Rome to Sicily via Naples

Embark on a one-way journey from Rome, passing through the vibrant streets and deep traditions of Naples, then the stunning cliffs and refined charm of Taormina, before arriving in Palermo. Here, layers of history, culture, and golden architecture create a powerful Sicilian finale.

Rome - Naples - Taormina - Palermo

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Rome to Sicily via Naples

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3 days - 2 nights

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From Rome to Sicily

Your journey begins as La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs Roma Ostiense at 11:30am. Settle into your cabin as the train rolls through the Italian countryside and enjoy a superb lunch on board, crafted by three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck. In the afternoon, arrive in Naples, where you can explore the city at your own pace or choose from a selection of curated à la carte experiences. Later, reboard the train for dinner and an evening of live music and relaxed conversation. On day two, the journey continues south to the edge of the mainland. In a rare and striking passage, the entire train is ferried across the Strait of Messina. Step outside to watch the sea stretch beneath you as Sicily comes into view. Arrive in Taormina and take time to walk its storied streets and enjoy views over the Ionian coast. Late that night, return to the train for a restful night on board. At dawn, travel across sunlit Sicily, arriving in Palermo at 10:00am. Whether you stay to explore the city or simply carry the spirit of the journey with you, this experience leaves a lasting impression of Italy’s southern soul.

Day 1

A private transfer from your hotel or the airport brings you to the La Dolce Vita Orient Express lounge, discreetly tucked inside Rome Ostiense Station. At 11:30 AM, the train departs, gliding through the sunlit hills of Lazio, with the Tyrrhenian Sea occasionally appearing beyond the window. Lunch is served on board: an elegant tasting menu by 3-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck, celebrating seasonal Italian ingredients with contemporary finesse. In the early afternoon, the train arrives at Napoli Centrale, where a private transfer will accompany you into the city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy: stroll Naples’ storied streets, uncover artistic gems, or choose from our curated à la carte experiences. As evening falls, return to the train and settle into the rhythm of the rails. Dinner is a highlight: a multi-course creation by Chef Heinz Beck, reinterpreting Italian culinary traditions with bold precision. Fine wines are paired to complement every dish and moment. After dinner, the Bar Car invites you to unwind with live music, singer and piano.

Day 2

Wake up to the gentle rhythm of the train and enjoy breakfast in your cabin or in the elegant Restaurant Car. In the morning, the train embarks on its iconic passage from the Italian mainland to Sicily, crossing the shimmering Strait of Messina. As the train boards the ferry, the landscape opens wide to sweeping views of the Mediterranean, a rare and unforgettable moment suspended between sea and sky. Lunch is served on board, featuring a refined menu by Chef Heinz Bec, inspired by Sicilian flavors and seasonal ingredients. In the afternoon, the train arrives at Taormina station. Local hosts will accompany you to the heart of Taormina. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Explore the town, relax with a view of the sea, or choose from a selection of à la carte experiences. Later in the evening, return to the station for departure. Back on board, the night unfolds with live music in the Bar Car, the perfect finale of the day.

Day 3

Begin your day with a rich breakfast, served either in your cabin or in the elegant Restaurant Car. Freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, artisanal cheeses, and expertly brewed coffee set a graceful tone for the morning. As the train arrives in Palermo, the final destination unfolds in a blend of history, sunlight, and Sicilian charm. The journey comes to an end, but its essence lingers. In the flavors, the landscapes, and the quiet luxury of time well spent. A chapter closes, leaving behind the soft imprint of beauty in motion.

OUR EXPERIENCES

Naples revealed: music, taste, and tradition

Discover Naples through an experience that blends art, tradition, music, and fine cuisine, all guided by an expert English-speaking host. Your itinerary begins with a panoramic tour of the city’s most iconic sites: the sweeping Piazza del Plebiscito, the majestic Royal Palace, and the historic San Carlo Theatre, viewed from the outside. The tour continues […]

Into the Hidden Heart of Naples

Dive into the true spirit of Naples with an English-speaking guide, discovering the city in a way that is both immersive and unexpected. The experience begins with an exclusive visit to Naples Underground — a fascinating journey into the city’s hidden heart. Winding through ancient tunnels, age-old cisterns, and age-old legends, guests are guided through […]

The art of the Sfogliatella

A true dive into Neapolitan tradition, guided by an English-speaking expert and beginning at Napoli Centrale Station. The morning opens with a tasting of the iconic sfogliatella riccia, followed by a hands-on pastry workshop. Using a pre-prepared base, you’ll learn how to shape and fill your own sfogliatella frolla, a gesture as delicate as it […]

From Crater to Cellar: Discover Vesuvius and its Wines

Taormina & Mount Etna: Baroque Wonder and Might of Fire

Traditions in Bloom: Hilltop Heritage and Sicilian Sweetness

A Jeep adventure on the slopes of Mount Etna

Naples revealed: music, taste, and tradition

Discover Naples through an experience that blends art, tradition, music, and fine cuisine, all guided by an expert English-speaking host.

Your itinerary begins with a panoramic tour of the city’s most iconic sites: the sweeping Piazza del Plebiscito, the majestic Royal Palace, and the historic San Carlo Theatre, viewed from the outside. The tour continues through the elegant Galleria Principe Umberto, where architectural details and light create an atmosphere unlike any other.

Next, enjoy exclusive access to the Cathedral of Naples, including a guided visit to the legendary Treasure of San Gennaro – a profound symbol of Neapolitan faith and history.

The experience culminates in the intimate setting of the Chapel of San Gennaro, where a private 30-minute classical music concert will be performed. The guide will also point out the exact location of the Saint’s relic, which will not be visible.

Into the Hidden Heart of Naples

Dive into the true spirit of Naples with an English-speaking guide, discovering the city in a way that is both immersive and unexpected.

The experience begins with an exclusive visit to Naples Underground — a fascinating journey into the city’s hidden heart. Winding through ancient tunnels, age-old cisterns, and age-old legends, guests are guided through a space steeped in mystery and history. To preserve the atmosphere and intimacy of the experience, the visit is conducted in a single group, with no subdivisions.

The itinerary continues with a panoramic tour of the city’s most iconic sites. Admire the grandeur of Piazza del Plebiscito, with views of the Royal Palace and the renowned Teatro San Carlo. The final stop is the elegant Galleria Principe Umberto I, where guests can pause for a coffee at the legendary Bar Gambrinus – a symbol of Neapolitan tradition and charm.

The art of the Sfogliatella

A true dive into Neapolitan tradition, guided by an English-speaking expert and beginning at Napoli Centrale Station.

The morning opens with a tasting of the iconic sfogliatella riccia, followed by a hands-on pastry workshop. Using a pre-prepared base, you’ll learn how to shape and fill your own sfogliatella frolla, a gesture as delicate as it is delicious. Then, watch as a local pastry chef demonstrates the proper technique for soaking the perfect Babà. At the end, each guest takes home their handmade pastries, a sweet memory crafted with care.

The journey continues through the city’s most emblematic sights: Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace and Teatro San Carlo (seen from outside), and the airy arches of Galleria Principe Umberto I. A final stop at the historic Bar Gambrinus offers a moment to pause, sip, and savour Naples in one of its most storied cafés.

From Crater to Cellar: Discover Vesuvius and its Wines

Explore Mount Vesuvius with a guided excursion that takes you on a scenic walk up to the crater of this famous volcano. Along the way through the Vesuvius National Park, enjoy breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples. After the hike, visit a nearby winery at the foot of the volcano, where you’ll taste typical local wines paired with regional specialties. This is a genuine experience that brings together nature, history, and the distinct flavors of the Campania region.

Taormina & Mount Etna: Baroque Wonder and Might of Fire

Begin your curated Sicilian experience with a leisurely stroll through the timeless alleys of Taormina where ancient charm meets Mediterranean allure. The journey then ascends to the mighty Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and a place of profound natural power. Aboard a private Jeep, you’ll traverse striking lunar-like landscapes guided by an expert local naturalist. Along the way, explore ancient craters, rugged lava fields, and sweeping vistas that stretch to the Ionian Sea. This is not merely a sightseeing tour—it is a deep encounter with a living landscape, narrated through stories of geological wonder and ecological resilience.
Your day culminates with a moment of indulgence at an exclusive wine estate nestled on Etna’s fertile slopes. Here, traditional Sicilian dishes—rooted in the land—are paired with exceptional volcanic wines. Amid vineyard views and refined hospitality, savor a slow, sensory evening that connects nature, culture, and taste in perfect harmony.
This is Sicily at its most authentic and elevated level—a seamless blend of discovery, storytelling, and gourmet pleasure that lingers long after the last glass is poured.

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.
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.

A Jeep adventure on the slopes of Mount Etna

Embark on an unforgettable journey to discover Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, through an exhilarating Jeep ride paired with a scenic walk experience across its awe-inspiring landscapes. This adventure will take you along some of the volcano’s most captivating panoramic trails, where you’ll encounter ancient craters, lunar-like terrain, and a singular ecosystem of flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.
Throughout the excursion, you’ll be accompanied by an expert volcanologist guide who will offer fascinating insights into Mount Etna’s geological history and shed light on the many features that define its extraordinary environment.
The day concludes with lunch at one of the region’s most esteemed wine estates, where you’ll taste some of Sicily’s finest wines—nurtured by the fertile, mineral-rich soils shaped by volcanic activity. Enjoy traditional Sicilian cuisine, thoughtfully prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of the territory.
This experience is a seamless fusion of nature, culture, and gastronomy, leaving you with lasting memories of a truly one-of-a-kind adventure in the heart of Sicily.