Paris–Istanbul, Rome And Venice: Orient Express to Roll Again in 2027 with 1920s Carriages, What Tourists and Business Travelers Should Prepare For

Published on October 31, 2025

Paris–Istanbul, Rome & Venice set the stage for a return that many travelers quietly hoped for but few expected so soon. After sixteen years away from regular service, the Orient Express is slated to relaunch in 2027, using 17 fully restored 1920s–30s cars once known as the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express. The brand confirms that the train has been reimagined for contemporary comfort while retaining its Art Deco soul, signaling a renaissance of unhurried, high-style rail across Europe.

What’s actually coming back

The operator states the revived Orient Express will invite passengers to relive the classic experience on those original carriages, redesigned under architect Maxime d’Angeac. Expect period motifs, refined marquetry, and modern amenities with a strong Art Deco vocabulary rather than pastiche. Separately, the brand’s La Dolce Vita Orient Express—a sister luxury train focused on Italian itineraries—has already launched in 2025, strengthening the overall network of rail experiences ahead of the 2027 debut.

Hotels to pair with the journey

The Orient Express brand—jointly owned by Accor and SNCF—is expanding its hospitality footprint, including La Minerva in Rome (opened 2025) and a Venice property slated for 2026, ideal bases for pre- or post-journey nights. This broadens the ecosystem around the train and supports multi-city itineraries.

Passenger rights and official guidance

Prospective riders should know that EU rail passenger rights, updated by Regulation (EU) 2021/782, provide baseline protections on issues like delays, re-routing, and assistance—important even for luxury services. The European Commission maintains current guidance and notes that limited exemptions may apply by Member State and service type. Travelers should review these rules before booking.

If heritage or special trains operate in the UK during promotional tours or tie-ins, safety oversight and guidance for heritage railways are published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR)—useful reading for enthusiasts tracking showcase runs or static displays.

What this means for tourists vs. business travelers

• Tourists: Expect a high-demand, limited-inventory product. Suites and dining cars are designed for atmosphere as much as mobility, so the journey itself becomes the vacation. Pair with slow-travel city stays in Paris, Rome, Venice, Naples, or even Sicily as routes expand.
• Business travelers: This is not a time-saving option; it’s a statement experience for executive retreats or celebratory travel. For meetings en route (or upon arrival), build in generous buffers; luxury rail prioritizes ambiance over speed. (For fast point-to-point, pair the trip with high-speed services before or after.)

Practical money matters: taxes and extras in Italy

If your itinerary includes Rome or Venice hotel nights, plan for the contributo di soggiorno (tourist tax). Rome’s official portal publishes the latest rules and forms; national resources outline how the tax functions across Italy. Recent municipal updates confirm deadlines for filings and tariff documents, while the Ministry of Tourism posts general guidance. Budget a few euros per person per night, with exact rates depending on property category.

Key points at a glance

• The Orient Express revival targets 2027 with 17 original 1920s–30s cars restored and redesigned.
• The La Dolce Vita Orient Express Italian journeys began in 2025, complementing the future pan-European services.
• EU rail passenger rights (Reg. 2021/782) cover refunds, assistance, and accessibility provisions.
• Rome and other Italian cities levy tourist taxes on overnight stays—check municipal rules and plan accordingly.

Quick tips for booking and riding

1. Register for alerts on the official Orient Express website and Accor’s channels to catch early booking windows.
2. Layer your rights: confirm fare conditions, then review EU passenger rights; keep confirmations offline for when connectivity dips.
3. Pad the schedule: arrive at the departure city at least one day early; luxury trains rarely wait for late connections.
4. Dress code & luggage: pack compact, elegant attire; cabins are plush but space-conscious.
5. Plan city taxes: factor the Rome/Venice tourist tax into your hotel budget; keep small change or card ready at check-out.
6. Accessibility: if mobility assistance is needed on connecting services or stations, consult national infrastructure managers (e.g., RFI in Italy) well in advance.

Step-by-step planning guide

Step 1 — Pick your storyline: Classic Paris–Istanbul for storied grandeur, or Rome–Venice–Sicily for Italian scenery via La Dolce Vita.
Step 2 — Book stays: Choose hotels near terminals; Orient Express-branded properties in Rome (open) and Venice (planned 2026) make seamless pairings.
Step 3 — Reserve the train early: Demand will surge; waitlists are likely.
Step 4 — Know your rights: Screenshot EU rail rights highlights and the carrier’s conditions.
Step 5 — Budget city taxes & extras: Check Rome’s municipal page for current rules; repeat for other cities on your route.
Step 6 — Build buffer days: Aim for flexible returns, especially if pairing with airlines.
Step 7 — Savor the onboard: Book bar and dining moments early; consider a suite for the day-to-night cabin transformation experience.

Additional info travelers keep asking about

• Ownership & momentum: The Orient Express brand is a 50/50 venture between SNCF and Accor, which helps explain the parallel growth in trains and hotels.
• Design pedigree: The revived cars lean on authentic Art Deco craft updated for 21st-century comfort rather than retro mimicry.
• Why everyone’s talking about it now: Media attention spiked after the Italian La Dolce Vita train began journeys in 2025, previewing the experiential model the 2027 service will adopt.

A closing note for dreamers and doers

Paris–Istanbul, Rome & Venice are more than lines on a timetable; they are promises of lantern-lit dinners, mirrored ceilings, and landscapes framed by grand windows. Whether the plan is a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, a celebratory executive retreat, or simply the joy of taking the long way, the Orient Express revival offers a rare chance to travel at the speed of wonder—eyes open, phones down, and stories loading with every mile.

Disclaimer: The Image is AI Generated and Does Not Represent The Real Property