On October 22, the luxury train La Dolce Vita Orient Express will begin its first international itinerary from Rome to Istanbul. Created by the Arsenale Group with Orient Express and Trenitalia, it pays homage to the original 1883 service. It offers a slow, immersive journey with stops in Venice, Budapest, and the Carpathians, including Braศov and Sinaia.
Engineering on Rails: How a Classic is Modernized ๐
The project combines restored carriages with advanced climate control systems and pneumatic suspension to reduce vibrations on challenging sections like the Carpathians. An ERTMS signaling system has been integrated to comply with European regulations, while the interiors retain lacquered wood panels and handcrafted stained glass. Traction is provided by Trenitalia's latest-generation electric locomotives, capable of switching between overhead lines and non-electrified sections using auxiliary batteries.
Traveling Slow to Arrive Late in Style ๐
The journey lasts several days, allowing passengers to get bored at leisure between Venice and Budapest. While the modern traveler requests a two-hour flight to reach Istanbul, here you are served a five-course menu before crossing the Romanian border. The good thing is that if the train is delayed, at least you can boast that it was the fault of the original 1883 Orient Express.