From high-speed cross-Channel connections to luxurious journeys through Italy’s wine country, rail travel is getting an exciting refresh. Virgin is preparing to connect London with major European cities, while La Dolce Vita Orient Express is rolling out new itineraries that pair iconic destinations with the country’s rich culinary and cultural traditions.
Virgin Reveals Plans for New Cross-Channel Rail Service
Virgin has unveiled an early look at its planned cross-Channel rail service, including the train’s design and details about the onboard experience. Under an agreement with French rail group Alstom, Virgin will operate 12 Avelia Stream trainsets capable of speeds up to 185 miles per hour, with customized interiors designed for international travel.
Beginning in 2030, Virgin plans to introduce 20 daily rail services connecting to London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. The service is expected to add nearly 7.5 million seats annually to cross-Channel travel and create up to 1,000 jobs.
“Virgin has a proud history in UK rail. With our latest venture, we are drawing on more than four decades of experience across travel and hospitality to create something genuinely new,” said Josh Bayliss, CEO of Virgin Group, in a media statement. “This time, we’ll be connecting London with some of Europe’s greatest cities and giving passengers a distinctive new choice in cross-Channel travel.”
The onboard experience will draw inspiration from across Virgin’s travel and hospitality businesses, including Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses, Virgin Voyages’ dining concepts and Virgin Hotels’ emphasis on comfort and design. Passengers will also be able to earn and redeem Virgin Points through the Virgin Red loyalty platform.
Virgin is exploring ways to connect its rail and airline networks, potentially making it easier for Virgin Atlantic passengers arriving in London to continue to destinations across Europe. The company has secured UK track access through at least 2040 and signed an agreement with Eurostar for train maintenance at its Temple Mills depot in east London.
Further details about schedules, onboard amenities and the customer experience are expected in the coming months.
For more information, visit virgin.com.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express Unveils New 2027 Italian Journeys
La Dolce Vita Orient Express is expanding its portfolio for 2027 with new itineraries designed around Italy’s cultural landmarks, culinary traditions, vineyards and coastlines.
Among the offerings is a journey connecting Rome, Portofino, Venice and Florence, combining historic cities and the Ligurian coast with regional cuisine and onboard dining inspired by the destinations along the route.
For wine enthusiasts, the Italian Wine Route pairs Bolgheri, known for its Tuscan vineyards and coastal landscapes, with Verona, a gateway to Veneto’s wine country. Another itinerary focuses on Alba and the Piedmont region, offering access to the area’s celebrated white truffles, the Langhe hills and the renowned wine-producing areas of Barolo and Barbaresco.
A separate Rome-to-Venice journey travels through the Tuscan countryside, including Bolgheri, before continuing north to the Venetian lagoon.
The new itineraries emphasize immersive experiences that connect guests with regional food, wine, landscapes and heritage, with the train journey itself serving as a central part of the experience.
For travel advisors planning high-end Italy itineraries, the collection offers additional options for clients seeking a slower-paced, luxury rail experience that combines multiple destinations with a strong culinary and cultural focus.
For more information, visit orient-express.com.
