Luxury rail tourism has just gained a new chapter in Europe — and Italy is the star of the show. The legendary Orient Express has unveiled a new experience inspired by the historic “Grand Tour”, the aristocratic itinerary that marked Europe’s elite between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Now reinterpreted for the high-end public of 2026, the journey aboard the New Orient Express turns the act of travelling into the central part of the trip. Instead of the rush of airports, the proposal focuses on stunning landscapes, refined gastronomy, sophisticated suites and an itinerary designed to combine exclusivity, culture and nostalgia.
According to information reported by Robb Report, the new itinerary will take place aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, a train created to revive the glamour of classic European travel with an aesthetic inspired by post-war Italian design.
What is the new Orient Express “Grand Tour”?
The project recreates, in a contemporary version, the historic concept of the Grand Tour — a tradition in which young aristocrats travelled across Europe on cultural journeys focused on art, architecture and sophistication.
This time, however, the experience reaches a far more exclusive level. The rail itinerary will last several days and pass through iconic regions of Italy, connecting historic destinations, Mediterranean landscapes and cities considered symbols of European luxury.
The experience was designed for travellers seeking more than traditional tourism. The focus is on complete immersion: contemplation, extreme comfort and highly personalised experiences.
Train combines boutique hotel, premium restaurant and Italian design
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express is not merely a means of transport. The train was designed as a true five-star hotel on rails.
The interiors are strongly inspired by the Italian aesthetic of the 1960s, a period often associated with the height of European glamour. The carriages combine noble wood, intimate lighting, sophisticated fabrics and cinematic references that evoke the imagery of the Italian “dolce vita”.
The accommodation includes:
- private suites;
- personalised service;
- exclusive gastronomic menus;
- premium social areas;
- culinary experiences inspired by the regions visited.
According to the Robb Report article, the entire concept was developed to transform the journey into a complete sensory experience.
Train travel is growing again among luxury tourists
The launch reinforces a growing trend in the international market: the return of high-end rail travel.
In recent years, luxury tourists have begun seeking slower, more exclusive and emotionally memorable experiences. In this context, premium trains have gained momentum precisely because they offer something rare today — time to appreciate the journey.
While aviation prioritises speed and convenience, luxury rail tourism focuses on contemplation, design and the romance of great classic journeys.
This movement has helped revive the prestige of the Orient Express, a brand that has remained associated with the imagery of global luxury since the late 19th century.
The historic legacy of the Orient Express still fascinates travellers
Originally created in 1883, the Orient Express became one of the most famous trains on the planet by connecting European cities on journeys considered extremely sophisticated for their time.
Decades later, the name remains surrounded by cultural fascination. The train inspired books, films, series and cinematic productions — especially after the worldwide success of Agatha Christie’s classic “Murder on the Orient Express”.
Today, travelling on an Orient Express means much more than tourism. For many travellers, it is about living an almost cinematic experience.
How much does it cost to travel on the new Orient Express?
Official prices vary according to the type of cabin and the chosen period, but similar experiences from the brand usually reach extremely high figures.
On premium Orient Express itineraries, some suites have already exceeded tens of thousands of dollars per trip, especially in the most exclusive categories with private services.
Even with very high prices, demand remains strong among millionaires, collectors of luxury experiences and tourists interested in journeys considered truly unique.
Italy strengthens its ultra-premium tourism market
Industry experts point out that the new project helps further consolidate Italy as one of the most desirable destinations in global luxury tourism.
The country brings together elements highly valued by this audience:
- historic heritage;
- world-renowned gastronomy;
- cinematic landscapes;
- cultural tradition;
- sophisticated hospitality;
- exclusive experiences.
With the new railway Grand Tour, the strategy is precisely to transform all these elements into an immersive journey — where the route becomes as important as the destination.
Source: Robb Report. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
