Orient Express, a magic to visit Italy: slow tourism between design and 3 -star Michelin stars (from 4,500 euros per night)

There are neither Mysteries nor intrigues Agatha Christie style to be solved on theOrient Express « La Dolce Vita »but the comfort and the possibility of experiencing a unique experience in a timeless atmosphere of elegance, recalling the golden era of railway travel.
The train is the first project of luxury hospitality on rail Realized by Arsenale, the company of Paolo Barletta, in collaboration with the Brand Orient Express managed by Accor and Lvmh, Trenitalia-Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato, Fs and Fs Fondazione and FS Italian tourist trains. The heart of experience is the journey itself: a Slow and sustainable tourismcapable of enhancing the Italian territories making it Tribute to the Dolce Vita of the 1960s.

The welcome in the lounge

The journey begins already before boarding, in the Exclusive lounge of Rome Ostiense designed by Hugo Toro. Offers a relaxed environment, with live music, cocktail bar, luggage service and even showers For those arriving directly from planes or trains. The staff deals with check-in and reception practices, leaving guests only the task of preparing to get on the train.

The restoration of the carriages

They range from the welcoming lounge a little art déco to a different mood as soon as you go up the steps of the train. The impact is that of a successful restoration and design project. The Original carriages of the 1960s were recovered In the arsenal construction sites of Brindisi and transformed by homes in contemporary spaces that pay homage to the Italian design of masters such as Gio Ponti and Carlo Scarpa. Woods, velvets, mirrored surfaces and warm colors How terracotta dominate the interiors. The train today has 9 carriages, destined to become 16 in the next three years. Upon completion, each convoy will offer 30 cabins (12 deluxe and 18 suite) to host 60 travelers. A detail that makes the difference: all the cabins, even the deluxe, have private bathroom, a rarity in the world of luxury trains.
The quality finds itself in every detail: Ginori 1735 dishes, Carmignani linen, bath accessories signed by heirs pumpkin. All strictly selected from Italian excellence.

The challenges

Of course, charm and elegance inevitably coexist with some structural limits: the space remains that of a railway carriage, and if Dimorestudio has wisely played with smoke mirrors and tailor -made solutions to visually expand the environments, the life on board still requires a certain spirit of adaptation. Deluxe cabins, for example, transform a double bed sofawhile the spaces dedicated to the bathroom – although present and functional – are clearly collected.
The kitchen also lives a daily challenge: in four, including chefs, led by the school of Heinz Beck, they work in a very small space, However, managing to propose dishes of the highest level. A small miracle of organization, which makes the quality of lunches and dinners served on board even more surprising.
In the end, Sleeping in motion requires a minimum of habit: Although the train is stop for about four hours every nightthe slight oscillation and the background noises can request a night of accommodation for those who are not accustomed to this type of travel.

The restaurant carriage

The cuisine on board also tells an authentic and refined Italy. The gastronomic experience It is signed by chef Heinz Beck, three Michelin stars with the Pergola of Rome. The menus, different for each itinerary, enhance local and seasonal products: each dish, Each combination of wines tells the territory crossed.
Lunches and dinners take place rigorously while the train is moving in the restaurant carriage from the sage walls and intimate atmosphere. The intent is to offer a multisensory experience that allows you to taste refined dishes while the steps flow from the window.

Live music and sharing in the bar carriage

After dinner, the bar carriage comes alive with live music. The notes of the half -tailed piano, accompanied by a saxophonist and a soul voice surround the guests, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The Italian aperitif merges with the rhythm of the journey: an opportunity to sip a drink, chat, get to know other travelers from every corner of the world.

On the ground: exclusive experiences between Venice and Siena

Our itinerary included two nights with stops in Venice and Siena, before returning to the capital. Arrived in Venice, a luxury boat welcomed us to navigate along the Grand Canal to Palazzo Nani Bernardo, One of the few houses still owned by the original family. A corridor illuminated by candles led us to an internal garden with the highest palm of the city. On the main floor, a private dinner transported us in another time, accompanied by the delicate notes of an armpist.

After Venice, the train took us to Siena, where an authentic experience awaited us: the meeting with Dino Pes, called « Velluto », winner of the last Palio. Far from the official celebrations, we discovered the passion and dedication that move the life of the districts, the beating heart of the city. The Palio is not just a race: it is a collective rite that involves every corner of the community, in a tradition alive since 1283.

The cost

The starting price for this experience? About 4,500 euros per person per night, excluding extras as experiences on the ground. But the interest is high, especially by American, French and British tourists who see in experience not a simple train journey, but a total immersion in the art of Italian life, remembering Fellini’s sweet life, where traveling means slowing down, observing and letting yourself be carried away by beauty.