Italy’s New Ultra-Luxury Train Gives Travelers a Fever Dream of Wine and Pampering

When visiting Italy, hopping on a train to get from city to city is one of the best ways to get around. And while Italian trains are already among the best in Europe, things were taken up a notch earlier this year when La Dolce Vita Express departed on its inaugural journey. This new luxury train experience blends the glamour of mid-century rail travel with all of the comforts of a modern five-star hotel.

La Dolce Vita Express offers both round-trip and one-way itineraries to favorite destinations, including Rome, Venice, Sicily, and Tuscany, and onboard, you’ll find Michelin-starred chefs, world-class sommeliers, and a full-service concierge. Whether you’re interested in booking spa treatments, embarking on exclusive excursions, or simply deciding which bottle of wine to open next, the staff onboard is there to ensure that your only job is to enjoy the view.

Besides an elevated experience as you roll through the Italian countryside, here are a few other things you can look forward to aboard Italy’s most luxurious new train.

A Short But Sweet Journey

There are eighteen different itineraries offered, all of which combine the opportunity to visit a mix of Italy’s best cities, vineyards, historic towns, and beaches. Most of the trips begin in Rome and last either two, three, or four nights, apart from the Grand Tour, which is a lavish five-night excursion that will have you traveling the length of Italy before returning to Rome.

The train typically departs in the late morning, and depending on the length of your itinerary, makes a pitstop or two before arriving at your final destination.

Beyond the overnight trips, you can also board the train for just a day trip between Rome and Venice, while still receiving the same luxurious experience and a world-class, multi-course lunch. While a shorter journey, this option delivers the same indulgent services and postcard-worthy scenery as you wind your way north, a bite-sized taste of La Dolce Vita Express that doubles as the perfect way to travel between two of Italy’s most iconic cities.

Luxury Onboard and Off

Regardless of which itinerary you choose, the sense of luxury will begin long before you step off the train platform. For journeys beginning in Rome, you’ll arrive at La Dolce Vita lounge, tucked into Stazione Roma Ostiense, where you can relax and enjoy a drink before departing. When arriving at the various destinations along your journey, you’ll receive private transfers from the train stations to the city center when needed.

In each of the stops along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore on your own or book guided experiences such as curated wine tastings, tours around UNESCO World Heritage sites, and private pastry-making classes. Two experiences specifically cater to the golf crowd, stopping near several of Italy’s most prestigious courses while offering premium equipment rentals, tips from internationally renowned professionals, and the chance to share stories with other golf-loving passengers.

For Every Special Occasion

Given the price tag of this experience, for example, two-day, one-night journeys start at around 3,500€ — anyone boarding La Dolce Vita Express is most likely doing so for a special occasion, such as a honeymoon, retirement celebration, or milestone anniversary, and the staff is happy to accommodate all special requests. It’s also possible to rent out the entire train or specific carriages for other special events, with a full-service concierge able to arrange personalized itineraries, custom menus, and exclusive off-train excursions.

It’s important to note that this experience is not meant for families, children under 12 years of age are not permitted on board under any circumstances, and while teenagers are allowed when accompanied by an adult, the overall experience definitely caters to adults. In fact, one of the best parts of each journey is after dinner when the lights dim and the bar car comes to life with live music, entertainment, and delicious cocktails and world-class Italian wines served by the professional bar staff.

Don’t Forget the Food

Most Italian vacations center on food, and the experience onboard La Dolce Vita Express is no different. From a multi-course lunch to welcome you on board during your first afternoon, to a gourmet dinner created by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck, to your choice of breakfast served in bed or in the dining room, the meals are sure to be one of the best parts of the experience. Featuring highlights from each of the exact regions you are passing through, each dish mirrors the journey itself.

Beyond all of the delicious meals, who can pass up the perfect Italian aperitivo? As you reboard the train after your afternoon excursion, La Dolce Vita Express turns the famous Italian cocktail hour into an art form, offering an ideal way to sample the best of Italy’s wines, spirits, and small bites as you continue onto your next destination.

Bottom Line

Featuring breathtaking landscapes, Italy’s best gastronomy, and luxurious deluxe cabins, La Dolce Vita Express is sure to be an unforgettable experience and a unique way to enjoy your next Italian vacation. There might be faster ways to get from Rome to Venice or Sicily, but no doubt, they won’t be as glamorous or enjoyable as your journey onboard Italy’s newest and most luxurious train service.