A luxury sleeper train inspired by the original Orient Express is launching a new route from Rome to Istanbul this autumn, with top suites costing over £47,000. The service, operated by Accor under the La Dolce Vita Orient Express brand, began luxury rail journeys within Italy last year but will make its first international trip in October.
The five-day, four-night journey departs Rome on 22 October, heading to Venice where guests can spend a full day exploring palaces and canals. The train then continues east to Budapest, offering a day to admire grand architecture and bridges, before travelling through the Carpathian Mountains with stops in Romanian destinations such as medieval Brașov and Sinaia.
Private tours are available in Venice, Budapest and Transylvania. The final leg passes into Turkey, arriving in Istanbul on the afternoon of the last day. On board, the train features 31 cabins, including 18 suites, 12 deluxe cabins and the La Dolce Vita Suite, designed by Dimorestudio with 1960s Italian-inspired interiors.
Cabins start from £29,000 for single occupancy, while deluxe cabins for two cost around £34,000. Suites are priced at £40,000 for one person or £47,000 for two. The La Dolce Vita Suite, at 30 square metres, includes a living area, dining space, two bathrooms, a walk-in wardrobe and a personal concierge, but is only bookable via the reservations department.
Dining is overseen by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck, with dishes using Italian produce and recipes. Guests can enjoy live piano and vocal music after dinner. Each room has a call button for room service, offering Italian delicacies.
