From Rome to Sicily

A coastal odyssey to Sicily’s shores, venturing through Maratea, the “City of 44 churches,” with its azure Mediterranean vistas and idyllic beaches.

From Rome to Sicily

Rome - Maratea - Taormina - Palermo

One way

3 days - 2 nights

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From Rome to Sicily

La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs in the morning from Rome Ostiense, beginning a luxurious journey. At midday enjoy a gourmet lunch by 3-Michelin starred Chef Heinz Beck, showcasing Italy’s vibrant culinary heritage. In the afternoon, the train arrives in Maratea. Enjoy free time or reserve a curated optional experience like a visit to see the Christ the Redeemer statue. As night falls, the train departs and a memorable night with live music awaits in the Bar Car.

On the second day, awake to the aroma of a homemade Italian breakfast. In the afternoon, experience the unique journey of the train being decoupled and loaded onto a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina. The train continues to Taormina, where you can have free time or reserve one of our curated experiences to discover the wonders of Sicily. As evening descends, head back on board for a 3 michelin starred dinner crafted by Heinz Beck as the train sets off toward its final destination. On the third day, arrive in Palermo, where ancient landmarks and vibrant markets offer a rich tapestry of experiences.

Program of the day

Rome and Maratea

Day 1

Your journey begins with a private transfer from your hotel or airport to the exclusive La Dolce Vita Lounge at Roma Ostiense, where you are welcomed with elegance and calm, the perfect prelude to boarding La Dolce Vita Orient Express.

Departing Rome in the morning, settle into your cabin as the Italian countryside unfolds. At midday, the Restaurant Car invites you to a gourmet lunch crafted by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck, a celebration of Italy’s vibrant culinary heritage with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

In the afternoon, the train arrives in Maratea, the “Pearl of Basilicata,” perched between the Tyrrhenian Sea and verdant mountains. Local assistants accompany you as you choose how to explore: stroll freely along winding streets, savor panoramic coastal views, or select a curated à la carte experience, such as visiting the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the town. Later, reboard the train as night falls. The Bar Car awaits with live music and after dinner drinks, creating a night of unforgettable elegance.

Taormina

Day 2

Awaken to the gentle rhythm of the train and the aroma of a freshly prepared Italian breakfast, served in your cabin or in the Restaurant Car. The morning is yours to enjoy the tranquility of the journey as the train continues south.

In the afternoon, witness a truly unique experience as the train is decoupled and loaded onto a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina, a spectacle that merges engineering with scenic beauty. Once in Sicily, the train continues to Taormina, a jewel of the island where ancient theatres and panoramic views enchant the senses. Here, local assistants invite you to explore freely or select from curated à la carte experiences that reveal the city’s history, art, and culinary delights.

As evening descends, return to La Dolce Vita Orient Express. The Restaurant Car offers an elegant dinner curated by Chef Heinz Beck, accompanied by live music, as the train departs for its final leg toward Palermo.

Palermo

Day 3

The final morning begins with a leisurely Italian breakfast in your cabin or in the Restaurant Car as the train approaches Palermo. Upon arrival, disembark into a city of rich contrasts, where ancient landmarks, vibrant markets, and a tapestry of cultures await exploration. Though the journey comes to a close, its memories linger: the landscapes, the flavors, and the gentle rhythm of the rails have revealed Sicily in an unforgettable, intimate way.

Our Experiences

The spirit of Mount Etna

Under the Redemeer: the heart and soul of Maratea

A Refined Culinary Journey into Lucanian Heritage

Traditions in Bloom: Hilltop Heritage and Sicilian Sweetness

The spirit of Mount Etna

Embark on a striking adventure to discover Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, through an exciting Jeep excursion and scenic trekking experience across breathtaking landscapes. This journey invites you to explore some of the most captivating panoramic trails on the volcano, where you will encounter ancient craters, lunar-like terrain, and a unique array of flora and fauna. Throughout the excursion, you will be accompanied by an expert volcanologist who will unravel the geological history of the volcano and illuminate the many facets of its vibrant ecosystem.

This experience seamlessly blends nature, culture, and gastronomy, leaving you with unforgettable memories of a unique adventure in the heart of Sicily.

*The price indicated is per person

Under the Redemeer: the heart and soul of Maratea

Begin an unmissable experience in Maratea with an exhilarating visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Monte San Biagio.
Rising 650 meters above sea level, this majestic monument is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Tyrrhenian coast. The ascent to Monte San Biagio reveals stunning landscapes and the opportunity to fully absorb the natural beauty of the region.
The tour continues with a visit to the Basilica of San Biagio, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance. This church, admired for its simplicity and charm, is a striking example of religious architecture. Inside, you’ll encounter precious frescoes and sacred artworks, immersing you in the deep spirituality and cultural richness of the site. From the Basilica, expansive views stretch across the valley and the sea, enhancing the deeply atmospheric and contemplative nature of the visit.
As part of the guided tour, you’ll also enjoy an authentic culinary discovery, featuring tastings of regional gastronomic specialties—flavors that affirm Maratea’s status as a destination for the gourmand.

Dinner offers the perfect finale to conclude the day. Set against a backdrop of enchanting sea views, enjoy exquisite dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

This experience is a seamless blend of history, nature, culture, and gastronomy—offering an unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of Maratea.

*The price indicated is per person

A Refined Culinary Journey into Lucanian Heritage

Indulge in an exclusive invitation at the Santavenere Hotel in Maratea, where refined elegance and authentic tradition unite in a seamless celebration of the senses. At the heart of this experience lies the signature culinary atelier—an intimate voyage into the rich tapestry of Lucanian cuisine. Guests will have the opportunity to uncover the secrets behind traditional regional dishes, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guided by expert chefs, the class reveals not only culinary techniques and treasured recipes, but also the stories and cultural heritage that imbue each dish with meaning.
A sophisticated Aperitivo follows, set against the panoramic splendor of the Tyrrhenian coast—a harmony of taste, culture, and breathtaking beauty. The experience culminates with a dinner, a perfect finale to conclude the day. Set against a backdrop of enchanting sea views,enjoy exquisite dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Santavenere is not merely a destination, but a sensory journey into the essence of Southern Italy’s most exquisite heritage.

Traditions in Bloom: Hilltop Heritage and Sicilian Sweetness

Embark on a curated journey through two of Sicily’s most evocative destinations: Castelmola and Taormina, where history, beauty, and flavor converge in an immersive celebration of local culture. Your day begins in Castelmola, a tranquil hilltop village suspended above the Ionian coast. Rich in character and charm, its cobbled alleys, medieval churches, and panoramic terraces reveal the quiet soul of authentic Sicily. Here, time seems to slow, offering space to connect with the island’s enduring traditions.
The tour continues with a guided walk through the narrow streets of Taormina, celebrated for its graceful, Greco-Roman legacy, and breathtaking views that stretch from the cristalline shoreline to the slopes of Mount Etna. As you explore its storied streets, you’ll trace the footsteps of centuries of travelers enchanted by this jewel of the Sicilian coast.
After your cultural exploration, you’ll be welcomed into an exclusive pastry atelier for a hands-on masterclass in crafting the iconic Cannolo Siciliano. Led by a renowned local pastry chef, this interactive culinary experience reveals the secrets behind Sicily’s most celebrated dessert—from the delicate preparation of the golden shell to the artful blending of fresh ricotta and citrus zest. A sensory journey into sweetness and tradition.

This is not a tour—it’s a taste of Sicily’s soul, thoughtfully woven into a day of discovery, elegance, and genuine hospitality.

*The price indicated is per person