La Dolce Vita Orient Express: Shores of Sicily

Highlights

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

Explore Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital. Wander through historic streets, visit lively markets and experience the blend of culture, cuisine and heritage that defines this iconic city.

Arrive in Taormina, Sicily, and immerse yourself in its rich history. Take in breathtaking sea views while savouring a traditional Sicilian lunch.

2 days

From

AUD 9,835

per person, twin share

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All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Embark on a remarkable journey aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express, starting in Catania and winding through Sicily’s treasures. Savour a gourmet lunch crafted by 3-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck before arriving in Palermo to explore the vibrant capital. Enjoy an authentic Sicilian dinner before continuing to Taormina. Conclude in Catania, carrying memories of stunning landscapes, rich culture and culinary delights.

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*

One-night 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 Catania Palermo

Your journey aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express commences as you depart from Catania. At midday, indulge in a delicious lunch served in the Restaurant Car, where Italian-inspired dishes crafted by 3-Michelin starred Chef Heinz Beck await. Enjoy the flavours of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, perfectly complemented by the ambiance of the dining car.

In the afternoon, the train arrives in Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily. Here, you have the option to reserve curated experience*s:

Embark on an authentic Sicilian adventure in Palermo, beginning with a scenic tour. Wander through the lively downtown area on a guided walking tour, and enjoy a visit to a noble palace. Conclude the evening with a delightful dinner at an exclusive location.

As night falls, bid farewell to Palermo as the train departs for Taormina. Settle into your on-board accommodations and let the gentle rhythm of the train lull you into a peaceful slumber, dreaming of the adventures that await.

*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

Palermo

Day 2 Taormina Catania

As the morning sun graces the horizon, awaken to the aroma of an Italian breakfast served on-board. Delight in the flavours of freshly brewed coffee, accompanied by a selection of pastries and artisanal treats, setting the stage for a day of exploration and indulgence.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Taormina on the second day. For a deeper dive into local culture, take part in an optional tour*:

Start with a transfer to Taormina, where you’ll have time to explore its charming streets. For lunch, indulge in the flavours of Sicily at a traditional restaurant, followed by an engaging cannolo-making class. Return to the train, carrying sweet memories of this delightful experience.

In the afternoon, the train departs for Catania, completing another chapter of your unforgettable journey.

*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

Taormina

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:

08 July
07 & 21 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: Shores of Sicily

Catania / Catania

From AUD 9,835

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