The legendary Orient Express train brand will officially launch a luxury railway line connecting Rome (Italy) and Istanbul (Türkiye) from October 22nd, marking the return of one of the most iconic railway routes in European history.
The new train line, named La Dolce Vita Orient Express (Orient Express - A Beautiful Life), will be operated jointly by Arsenale Group and Accor, the owner of the Orient Express 1883 brand. This is considered the most ambitious international expansion of the project since its launch in 2023.
This 5-day, 4-night journey is designed as a tribute to the Orient Express Paris-Constantinople line that connected the French capital Paris with Constantinople (the old name of present-day Istanbul) in the late 19th century, but this time with a distinctly modern Italian style.
Departing from Rome, the train will stop in Venice – the historical gateway between Europe and Asia – before continuing its journey through Budapest, recreating the glorious atmosphere of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The route then passes through the Romanian mountains with stops in Brașov and Sinaia before ending in Istanbul. In the return journey from Istanbul to Rome, it will pass through Plovdiv and Sofia in Bulgaria, Timișoara in Romania, and Vienna in Austria before returning to Rome station.
Beyond the onboard experience, passengers can also choose premium sightseeing packages at each stop, such as a private tour of the ancient Roman theater in Plovdiv – Bulgaria's second-largest city, an off-hours visit to Schönbrunn Palace (Austria), or a ride on a water taxi in Venice.
The ship's interior is designed in the style of 1960s Italian architecture, combining classical art deco and modern amenities.
The onboard culinary experience is curated by Heinz Beck, featuring a seasonal Mediterranean-inspired menu served in a dedicated dining car. Live concerts and performances by singers will also take place nightly in the bar area.
The journey is also steeped in literature, as the historic Sirkeci station – the original terminal of the Orient Express – is undergoing restoration in preparation for its inaugural train service this autumn. This area is also closely associated with the renowned author Agatha Christie, author of "Murder on the Orient Express," written during her stay at the nearby Pera Palace Hotel.
According to industry analysts, the Rome-Istanbul route is not just a premium rail transport product, but also an effort to redefine the slow travel experience in Europe, combining historical and cultural heritage, cuisine, and ultra-luxury resort services on a single cross-border journey.