La Dolce Vita Orient Express: Indulge in Italy’s Culinary Journey in Luxury

This week’s travel roundup highlights the exciting La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, new hotel openings in Italy, and some fascinating global travel news.

The La Dolce Vita Orient Express train promises an extravagant dining experience, with Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck crafting a menu that reflects the diverse culinary traditions of the 14 Italian regions featured on the train’s eight routes. Highlights include a truffle-themed journey between Rome and Nizza Monferrato, and a tour through the Tuscan vineyards of Montalcino. The train is set to launch in spring 2025, with prices starting at 3,500 euros ($3,794) per person. This luxurious train aims to capture the chic allure of 1960s and 1970s Italy, differing from the original Orient Express’s 1920s aesthetic.

In addition to the train, the Orient Express brand is introducing its first hotels, starting with the Orient Express La Minerva in Rome, followed by the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice. More details about these hotel openings will be announced later this year.

For train enthusiasts, Vietnam’s Revolution Express is also on the horizon. Two refurbished steam trains from the 1960s are expected to begin service in 2025, connecting the coastal city of Da Nang with the historic capital of Hue.

Food, Drink, and Legal Intrigues

In the realm of culinary crime, a gang has made headlines for stealing over 24 tons of artisanal cheese from a renowned UK dairy. This theft follows a significant bust in France and Italy, where counterfeit French wine was discovered being sold for an astonishing $16,000 per bottle. As a precaution, travelers should be wary of dubious wine-and-cheese offers.

Meanwhile, traditional alcoholic beverages are seeing a resurgence in popularity. In Japan, doburoku, once illegal, is gaining favor again. Similarly, Ireland’s poitín, notorious in the past, is now a legally protected spirit. In Germany, a butcher is creatively addressing the raccoon population by crafting sausages, humorously referred to as “raccoon balls.”

Lands of Fire and Ice

In southwestern Turkey, near Antalya, the Yanartaş mountain is famous for its eternally burning flames, which have captivated visitors since ancient times. While scientific explanations have emerged for this phenomenon, the legendary tales surrounding it add to its allure.

Conversely, Antarctica offers stunning contrasts with its colossal icebergs, some formed millions of years ago from ancient glaciers. This stark, frozen landscape has transformed into a sought-after vacation destination. For those planning chilly adventures, CNN Underscored recommends some of the best hand warmers for 2024.

Impact of Hurricane Helene

Western North Carolina, renowned for its stunning fall foliage, faces a staggering $2.1 billion loss in tourism due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. Local business owners are eager for support from visitors as they recover from the devastating impact of the storm.