The legacy of the Orient Express is set for a modern revival as La Dolce Vita Orient Express prepares to launch its inaugural Rome–Istanbul route on October 22, 2026, reintroducing one of the most iconic journeys in rail travel history.
The new 5-day, 4-night itinerary marks the first international journey for Italy’s newest luxury train and reinterprets the historic rail passage that first connected Western Europe to Constantinople in 1883. The route is designed as a slow travel experience, positioning the journey itself as the core of the product rather than a point-to-point transfer.
A Reimagining of the Historic Rome–Istanbul Rail Journey
Departing from Rome, the train travels north toward Venice before continuing to Budapest, where guests experience a full-day stop to explore the city’s historic architecture and cultural landmarks. The itinerary then moves through the Carpathian region with scheduled stops in Brasov and Sinaia.
On board, La Dolce Vita Orient Express emphasizes Italian design and hospitality. Interiors curated by Dimorestudio draw inspiration from 1960s Italian aesthetics, while culinary programming is led by Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck, focusing on elevated Italian cuisine and regional influences along the route.
The launch positions the Rome–Istanbul itinerary as a new flagship experience for luxury rail travel, combining heritage branding with contemporary design and a curated cross-border cultural journey.
For more information, visit orient-express.com.
