La Dolce Vita Orient Express Launches Rome-Istanbul Journey

The La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy's first luxury train launched in spring 2025, will make its first international journey from Rome to Istanbul in October 2025. The five-day route passes through Venice, Budapest, the Carpathian Mountains, and Brașov before concluding in Istanbul. The train features 12 carriages with a maximum of 62 passengers, offering 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites, and one La Dolce Vita Suite designed by Dimorestudio. Dining includes menus by Michelin three-star chef Heinz Beck, customized to local produce. The journey starts at the Orient Express lounge at Roma Ostiense station with aperitivo and live music. Rates begin at €20,000 ($23,200) per passenger. The original Orient Express launched in October 1883 from Paris to Istanbul; the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express still makes that trip twice yearly.