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For CHF 24,500: Travel all over Italy on this historic luxury train

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A view from the dining car of the New Orient Express.
from “Handelszeitung”

On Italy’s newest rail line, trains take days to arrive at their destination, and tickets cost thousands of euros. The journey itself is the destination and is quite special.

The new train offer is called “La Dolce Vita”. From next year, accommodation options for one to three nights will be available, for example from Rome to Venice and Portofino, or via Sicily, starting at 6,000 euros (approximately 5,850 francs) for two people. Routes pass through destinations such as Montalcino, Siena, Maratea, Palermo, Palena, Matera, Venice and Portofino. The most exclusive cabins cost at least 25,000 Euros per night.

Travel in style without guilt

“It’s just like a luxury cruise on rails,” says Paolo Barletta, managing director of luxury travel group Arsenale SpA, which will run the service in partnership with the renowned Orient Express brand. “The train is a means of transportation that is a passion for many. Train journeys are romantic and have a very special appeal.»

Nostalgia on the tracks: the new luxury train “La Dolce Vita”.

The service associated with the Orient Express brand stems from two key trends: the resurgence of travel after the pandemic and a renewed interest in trains related to the climate crisis. After the lockdowns in the pandemic, people still have some things to do when it comes to travel. This is especially true for the wealthy who want to travel unorthodox, but in style and without a twinge of conscience.

Italy is an enviable travel destination with its cuisine, culture and history. More than 3 million high-income visitors came to Italy in 2022, spending an average of 3,500 francs, according to data from the Enit tourism office. The agency expects revenue from international travelers in this target group to increase by 31 percent between 2020 and 2024.

“Luxury tourists are looking for something new, because cruises are old hat,” says Dina Ravera, founder and president of luxury tour operator Destination Italia SpA. Sustainable travel is also on the rise. “Sustainable, leisurely travel on alternative routes and panoramic routes through Italy is in great demand among tourists willing to spend,” Ravera says.

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240 million euro investment

The luxury segment is unaffected by inflationary pressures and economic fears. A survey by payments service provider Flywire showed that 83 percent of luxury travelers are willing to spend more in 2023 than in the previous year.

To meet the demand, Arsenale is investing 240 million euros to launch the service. The money will primarily flow into the transformation of national operator Trenitalia’s outdated trains into luxury hotels on wheels. Onboard amenities include fine dining at brass-paneled tables and suites with wood-panelled living rooms.

The interiors are inspired by 20th century Italian design, combining soft tones of orange, terracotta and purple. Deluxe cabins feature carpeted floors and wood paneling on the ceiling and an en suite bathroom. Suites are furnished with a sofa, a table and two armchairs.

Traveling in style: a view from a suite on the new Orient Express.

Break at La Scala in Milan

Italian snacks and local wines are served in the dining car, and delicacies such as sea urchin and truffle dishes are served. During dinner at Le Grand Soir, a photographer will shoot vintage Polaroids for guests. 62 passengers can take the twelve-car trains.

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The routes partly run on secondary roads near the mountains and the sea. Travelers can hop on and off for events such as an overnight visit to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice or a performance at Milan’s La Scala. There will also be the option to stay at Arsenale’s Orient Express hotels in Rome and Venice, which will open in 2024.

The first two trains will travel from Rome to northern and southern Italy and also visit Sicily. This will be followed by four more trains serving across the country by 2025.

Dining car on the new luxury train: Surrounded by warm hues, travelers dine in an idyllic atmosphere.

great demand

The concept is planned to be extended to the Arabian Peninsula after Arsenale has signed agreements with Etihad Rail and Saudi Arabian Railways to develop similar services in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Pre-registration is already possible for the first La Dolce Vita excursions. Barletta says enough people have paid a €500 deposit to fill all available places for next year. He founded Arsenale in 2020 with Annabel Holdings, owned by billionaire Nicola Bulgari. Final bookings are expected to begin later this summer.

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Barletta says most customers will likely come from the US, Europe and the Middle East, but Italy has domestic passengers as well. Asia is lagging behind.

Price is not an issue for Dolce Vita travelers. “Purchasing a premium bag may cost the same as a tailor-made trip, but it doesn’t offer the same emotional experience,” emphasizes the executive.

Source :Blick

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