Paris-Istanbul, Rome and Venice: The Orient Express will operate again in 2027 with carriages dating back to the 1920s, what tourists and business travelers should prepare for

Published October 31, 2025

Paris – Istanbul, Rome and Venice It paved the way for the return that many travelers had quietly hoped for but few expected so quickly. After sixteen years of interruption to regular service, the Orient Express is set to restart 2027use 17 fully restored cars from the 1920s and 1930s Once known as Nostalgia-Istanbul-Sharq Expressway. The brand emphasizes that the train has been redesigned for contemporary comfort while retaining its Art Deco spirit, signaling the renaissance of unhurried, high-profile railways across Europe.

What actually comes back

The operator states that the revived Orient Express will invite passengers to relive the classic experience on those original carriages, which were redesigned under the supervision of the architect Maxime Danjak. Expect period decorations, fine inlays, and modern amenities with a strong Art Deco vocabulary rather than imitation. Separately, brand La Dolce Vita Orient Express– a luxury sister train focused on Italian itineraries – has already been launched in 2025, strengthening the overall network of rail experiences ahead of its debut in 2027.

Hotels to accompany the trip

Orient Express brand – jointly owned by Accor and SNCF– Working to expand the scope of hospitality, including No Minerva In Rome (opening in 2025) and a hotel in Venice scheduled to open in 2026, they serve as ideal bases for pre- or post-cruise nights. This expands the ecosystem around the train and supports multi-city itineraries.

Passenger rights and official directions

Prospective riders should know this Rights of rail passengers in the European Unionupdated by Regulation (EU) 2021/782providing basic protection on issues such as delay, redirection and assistance, which is important even for luxury services. The European Commission maintains the current guidance and notes that limited exceptions may apply depending on the Member State and type of service. Travelers should review these rules before booking.

If heritage or special trains are running in the UK during promotional tours or additional links, heritage railway safety monitoring and guidance will be published by Office of Railways and Roads (ORR)– Useful reading for enthusiasts of tracking bids or fixed offers.

What does this mean for tourists versus business travelers

• Tourists: Expect a high-demand, limited-stock product. The suites and dining cars are designed as much for ambiance as for ease of movement, so the trip itself becomes a vacation. Pair it with slow city stays in Paris, Rome, Venice, Naples or even Sicily as the routes expand.
• Business travelers: This is not a time-saving option; It’s a great experience for executive retreats or celebratory travel. For meetings on the way (or upon arrival), build generous buffers; Luxury railways prioritize ambiance over speed. (For fast point-to-point service, pair the trip with high-speed services before or after.)

Practical financial matters: taxes and additions in Italy

If your itinerary includes… Rome or Venice Hotel nights, plan to contributo di soggiorno (tourist tax). The official portal of Rome publishes the latest rules and forms; National resources explain how the tax works across Italy. Recent municipal updates confirm application deadlines and tariff documents, while the Ministry of Tourism publishes general guidance. Allocate a few euros per person per night, with prices determined by property category.

Key points at a glance

• the Orient Express Renaissance goals 2027 with 17 original cars from the 1920s and 1930s Restored and redesigned.
• the La Dolce Vita Orient Express Italian flights began in 2025complementing future pan-European services.
• Rights of rail passengers in the European Union (Reg. 2021/782) Covers refunds, assistance and accessibility provisions.
• Rome and other Italian cities Tourist taxes apply for overnight stays – check municipal rules and plan accordingly.

Quick tips for booking and riding

1. Sign up for alerts On the official Orient Express website and Accor channels to learn about early booking windows.
2. Your rights layer: Confirm fare conditions, then review EU passenger rights; Keep confirmations offline for when connectivity drops.
3. Schedule filler: Arrive at least to the city of departure One day early; Luxury trains rarely wait for late flights.
4. Dress code and baggage: Compact and stylish clothing pack. The cabins are luxurious but spacious.
5. City tax plan: Factor the Rome/Venice tourist tax into your hotel budget; Keep small changes or a card ready when you check out.
6. accessibility: If assistance with navigation is needed when connecting services or stations, consult national infrastructure managers (e.g., RFI in Italy) in advance.

Step-by-step planning guide

Step 1 – Choose your story: classic Paris – Istanbul For storied greatness, or Rome-Venice-Sicily For Italian views via La Dolce Vita.
Step 2 – Book accommodation: Choose hotels close to stations; Orient Express-branded properties in Rome (open) and Venice (planned for 2026) make seamless pairings.
Step 3 – Book your train early: Demand will rise. There will likely be waiting lists.
Step 4 – Know your rights: Screenshot highlighting EU rail rights and carrier terms.
Step 5 – City Taxes and Budget Extras: Check the City of Rome page for current rules; Repeat for other cities on your route.
Step 6 – Create buffer days: Aim for flexible returns, especially if pairing with airlines.
Step 7 – Tasting on board: Book your bar and dining moments early; Consider getting a suite to experience cabin transformation from day to night.

Additional information travelers keep asking about

• Ownership and Momentum: The Orient Express brand is a 50/50 venture between SNCF and AccorWhich helps explain the parallel growth in trains and hotels.
• Design proportions: The revived cars are based on original Art Deco craftsmanship updated for 21st century comfort rather than outdated tradition.
• Why is everyone talking about it now: Media interest has surged after Italy’s La Dolce Vita train begins its journeys in 2025, previewing the pilot model that will be adopted by the 2027 service.

A concluding note for dreamers and doers

Paris – Istanbul, Rome and Venice They are more than just lines on a timeline. They promise lantern-lit dinners, mirrored ceilings and landscapes framed by large windows. Whether the plan is a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, a celebratory executive retreat, or just the pleasure of taking the long way, the revival of the Orient Express offers a rare opportunity to travel at dizzying speed – eyes open, phones closed, and stories loaded with every mile.

Disclaimer: The image is generated by artificial intelligence and does not represent the actual property