Rome - Venice - Matera - Taormina - Palermo - Rome

Embark on The Grand Tour, a five-day voyage of unparalleled elegance aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, tracing a spellbinding roundtrip route from Rome: from the romantic canals of Venice to the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, the coastal beauty of Taormina, and the vibrant energy of Palermo, each stop reveals a new facet of Italy’s rich heritage, before returning to Rome.Experience a curated blend of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes – a celebration of Italy’s most iconic destinations.

Day 1

Your journey begins with a private transfer from your hotel or the airport to the La Dolce Vita Orient Express lounge at Rome Ostiense, a refined space that offers a quiet moment to unwind before stepping aboard. At 10:30 AM, the train glides out of Rome, marking the start of your five-day voyage. Settle into your private cabin, and, as the landscape shifts beyond your window, make your way to the Restaurant Car for a lunch crafted by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck. By early evening, the train arrives in Venice. Here, a private water taxi awaits to bring you into the heart of the city. Wander through hidden alleyways, sip an aperitivo by the Grand Canal, or choose from a curated selection of à la carte experiences designed to connect you more deeply with the city’s atmosphere and heritage. Later, return to the station where the train awaits. As the train continues its journey south, the Bar Car comes to life with live entertainment and musicians performing an intimate repertoire of Italian classics and modern arrangements.

Day 2

Wake to the soft movement of the train and a new landscape unfolding outside your window. Enjoy breakfast at your leisure, served either in your cabin or in the Restaurant Car as the train approaches the Adriatic coast. In the morning, you arrive at Bari, where a private transfer will bring you to Matera - one of Italy’s most striking and storied cities. A place that feels quietly outside of time, with winding stone paths, sunlit courtyards, and dwellings carved directly into the hillside. Enjoy the city at your own pace or choose from a collection of carefully curated à la carte experiences. In the late afternoon, return to the train and depart toward Sicily. Back on board, a gourmet dinner crafted by Chef Heinz Beck offers a new menu inspired by the southern regions of Italy. The Bar Car fills once more with live music, weaving together a relaxed and elegant atmosphere for your second night on board.

Day 3

The train glides through the southern tip of the Italian mainland on the third day. Enjoy breakfast in your cabin or in the Restaurant Car while the landscape grows more dramatic - coastal cliffs, olive groves, and glimpses of turquoise sea. By late afternoon the train embarks on its iconic passage from the mainland to Sicily, crossing the shimmering Strait of Messina. In a rare and unforgettable moment, the train is carefully dismantled and carried aboard a ferry. From the dock, the landscape opens wide to sweeping views of the Mediterranean, an extraordinary scene suspended between sea and sky. It is a pause in motion, both serene and surreal. As the train rolls back onto Sicilian tracks, settle in for a lunch curated by Chef Heinz Beck. Inspired by the bold, sun-kissed flavors of the island. You then arrive in Taormina. Set high above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna rising in the distance. Local assistants escort you to the city center, where the afternoon is yours to explore. Choose to wander at your own pace or select from a curated range of à la carte experiences. By late afternoon, return to the train for your next overnight journey. Dinner is served on board, with a new menu by Chef Heinz Beck highlighting Sicilian ingredients and traditions. The evening concludes in the Bar Car with live music - offering a relaxed and elegant close to the day.

Day 4

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 choose from a range of curated à la carte experiences designed to bring Palermo’s unique culture and history to life. 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

On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast served in your cabin or in the Restaurant Car as the train travels back to Rome. Take a moment to reflect on the journey - the cities visited, the landscapes admired, and the unforgettable experiences shared both on board and ashore. At 10:30 AM, the train arrives at Rome Ostiense, bringing The Grand Tour to its conclusion. From here, you are free to continue your travels or return home, carrying with you memories of a remarkable exploration through Italy.