All Aboard the Classic Revival of the Orient Express
Picture this: a sleek, heritage‑laden train curling along scenic European tracks, its polished brass seats gleaming under the sun, and a zip line of luxury that feels both timeless and fresh. That’s the Orient Express stepping back onto the rails, reintroducing travelers to one of the world’s most iconic rail adventures.
What Makes the Orient Express Legendary?
For decades, the Orient Express has epitomized:
- Glamour – From sumptuous dining car menus to velvet upholstered seats.
- Elegance – A testament to fine craftsmanship and the journey’s legendary polish.
- Adventure – Picture winding routes through wine‑tasting vineyards, mountain passes, and historic towns.
Accor Hospitality’s Fresh Spin
Under the fresh guidance of the Accor Hospitality group, this classic has been given a modern twist while honoring its storied past:
- Restorations of the original carriages, now equipped with state‑of‑the‑art amenities.
- Exciting new routes, like Italy’s La Dolce Vita Orient Express—a blissful blend of Italian charm and sumptuous onboard service.
- Personalized experiences that let fans dive deeper into regional culture.
Why Book the Orient Express Now?
It’s more than a ride; it’s a journey into living heritage. Whether you’re a die‑hard rail enthusiast or simply yearning for a luxurious break, this train promises:
- A fresh, premium lineup of experiences that marry past and present.
- Opportunities for leisure, adventure, culture, and genuine indulgence.
- Exhilarating moments where you’ll hardly believe you’re on a classic train—except when the wheels hit the rails.
With its blend of historical charm and cutting‑edge luxury, the Orient Express isn’t just a return to the rails; it’s a triumphant re‑birth, inviting you to step aboard and let the adventure sweep you away.
La Dolce Vita: Italy’s Luxury Sleeper Train
All Aboard the La Dolce Vita – Italy’s First Luxury Pyjamas-On-Pulsating Wheels
Picture this: you’re lying on a cloud made of velvet, sipping espresso from a crystal goblet, while Italy’s breathtaking vistas roll past like a postcard on wheels. In 2025, that dream became a glossy reality with the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, the country’s inaugural high‑end sleeper train, cruising across the heart of Italy with style, charm, and a dash of mid‑century flair.
Designed to Make Your Seat Feel Fancy
- Comfort Has a New Name: Nine carriages house 62 travelers in Deluxe cabins, Suite cabins, or the pièce de résistance – a single, twice‑as‑large La Dolce Vita Suite.
- 6‑Decades of Glamour: Dimorestudio’s interiors nod to the sleek elegance of the 1960s, with deep‑rooted color palettes, sumptuous materials, and little touches that whisper “mid‑century magic.”
- Feel the Luxe, Savor the Smooth: From a seat that hugs you with a gentle squeeze to lighting that turns every moment into a movie scene.
Why It’s All About the Food (and a Bit of Fun)
Michelin‑starred chefs franchise the menu, turning every bite into a passport stamp for authentic Italian cuisine. Fresh local produce and regional staples make each dish a thumb‑tapping, mouth‑watering ode to Italy’s gastronomic heritage.
Beyond the Train: Also Taste the Towns
- Vineyard tastings that let you sample Piedmont’s gravel‑rooted must whenever the train pauses.
- Museum stops that pause history between two legs.
- Guided city tours to hit the trickiest alleyways of Genoa, the soaring cards of Naples, and the simmering vibes of Sicily.
- Curated fine‑dining adventures in places that promise a new flavor for every sip and swallow.
Trains Between Rome and the World
Embark on a journey that stitches together some of Italy’s most iconic regions:
- Rome – the eternal city that can’t keep its grandeur secret.
- Venice – where canals reflect art and romance.
- Portofino – a coast that looks like a postcard in paint.
- Montalcino – the home of Brunello, where grapes are almost like glitter.
- Sicily – where history and Sicily’s distinct cuisine mingle into a story of flavor.
Each route is meticulously designed to let you drink in the culture and culinary magic without having to unpack your suitcase. The train is a doorway, a brushstroke of heritage, and a commitment to timeless Italian luxury.
Wrap Up: A Train, a Taste, and a Trip Through Italy
So strap in, set your seat, and let the La Dolce Vita Orient Express transport you into a new era of traveling. It’s not just moving from A to B; it’s living the A‑to‑Z experience, all while relaxing in a cabin that feels like a plush nest on wheels.
Most Read on Euro Weekly News
Property doomsday: EU rule could turn Spanish homes into unsellable bricks by 2030
Madrid–Barcelona low-cost Avlo trains scrapped
5 things I’ve learnt about British expats in Spain (from a non-Brit living here)
The Historic Orient Express Revival
Mid‑2026: The Grand Return of the Original Orient Express
Picture this: a sleek, steamy train gliding through cobblestone cities and rolling countryside, unfolding a tale of romance as much as it does a schedule. In the middle of 2026, the iconic Orient Express is hitting the rails again, and it’s not just a nostalgic blast‑from‑the‑past. It’s a full, luxurious makeover that promises to bring the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s straight into your modern comfort pack.
A Vintage Revamp
- All 17 carriages that once carried mystery, intrigue and postcards for posterity have been meticulously refurbished by the architect Maxime d’Angeac.
- The restored train boasts 32 plush suites, including a presidential suite that would make even the president feel like a common traveler.
- There’s a chic dining experience with a restaurant and bar set in sepia‑toned décor, so you can sip champagne while watching the timetables fade into grays.
Track‑List of the Classic Route
When you hop aboard, you’re in for a “time‑machine on rails” that takes you from the romance of Paris to the exotic streets of Istanbul, via:
- Vienna – where the music never stops.
- Buda–Bács – best friend of paprika.
- Bucharest – feel the heart of the old steamer.
Each stop is a chapter, each city a moustache on the train’s illustrious beard.
Why It’s Awesome
It’s not just about hopping on a mid‑century machine. The whole point is to blend:
- Timeless glam of the golden age.
- Modern comfort – think plush bedding, Wi‑Fi, and the new “keep‑you‑in‑touch‑even‑while‑traveling” concierge.
- Unparalleled service – tailored to your tastes because you’ve earned it.
Trains with a Twist
Besides the classic Orient Express, you’ll also catch the La Dolce Vita train, also under the same brand umbrella. These luxury rail journeys are part of Accor’s movement to rekindle the love for heritage tourism. They speak to voyagers who want the globe’s stories to unfold before their eyes while enjoying modern ferry‑concealed comforts.
The Takeaway
For those who crave a feeling of connection to history, culture and craftsmanship – all wrapped up with a modern twist – the revived Orient Express is your train of choice. Because why should tourism be a sprint when the world’s beautiful stories encourage a leisurely, luxurious ride? All aboard!
Gastronomy and Culinary Excellence
Reinventing the Legendary Orient Express
Picture yourself sliding aboard a luxury train that’s been polished to glossy perfection, with a Michelin‑starred chef at the helm guiding every dish. That’s the vibe we’re aiming for while the Orient Express rolls into a dazzling new era.
Head Chef Bonanza
Yannick Alléno, a name that rings out from every fine dining fork, has taken the reins as Executive Chef for two exciting ventures: the newly restored train and the Orient Express Corinthian—our luxury sailing yacht that’s set to make waves in 2026.
How the Menu Meets History
- Classic recipes that once whispered through the grand coaches, now elevated with Michelin finesse.
- Fresh, local ingredients sourced at each stop—so your plate carries a true taste of the journey.
- Two onboard restaurants: one for history buffs craving traditional fare, the other for adventure seekers longing for regional delights.
- Each dish is crafted to turn a simple meal into a storytelling moment—no biro‑driven itinerary, only flavor.
Beyond the Rails
Accor’s luxe strategy isn’t just staying on track. They’re expanding the brand to all sides of the globe: land, sea, and rail.
- Orient Express La Minerva – a hotel in Rome that serves both art and comfort.
- Pending opening in Venice, 2026 – where gondolas meet vintage carriages.
- The Orient Express Corinthian yacht, a floating extension that lets guests glide across the waters, sailing from a different kind of landmarks.
Why It Matters
Imagine a travel experience that feels cohesive: a rail journey ending in a Rome hotel, then a sea voyage aboard a yacht. It’s an integrated luxury network that offers:
- Seamless transitions with no paperwork headaches.
- Unmissed opportunities to sip vintage wines in a coach, dine in an opulent train car, and later book a sunset cruise.
- A historical narrative spread across three modes of transport—rail, land, and water—crafted with design, detail, and dosed with gastronomy.
So buckle up (or, if you prefer, put your hat on), because this isn’t just a ride—it’s a gastronomic adventure that lets history and modern luxury dance in perfect harmony.
Heritage, Culture, and Experiential Travel
Rediscovering the Classic Charm of the Orient Express
Why the old‑fashioned train still feels like a luxury jackpot
- Heritage on wheels – every carriage tells a story from the golden age of rail.
- Style that never sleeps – interiors have been given a meticulous makeover so you can sit back and feel like royalty.
- Bespoke dining – Michelin‑style menus served on top‑notch steamer trays.
- Thoughtfully crafted excursions – trips that bring you face‑to‑face with history and culture.
From La Dolce Vita to the Classic Revival – Fun in every carriage
Whether you’re rolling through Italy’s cobblestone streets aboard La Dolce Vita or cruising the original route on the fully restored Orient Express, you’ll feel a blend of comfort, adventure, and learning that’s curiously rare in today’s travel scene. It’s not just a ride; it’s a passport into unforgettable heritage.
Why Luxury Rail Still Wins Hearts
The revival of this iconic line shows that travelers keep craving measured, immersive experiences that connect them back to the past. Think of it as a warm hug from history that also feels like a passport to the future—one step at a time.
Getting Ready for the Return
With the first swing of the Orient Express Corinthian just around the corner, you can once again anticipate the romance and elegance that made the name a synonym for luxury. From the original, historic charm to the contemporary sparkle of La Dolce Vita, the brand is a masterclass in blending history, culture, gastronomy, and style into journeys that are both inspiring and unforgettable.
The Experience, Not Just the Destination
Traveling across Europe on a restored train or exploring Italy’s treasures on a luxury rail adventure is more than reaching a point on the map. It’s about the journey itself – a journey that celebrates history, craftsmanship, and timeless sophistication in every detail.
