Before booking, you should consider the differences between the two trains, including the different cabin types and itineraries.
Vintage train lovers rejoice! The Orient Express has returned with a brand new train in the 1960s style. As a Rome based journalist, I had the privilege of being one of the first passengers on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express The “Taste of Tuscan Vineyards”, a journey from Rome to Montalcino, was launched in 2011. It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end, but does it match the iconic Venice Simplon Orient Express?
Both trains are luxurious and encourage their passengers to enjoy slow travel. There are some differences between the two trains, including their design, entertainment and gourmet meals.
The trains are operated under two different brands. LVMH, a French conglomerate, has a stake on both. Belmond operates luxury trains around the globe, including five-star hotels. The Venice Simplon Orient Express is one of them. La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a part of the new Orient Express, which is run by French hospitality group Accor.
Design and Accommodations
Belmond
The VSOE has a glamorous Jazz Age look with its woodwork, lavish fabrics, Lalique and Baccarat lamps, and intricate marquetry. The VSOE has 54 cabins, three restaurant cars and a bar.
To distinguish it from VSOE, LDVOE was designed in 1960s Italian design with details inspired Gio Ponti, legendary midcentury architect. The LDVOE has 12 carriages, each with a restaurant and bar. It also has 31 cabins, which can hold up to 62 people.
On the VSOE I was assigned a Historic Cabin with a banquette which converts to a bed. However, on the LDVOE, I stayed in a Suite, which had a large, comfortable bed and a separate couch, as well as a table and chair. To compare the two, I took a look at a Deluxe Cabin.
On the VSOE the Historic Cabins do not have a bathroom, whereas the LDVOE even entry-level cabins come with a full bath, a shower and luxurious bath products. The VSOE has luxurious bathrooms for suites, while entry-level cabins only have a washbasin. To shower, guests must use the shared bathrooms at the end each sleeper carriage. It’s important to consider this when booking a multiple-day journey.
Dining and Entertainment
Accor
The chefs of both trains prepare multi-course meals. Since 2022, the VSOE’s menus are designed by French chef Jean Imbert. Heinz Beck from Germany, the chef behind Rome’s one Michelin-starred restaurant, designed the menus aboard the LDVOE.
The VSOE train from Venice took me to Paris. I had a delicious three-course dinner in one of its restaurants and afternoon tea was served to me in my cabin. I also managed to eat a tasty tasting menu that evening. The LDVOE started with drinks and dining in the stylish lounge of Rome’s Ostiense Station. I then had a five course lunch at the restaurant, which left me feeling satisfied, but not stuffed. Dinner was a special event held in a Tuscany winery.
Both trains have live entertainment after dinner in the bar cars. The VSOE is a train where passengers are dressed to the nines. Many of them embrace vintage 1920s style, and indulge in Champagne or martinis. The LDVOE had a more casual, yet elegant look. In place of Champagne they served Franciacorta, one of Italy’s finest sparkling wines. Tess Amodeo Vickary from Rome, the American singer who serenaded passengers on my LDVOE trip, gave out tambourines to everyone and tried her best to get them involved. There may be other performers aboard other trains or routes.
Itineraries and Excursions
Belmond
The VSOE offers itineraries in Europe ranging from 1 to 5 nights. Meanwhile, the LDVOE offers journeys of 1, 2, or 3 nights on 8 routes across Italy. While the VSOE stops at cities like Paris, Venice, Amsterdam or Budapest, Vienna or Istanbul, the real experience is on the train. Only longer journeys offer excursions.
The LDVOE considers excursions to be an integral part of their experience. The excursions are optional and do cost extra, but guests can choose to go on at least one of them or explore independently. I enjoyed my excursion to Argiano Winery. We were shown the owner’s art collection, the barrel room and then sat down for a 4-course meal paired with Rosso di Montecristo and Brunello di Montecristo.
Excursions on other trips range from Jeep excursions at the foot of Mount Etna to exclusive dinners held in private Venetian villas.
Cost and Included Inclusions
The VSOE offers a historic cabin for $4,692 per night on the classic Venice-Paris journey. The rate includes an afternoon tea in the room, dinner, midnight breakfast, breakfast in the room, all soft drinks and a shared transfer to the Venezia Santa Luigia Station from your residence or hotel.
The LDVOE starts at $3.910 for a one night trip in a deluxe cabin. It includes meals, a curated choice of wine, soft drink, and cocktail, as well transfers from and to the Orient Express Lounge located at Rome’s Ostiense Station.
