Sicily to Rome via Naples

Travel from Palermo to Rome on a one-way journey that begins with the beauty of Sicily – from the coastal charm and striking views of Taormina to the straits of Messina, before crossing to the Italian mainland. Continue through Naples, a city alive with history and flavour, and end your journey in Rome, where art, culture, and everyday life come together in a truly unforgettable way.

Palermo - Taormina - Naples - Rome

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From Sicily to Rome via Naples

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3 days - 2 nights

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From Sicily to Rome

Begin your journey in Palermo as La Dolce Vita Orient Express departs at 10:30am, tracing Sicily’s sunlit coastline towards the enchanting town of Taormina. Spend the afternoon exploring its graceful streets and sea-facing terraces, before returning on board for a 3 Michelin starred dinner crafted by Chef Heinz Beck. The following day begins with a rare and moving moment: the train gliding across the Strait of Messina, where land, sea, and sky seem to meet. The journey continues north, and by late afternoon, you arrive in Naples. Step into the vibrant rhythm of the city: lose yourself in its winding streets or enjoy one of our carefully curated experiences. Later that night, rejoin the train and settle in as it continues through the quiet heart of Italy. The journey draws to a close the next morning, with your arrival in Rome at around 11:00am - a final scene set among grand avenues, ancient stones, and the unmistakable atmosphere of a city that has always welcomed travellers.

Day 1

At 10:30 AM, the train departs from Palermo Centrale, tracing the island’s rugged coastline as Sicily’s landscapes unfold outside your window. Lunch is served on board: a celebration of Italian culinary heritage reimagined by 3-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck, crafted from seasonal ingredients that echo the regions you traverse. In the afternoon, the train arrives at Taormina station. Local hosts greet you on the platform and accompany you to the heart of this charming town. Enjoy free time to stroll the elegant streets, admire sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, or choose from a selection of curated à la carte experiences. As evening falls, rejoin the train for the next stage of your journey. Dinner is served on board: a multi-course gastronomic experience paired with exceptional wines and followed by live music in the Bar Car, creating the perfect backdrop for a nightcap as the train glides through the Sicilian night.

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 gets dismantled and carried onto a ferry: from the deck you can experience the breathtaking passage across the Strait of Messina, where sparkling waters dramatically divide island and mainland. Lunch is served on board, featuring a refined menu by Chef Heinz Beck, inspired by the flavors of southern Italy and the freshest seasonal ingredients. In the early evening, the train arrives at Naples. Local hosts welcome you and accompany you to the vibrant heart of the city. Spend the evening at your leisure: explore historic streets, savour a curated dining experience, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere. Later, return to the station for departure. Back on board, the night unfolds with live music in the Bar Car, providing the perfect accompaniment to a relaxed and elegant evening as the train glides northward.

Day 3

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast, served in your cabin or in the elegant Restaurant Car. Freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, artisanal cheeses, and expertly brewed coffee provide a gentle start to the morning. As the train glides into Roma Ostiense around 11am, the Eternal City reveals itself through sunlit streets, historic architecture, and the promise of new discoveries. The journey concludes here, yet its essence remains - in the flavors you have savored, the landscapes you have witnessed, and the quiet luxury of time spent in motion.

OUR EXPERIENCES

Taormina & Mount Etna: Baroque Wonder and Might of Fire

Taormina and Castelmola: The Heart of Sicilian Charm

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 […]

Mount Etna Awakened: Nature, Legends & Flavors

Naples by night 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 and an included dining experience. 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 […]

From Crater to Cellar: Discover Vesuvius and its Wines

An evening 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, with a lovely dining experience included. 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 […]

The Art of the Sfogliatella and Neapolitan flavours

A true dive into Neapolitan tradition, guided by an English-speaking expert and beginning at Napoli Centrale Station and including a lovely dining experience. The activity 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, […]

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.

Taormina and Castelmola: The Heart of Sicilian Charm

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.

Mount Etna Awakened: Nature, Legends & Flavors

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.

Naples by night 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 and an included dining experience.

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.

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.

An evening 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, with a lovely dining experience included.

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 and Neapolitan flavours

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

The activity 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.