Designed to evoke the Golden Age of Italian travel, La Dolce Vita is Italy’s newest luxury train experience, offering rail journeys through some of the country's most enchanting landscapes. From the moment you are whisked to the station in a chauffeur-driven Mercedes, you’re treated like a film star, with every detail curated for effortless indulgence and timeless style. The emphasis is very much on the pleasure of the journey with fine dining and impeccable service aboard.

La Dolce Vita has its own private lounge at Rome Ostiense station, and what a way to begin - 1960s retro architecture and opulent décor make the lounge simply stunning. Dimly lit and accompanied by live music, it creates an intimate atmosphere, only enhanced by our James Bond-choice of cocktails and exquisite canapés.

Modern and sleek, yet undeniably sophisticated, the train delivers the wow factor from the moment you step aboard. The dining and bar carriages are designed to feel cosy yet elegant, with vintage Italian film stills and iconic movie stars adorning the walls - a stylish nod to timeless glamour.

La Dolce Vita truly embodies the art of slow travel. The journey was thoughtfully planned and never felt rushed, with ample time to stop and fully absorb our surroundings while enjoying wonderful meals along the way. Our guides brought each destination to life with fascinating insights into Italian history, art, and architecture, adding an unexpected depth that especially resonated with a history buff like me.

Our first stop was Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage town famed for its ancient cave dwellings and recently featured in the James Bond film No Time to Die - a truly stunning destination steeped in history. The following day, we travelled to Sulmona before changing trains to board a more historic, traditional train to reach the small alpine town of Pescocostanzo. With its rich history and charm, Pescocostanzo is a hidden gem, and with Italy’s autumnal colours on full display, the journey itself was breathtaking. That evening we returned to Rome, not before one more fabulous dining experience aboard the train.

The evenings on board are what it’s all about. Pre-dinner drinks are served in the Bar Car, followed by a dining experience curated by three Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck. Each night’s menu is completely different, celebrating Italy’s culinary heritage and paired with wines that reflect the region you’re travelling through.

Live music flows through dinner and continues into the Bar Car, growing livelier as the night goes on. The staff keep the drinks flowing and know exactly how to facilitate a good time, leaving it entirely up to you when to call it a night.

Don’t make the mistake of confusing La Dolce Vita by Orient Express with The Venice-Simplon-Orient Express by Belmond. While Belmond embodies timeless, classic luxury, La Dolce Vita is all about Italian glamour and modern style - a very different take on luxury train travel.

Something I found a little surprising was the onboard dress code. It wasn’t as formal as I had expected - in fact, most guests opted for a smart-casual approach. Still, we had packed attire to fully embrace the theme, and dressing the part each night became a big part of our overall experience.

Wow - what can I say? This was by far one of the best travel experiences I’ve had while working at Trailfinders. From start to finish, we couldn’t stop smiling. It’s modern, glamorous, and effortlessly cool, with unforgettable moments delivered through impeccable service and meticulous attention to detail.

Yes, La Dolce Vita is sophisticated and luxurious, but it’s also a whole lot of fun. We completely bought into the concept and loved every minute.