Thinking about a vacation in a luxury medium is to think, automatically, on a cruise. These huge ships have become synonymous with high transport standingwith proposals as exclusive as the experiences of the Yates of Four Seasons. However, another transport is to make way to elbow in this segment: that of trains.
Seeking to emulate the sophistication of the Orient Express, Italy has just opened a train not suitable for all pockets: the Dolce Vita Orient Express.
Retro-chic. At the beginning of April, a strategic collaboration formed by several Italian companies announced the debut of the first national manufacturing luxury train. Baptized as La Dolce Vita Orient Express (because yes, the iconic Belgian company is behind), it is a vehicle that wants to mark a milestone in luxury tourism in the country, showing its cultural heritage and what they can do regarding gastronomy and sophistication.
In a cradle country of some of the most important developers and brands such as Maserati, Ferrari or Lamborghini (and the Alfa Romeo de Bellezas such as Montreal), that mixture between mechanics and luxury was not something that was questioned. And the idea regarding interior design is to combine the styles of the middle of the last century with more contemporary elements.
Luxury. Designed by Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran, they recognize that the idea is to invite passengers to a trip on a train with a “sumptuous decoration.” The two designers comment that they have designed all the details not with the idea that it is an example of the ostentatious luxury, but to give the impression that it has always existed.
The interiors are imposing, with details such as the very spacious dining room, rooms with sofas and, above all, the rooms.
Seating Rooms. They are the ones who monopolize attention and there are two types. On the one hand, the Deluxe cabins that have wood everywhere, a sofa that becomes a bed of 140 X 190 centimeters, coffee table, stool, private bathroom and an area of 7 m².
Deluxe
And his bathroom
On the other hand, the suite cabins. With 11 m² and more windows, a table with two seats and a bed of 140 x 190 cm. It also has a bathroom, mirrors everywhere, as well as design lamps and accessories such as bronze finishes.
Suite
And his bathroom
To eat, beyond the room service, there is a dining room in which chef Heinz Beck, with three Michelin stars, has designed the menu based on the country’s gastronomic tradition.
Get to the seat. The intention of this new Express Orient is to emulate the experience of the Belgian original that connected Paris with Istanbul and already turned into his day into synonym for glamor and exclusivity. For the Dolce Vita Orient Express, eight itineraries have prepared with durations of one or two nights, depending on the route, and covering trips between Sicily and Rome, the ‘Trufa route’ or that of the vineyards, that of the beaches of Sicily, Venice and Tuscan or Venice and Portofino.
The prices? The one of the vineyards of one night, from 3,060 euros per passenger. Venice and Tuscan of two nights from 5,440 euros per passenger and Sicily to Rome from 8,880 euros per passenger, but that if two people go. If only one goes, the Deluxe room comes out for 16,872 euros and the suite for 21,432 euros. In addition, you can reserve extra experiences such as visits to Taormina and Mararatea for another 800 euros.
Revival of the train. Something interesting is that this train is not unique in Europe. The Britannic Explorer, also with Michelin Star menu and Art Deco cabins to explore the United Kingdom, is an example. Another is the Simplon Orient Express, which was the train that, until the arrival of the Dolce Vita, kept alive the spirit of the original orient express. And in Spain we have alternatives as luxurious as transcantabric.
These proposals are still very exclusive alternatives to attract national and international luxury tourism. Or for anyone who wants to give a whim Caprichazo
Images | Orient Express
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