LA DOLCE VITA ORIENT EXPRESS

Orient Express's new retro-inspired train celebrates the best of what Italy has to offer.

- By Sarah Allard. Photographs by Alixe Lay

The words “Orient Express” conjure visions of chic bejewelled ladies sipping cocktails, dapper gents in tuxedos smoking cigars, and the odd murder mystery. Train journeys like this are the stuff of fiction—an almost mythical form of travel wrapped in old-world glamour. But Orient Express, which started in 1883 and made its maiden trip from Paris to Constantinople (now Istanbul), flipped long-distance travel on its head. Fast-forward 142 years, it's been nudged lovingly into the 21st century with La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a 12-carriage train that will transport 62 guests around Italy on one- and two-night journeys. It is the first of six in a collaboration between Italian luxury hospitality business Arsenale Group and French hotel giant Accor.

I'm on a round trip from Rome to Venice and Portofino, and my adventure begins inside Roma Ostiense station in the La Dolce Vita lounge. With an ornate check-in desk and neon tube lights, artist-architect Hugo Toro has created a space that feels timeless. A curtain hiding the platform is drawn and it's time to head for the train.