Accor is launching a new five-day luxury rail journey from Rome to Istanbul under the La Dolce Vita Orient Express brand [1, 2, 3].
The expansion represents an effort to revive the historic Orient Express legacy by offering an ultra-luxury travel experience [1, 2]. By connecting two of the Mediterranean's most iconic cities, the operator aims to capture the high-end tourism market through a blend of classic European scenery and modern opulence.
Scheduled to begin operations in October 2026 [1, 3], the journey will transport passengers across borders with a focus on high-end hospitality. The itinerary includes Michelin-starred dining and views of classic European landscapes [1, 3].
Tickets for the excursion are priced at €20,000 [1]. Some reports have listed the cost as £13,593 [4], though the Euro-denominated price remains the primary figure cited by the operator's regional partners. The journey spans five days [1], providing a slow-travel alternative to traditional air travel between Italy and Turkey.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express is operated by Accor [2]. The company said the route is a revival of the golden age of rail, emphasizing a curated experience over speed. The route focuses on the transition from the historic sites of Rome to the crossroads of East and West in Istanbul [1, 2, 3].
“A new five-day luxury rail journey from Rome to Istanbul”
The launch of this route indicates a strategic shift toward 'ultra-luxury' slow travel, where the transit itself is the destination rather than a means of transport. By pricing the journey at a premium, Accor is targeting a niche demographic of high-net-worth individuals, signaling a broader trend in the travel industry to monetize nostalgia and exclusivity in the wake of modernized rail infrastructure.
