Just Back From… Kenya
From golden savannahs to snow-dusted mountains and wild coastline, Kenya
There’s something deeply romantic about crossing Italy by train. The landscapes unfold like a film reel — vineyards stitched across rolling hills, sleepy sun-blushed towns, sudden glimpses of the sea — and you, gliding through it all with a glass of something sparkling in hand. It’s a slower, more indulgent way of travelling. A deliberate pause between one beautiful moment and the next. And now, with the arrival of the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, Italy has reimagined this old-world glamour for a new generation.
Having launched last month, this luxurious new train experience is the latest evolution of the Orient Express legacy — but make no mistake, this is not a copy of its Paris-Istanbul cousin. This is an entirely Italian affair: stylish, cinematic, and designed to celebrate the richness of the country it explores. Every route begins and ends in Italy, each journey tracing a story of culture, cuisine and craftsmanship through some of the most soul-stirring parts of the country.
From the moment you board, it’s clear that this is no ordinary train. Designed by the acclaimed Milan-based Dimorestudio, the interiors blend 1960s glamour with contemporary Italian design. Think polished walnut walls, lacquered cabinetry, brass detailing and rich velvet in tones of saffron, emerald and deep navy. Each carriage feels like a perfectly curated living space — more Milanese apartment than mode of transport — complete with terrazzo floors and clever lighting that softens the mood from morning to midnight.
The cabins themselves are beautifully appointed, with generous beds, private en-suites and large windows that turn Italy’s changing scenery into your own personal cinema. In the suites, there’s extra space to lounge, unwind, and dress for dinner (of course equipped with cosy slippers and bathrobes) — a ritual in itself on a journey like this. And then there’s the La Dolce Vita Suite: the ultimate indulgence with a separate living area, full bathroom, and bespoke service from your own private butler. It’s a setting made for champagne moments, milestone celebrations, or simply a few days of pure escapism.
But it’s not just about where you sleep. On this train, the entire experience has been designed to immerse you in the Italian way of life. Dining is a highlight — as it should be — with menus that evolve depending on the route. Expect regional specialities elevated to fine dining standards: creamy saffron risotto while passing through Lombardy, freshly caught seafood on the approach to Sicily, and handmade pasta inspired by Nonna’s own recipe if you’re lucky enough to travel through Emilia-Romagna.
Each course is paired with wine from local producers, carefully chosen by the train’s in-house sommelier (a very welcome treat we have to say). Meals unfold in elegant dining cars, where crisp linens, vintage tableware and impeccable service set the tone. There is no rush, no background noise — just the clink of glassware, soft conversation, and the gentle rhythm of the tracks beneath your feet.
In the evenings, guests drift to the bar carriage — arguably the social heart of the train.
Here, aperitivi are poured with theatrical flair, and a live pianist brings the atmosphere to life with a playlist that moves from classic Italian ballads to moody jazz as the night goes on. There’s something almost dreamlike about it — the way strangers become companions, the way the landscape slips quietly into shadow outside the windows, the way everything feels both timeless and completely present.
The routes themselves are as carefully considered as the train’s design. Each itinerary ranges from one to three nights, and all offer something distinct. One might take you from Venice to Rome via Verona and Florence, threading through the heart of the Renaissance. Another route might guide you down the spine of the country, dipping into the wild landscapes of Basilicata and Puglia, before ending in Matera — a city carved from stone and soaked in history. Then there’s Sicily, where the train hugs the coast and cuts inland toward Mount Etna, offering a taste of the island’s intoxicating contrasts: lemon groves and lava fields, grand palazzos and crumbling ruins, gritty streets and glossy boutiques.
And while the journey itself is undeniably luxurious, it’s never outrageously showy. The joy of the La Dolce Vita experience is in its attention to detail. The knowledge that everything is taken care of, from your luggage to your lunch reservation, without you ever needing to ask.
It’s travel the way it should be — personal, considered, deeply enjoyable. And booking through Swords Travel takes the experience even further. Our clients enjoy early access to high-demand departure dates, preferential cabin allocation, and exclusive perks — like complimentary upgrades or added-value extras onboard, depending on the journey. We also take care of the before and after: whether you’d like to pair your train trip with a few days in Lake Como, a suite in Rome, or a private driver to the Amalfi Coast, we make it seamless.
The launch season for the La Dolce Vita Orient Express is already causing a stir, and departures are limited — just a handful of journeys offered each year, each one completely unique. If you’re dreaming of discovering Italy in a way that feels indulgent, authentic, and far from the crowds, get in touch.
From golden savannahs to snow-dusted mountains and wild coastline, Kenya
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