Rome to Istanbul 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, Budapest, Brasov & Istanbul;
- 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
Arrive in Rome and board La Dolce Vita Orient Express for an extraordinary 5-day journey to Istanbul. Along the way, you’ll stop in Venice to explore its canals and palaces, enjoy a full day in Budapest with time to wander the city, and experience the scenic Carpathian region in Brasov. Each day includes refined dining and live music on board, while evenings and days in port cities let you soak in local culture and history, culminating in your arrival in the vibrant, historic city of Istanbul.
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.
Settle into your cabin this evening as the train departs for Venice. Enjoy the views of the Italian countryside as your savor dinner crafted by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck.
After dinner, join your fellow guests in the Bar Car for evening live entertainment. Overnight on the train.
Day 2: Venice
The train arrives in Venice this morning, where the city’s shimmering canals and narrow alleys welcome you.
Board a private water taxi to the heart of the city, where your day awaits. Spend the day wandering freely or choose from curated experiences that are designed to reveal Venice’s rich history.
In the late afternoon, rejoin the train for dinner, drinks, and live entertainment as the train continues to the next destination.
Day 3: Budapest
This morning, wake to the sight of Budapest.
Disembark and enjoy the day exploring the elegant streets, iconic bridges, and hidden squares. Or, opt to experience Budapest through one of the carefully curated excursions designed to showcase Budapest’s art, history, and cultural treasures.
Return to the train in the late afternoon, where dinner awaits. Enjoy drinks and entertainment in the Bar Car as the train travels eastward towards for tomorrow’s stop: Brasov.
Day 4: Brasov
Wake this morning to the dramatic landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains as the train arrives in Brasov.
Disembark to explore this medieval town of cobbled streets, storybook squares, and centuries-old architecture, either at your leisure or through a curated excursion highlighting the region’s history and charm.
In the afternoon, rejoin the train in Sinaia. An aperitif is served onboard, followed by dinner in the Restaurant Car, created by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck.
Settle in for an evening onboard as the train departs eastward toward Istanbul.
Day 5: Istanbul
Awake this morning as the train arrives in Istanbul. Savor a final lunch onboard before being welcomed by local hosts.
Bid farewell to the train and its crew, bringing to a close an unforgettable journey.
Dates & Prices
2026 Dates
October 22 - 26
| Accommodation | Double | Single | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Cabin | €20,000 | €34,000 | 25% |
| Suite Cabin | €27,200 | €46,240 | 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.
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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.
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For dates and prices, please click here.
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