La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs in the morning from Palermo. At midday, indulge in a delightful lunch on board curated by 3 Michelin starred Chef Heinz Beck. In the afternoon, the train arrives in Taormina, a charming town nestled along the rugged cliffs of Sicily's eastern coast. Immerse yourself in history and splendid views or reserve optional curated experiences to discover the wonder of the island. As night descends, the train departs, continuing its journey towards Maratea.
On the second day, wake up to the aroma of a homemade Italian breakfast, featuring freshly baked pastries and rich coffee. Experience the unique journey of the train being decoupled and loaded onto a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina. Upon arriving in Maratea, you have free time to visit the city or enjoy optional curated experiences. As evening falls, bid farewell to Maratea as the train departs for Rome Ostiense, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable journey.
Our Experiences
Crater Roads & Vineyard Tables
Begin your journey with a guided walk through the enchanting streets of Taormina, before setting off on a private adventure to Europe’s highest active volcano—Mount Etna. Aboard a Jeep, traverse the volcano’s dramatic landscapes, from ancient craters to moonlike lava fields, led by a local naturalist who brings the mountain’s powerful story to life. Along[…]
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 […]
Begin an unmissable experience in Maratea with an exhilarating visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue on Monte San Biagio. Standing at 650 meters above sea level, this imposing statue is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Tyrrhenian coast. The ascent to Monte San Biagio itself is a […]
Indulge in a special experience at the Santavenere Hotel in Maratea, where elegance, tradition and sensory delight come together in perfect harmony. Among the hotel’s most captivating offerings is the cooking class—an immersive culinary journey inviting guests to explore the rich flavors of Lucanian cuisine. Participants will have the opportunity to uncover the secrets behind […]
Begin your journey with a guided walk through the enchanting streets of Taormina, before setting off on a private adventure to Europe’s highest active volcano—Mount Etna. Aboard a Jeep, traverse the volcano’s dramatic landscapes, from ancient craters to moonlike lava fields, led by a local naturalist who brings the mountain’s powerful story to life. Along the way, discover the rich biodiversity that thrives in this resilient, ever-changing ecosystem making this experience truly one of a kind.
As the day unfolds, enjoy a refined dinner at a local wine estate, where regional specialties are thoughtfully paired with an exceptional selection of wines. Relax and indulge in traditional Sicilian cuisine in a welcoming, picturesque setting.
Blending nature, history, and gastronomy, this experience promises to leave you with lasting memories of one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world.
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 down, 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.
Your experience concludes with a delightful dinner in a garden setting, where traditional Sicilian dishes are reimagined with refinement and care. Surrounded by aromatic herbs, soft lighting, and sweeping sea views, you’ll savor a final moment of connection—with place, palate, and memory.
This is not a tour—it’s a taste of Sicily’s soul, thoughtfully woven into a day of discovery, elegance, and genuine hospitality.
Begin an unmissable experience in Maratea with an exhilarating visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue on Monte San Biagio. Standing at 650 meters above sea level, this imposing statue is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Tyrrhenian coast. The ascent to Monte San Biagio itself is a captivating journey, revealing stunning landscapes and allowing you to fully appreciate 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, a striking example of religious architecture, is admired for its simplicity and charm. Inside, you’ll encounter invaluable frescoes and works of art, immersing yourself in the site’s spirituality and rich history. From the Basilica, the views stretch across the valley and the sea, enhancing the deeply atmospheric experience.
During the guided tour, there will also be opportunities to indulge in culinary discovery, tasting local gastronomic specialties—flavors that establish this region as a genuine gourmet destination.
Dinner at the Santavenere Hotel offers the perfect finale to conclude the day. Set against a backdrop of enchanting sea views, the hotel presents exquisite dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This refined culinary journey delivers a harmonious blend of sophisticated cuisine and breathtaking scenery, creating a memorable and sensorial finale to your visit.
Indulge in a special experience at the Santavenere Hotel in Maratea, where elegance, tradition and sensory delight come together in perfect harmony. Among the hotel’s most captivating offerings is the cooking class—an immersive culinary journey inviting guests to explore the rich flavors of Lucanian cuisine. Participants will have the opportunity to uncover the secrets behind traditional regional dishes, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Led by expert chefs, the class reveals not only techniques and recipes but also the stories and traditions infused into these dishes making them truly special.
Complementing this gastronomic adventure is a cocktail masterclass, where a skilled bartender will guide guests in crafting creative, refined cocktails. Using high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients, you’ll learn the art of mixing drinks with flair and sophistication—transforming each creation into a celebration of conviviality and the joy of taste.
The day culminates with a delicious, intimate dinner, served in a setting surrounded by panoramic views of the sea and the tranquil landscape of Maratea.
A stay at the Santavenere Hotel is a genuine sensory journey—combining the pleasures of fine cuisine, the artistry of mixology, and the natural beauty of one of the most exclusive destinations along the Tyrrhenian coast.