Staff WriterAh, La Dolce Vita—a phrase that once conjured images of Fellini, fountains, and flirtation now comes with the satisfying sound of a well-struck iron. The La Dolce Vita Orient Express, already a symbol of luxury rail travel, is trading tuxedos for tartan as it teed up an exclusive golf tour launching this November.
The train, now a Special Partner of the 2025 Italian Open, will roll out from Rome, sweeping through Tuscany like a silk scarf in the breeze, with a rather refined pit stop: The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, Italy’s only private golf club.
This isn’t your average golf break. This is La Dolce Vita on rails—part vintage elegance, part golfing pilgrimage, and all Italian indulgence.
At the heart of the journey lies Castiglion del Bosco, a majestic layout carved into the Val d’Orcia’s UNESCO-protected landscape, where sheep probably outnumber bunkers. Designed by none other than the late Tom Weiskopf—champion golfer and maestro of minimalism—this 18-hole marvel is the only Weiskopf course in Continental Europe. Think medieval village meets manicured fairways, all under that dreamy Tuscan sun.
David Waters, General Manager & Director of Golf at The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, put it best: “We are delighted to welcome guests of La Dolce Vita Orient Express for this very special visit to The Club at Castiglion del Bosco.
Italy has become one of the great golf destinations of the world and there is no finer way to travel through the country and experience our golf courses than in the slow comfort of a luxury train.”
And slow comfort it is. This isn’t a mad dash between tee times. The journey unfolds at a pace that encourages espresso sips, deep exhales, and the occasional gaze out the window to marvel at the rolling hills, Renaissance ruins, or—if you’re lucky—a flock of flamingos in Puglia.
Following its showcase at the Italian Open, La Dolce Vita Orient Express unveiled two new itineraries that would make even the most jaded traveller giddy: Northern Greens in October, charting a course from Rome northwards, and Italian Swing in November, a southbound voyage from the Eternal City through Tuscany to the sun-kissed charm of Puglia.
These aren’t just train rides—they’re curated, golf-soaked escapades. Imagine pairing rounds at championship courses with Michelin-starred dining, elegant sleeper cabins, and the company of an internationally renowned professional golfer riding shotgun—or in this case, bar car.
As for the onboard experience, it’s less “caddy shack” and more “cinema paradiso.” The train’s interiors channel the golden age of travel, but with modern touches that would make James Bond cancel his flight.
Eight itineraries now make up La Dolce Vita’s portfolio, but these two new additions are custom-built for those who prefer their golf with a side of Chianti.
For those looking to chase birdies between bites of truffle risotto, bookings are now live at orient-express.com/la-dolce-vita.
In short: this isn’t just a trip. It’s a backswing into bliss. La Dolce Vita—where every fairway tells a story, and the only thing better than the view is your second shot into a sunlit green.
