The Grand Tour of Italy on La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Overview
The Highlights
- Four nights aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express in your luxurious private cabin;
- Gourmet meals curated by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck;
- Visit Venice, Matera, Taormina & Palermo;
- Exclusive optional experiences in each destination, allowing you to curate your own experience;
- 24-hour onboard service from your butler;
- Onboard entertainment;
- All meals and a selection of beverages onboard the train (top shelf drinks at additional cost);
- Private transfer from your Rome hotel to the Ostiense station to begin your journey;
- Luggage handling.
The Tour
Step onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express for a remarkable extended voyage of Italy & Sicily, beginning and ending in Rome.
Visit the romantic canals of Venice, ancient city of Matera, and the shining stars of Sicily: Taormina and Palermo.
Countries Visited
- Italy
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome – Venice
Enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to the exclusive lounge at Rome Ostiense train station, where you can relax and have a drink and snack before boarding La Dolce Vita Orient Express.
Then, indulge in a gourmet lunch curated by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck while enjoying the scenic views of the Italian countryside.
Late afternoon arrive in Venice, where private water taxis await to ferry you into the center of town for free time. Alternatively, choose from several optional curated experiences at additional cost.
Rejoin the train later in the evening. Enjoy evening live entertainment in the Bar Car. Overnight on the train.
Day 2: Matera
Enjoy breakfast on board as the train approaches the beautiful Adriatic coast.
Disembark in Bari, where a private transfer will take you to the nearby ancient city of Matera—one of the world’s oldest cities, known for its ancient cave dwellings. Enjoy free time in Matera, or choose from a collection of curated experiences at additional cost.
In the late afternoon, rejoin the train for an elegant dinner, entertainment and overnight on board.
Day 3: Taormina
Enjoy breakfast as the scenery grows more dramatic outside your window: coastal cliffs, olive groves and glimpses of the turquoise waters.
Embark on the iconic passage from the mainland to Sicily, crossing the shimmering Strait of Messina by train ferry.
As the train rolls onto Sicilian tracks, settle in for a gourmet lunch inspired by the bold, sun-kissed flavors of the island.
Arrive Taormina, where local assistants escort you to the city center. Explore at your own pace, or select from a curated range of à la carte experiences.
Return to the train late afternoon, after which another wonderful dinner is served on board.
Overnight on the train.
Day 4: Palermo
Awaken to breakfast served in your cabin or in the Restaurant Car as the train approaches Sicily’s vibrant capital, Palermo.
You will be escorted to the heart of the city, where Arab-Norman architecture stands beside lively markets, and centuries-old churches sit amid bustling streets.
The day is yours to explore at a leisurely pace, or you can choose from a range of experiences at additional cost.
By mid-afternoon, return to the train for departure. As the journey continues, the train crosses back over the Strait of Messina at sunset, offering another chance to take in the stunning golden Mediterranean views from the ferry.
Dinner on board, crafted by Chef Heinz Beck, reflects the flavors of Sicily and the mainland.
The evening’s live entertainment in the Bar Car—featuring a pianist, singer, and musician—creates the perfect atmosphere for your last night on this Grand Tour.
Day 5: Rome
After a delicious breakfast, arrive back to Rome Ostiense station in the morning where you disembark the train. Your butler will handle your luggage. La Dolce Vita team will arrange your included private transfer to your Rome hotel.
Dates & Prices
2026 Dates
May 21 - 25
June 12 - 16
July 13 - 17
September 2 - 6
| Accommodation | Double | Single | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Cabin | €16,640 | €31,616 | 25% |
| Suite Cabin | €21,440 | €40,736 | 25% |
- Please note prices are in Euros. View approximate exchange rates
- All prices are per person.
- Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.
Book Your Journey
Reviews From Our Travelers
I cannot praise Eleanor Hardy's company highly enough. She took care of all the planning, paying attention to every detail and thus this trip was smooth running and fabulous. I hope to travel with this company again.
Had the time of my life on the VSOE from London to Venice. The experience was even better than I had dreamed.
My husband and I had the most incredible trip ever. Our experience on the Orient Express was so special and David our stewart was so competent. We loved the food and the people we met on board. I certainly have a greater understanding of Turkey and her people now thanks to him. We are so pleased we went!
More
The train journey includes a private transfer to the train station, where you will be escorted to the fabulous private La Dolce Vita lounge. Your bags are whisked away to be stowed in your cabin on the train before you board.
We recommend the Orient Express La Minerva Hotel in Rome, the perfect match for the train, and just 10 minutes from the station. This stylish new hotel, the first in the Orient Express brand, is located in the heart of Rome on a quiet piazza but just steps from the Parthenon. Contact us for more information about our concierge service to make your arrangements and to secure your Virtuoso amenities for your VIP stay.
Inquire About This Journey
For dates and prices, please click here.
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