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Orient Express: Comparing the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and La Dolce Vita

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ce-simplon-orient-express-and-la-dolce-vita.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 15:35 GMT by Travel + Leisure

The Golden Age of Rail: A Deep Dive into the Orient Express and Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

For over a century, the name "Orient Express" has conjured images of luxurious travel, intrigue, and a bygone era of glamour. But the story isn’t as simple as one Orient Express. Today, two distinct experiences carry the legacy: the newly reimagined La Dolce Vita train (owned by Accor) and the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), a Belmond train. Both promise to transport passengers back in time, but they offer vastly different approaches to realizing that dream. This article summarizes the key differences, history, and future prospects of these two luxury rail journeys.

A History of the Orient Express: From Istanbul to Rebirth

The original Orient Express debuted in 1883, connecting Paris to Constantinople (Istanbul). It wasn’t just a train; it was a symbol of European sophistication, attracting royalty, diplomats, and wealthy travelers. The line experienced its golden age in the interwar period, becoming famous (and fictionalized) through Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. However, political shifts and the rise of air travel led to its decline. By the 1970s, the original route had ceased to exist.

The current VSOE, launched in 1982 by James Sherwood, wasn’t a restoration of the original route, but a romantic recreation. Sherwood painstakingly purchased 33 vintage Wagons-Lits carriages (the original sleeping cars) from auctions and, over years, restored them to their former glory. He then began operating routes, notably London to Venice, which quickly became the signature journey.

La Dolce Vita: A New Orient Express for a New Era

Accor, the hospitality group behind brands like Fairmont and Raffles, acquired a controlling interest in the Orient Express brand in 2023, signaling a bold new chapter. Their venture, La Dolce Vita, is not about preserving the past, but about reimagining it. Launching in 2024, La Dolce Vita will utilize newly built trains – rather than restored vintage cars – combining meticulous historical detail with modern comforts.

The key differentiator is the range of routes. Unlike the VSOE's focus on classic destinations like Venice and Paris, La Dolce Vita aims for a wider European network, including Rome, Florence, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and even Istanbul, attempting to revive aspects of the original, historic route. Accor has focused intensely on Italian craftsmanship and culinary excellence, partnering with renowned chefs and artisans to create a distinctly Italian experience. They've commissioned bespoke furniture, artwork, and linens, aiming to create a modern interpretation of Art Deco luxury.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Authenticity & Timeless Elegance

The VSOE, while also embracing luxury, remains committed to the authenticity of the original experience. The carriages, dating back to the 1920s and 30s, are lovingly maintained by a team of artisans. The meticulously restored interiors, with their marquetry, plush velvet, and polished wood, are part of the allure.

The VSOE focuses on a handful of meticulously planned itineraries, primarily between London, Venice, and Paris, with occasional seasonal journeys. It’s an experience heavily rooted in tradition, from the white-gloved stewards to the formal dining service. The train features three dining cars – L’Oriental, Etoile d’Istambul, and Wagon Bar – each evoking a different era of the Orient Express.

Comparing the Experience: Comfort, Cuisine, & Cost

While both trains represent the pinnacle of luxury travel, key differences impact the passenger experience.

• Accommodation: The VSOE cabins, though exquisitely restored, are smaller than those on La Dolce Vita. Accor’s train boasts larger suites, including some with private bathrooms – a rarity on vintage railcars.
• Dining: Both trains prioritize gourmet dining. The VSOE features a classic French menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients. La Dolce Vita emphasizes Italian cuisine, with menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs and a strong focus on regional specialties.
• Atmosphere: The VSOE offers a more formal, traditionally opulent experience. La Dolce Vita leans towards a contemporary, yet still luxurious, aesthetic.
• Route & Destinations: The VSOE operates mostly established routes, while La Dolce Vita aims for broader European coverage.
• Cost: Both are undeniably expensive, but the VSOE typically commands a higher price tag, especially for the most luxurious suites, due to the rarity and maintenance of its vintage carriages. Prices for both start in the thousands of dollars per night, depending on the cabin category and route.

The Future of Luxury Rail Travel

The arrival of La Dolce Vita isn't meant to replace the VSOE, but to expand the market for luxury rail travel. It demonstrates a growing demand for unique, experiential travel, and a willingness to pay a premium for it.

Both trains are investing heavily in the experience, promising to deliver not just a journey, but a curated immersion in a golden age of travel. The competition will likely drive innovation in both offerings, benefitting passengers who seek to relive the romance and glamour of the Orient Express. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference: for those who value historical authenticity and timeless elegance, the VSOE remains the definitive experience. For those seeking a modern interpretation of luxury, broader routes, and a distinctly Italian flair, La Dolce Vita promises an exciting new chapter in the legend of the Orient Express.