ORIENT EXPRESS TRAIN • GRAN TOUR
Description.
Train Itinerary: Rome – Venice – Matera – Taormina – Palermo – Rome
Round trip
5 days – 4 nights aboard the train
**Upcoming Departures:**
May 8, 2027
June 25, 2027
**Starting from €16,000 per passenger**
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Days 1 and 2
The journey begins in the morning as La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs from Rome Ostiense station. As lunch is served on board, the Italian countryside takes center stage. In the late afternoon, you arrive in Venice, where canals, narrow alleyways (*calli*), and ancient palaces preserve an immediate and timeless beauty. The evening is dedicated to discovering the city before reboarding the train. The following morning opens up to views of the Adriatic coast until reaching Matera, one of the oldest cities in the world, famous for its *Sassi*. It is an invitation to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site or simply immerse yourself in the slow, contemplative pace of this extraordinary place.
Day 3
On the third day, the journey leads to Sicily: in the early afternoon, the destination is Taormina, nestled between sea and sky, boasting breathtaking views with Mount Etna as a majestic backdrop. In the evening, the train resumes its course along the coast toward Palermo. The following morning begins in Palermo, Sicily's vibrant capital, where bustling markets and quiet corners coexist in a balance of contrasts. Here, your time allows you to discover its most authentic facets and immerse yourself in local culture before embarking on the final stretch of the itinerary aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Arrival in Rome is scheduled for the morning of the fifth day of travel. The Grand Tour offers a rare way to experience Italy: slow, deep, and meticulously curated in every detail.
Day 4
Wake up to a rich breakfast served in your cabin or in the Restaurant Car as the train approaches Sicily’s lively capital, Palermo. Local guides warmly welcome you and accompany you into the heart of the city, where Arab-Norman architecture coexists with lively markets and ancient churches overlooking bustling streets. The day is yours to enjoy at a leisurely pace. Lose yourself in winding alleys, visit the grand Palatine Chapel, or savor Sicilian cuisine in a traditional *trattoria*. Alternatively, choose from a selection of à la carte experiences designed to showcase the unique history and culture of Palermo. In the early afternoon, you will return to the train for departure. The journey continues across the Strait of Messina at sunset, offering one last chance to admire golden Mediterranean views from the ferry. Dinner on board, created by Chef Heinz Beck, celebrates the flavors of Sicily and the mainland. The evening concludes in the Bar Car with live entertainment by a pianist, singer, and musician—the perfect atmosphere for your final night on this Grand Tour.
Day 5
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast served in your cabin or in the Restaurant Car as the train makes its way back to Rome. It is the ideal moment to reflect on the journey—the cities visited, the landscapes admired, and the unforgettable experiences shared both on board and ashore. In the morning, the train arrives in Rome, marking the conclusion of the Grand Tour. From here, you can continue your travels or return home, carrying with you memories of an extraordinary exploration across Italy.