by Jo Huffhines/travel advisor/trekking tours and travel
We often talk about the destination: the villa in Tuscany, the suite in Paris, the yacht in the Mediterranean. But there is a romance to the journey that has been largely lost in our age of rushing through airports and cramped flights.
As a luxury travel advisor, I spend a lot of time vetting experiences to ensure they live up to the hype (and the investment). Recently, I had the privilege of stepping aboard two of Europe's most legendary rails: the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) and the stylish newcomer, La Dolce Vita Orient Express.
There is a lot of mystique surrounding these "hotels on wheels." Are they comfortable? Is the food actually Michelin-quality? Is it worth it?
Here is my honest, "inside-the-cabin" look at what it’s really like to slow down and travel in ultimate style, and how to choose the right one for you.
The Vibe: 1920s Glamour vs. 1960s Cool
The moment you step onto the platform, the real world melts away, but these two trains take you to very different eras.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE): Stepping onto the VSOE is like walking onto the set of a Gatsby film. This is pure 1920s Art Deco drama. The marquetry is vintage, the carriages are restored originals, and the atmosphere is steeped in history. The social scene in the bar car is electric, centered around a baby grand piano and crystal champagne flutes.
- Best for: Lovers of history, maximalists, and those who want to dress to the nines.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express: In contrast, this train captures the "La Dolce Vita" era of the 1960s and 70s. Think Fellini films, mid-century modern furniture, and Italian boldness. It feels less like a museum piece and more like a chic, moving boutique hotel. The vibe is slightly more relaxed—sophisticated, yes, but with a distinctly Italian "fun" energy.
- Best for: Design lovers, foodies, and travelers who want luxury with a modern, retro twist.
The Cabins: The "Bathroom Situation"
Trust is key in my business, so I always give it to my clients straight: Space on a train is a premium luxury, and this is where the two trains differ the most.
The VSOE: Unless you book a "Grand Suite," you are staying in a historic cabin. They are stunningly beautiful, but they are cozy (think bunk beds for two). The most important detail? Most historic cabins do not have en-suite bathrooms. You have a washbasin, but the restroom is down the hall. For many, this is part of the vintage charm; for others, it's a dealbreaker.
- Advisor Tip: If a private bathroom is non-negotiable for you, ask me about booking a Grand Suite or a Suite, which are the only categories with private en-suites on this train.
La Dolce Vita: This train was designed with modern expectations in mind. Every cabin, from the Deluxe to the Suites, has its own private en-suite bathroom. The design is clever and feels much more spacious than its historic counterpart.
- Advisor Tip: If you hate the idea of sharing facilities or walking down a corridor in your robe, La Dolce Vita is the clear winner here.
The Dining: French Classic vs. Italian Soul
This is where both trains absolutely shone. We aren't talking about airline food here; this is fine dining.
The VSOE: Dinner here is a theatrical event overseen by Chef Jean Imbert. The cuisine is classic French excellence—lobster, caviar, rich sauces—served on crisp white linens with silver service. It feels formal and occasion-worthy.
La Dolce Vita: The menu is curated by Heinz Beck (of 3-Michelin-star fame), and the focus is deeply Italian. The dining isn't just about the food; it's about the region. As you roll through Tuscany or Sicily, the wines and dishes shift to match the view outside your window. It feels less rigid than the VSOE, but equally gastronomical.
The Dress Code: Black Tie vs. "Made in Italy"
The VSOE: They take the dress code very seriously. You cannot wear jeans, ever. For dinner, Black Tie is strongly encouraged for men (tuxedos are common), and evening gowns for women. It is part of the magic—everyone plays the part.
La Dolce Vita: The code is "Smart Elegant." You still need to look sharp—think a tailored Italian suit or a chic cocktail dress—but the pressure to wear a tuxedo is lower. It’s about style, not just formality.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
In a word: Yes.
But you have to know why you are booking it.
- Choose the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express if you want the bucket-list legend, the history, and the excuse to wear a ballgown to dinner.
- Choose La Dolce Vita Orient Express if you want Italian flair, modern comforts (private bathrooms!), and a culinary deep-dive into Italy.
Ready to ride the rails?
Navigating the routes, cabin classes, and seasonal schedules of Europe's luxury trains can be complex. As your advisor, I can help match you to the journey that fits your travel style perfectly.
Send me a message, and let’s get your next great adventure on track.
Here are two curated itineraries that showcase the distinct personalities of these two legendary trains.
As your advisor, I’ve selected the Classic Route for the VSOE (because you simply must do the original run at least once) and a Signature Italian Loop for La Dolce Vita to highlight its regional depth.
1. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE)
Route: The Classic Paris to Venice Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night The Vibe: A time capsule of 1920s elegance. Fast-paced, social, and steeped in history.
Day 1: The Grand Departure
- 3:00 PM: Board at Paris Gare de l’Est. Advisor Tip: Don't just rush to your cabin. Stand on the platform to watch the stewards in their blue-and-gold livery load the luggage—it’s a photo op straight out of a movie.
- 4:30 PM: Settle into your cabin. If you’re in a Historic Cabin, wash up at your vanity (remember, no en-suite!) and dress for dinner. If you booked a Grand Suite, pop your complimentary champagne.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner. This is the main event. You’ll be seated in one of the three restaurant cars (likely L’Oriental or Côte d’Azur). Expect a 4-course French feast—think Brittany lobster or salt-marsh lamb.
- 10:00 PM: Move to Bar Car ‘3674’. The resident pianist will be playing, and the Midnight Brunch (yes, a second meal of lobster rolls and truffle sandwiches) is served later. This is where the social magic happens.
Day 2: Alpine Views & Arrival
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast in bed. The stewards serve warm pastries and coffee directly to your cabin while you watch the Swiss Alps pass by.
- 1:00 PM: A 3-course lunch is served as you cross the Italian border and roll through the Dolomites.
- 4:30 PM: Tea time in your cabin.
- 5:30 PM: Arrival at Venice Santa Lucia Station. Advisor Tip: Have your water taxi pre-booked to whisk you straight from the station steps to your hotel.
2. La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Route: The "Venice & Tuscany" Journey (Round-trip from Rome) Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights The Vibe: Slow travel, Italian design, and deep cultural immersion.
Day 1: The Roman Send-Off
- 10:00 AM: Check in at the La Dolce Vita Lounge at Rome Ostiense Station. This is an exclusive terminal separate from the crowds. Enjoy an espresso while your luggage is handled.
- 12:00 PM: Board and settle into your Deluxe Cabin (enjoy that private en-suite bathroom!). The design is 1960s chic—burnt oranges, lacquer, and plush carpet.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch on board as you head north through the Italian countryside. The menu is curated by 3-Michelin-star chef Heinz Beck.
- Evening: Arrive in Venice. Unlike the VSOE, this train often docks, allowing you an evening excursion or a private dinner on board while moored in the lagoon city.
Day 2: The Tuscan Detour
- Morning: Wake up as the train heads south towards Tuscany.
- Afternoon: Stop in Siena. This is where La Dolce Vita shines—it includes curated off-train excursions. You might have a private viewing of a palazzo or a wine tasting in the Chianti hills that isn't accessible to the general public.
- 8:00 PM: The "Le Grand Soir" Dinner. Back on board, the atmosphere turns festive. The dress code is "Made in Italy" elegant. Live music plays in the lounge car, but it’s more "cool jazz" than "formal piano."
Day 3: The Lazy Morning
- 9:00 AM: A leisurely Italian breakfast (rich coffee, fresh ricotta, fruits) as you wind back through Lazio.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive back in Rome. You’ll feel rested, well-fed, and like you’ve just left a boutique hotel rather than a transit hub.
Advisor Note on Booking:
- VSOE sells out 6-8 months in advance for peak summer dates.
- La Dolce Vita is new and highly anticipated; 2026 spots are already moving fast.
- Let me know which pace appeals to you more, and I can check specific availability for your dates!
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