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A five-day voyage of timeless elegance aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express. This extraordinary round trip from Rome traces a captivating route through Venice, Matera, Taormina, and Palermo — each destination revealing a distinct chapter of Italy’s rich heritage. From Venice’s romantic canals to Matera’s ancient cave dwellings, the coastal splendour of Taormina, and the vibrant spirit of Palermo, every stop invites discovery and wonder before returning to Rome.
Experience a curated blend of culture, fine cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes — a celebration of Italy’s most iconic destinations, brought together in one unforgettable journey.
Your journey begins with a private transfer from your hotel or the airport to the La Dolce Vita Orient Express lounge at Rome Ostiense, offering you a moment to unwind before stepping aboard your luxury train.
At 10:30 AM, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express glides gracefully out of Rome, marking the start of your five-day voyage through Italy. Settle into your private cabin, then make your way to the Restaurant Car for a gourmet lunch created by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck. As you dine, the scenery unfolds — rolling hills, sunlit vineyards, and timeless villages drifting by.
By early evening, the train arrives in Venice, where a private water taxi awaits to take you into the heart of this magical city. Stroll through hidden alleyways, enjoy an aperitivo by the Grand Canal, or select from a curated collection of à la carte experiences designed to immerse you in the city’s art, culture and romance.
Later, return to the station where the train awaits. As the journey continues south, the Bar Car comes alive with live music and entertainment, where talented musicians perform a repertoire of Italian classics and modern arrangements, setting the perfect tone for the evening ahead.
Wake to the gentle rhythm of the train and the ever-changing scenery outside your window. Enjoy breakfast at your leisure, served in your private cabin or in the Restaurant Car, as the train follows the Adriatic coast.
By morning, you’ll arrive in Bari, where a private transfer awaits to take you inland to Matera — one of Italy’s most captivating and ancient cities. Here, winding stone pathways, sun-drenched courtyards, and cave dwellings carved into the hillsides create a setting that feels both timeless and otherworldly.
Spend the day exploring at your own pace or choose from a selection of expertly curated à la carte experiences, each designed to reveal Matera’s deep cultural and architectural heritage.
In the late afternoon, return to the train as your journey continues towards Sicily. That evening, savour a gourmet dinner created by Chef Heinz Beck, featuring a menu inspired by the flavours of southern Italy. Afterwards, the Bar Car comes alive once again with live music, filling the night with an atmosphere of refined elegance and relaxed charm — the perfect close to your second day on board.
As dawn breaks, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express glides through the southern tip of the Italian mainland. Enjoy breakfast in your private cabin or in the Restaurant Car as the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic — rugged coastal cliffs, silver-green olive groves, and glimpses of turquoise sea shimmering in the morning light.
By late afternoon, the train embarks on its iconic passage from the mainland to Sicily, crossing the Strait of Messina. In a truly extraordinary moment, the carriages are carefully separated and carried aboard a ferry, allowing you to witness one of the most unique travel experiences in the world. From the deck, the view stretches endlessly across the Mediterranean — a serene, dreamlike pause between sea and sky.
Once back on Sicilian tracks, settle in for a lunch curated by Chef Heinz Beck, inspired by the vibrant, sun-drenched flavours of the island. By mid-afternoon, you arrive in Taormina, set high above the Ionian Sea, with the majestic Mount Etna rising in the distance.
Here, local assistants escort you to the city centre, where the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Wander through charming streets and elegant terraces at your own pace, or choose from a selection of à la carte experiences designed to showcase Taormina’s rich culture and natural beauty.
By late afternoon, return to the train as your journey continues towards Palermo. That evening, a new gourmet menu by Chef Heinz Beck celebrates Sicilian ingredients and traditions, served as the countryside drifts by. Later, the Bar Car welcomes you once again with live music and an atmosphere of refined relaxation, bringing the third day of your journey to a graceful close.
Awake to breakfast served in your cabin or in the Restaurant Car as the La Dolce Vita Orient Express approaches Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to the heart of the city, where Arab-Norman architecture, bustling markets, and centuries-old churches blend seamlessly to create an atmosphere rich in history and charm.
The day is yours to explore at leisure, wandering through lively piazzas and hidden alleyways, or choose from a collection of curated à la carte experiences that bring Palermo’s unique culture and heritage vividly to life.
By mid-afternoon, return to the train for departure. As the journey continues north, the train makes its crossing of the Strait of Messina at sunset — a spectacular moment to take in the golden glow of the Mediterranean from the ferry, where sea and sky merge in a breathtaking panorama.
Back on board, enjoy a farewell dinner crafted by Chef Heinz Beck, featuring dishes that celebrate the flavours of both Sicily and the Italian mainland. The evening unfolds in the Bar Car, where a pianist, singer, and musician create an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance and warmth, the perfect finale to your unforgettable Grand Tour of Italy.
On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast served in your private cabin or in the Restaurant Car as the La Dolce Vita Orient Express makes its graceful journey back to Rome.
Take a moment to reflect on your voyage — the captivating cities explored, the breathtaking landscapes admired, and the unforgettable moments shared both on board and ashore.
At 10:30 AM, the train arrives at Rome Ostiense Station, marking the conclusion of The Grand Tour. From here, you may choose to continue your travels or return home, carrying with you cherished memories of an extraordinary journey through the heart of Italy — one defined by elegance, discovery, and timeless beauty.
Day One:
The ritual of Cicchetti: a Venetian tradition - £450 per person
Venice through Casanova’s Eyes - £1480 per person
Venice’s spiral majesty: Scala del Bovolo - £1490 per person
Day Two:
Matera: A Symphony in Wine & Stone - £870 per person
Matera: a Tale as Old as Time - £880 per person
Murgia & Matera: Where Beauty Meets Flavour - £750 per person
Matera: the enchantment of traditions - £720 per person
Day Three:
Matera: the enchantment of traditions - £1100 per person
Crater Roads & Vineyard Tables - £1100 per person
The Sicilian charm: Taormina and Castelmola - £400 per person
The spirit of Mount Etna - £1000 per person
Day Four:
The Spirit of Palermo - £1480 per person
Monreale: from Cloisters to Cellars - £1100 per person
Palermo and Teatro Massimo: a journey through opulence - £1280 per person
The initial price without upgrades is per person for the Deluxe Cabin option, which features its own En-Suite, wooden slat ceilings, mirrored walls and a sofa that your steward will unfold and make up into a double bed for the night. The space is utilised fantastically and offers a welcoming home from home with plush, soft carpet and natural wood.
THE DELUXE CABINS
The deluxe cabins are designed with cool colours for the architectural shell and coverings, mirrored back walls, and wooden slat ceilings. At night, the sofa transforms into a double bed, while the ottomans can be used as coffee tables or stools. The space is crafted to feel inviting and adaptable. The use of various materials, from the soft carpet to the natural wood on the ceiling, creates a cosy travel ambience.
THE SUITE CABINS
The suite cabins are designed as luxurious master bedrooms, complete with a sofa and a table accompanied by two armchairs, for social interaction while onboard. The furniture hues vary from inviting warm orange/terracotta to purple, accented with brass details. To enhance the spaciousness, smoked antique mirror surfaces adorn the walls, and the ceiling is finished in glossy lacquered "burnt Sienna".
This is a brief overview of our booking terms and conditions. Please note each individual operator has their own terms and conditions and by booking with LuxuryTrainTickets.com you are also accepting the operator's terms. For more information regarding operator terms and conditions please contact us or the operator directly.
PLEASE NOTE: Receiving receipt of payment is not confirmation that your booking has been successful. We will contact you one to 10 working days after you have paid to confirm your booking, take further details of those travelling and send your itinerary. In the rare instance your booking cannot be fulfilled for any reason, such as the operator cancelling a journey or anything else beyond our control, we will be in touch with alternative options or will refund your payment.
All prices shown are for one adult ticket. Sleeper journeys are based on two adults sharing accommodation. Single occupancy of cabins may incur additional charge.
Prices are set by the operator and may change at short notice. We endeavour to ensure prices are always accurate and update our own website as soon as possible. All timings and details of included tours and activities are for guidance only and will only be confirmed in your travel documents that will be emailed to you 7 days before departure. For any questions including discounts, offers or group pricing, please contact info@luxurytraintickets.com.
As an authorised ticketing agent of luxury train journeys, we may need to pass some of your details (such as your name and dietary requirements) on to the train operators in order to complete your booking. This is done so the operators can add you to their guest list, send you your tickets and ensure the meals served to you onboard meet your dietary requirements. By booking with LuxuryTrainTickets.com, you are agreeing that you allow such necessary details to be shared with the operators under the cause of legitimate interest. If you have any questions, please contact us by phone or email info@luxurytraintickets.com.
There are a limited number of private tables and cabin types onboard. While we keep our website updated regularly, there may be occasions when private tables or cabin types become fully booked meaning we are unable to fulfil your booking requirements. Should this be the case, we will contact you to discuss alternative options and refund any payments made.
We have the right to refuse the request of a deposit when a journey is scheduled to depart in less than 16 weeks. If you choose to book with a deposit you must pay the remaining balance in full 15 weeks before departure at the latest. Should you fail to pay the remaining balance 15 weeks prior to departure, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking. Deposits are accepted by request. Most journeys require a 25% deposit to secure a booking however some specialist journeys do require a 50% deposit. Please contact us for confirmation.
Tickets are sent electronically around 5 days before departure. You will not receive tickets or any form of 'gift pack' in the post. This is in an attempt to reduce paper use and do our part for the environment.
By booking a journey you agree to these terms, the terms set out by each individual operator and our cancellation policy.
Please contact LuxuryTrainTickets.com for further terms or for clarification.
