Rome to Sicily (or vice versa) on La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Overview
The Highlights
- Accommodation for two nights on La Dolce Vita Orient Express;
- Gourmet meals curated by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck;
- Scenic train ferry crossing over the Strait of Messina;
- Visit to Maratea (with optional Christ the Redeemer statue visit);
- Visit to Taormina with optional Mt. Etna excursion;
- 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 transfers from hotel to train station and reverse;
- Luggage handling.
The Tour
Board La Dolce Vita Orient Express for an incredible three-day voyage from Rome to Sicily, or reverse.
Uncover the beauty of Southern Italy along the way, with stops in Maratera and and Taormina. At each destination, experience optional curated excursions to discover the rich culture and history of these cities.
Cross the scenic Strait of Messina by ferry and explore the charm of Taormina and Mt. Etna.
Whether you begin in Rome or Palermo, this journey offers exquisite onboard dining curated by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck paired with stunning views of Italy’s coastlines and countryside.
Countries Visited
- Italy
Itinerary
Day 1: Rome – Maratea
This morning, enjoy your included private transfer to Rome Ostiense Station, where you are met curbside and your luggage whisked away by staff. You will enjoy the luxurious private waiting room as await your train’s arrival. The excitement begins when the luxurious La Dolce Vita Orient Express arrives at the station.
Settle into the comfort of your cozy cabin before savoring lunch designed by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck, showcasing Italy’s vibrant culinary heritage.
In the afternoon, the train arrives in Maratea, your first destination on this luxurious voyage.
Enjoy free time to explore on your own, or reserve a curated optional excursion to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue and unwind at the Hotel Santa Venere for a special aperitif overlooking the sea.
Return to the train in the evening for dinner, drinks, and entertainment onboard as you embark towards your next stop.
Overnight on the train.
Day 2: Maratea – Taormina
Enjoy breakfast onboard while gazing at the picturesque landscapes.
In the afternoon, enjoy the unique experience of the train being loaded onto the ferry to cross the Strait of Messina. The actual ferry crossing only takes 15 minutes, but preparing the train to board the ferry, by splitting it into half, and then taking it off and putting the two sections of the train back together on the other side, takes about 45 minutes total.
Once crossed, the train continues to Taormina, where you have free time. Or, you can opt to reserve one of the curated experiences such as a guided tour of the charming streets followed by dinner at a renowned Sicilian restaurant, or a tour to Mount Etna with dinner at a local winery.
In the evening, rejoin the train as you set off towards your final destination, Palermo.
Overnight on the train.
Day 3: Taormina – Palermo
After a beautiful breakfast, disembark in Palermo, where you journey ends. Enjoy an included private transfer to your hotel of choice (we love Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel).
Day 1: Palermo – Taormina
Your journey begins this morning with your private transfer from hotel to train station in Palermo, where you board the luxurious La Dolce Vita Orient Express.
Settle into the comfort of your cabin before savoring lunch curated by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck, showcasing Italy’s vibrant culinary heritage.
In the afternoon, arrive in Taormina, where you have free time. Or, you can opt to reserve one of the curated experiences such as a guided tour of the charming streets followed by dinner at a renowned Sicilian restaurant, or a tour to Mount Etna with dinner at a local winery.
In the evening, rejoin the train as you set off towards Maratea.
Overnight on the train.
Day 2: Taormina – Maratea
Enjoy breakfast onboard as the train prepares for a unique ferry ride across the Strait of Messina towards Maratea.
Upon arriving in Maratea, disembark to explore the city on your own, or reserve a curated optional excursion to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue and unwind at the Hotel Santa Venere for a special aperitif overlooking the sea.
Return to the train in the evening for dinner, drinks, and entertainment onboard as you embark towards your final stop.
Overnight on the train.
Day 3: Maratea – Rome
After breakfast, your journey ends as the train arrives in Rome Ostiense train station. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel of choice.
Dates & Prices
2025 Dates
July 4 - 6
July 13 - 15 *
September 12 - 14 *
September 15 - 17
September 24 - 26 *
*This date runs Sicily to Rome.
| Accommodation | Double | Single | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Cabin | €7,440 - €9,440 | €12,648 - €17,936 | 25% |
| Suite Cabin | €9,840 - €11,840 | €16,728 - €22,496 | 25% |
- Please note prices are in Euro. View approximate exchange rates.
- All prices are per person.
- Pricing varies based on travel date. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.
- Pricing for Sicily to Rome direction is slightly less expensive than the reverse.
2026 Dates
May 31 - June 2
June 7 - 9 *
July 14 - 16
July 21 - 23 *
September 1 - 3
September 8 - 10 *
*This date runs Sicily to Rome.
| Accommodation | Double | Single | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Cabin | €7,840 - €10,000 | €13,328 - €19,000 | 25% |
| Suite Cabin | €10,240 - €12,400 | €17,408 - €23,560 | 25% |
- Please note prices are in Euro. View approximate exchange rates.
- All prices are per person.
- Pricing varies based on travel date. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.
- Pricing for Sicily to Rome direction is slightly less expensive than the reverse.
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 private transfers to/from the train station. If beginning in Rome, you will be escorted to the fabulous private La Dolce Vita lounge at Ostiense Station before boarding the train. 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.
Questions? Our experienced luxury rail travel consultants are ready to help.