Bay of Taormina
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La Dolce Vita Orient Express: From Sicily to Rome
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Bay of Taormina
Deluxe Cabin
Deluxe Cabin - ensuite
La Dolce Vita Orient Express
La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Lounge bar car
Restaurant Car
Suite Cabin
Suite Cabin - ensuite
Italy

La Dolce Vita Orient Express: From Sicily to Rome (Tour code: 14285)

Starts and Ends
Palermo to
Rome
Travel Periods
13 Jul & 24 Sep 2025
Experience
Travel Style
Rail Journeys
A journey along the coast of Sicily. From Palermo across the wonders of Maratea, the sea and spectacular beaches.

Highlights

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

Arrive in Taormina, Sicily, and immerse yourself in its rich history with a visit to the ancient Greek Theatre. Take in breathtaking sea views while savouring a traditional Sicilian dinner

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, and enjoy a cooking masterclass at Santavenere hotel.

3 days
From
AUD 12,526
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, beginning in Palermo and weaving through Italy's most captivating landscapes. Savour exquisite Italian cuisine, from delightful lunches and Sicilian dinners to artisanal breakfasts each morning. Discover historic Taormina and Maratea, where iconic landmarks like the ancient Greek Theatre and Christ of Maratea statue await. With cooking masterclasses and immersive cultural experiences, this luxurious adventure culminates in Rome Ostiense, leaving you with cherished memories of Italy’s finest sights, flavours and timeless elegance.

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

Day 1 Palermo Taormina

As your journey aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express commences, the train departs from Palermo, marking the beginning of an extraordinary adventure through Italy's captivating landscapes. At midday, indulge in a delightful lunch served onboard, where culinary delights await amidst the luxurious ambiance of the dining car.

In the afternoon, the train arrives in Taormina, a charming town nestled along the rugged cliffs of Sicily's eastern coast. Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the ancient Greek Theatre, where echoes of the past mingle with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. Following the exploration, savour the flavours of Sicily during a Sicilian dinner, embracing the region's rich culinary heritage.

As night descends, La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs, continuing its journey towards Maratea. 

Lunch, Dinner
Palermo → Taormina
Taormina

Day 2 Maratea

As the sun rises on the second day of your journey aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, awaken to the enticing aroma of a homemade Italian breakfast. Indulge in the flavours of freshly baked pastries, artisanal breads, and rich Italian coffee, setting the stage for another day of culinary delights and cultural exploration.

At lunchtime, enjoy a leisurely lunch served on-board where you can savour the exquisite flavours of Italian cuisine while admiring the passing scenery. 

In the afternoon, the train arrives in Maratea where you'll embark on a visit to the iconic Christ statue overlooking the stunning coastline. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the local culture with a typical dinner featuring regional specialties. Then, participate in a cooking masterclass where you'll learn the secrets of Italian cuisine from skilled chefs.

As the evening draws to a close, bid farewell to Maratea as the train departs towards Rome Ostiense. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Maratea
Maratea

Day 3 Journey back to Rome

As the train continues its journey, awaken to the comforting aroma of an Italian breakfast, featuring the exquisite flavours of freshly baked pastries and artisanal breads. Savour each moment as you bid farewell to this memorable voyage.

The train arrives at Rome Ostiense, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable journey. As you disembark, carry with you cherished memories of indulgent dining, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion experienced aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express.

Breakfast
Journey back to Rome
Rome

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.

Deluxe Cabin

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.

Suite Cabins

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

Additional information

Official language
Italian
Local currency
EURO

2025 departure dates:

  • 13 July
  • 24 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.
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