The Dolce Vita Orient Express: Made-in-Italy Train Dedicated to Design

August 29, 2026

Elegance on rails, authorial design, cinematic atmospheres: announced two years ago and inaugurated on April 3, La Dolce Vita Orient Express is finally a reality. This is not a mere train, but a traveling tribute to the genius of Italian design and the art of slow travel. Conceived by Dimorestudio, the renowned architecture studio founded by Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci, this railway jewel celebrates the beauty of the Bel Paese with sophisticated interiors, exclusive experiences, and an aesthetic that nods to 1960s glamour.

Inspired by design masters such as Giò Ponti, Nanda Vigo, Gae Aulenti, and Osvaldo Borsani, the train fuses vintage charm with modern lines, a perfect blend of comfort and allure. The result is a welcoming, refined space that seems to have always existed.

But the real magic begins when you depart. Here are all the dream itineraries proposed by La Dolce Vita Orient Express.

Venice and Portofino

3 days, 2 nights – North itinerary – Round trip from Rome

A route that looks like it’s been pulled straight from a film: from Rome to Venice, then continuing toward the timeless elegance of Portofino, a jewel of the Ligurian Riviera. This itinerary charms with water views, Venetian architecture, and pastel houses perched above the Ligurian sea. It’s a journey that blends art, history, and romance, perfect for those who dream of designer scenery and sea-facing aperitifs.

Venice and Tuscany

3 days, 2 nights – North itinerary – Round trip from Rome

A irresistible fusion of lagoon charm and Tuscan hills. Departing from Rome, you uncover the mystique and beauty of Venice, with its calle (streets), gondolas, and squares that feel timeless. Then the journey stops in Siena, the medieval gem of a city, with stone lanes and historic palaces. It’s the perfect trip for those who love culture, art, and fine wine.

The Sassi of Matera

3 days, 2 nights – South itinerary – Round trip from Rome

From the heart of the capital to the magic of the Sassi, a landscape as if carved by time itself. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Matera enchants with its quietness, warm lights, and caves transformed into homes and boutique hotels. The journey continues to Pescocostanzo, a mountain village that feels like a nativity scene. Pure enchantment.

Journey through the Tuscan Vineyards

2 days, 1 night – North itinerary – Round trip from Rome

A weekend immersed in the green of the Tuscan countryside. From Rome to Montalcino, home of Brunello, wandering among historic cellars, golden hills, and dream tastings. It is the ideal itinerary for wine lovers, but also for anyone seeking a relaxing getaway amid nature, quiet, and authentic flavors.

The Truffle Route

3 days, 2 nights – North itinerary – Round trip from Rome

A route devoted to culinary pleasures. Start from Rome to reach Nizza Monferrato, the heart of Piedmont’s most authentic spirit. Among orderly vineyards and fragrant woods, discover the white truffle, local traditions, and landscapes that look painted. A sensory journey through taste, nature, and culture.

From Rome to Sicily

3 days, 2 nights – South itinerary – One-way

A spectacular crossing from the Eternal City to the sun-kissed island. It passes through Maratea, famed for its 44 churches and views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, touches Taormina, with its Greco-Roman Theatre perched above the sea, and finally arrives in Palermo, a city of contrasts and intense flavors. A journey into the Mediterranean’s most authentic essence.

From Sicily back to Rome

3 days, 2 nights – South itinerary – One-way

The reverse route, yet the magic remains. Depart from Palermo, traversing eastern Sicily, up to Maratea, and then onward toward Rome. A perfect itinerary for those who want to savor the beauty of southern Italy while climbing slowly toward the heart of the country. A crescendo of emotions and postcard-worthy scenery.

The Sicilian Coasts

2 days, 1 night – South itinerary – Round trip from Catania

A Sicilian loop beginning in Catania and visiting the wonders of Palermo and Taormina, at the foot of Etna. It’s a short yet intense voyage, featuring golden beaches, lively markets, and Greek ruins. Ideal for those who want to savor Sicily in a concentrated form.

Maya Bennett

Maya Bennett

I’m a travel writer passionate about responsible tourism, overlooked destinations and the people who give each place its identity. Through my articles, I explore practical ways to travel more thoughtfully while supporting local communities and protecting the natural world.