A new chapter in iconic rail travel unfolds with the Orient Express La Dolce Vita. Evoking the radiant spirit of 1960s Italy, this remarkable train pays homage to an era of cinematic splendor, bold design, and pleasure.
Born from the creative vision of Dimorestudio and inspired by 20th-century Italian design masters like Giò Ponti and Gae Aulenti, La Dolce Vita is a moving ode to Italian elegance, freedom, and artistry.
With curated itineraries crisscrossing the country, from the vineyards of Tuscany to the coastlines of Sicily, La Dolce Vita invites travelers to experience Italy from the inside out, in decadent style and with all the details beautifully considered.
Italy, By Rail
Each La Dolce Vita itinerary is a curated celebration of Italy’s most celebrated regions, designed not just to transport you, but to immerse you in the soul of the country. From vineyard-laced hills and Baroque palaces to coastal gems and ancient cities carved from stone, these one- to three-night voyages offer indulgent tastes of la bella vita. Whether you’re drawn by the scent of truffles, the romance of Venice, or the golden light of Sicily, there’s a dream journey waiting for every traveler. Here are a few of our favorites:
Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards
Rome – Montalcino – Rome
2 days, 1 night
A sensorial escape into Tuscany’s rolling hills and renowned vineyards. Sip Brunello straight from the source, stroll sun-drenched villages, and return to Rome with the taste of the terroir still on your tongue.
Venice & Portofino
Rome – Venice – Portofino – Rome
3 days, 2 nights
From the storied canals of Venice to the pastel harbors of Portofino, this itinerary is a love letter to coastal glamour. Art, aperitivo, and ocean air await before returning to the Eternal City.
The Truffle Route
Rome – Nizza Monferrato – Rome
3 days, 2 nights
An indulgent foray into Piedmont’s gastronomic heartland. Think rolling vineyards, Barolo tastings, and the intoxicating aroma of white truffles in the autumn air.
Eternal Stones of Matera
Rome – Matera – Pescocostanzo – Rome
3 days, 2 nights
Delve into Italy’s ancient soul with a journey to Matera, where stone-carved dwellings whisper centuries of history. Explore UNESCO-listed treasures before retreating to refined comforts onboard.
The Italian Swing
Rome – Apulia – Siena – Perugia – Rome
4 days, 3 nights
A sweeping journey for lovers of golf and grand design. Tee off on world-class fairways by day, and toast the evening from a train bathed in Italian twilight.
From Sicily, With Love
Palermo – Taormina – Maratea – Rome
3 days, 2 nights (or reverse)
A Mediterranean odyssey. Wander through palaces in Palermo, bathe in Maratea’s luminous light, and gaze at the ancient theater of Taormina, with every leg accompanied by first-class cuisine and hospitality.
Shores of Sicily
Catania – Palermo – Taormina – Catania
2 days, 1 night
A whirlwind escape through Sicily’s sun-drenched south. From Palermo’s storied palaces to Taormina’s cliffside charm, with Mount Etna rising in the distance, this is a coastal dream of ancient treasures, fiery landscapes, and dolce far niente.
All Aboard
Within the train’s sleek lacquered walls lies a celebration of Italian modernism—polished brass, burnt sienna ceilings, smoked mirrors, and plush velvet details. From your cabin window, watch the sun rise over vineyard hills or shimmer off the sea.
Deluxe Cabins
Twelve stylish Deluxe Cabins welcome guests with serene palettes and tactile elegance. Wood-beamed ceilings evoke a sense of nostalgia, while modular furnishings transform by night into a comfortable double bed. Each cabin includes a private ensuite.
Suites
Eighteen larger Suites offer generous living space and flexible configurations. Vibrant colors, sculptural armchairs, and mid-century finishes create a setting that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Ideal for couples or close companions. Each cabin includes a private ensuite.
Room Service
Day or night, your in-cabin steward is ready to deliver handcrafted Italian snacks, from olives and taralli to curated cheese boards.
The Dining Car
Culinary direction is led by Chef Heinz Beck, famed for his three Michelin stars (La Pergola, Rome) and deep roots in Italian gastronomy. Onboard, he curates a rotating menu of dishes that mirror the landscapes outside—seasonal, regional, and executed with brilliance.
Each morning begins with breakfast in the dining car: Sicilian brioche, fragrant espresso, fresh juice, and hand-churned butter served with artisanal jams. Presented on fine china, it’s a refined ritual of the day.
In the softly lit Lounge Bar, guests gather to enjoy Italy’s favorite social hour. Sip negronis, prosecco, or a signature cocktail beside a generous antipasti buffet. At Lunch and Dinner, expect a multi-course affair celebrating everything from Tuscan olive oil to Sicilian citrus. Whether dining with fellow travelers or in quiet company, every meal is paired with excellent Italian wines and a steady sense of occasion.
Off the Rails
Most journeys begin or end in Rome, where La Dolce Vita guests are welcomed in a dedicated station lounge, complete with bellhops, showers, and a café. From here, Tully Luxury Travel can extend the magic: complement your train experience with a luxury villa in Tuscany, a Michelin-starred food tour in Palermo, or a private yacht charter from the Amalfi Coast. You would also be amiss not to bookend your trip with a stay at the upcoming Orient Express Hotel Minerva in Rome, or the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice—two masterpieces of hospitality where the golden age of travel continues in grand Italian style.
Once aboard, the exploration continues, with hand-picked excursions revealing Italy’s cultural and culinary depths. In Portofino, stroll through the vibrant alleyways of the old fishing village, a place beloved by poets and jetsetters alike. Ascend to Castello Brown for panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea, where a private aperitivo awaits within the castle’s historic walls and gardens. Afterward, enjoy a refined lunch of regional cuisine in an authentic seaside trattoria.
For those seeking a deeper taste of place, a hands-on pesto-making class led by a local master offers a delicious dive into Ligurian culinary traditions. In a sun-drenched Portofino villa, guests learn to craft fresh pasta and Pesto alla Genovese from scratch, followed by a convivial lunch overlooking the Mediterranean.
In Sicily, the dramatic power of Mount Etna frames a day of indulgence. Traverse the volcano’s otherworldly terrain by private Jeep, guided by a local naturalist, then retreat to a vineyard nestled on Etna’s fertile slopes for a rustic-luxury lunch paired with volcanic wines. Other days invite you to discover the sweet side of Sicily: explore Castelmola’s hilltop heritage, wander Taormina’s Greco-Roman streets, and step inside a local pasticceria for a cannoli-making masterclass, culminating in a garden dinner under the stars.
In Matera, delve into the ancient Sassi caves with an expert guide, and pause in a candlelit cavern for a hauntingly beautiful live musical performance. Then sculpt your own “Cucù” bird charm in a terracotta workshop led by a local artisan, before sitting down to a refined lunch that reimagines Basilicata’s rustic flavors.
And in the vine-draped hills of Piedmont, follow a seasoned truffle hunter and their loyal dogs through oak groves in search of the elusive white truffle. Then settle in at a historic winery for tastings of Barbera and Barolo, culminating in a truffle-laced lunch that celebrates the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Each of these experiences is deeply personal, thoughtfully paced, and designed to complement the slow elegance of train travel. Whether you’re wandering medieval villages, sipping rare vintages on volcanic soil, or watching the sun set over a Ligurian bay, what lies beyond the tracks is just as unforgettable as the journey itself.