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The Gems of Italy and the La Dolce Vita Orient Express - From Rome to Sicily

Luxury 13-day Italy trip on La Dolce Vita Orient Express to Sicily

Illustration of The Gems of Italy and the La Dolce Vita Orient Express - From Rome to Sicily

Railbookers operates this independent 13-day, 12-night rail vacation through Italy, from Venice to Naples with two nights aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Deluxe class. After Venice and Florence, the trip reaches Rome for a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, then boards the Orient Express for an overnight to Maratea, known for its rugged cliffs and sea views, before a second night onboard arriving in Taormina to tour its ancient Greek Theatre with views of Mount Etna. From there, the train continues to Palermo for two nights, including a guided Sicilian cooking class, before a full-day train journey to Naples and a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Every stop lasts two nights, so the pace stays unhurried between the onboard train segments. It suits travelers seeking Italy's classic cities plus Sicily and the Amalfi coast region, tied together by one of Europe's most storied trains.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 3 of the itinerary has no title, description or overnight city listed in the evidence, the biggest gap in an otherwise day-by-day itinerary.
  • The evidence gives conflicting endpoints: the route summary lists Taormina as the final stop, but the day-by-day itinerary ends in Naples on day 13.
  • The evidence for this trip does not list specific hotel names, only the city and number of nights for each stop.
  • The evidence for this trip does not include current departure dates; confirm availability and current pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Your Journey Begins in Venice

    Welcome to Venice! On arrival, meet your private transfer and driver and ride across the lagoon to your hotel. You will quickly realize just how wonderful this corner of the world is. Settle in at your hotel then step out and start discovering the sprawling canals and local charms on your own.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    This morning, make your way to St Mark's Square for the start of your small group tour to the Doges Palace, and mesmerizing Golden Basilica. Following this, it is a guided walking tour through the quieter lanes and alleys, where you will see some architectural gems and historical buildings that are often overlooked by the crowds.

  3. Day 3
  4. Day 4overnight: Florence

    Florence

    After breakfast, make your way to your walking tour and visit the world-famous Uffizi and Accademia galleries. The Uffizi Gallery, one of the most renowned art museums in the world. Inside, you will encounter a stunning collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Titian. The Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Rome

    Florence to Rome

    After breakfast, make your way to Florence Santa Maria Novella station and board a direct train to Rome! Make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. Why not head over to trevi fountain, followed by a walk around the Pantheon and across to the Spanish Steps. End your first day with a taste of one of Rome's specialties – Cacio E Pepe!

  6. Day 6overnight: Rome

    Rome

    After breakfast, make your way over to the Colosseum for a guided tour of the famous amphitheater, then walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans once more with a guided stroll around the Roman Forum.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Onboard Orient Express

    Overnight Onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express

    Begin your luxurious journey on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Rome. As you settle into your elegant, well-appointed cabin, the train will whisk you away towards the southern coast of Italy. In the late afternoon, arrive in Maratea, known as the "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian." This charming coastal town boasts spectacular sea views, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. Explore its picturesque streets, visit the impressive Statue of Christ the Redeemer, and enjoy some leisure time.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Onboard Orient Express

    Overnight Onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express

    After an overnight journey filled with comfort and luxury dining, wake up to the stunning coastal views of Sicily. Taormina greets you with its historic charm and vibrant cultural scene. Spend the day touring Taormina's most famous attraction, the ancient Greek Theatre, which offers dramatic views over the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Wander through the town's narrow medieval streets. Return to the train for a gourmet dinner. The train sets off towards your next destination.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Palermo

    Palermo

    Begin your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a leisurely morning as you admire the picturesque views from the train. On arrival in Palermo, make your way to your hotel and check-in for a two-night stay. Make use of your included Hop-On, Hop-Off pass to explore the city as a perfect independent introduction.

  10. Day 10overnight: Palermo

    Palermo

    Following breakfast, make your way to your included guided cooking class where you will learn to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes using local ingredients under the guidance of expert chefs. In the afternoon, discover Palermo's storied past with visits to key historical sites and bustling markets.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Naples

    Palermo to Naples

    Today, embark on a full-day train journey from Palermo to Naples, crossing scenic views of the gulf of Naples and Sicily. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. In the evening, sample some of the best pizza in Italy or take in a performance at the world-famous Teatro di San Carlo.

  12. Day 12overnight: Naples

    Naples

    Embark on a captivating journey from Naples to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Wander through remarkably preserved streets, visit hauntingly intact homes, and marvel at the well-preserved frescoes and artifacts. Herculaneum offers an intimate and well-preserved glimpse into daily life during the Roman era.

  13. Day 13rail

    Your Journey Ends in Naples

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 7The Orient Express departs Rome and arrives in the late afternoon at Maratea, the 'Pearl of the Tyrrhenian,' known for sea views, rugged cliffs and pristine beaches.
  • Day 8Waking to coastal views of Sicily, travelers tour Taormina's ancient Greek Theatre, with views over the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
  • Day 9The train arrives in Palermo after a leisurely morning of views, and a Hop-On, Hop-Off pass lets travelers explore the city independently.
  • Day 10A guided cooking class teaches traditional Sicilian dishes using local ingredients.
  • Day 12A day trip visits the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Palermo
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Naples
  • 2 nights of all-inclusive accommodation onboard The La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Deluxe class including: All table d'hôte meals of innovative Italian cuisine on board, All selected beverages during the whole journey, Breakfasts and afternoon tea service in your cabin
  • All excursions mentioned in the programs
  • All meals and offered beverages during the excursions
  • 24-hour onboard service and entertainment
  • Private Transfer from Venice Airport to Venice Hotel
  • Private Transfer from Rome Hotel to Rome Station
  • Private Transfer from Palermo Station to Palermo Hotel
  • Private Transfer from Naples Hotel to Naples Airport
  • Small-group walking tour of Venice with the Doges' Palace
  • Private Sunset Gondola Ride on the river Arno in Florence
  • Small-group walking tour of Florence with Uffizi and Accademia Galleries
  • Small-group walking tour of Rome with the Roman Forum and Colosseum
  • Palermo Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Pass
  • Palermo Cooking Class and Food Market Tour
  • Full Day Tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum from Naples

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel throughout, including two nights onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Deluxe class between Rome, Maratea, Taormina and Palermo.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent trip; the evidence does not describe a tour leader accompanying travelers on non-train days, though several small-group walking tours are included.
Is there an overnight train?
Yes, two nights onboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express, with all meals, beverages and cabin service included.
Which cities does the route visit?
Venice, Florence, Rome, Maratea, Taormina, Palermo and Naples.
What is included with the hotels?
Breakfast is included with every stay: 2 nights each in Venice, Florence, Rome, Palermo and Naples, plus 2 all-inclusive nights onboard the train.
Where does the trip end?
The day-by-day itinerary ends in Naples on day 13, though the evidence's route summary separately lists Taormina as the final stop.

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