggi.corriere.it/news/la-dolce-vita-orient-express-treno-da-roma-a-istanbul/
