Agents will now be able to book clients onto the La Dolce Vita Orient Express via Railbookers ahead of its launch next year, as part of a new collaboration between the two companies. 

The luxurious train will make its debut in summer 2025, 150 years after the establishment of the original Orient Express. Travellers can choose between nine itineraries in Italy, with routes headed for a variety of destinations including Sicily, Monferrato, Matera, Venice, Portofino and Palermo. 

Designed by Dimeore studio, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express will have 12 deluxe cabins and 18 suites, all of which are ensuite and offer room service. Guests can expect authentic gastronomy, with homemade Italian breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily by Michelin-star chefs in the dining carriage.

Traditional Italian aperitivi, complete with antipasti and cocktails, will also be available in La Dolce Vita’s “Lounge Bar”. Meanwhile, entertainment in the form of live music, storytelling and board games will be offered throughout the journey. 

Booking with Railbookers will offer guests a number of benefits, including advice on routes and connections, instant quotes on trains, hotels and transfers in one phone call and a flexible booking window. There’s also a 24/7 emergency support service to assist with any unplanned disruptions or issues that may arise during the trip.

“We are eagerly anticipating our partnership with Railbookers as we introduce an innovative concept of luxury train cruising to the marketplace,” said Samy Ghachem, general manager La Dolce Vita Orient Express. “This collaboration is not just about combining services; it’s about setting a new standard in travel luxury, offering an unparalleled experience that we believe will redefine the way people think about train travel.”

The train has been inspired by “La Dolce Vita”, a historical period of glamour, joie de vivre and artistic fervour that swept Italy during the 1960s. The new incarnation of the brand is conceived by Arsenale and Orient Express, part of the Accor Group, and Accor will act as hospitality partner for the journeys, with the train travelling through more than 16,000km of railways covering some of Italy’s “hidden treasures” and “architectural triumphs’’. 

“We’re excited to bring our expertise and wide product collection to travellers who want to experience the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express beginning next year,” said Gareth Jones, director of product development, Railbookers. “Like all of our itineraries, these trips can be combined with other destinations and activities to tailor-make the Italian journey of a lifetime.”

All journeys on La Dolce Vita Orient Express will depart from Rome’s Termini station, where the iconic Orient Express experience will begin with a personal welcome from the train’s concierge team and a complimentary beverage in the lounge bar.