The Complete Guide
All You Want to Know
All You Want to Know
About Orient Express La Dolce Vita
Orient Express La Dolce Vita is a boutique luxury train that threads through 14 Italian regions — from Rome and Venice to the vineyards of Tuscany and the sun-drenched shores of Sicily — aboard 12 elegantly designed carriages for just 62 guests. Born from the storied Orient Express brand and styled by Milanese studio Dimorestudio, the train fuses 1960s Italian glamour with award-winning gastronomy and tailored off-train excursions. Whether you seek a one-night escape into Montalcino or a sweeping two-night circuit of Sicily and the Tyrrhenian Coast, La Dolce Vita delivers an intimate, unhurried way to discover Italy's greatest treasures.
At a Glance
| Region | Italy · Europe |
| Countries | Italy |
| Journey length | 1–2 nights |
| Itineraries | La Dolce Vita: Rome – Venice – Portofino – Rome; Venice and Tuscany: Rome – Venice – Siena – Rome; Eternal Stones of Matera: Rome – Matera – Palena – Rome; Alla Scoperta della Costa Tirrenica: Palermo – Taormina – Maratea – Rome; Shores of Sicily: Catania – Palermo – Taormina – Catania; Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards: Rome – Montalcino – Rome; From Rome to Sicily (or Sicily to Rome): Rome – Maratea – Taormina – Palermo; The Truffle Route: Rome – Nizza Monferrato – Rome |
| Price | from €3,500 per person (varies by cabin & season) |
| Upcoming departures | 38 dates, Jun 2026 – Dec 2026 · view dates → |
| Reservations | 1-800-724-5120 · travel@palacetours.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Orient Express La Dolce Vita and where does it travel?+
Orient Express La Dolce Vita is an intimate luxury train that traverses more than 16,000 km of Italian railway — including 7,000 km of historic, non-electrified lines rarely seen by modern travellers. Its six curated itineraries span 14 Italian regions, linking celebrated cities such as Rome, Venice and Palermo with hidden gems including Matera, Montalcino and Maratea.
What journeys and itineraries are available, and how long do they last?+
Eight itineraries are offered, ranging from one-night (two-day) getaways to two-night (three-day) odysseys. Highlights include the Rome–Venice–Portofino–Rome circuit, the Venice and Tuscany journey via Siena, the Eternal Stones of Matera route, the Tyrrhenian Coast sweep from Palermo to Rome, the circular Shores of Sicily tour, the Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards overnight to Montalcino, the Rome–Sicily coastal run, and The Truffle Route into Piedmont. Please see the train's departure table or contact us for exact current schedules.
How much does Orient Express La Dolce Vita cost?+
Fares start from €3,500 per person (double occupancy, Deluxe Cabin) for a one-night departure, rising to from €7,000 per person for a two-night journey. Final pricing varies by cabin category, itinerary, season and party size — contact Palace Trains for a personalised quote and to confirm availability.
What cabin and suite options are available on board?+
Three categories of private accommodation are offered, each with an en-suite bathroom. Deluxe Cabins (7 m², 12 cabins) feature a double bed that converts to a daytime sofa, wood-slat ceilings and 24-hour room service. Suite Cabins (11 m², 18 suites) are master bedrooms available in double or twin configuration, dressed in Dimorestudio fabrics with smoked-mirror walls and lacquered burnt-sienna ceilings. The Presidential Suite (La Dolce Vita Suite) is the singular pinnacle of on-board living, representing the ultimate expression of Italian luxury rail travel.
What is included in the fare?+
On-board meals are a core part of the experience: breakfasts, aperitivo, afternoon tea and evening dinner are all included, along with award-winning Italian haute cuisine and regional wines served in the restaurant car. Tailored excursions at each destination are also part of the journey. Inclusions can vary by itinerary and cabin category — we will confirm exactly what is covered for your chosen departure.
When does Orient Express La Dolce Vita operate, and when can I travel?+
The train currently has 38 upcoming departures running from late June through to the end of December, with journeys available in June, July, August, September, October, November and December. To see the full departure calendar or secure a specific date, visit the train's departure table on the Palace Trains website or call us directly.
Who operates Orient Express La Dolce Vita and what makes it special?+
The train is operated by Orient Express, part of the Accor Group, in partnership with Arsenale S.p.A., Trenitalia and Fondazione FS Italiane. Its interiors were conceived by acclaimed Milanese studio Dimorestudio, celebrating the glamour and artistic spirit of 1960s Italy through sumptuous fabrics, smoked-mirror walls, lacquered ceilings and brass finishes. Capacity is limited to just 62 guests, ensuring a genuinely intimate and bespoke experience on board one of the world's most storied travel brands.
How do I book or check availability?+
Palace Trains handles reservations and can advise on the best itinerary, cabin category and departure for your travel plans. Call toll-free 1-800-724-5120, reach us internationally or via WhatsApp on +1-786-408-0610, or email travel@palacetours.com. You can also view upcoming departures on the train's page and submit an enquiry online.
What dining experiences can I expect on board?+
The restaurant car serves award-winning Italian haute cuisine crafted from regional ingredients, accompanied by a carefully curated selection of Italian wines. The Bar Car — with its bright lacquered ceiling — invites guests into the timeless aperitivo ritual, while breakfasts, afternoon tea and evening dinners are all part of the on-board rhythm. Twenty-four-hour room service with a selection of Italian savours is also available in every cabin.
What off-train excursions and experiences are offered?+
Each itinerary includes tailored excursions designed to reveal both celebrated landmarks and hidden gems: guests might explore the UNESCO World Heritage sassi of Matera, wander the vineyards of Montalcino, discover the baroque grandeur of Palermo or take in the clifftop spectacle of Taormina. Excursion details vary by journey, and the Palace Trains team can outline exactly what is planned for your chosen itinerary.