La Dolce Vita Orient Express: From Rome to Sicily

Highlights

Savour a Michelin-starred lunch by Chef Heinz Beck with Italian-inspired, seasonal dishes

Discover the picturesque town of Maratea with its stunning coastal vistas and cultural landmarks. Visit the iconic Christ of Maratea statue overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Arrive in Taormina, Sicily, and immerse yourself in its rich history

3 days

From

AUD 14,230

per person, twin share

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All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Embark on a luxurious journey through Italy aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Begin in Rome, with exquisite Italian-inspired dining by Chef Heinz Beck, before exploring scenic Maratea. Enjoy gourmet breakfasts and iconic sights, from Sicily’s Taormina to Palermo's bustling streets. This unforgettable voyage combines refined flavours, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes for an unparalleled travel experience.

Inclusions

24-hour onboard service and entertainment

Table d’hôte meals featuring innovative Italian cuisine with beverages, including selected wines, spirits, mineral water, soft drinks, tea and coffee

Off-train excursions and entrance fees as per itinerary*

Two nights private ensuite accommodation onboard the train in a Deluxe Cabin

Round-trip transfers to and from the train station in Rome

Itinerary

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Day 1 Rome Maratea

As your journey commences, La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs from Rome Ostiense, beginning a voyage of luxury and cultural discovery. At lunchtime, immerse yourself in the culinary delights of the Italian-inspired dishes curated by 3-Michelin starred Chef Heinz Beck. From seasonal delicacies to locally sourced ingredients, each bite is a celebration of Italy's vibrant culinary heritage.

In the afternoon, the train arrives in Maratea. Enjoy free time or choose from a selection of curated optional experiences*:

Start with a visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Maratea, offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline. Then, unwind at the Hotel Santavenere, where you can savour an aperitif with a scenic view of the sea.

As evening sets in, the train departs, and a refined dinner aboard promises a memorable evening, complete with live music.

*Off-board tours are an optional experience and may be excluded from the package price upon request. Please consult our team at the time of booking or inquiry for adjustments.

Lunch, Dinner

Maratea

Day 2 Taormina

As the sun illuminates the dawn of the second day aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, awaken to the comforting aroma of an Italian breakfast. Indulge in the simple yet exquisite flavours of freshly baked pastries, artisanal breads, and rich Italian coffee, setting the tone for a day of exploration and culinary delight.

In the afternoon, experience the unique journey as the train is decoupled and loaded onto a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina. Once on the other side, the train continues to Taormina, where you can enjoy free time or select a curated experience to explore the beauty of Sicily*:

Transfer to Taormina and spend the afternoon at leisure, wandering through its charming streets, boutique shops, and sampling local flavours. You can end your visit with a delightful dinner at a renowned Sicilian restaurant or opt for an adventure on Mount Etna, followed by dinner at a local winery.

As night falls, the train departs for Palermo, its final destination

*Off-board tours are an optional experience and may be excluded from the package price upon request. Please consult our team at the time of booking or inquiry for adjustments.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Taormina

Day 3 Palermo

As La Dolce Vita Orient Express continues its journey, awaken to the comforting aroma of a homemade Italian breakfast served in the morning. Delight in the simple yet exquisite flavours of freshly baked pastries, artisanal breads and rich Italian coffee, savouring each bite as you prepare for the day ahead.

The train arrives in Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. As you bid farewell to La Dolce Vita Orient Express and embark on the next chapter of your journey, carry with you the memories of indulgence, elegance, and the unparalleled experience of traveling in luxury aboard this iconic train.

Please note: No tour is offered in Palermo. However, please discuss options for adding a tour if desired.

Breakfast

Palermo

Accommodation

La Dolce Vita Orient Express

Upgrade available

Choose from two categories on board the Orient Express: Deluxe and Suite Cabins. Each cabin radiates sophistication and offers thoughtful amenities and traditional room service.

The room service menu offers a tempting selection of savoury Italian delights, such as olives, fennel taralli, Italian cheese platters and breadsticks. Simply place your order with the steward via the in-room call button, and your chosen dishes will be served on trays, either at your bedside or table, allowing you to enjoy them while admiring the stunning views.

DELUXE CABIN
The 12 Deluxe Cabins are designed to help you unwind and disconnect. With carpeted floors and wood-beamed ceilings, each cabin offers a refined ambiance that sets the tone for a captivating journey. For added comfort, every cabin includes a private ensuite bathroom. As night falls, experience the “Great Transformation,” where the cabin seamlessly converts into a cozy bedroom. The sofa transforms into a double bed, and the footstools turn into coffee tables and stools. The room, measuring 7 m² (75 sq ft), offers a truly enchanting experience.

Room Upgrades

Suite Cabins

Choose from one of 18 Suites, each offering an exquisitely designed bedroom that also offers the option for a twin room layout, furnished with a sofa, table, two armchairs and a private ensuite bathroom. Measuring 11 m² (118 sq ft), these Suites boast vibrant hues of orange, terracotta, and purple, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Brass accents, reflective smoked mirrors, glossy lacquered "burnt sienna" ceilings, and sumptuous carpets and curtains, along with lighting fixtures by renowned 20th-century designers, infuse the space with timeless elegance and charm.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

*Off-board tours are an optional experience and may be excluded from the package price upon request. Please consult our team at the time of booking or inquiry for adjustments.

2025 departure dates:

01 May
01 June
04 July
03 September

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

What is included in the La Dolce Vita Orient Express Offer?

The La Dolce Vita Orient Express offer includes round-trip transfers to and from the train station, accommodation onboard, table d’hôte dining, selected beverages (such as wine, spirits, mineral water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee), onboard entertainment, excursions, and all applicable taxes.

Please note that certain premium wines, spirits, and à la carte dishes incur an additional charge. Insurance, gratuities, and travel items sold onboard are not included in the price.

What is the dress code onboard the train?

You can never be overdressed aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express! For daytime excursions, we recommend casual, comfortable clothing, while smart daywear is suitable for time spent on board during the day. For dinner on board or evening events off the train, many guests choose to dress in their most glamorous attire, so formal wear is highly recommended. Please note that flip-flops are not permitted on board.

How should I plan my packing?

We recommend travelling with one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Please note that any luggage checked in at departure will not be accessible during the journey. Each cabin is equipped with a safe.

Can I secure dining reservations in advance?

Dinner reservations are arranged on board with the Maître D’, and each meal offers multiple seating times. You may request preferred seating times in advance; however, these cannot be confirmed until you are on board. Please note that you may be asked to share tables with other guests. For any special requests, please contact us.

Can dietary preferences or special meal requests be accommodated on board?

Certainly. To ensure your needs are met, please provide detailed requests at the time of booking. Without prior notice, the Chef will do their best to offer alternatives based on available ingredients. Please note that meals requiring strict religious observance cannot be prepared.

Are there interconnecting cabins available?

Cabins are not interconnected. Each cabin and suite, whether with a double bed or twin arrangement, can accommodate up to two guests. The La Dolce Vita Suite and Suite cabins can accommodate a third guest under two years old.

Can passengers with mobility limitations travel onboard the train?

Yes, there is one Suite cabin specifically designed for guests with mobility limitations. This Suite is located close to the common areas to allow easier wheelchair access. Please note that space in the corridors throughout the train is limited, with a width of 609 mm.

Is Wi-Fi available on the train?

Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the train. However, phones and electronic devices should be used exclusively in the cabins, and video streaming is restricted on the onboard Wi-Fi.

Is there air conditioning on board?

The La Dolce Vita Orient Express is equipped with a central air conditioning system, allowing guests to control the temperature in their cabin. Additionally, vents in the cabins can be opened or closed as needed.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express: From Rome to Sicily

Rome / Palermo

From AUD 14,230

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