“Indulging in Opulence on a Budget: How to Add a Touch of Glamour to Your Travels”

**The Rosenbloom**

**The New York Times**

If you have yearned to experience refined train travel but assumed that the era of opulent carriages and live musical performances had concluded, fortune smiles upon you. A new generation of trains, alongside fresh routes, enhanced amenities, and exclusive events, is emerging, beckoning travelers to unwind with a glass of Champagne in hand as they traverse some of the globe’s most stunning sceneries.

From the picturesque Lake District in England to the rugged terrain of Kyushu in Japan, these journeys provide suites that compete with accommodations found in luxury hotels, complemented by culinary creations from chefs whose establishments boast Michelin stars. Here is where to ascend.

**Paris to Tuscany, Italy, and Paris to Portofino, Italy**

Commencing in May, this luxurious train service, featuring meticulously restored carriages from the s and s, will introduce an enchanting three-night excursion titled Paris to Tuscany by a Legend of the Rails. Guests are invited to experience the ambiance of Bar Car , where live piano performances enhance the journey, before retreating to their elegantly appointed rooms. Accommodation options comprise a “historic cabin” with seats that transform into berths (shared restrooms are conveniently located at the end of each sleeping carriage); a suite equipped with its own marble bathroom and a double or twin bed that seamlessly converts to a lounging area; or a grand suite offering an exquisite setting.

dining area and round-the-clock butler service.

Throughout your journey, you will have the opportunity to explore Siena, Italy, where an excursion of the Gothic-style historic center awaits you. A visit will include a th-century palace located in Piazza del Campo, where you can indulge in an aperitif while enjoying sweeping views of the city. Additionally, you will spend two nights surrounded by vineyards and olive groves at the Belmond Hotel, Castello di Casole in Tuscany. During your stay, you are invited to wander the estate, participate in stargazing activities at the outdoor amphitheater, and relax with live musical performances in the courtyard. The cost for this experience, which encompasses meals accompanied by wine, begins at £,, equivalent to approximately $, per individual.

a historic cabin along with a two-night stay in a junior suite at Castello di Casole.

In June, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will recommence its journey from Paris to Portofino (having made its inaugural trip last year), now featuring an additional carriage: the L’Observatoire sleeper carriage, crafted by the renowned French artist JR. This train offers its most spacious accommodation, which includes a private library housing over , volumes, a tearoom complete with a fireplace, and even a skylight that allows passengers to watch the clouds drift by as they travel.

The journey concludes at Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, which will reveal its renovations starting in June.

The establishment features various communal amenities, such as a dining area for breakfast, a cocktail bar, and a luxurious spa operated by Dior. The cost of travel from Paris to Portofino starts at , pounds per person, which includes meals and wine, predicated on the assumption that two individuals will share a historic cabin and spend two nights in a premium accommodation at Splendido.

Embodying the c of Italy during the s and s, this elegant train will commence its service with eight round-trip itineraries starting in April. Each journey will depart from Rome, where the newly established La Dolce Vita Orient Express lounge is located at the Roma Ostiense train station. Depending on the chosen route, travelers will have the opportunity to visit regions such as Tuscany and Piedmont.

Itineraries designed for train enthusiasts may include journeys such as the route from Rome to Sicily, where travelers can observe the disconnection of the train for loading onto a ferry that navigates the Strait of Messina, with reassembly occurring upon reaching the opposite shore.

Savor culinary experiences curated by Chef Heinz Beck, who is widely recognized for La Pergola, his esteemed three Michelin-starred establishment in Rome. During the evening, guests can rest in one of luxurious cabins featuring mirrored walls (where a sofa converts into a double bed, and ottomans serve as coffee tablesor opt for one of the suites equipped with beds, sofas, tables, and armchairs. An additional suite is also available.

In Summary

In conclusion, embarking on this luxurious journey aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express offers a unique opportunity to embrace the timeless elegance of Italy while indulging in exquisite cuisine and fine wines. Priced at an attractive £1,499 per person for an unforgettable two-night experience in a historic cabin, this adventure promises to be a memorable escape shared with a loved one. With routes that weave through the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany and Piedmont, each itinerary is designed to immerse travelers in the rich culture and stunning beauty that defines Italy. As the service kicks off in April, prepare to step into a world where every detail is crafted to evoke the romance of bygone eras, making your trip not just a journey, but a celebration of la dolce vita.