New Italian luxury train revives the Grand Tour with contemporary flair

A new five-day rail journey across Italy, operated by La Dolce Vita Orient Express, will make its inaugural departure on 21^st May, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of the Grand Tour traditionally undertaken by Britain’s cultural elite. The circular route begins and ends in Rome, taking passengers through Venice, Matera, Taormina and Palermo, and is aimed at travellers seeking slower, more regionally focused journeys across the country.

The launch represents a further development for La Dolce Vita Orient Express, which began operations last April. Unlike other services under the wider Orient Express brand, this one is rooted specifically in Italian culture, design and regional identity, distinguishing it from the more traditional Central European routes long associated with the name.

The train’s interiors have been designed by Milan-based Dimorestudio to draw on the visual language of 1960s Italian cinema and design. The aesthetic marks a departure from the period-revival style typically found on heritage rail services, giving it a more contemporary edge.

One of the more distinctive points on the itinerary is the crossing into Sicily, during which the train is transported by ferry across the Strait of Messina. The practice, once common in European rail travel, is now rare and remains one of the few examples of train-ferry transport still in operation on the continent.

Catering onboard is overseen by Heinz Beck, the German-born chef whose Rome restaurant La Pergola holds three Michelin stars. The menus are designed to shift in line with the regions through which the train moves, drawing on local produce and culinary traditions in Lazio, the Veneto, Basilicata and Sicily.

The launch comes amid a broader resurgence in rail travel across Europe, particularly at the higher end of the market. Operators including Belmond, Accor and a number of independent ventures have expanded sleeper and luxury rail services in recent years, responding to growing demand from tourists seeking alternatives to short-haul flights and more immersive travel.

Italy has emerged as a particular focus for such investment, with its combination of regional diversity, established tourist infrastructure and strong rail network. The five-day circular format, beginning and ending in Rome, is designed to allow passengers to visit several regions without the logistical complications of multi-city flight itineraries.

Further departures are expected to follow throughout the year.

Food Desk
Photo: Mr.Tripper

The Grand Tour with La Dolce Vita Orient Express launches 21^st May 2026. For further information or to book tickets, visit the group’s website here.