Whispers at Midnight

Celebrate the New Year with a one-of-a-kind train journey through Italy, connecting the eternal charm of Rome, the effortless Montalcino countryside, and the majestic allure of Venice before returning to Rome. This curated itinerary blends the romance of slow travel with the sparkle of celebration, offering unforgettable moments raising glasses to the New Year with music, style and merriment. A moving tribute to Italian beauty and the art of new beginnings.

Rome - Montalcino - Venice - Rome

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Whispers at Midnight

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3 days - 2 nights

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Ring in the New Year, On Rails

Begin your journey in Rome at La Dolce Vita Lounge, where a warm and elegant welcome awaits, a perfect prelude to boarding La Dolce Vita Orient Express. Your first stop is the charming town of Montalcino: enjoy personalized à la carte experiences or simply relax and soak in the peaceful beauty of the surroundings. As evening falls, return aboard for a sumptuous dinner accompanied by live music. The adventure continues to Venice. After a scenic boat transfer through its enchanting canals, you’ll have time to explore or indulge in curated experiences. Later, return to the train for a New Years Eve celebration, filled with elegant 3 star michelin dining by Chef Heinz Beck, captivating burlesque performances, live entertainment, and a lively DJ set. Enjoy a tranquil breakfast while the train gently glides back to Rome, leaving you with unforgettable memories of a New Year’s celebration.

Day 1

Leaving behind the eternal city of Rome at noon, your journey leads to the enchanting Tuscany. In the afternoon, arrive in Montalcino, a charming medieval town renowned for its stunning landscapes and world-famous Brunello wine. Here, our local assistants will be waiting to welcome you. Enjoy dedicated transfers and the freedom to unwind at your own pace, whether through a moment of relaxation or by choosing from a selection of exclusive à la carte experiences designed to immerse you in the region’s beauty and culture. In the evening you will board the train once again, where a memorable evening awaits with a dinner onboard crafted by the world-renowned 3-Michelin starred Chef Heinz Beck. His refined creations will offer you a journey through flavors: elegant, balanced, and deeply rooted in Italian tradition. After dinner, make your way to the Bar Car, where live entertainment takes center stage. Be swept away by the enchanting melodies of a pianist, accompanied by talented musicians and the soulful voice of a singer, a magical close to your first evening aboard. Let the rhythm of the rails lull you into relaxation as you retreat to the comfort of your cabin, ready for the discoveries that await at your next destination.

Day 2

Start the last day of the year with breakfast served either in the privacy of your cabin or in the elegant dining car. In the morning, the train arrives at Venezia Santa Lucia. As you disembark, our local assistants will welcome you and guide you to a boat transfer through the city’s iconic canals, bringing you directly into the heart of Venice. Enjoy the city at your own pace or opt for curated à la carte experiences: your time in Venice will be filled with the city’s unmistakable charm. In the afternoon embark the train, where the atmosphere shifts into something entirely new. As a prelude to the evening, a burlesque performance will welcome you into a world of playful elegance and vintage glamour. Afterwards, a gourmet New Year's Eve dinner awaits in the restaurant car: an exquisite culinary experience, creafted by three Michelin starred Chef Heinz Beck that blends refinement and creativity. As midnight approaches, elegant toasts and festive touches make this dining experience truly unforgettable. The Bar Car transforms once again for a final burlesque show followed by a second live music set featuring a singer and piano accompaniment. And as midnight strikes, welcome the New Year in unforgettable style with a DJ set that transforms the train into a vibrant celebration. This New Year’s Eve becomes a crescendo of joy, the perfect finale to a day where every detail has been thoughtfully designed to enchant and inspire.

Day 3

The first day of the year begins in serenity, with a leisurely breakfast served in the privacy of your cabin or in the elegant restaurant car, as the train approaches the Eternal City. At 11am, the train arrives at Roma Ostiense station. Upon disembarkation, you will be welcomed into the comfort of the La Dolce Vita Lounge, where you can relax and reflect on the journey just completed. Take your time, enjoy a final moment of calm, and prepare for the transition back into the world beyond the rails. When you are ready, a private transfer will be arranged from the Lounge to your next destination, ensuring your experience concludes with the same grace and care with which it began. Though the journey comes to an end, its spirit continues: a collection of moments filled with beauty, discovery, and celebration that will remain with you long after the train has come to a gentle stop.

OUR EXPERIENCES

Venice and Its Collections

Step into a world of beauty and festive refinement with this experience. During the most enchanting time of the year, Venice reveals a charm of rare intensity: twinkling festive lights shimmer across the canals, the air is laced with the warm aroma of spices and tradition, and the hushed stillness of the lagoon evokes an […]

Venice and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Visit Venice in its most enchanting season. Venice and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a refined daytime experience that celebrates the city’s rich artistic heritage, noble traditions, and the subtle charm of the Christmas spirit that envelops La Serenissima at this time of year. The day begins with a warm welcome by local […]

Venice and the magic of glass

Step into the soul of Murano with a private experience that reveals the island’s centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Inside a workshop reserved exclusively for your group, witness a live demonstration of artistic glassblowing, an extraordinary moment where fire and craftsmanship come together. Once you’ve found your inner artist, enjoy a refined three-course lunch with drinks included, […]

Antinori winery: a private invitation

Prepare for an unforgettable journey through the scenic Tuscan hills, where you will be escorted through the picturesque, cypress-lined landscapes to the prestigious Antinori Pian Delle Vigne winery. This estate opens its doors exclusively to guests of La Dolce Vita Orient Express, giving them the opportunity to taste the Marchesi Antinori family’s personal and profound […]

Montalcino: a Brunello affair

Step into the heart of Tuscany and discover the enchanting village of Montalcino, where history, tradition, and world-renowned wines come together in a breathtaking setting. You will be accompanied on a scenic journey through rolling hills, dotted with vineyards and cypress trees before arriving in this medieval town, celebrated for its fortress, cobblestone streets, and […]

Venice and Its Collections

It’s an exclusive daytime experience, a journey through hidden treasures, art, and music, immersed in the poetic magic of the city during the holiday season.

The day begins at Venezia Santa Lucia railway station, where guests are warmly welcomed by local guides before boarding private motorboats bound for a historic noble residence: the captivating Palazzo Erizzo Ligabue. Typically closed to the public, this elegant setting opens its doors to reveal a precious private art collection, an exquisite reflection of Venice’s deep cultural heritage.

Within the refined halls of the palazzo, guests will enjoy a seasonal buffet luncheon inspired by traditional Venetian flavors, thoughtfully curated to celebrate the culinary spirit of the holidays.

Following lunch, a graceful boat transfer leads to the heart of the historic center for a guided stroll through Venice’s most iconic landmarks: from the grandeur of St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge to the legendary Teatro La Fenice. Along the way, evocative stories and hidden details reveal the soul of La Serenissima during one of its most atmospheric seasons.

The highlight of the day is an intimate classical concert at the Museum of Music in Campo San Maurizio. Surrounded by rare period instruments, guests will be captivated by a trio of musicians performing works by great Venetian composers, an experience as profound as it is moving.

After the concert, guests will have time to wander through the city’s festively adorned calli, browse artisanal Christmas markets, or simply absorb the singular ambiance of a Venetian winter.

The experience concludes with a private boat transfer back to the railway station, leaving each guest with the memory of a day steeped in elegance, discovery, and the quiet splendor of a Venetian holiday.

Venice and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco

The day begins with a warm welcome by local guides and a peaceful walk through the city’s quiet, festively adorned calli. As you wander through softly lit streets, you’ll reach the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, opened exclusively for the occasion. Within this magnificent setting, guests will encounter the extraordinary frescoes of Jacopo Tintoretto, a Renaissance masterpiece whose dramatic beauty is heightened by the contemplative ambiance of the season.

The experience continues in a private noble residence, typically closed to the public, where guests will be received for an intimate light lunch. Amid period furnishings, the scent of seasonal spices, and refined holiday touches, this exclusive setting offers a rare glimpse into the understated luxury of historic Venetian hospitality.

In the afternoon, elegant private motorboats await to carry guests along the Grand Canal, where reflections of majestic palaces and glimmering Christmas lights dance across the lagoon’s surface. Upon arrival near the Rialto Bridge, a short stroll leads to St. Mark’s Square, the vibrant heart of Venice during the festive season.

Here, guests will enjoy leisure time to explore artisan markets, capture unforgettable moments, or simply soak in the magical atmosphere of one of the world’s most iconic settings.

A final private boat transfer will return guests to the railway station, concluding a truly special day of art, beauty, and refined celebration, and leaving behind lasting memories of Venice at its most poetic.

Venice and the magic of glass

Once you’ve found your inner artist, enjoy a refined three-course lunch with drinks included, served in a beautifully set space where each table is adorned with handcrafted Murano glass centerpieces, adding a unique local touch to the atmosphere.

The experience continues with a guided stroll through Murano’s quiet alleyways, where expert guides share the hidden stories, symbols, and secrets of this iconic island. A truly immersive moment that lingers long after your return.

Antinori winery: a private invitation

Nestled in an extraordinary landscape, you will embark on a private guided tour of the cellar. Here, you will uncover the rich history of the Antinori family and explore the secrets of winemaking that have propelled their wines to international acclaim, with bottles regarded as some of the most renowned and sought-after in the world.
Following the tour, a carefully curated oenological journey awaits in the family Salotto. You will indulge in a guided tasting of select wines from the Antinori estates, each brought to life through expert insights and captivating stories that celebrate the region’s rich winemaking tradition.
This is a rare and exceptional experience, ideal for wine connoisseurs and admirers of Tuscany’s unparalleled beauty.

Montalcino: a Brunello affair

An expert guide will lead you through the fascinating history of Montalcino, unveiling captivating stories and authentic sights that reveal the town’s timeless allure. As you wander through picturesque alleyways and vibrant squares, you will absorb the unique atmosphere of a village that proudly preserves its winemaking heritage.

The experience culminates with an exclusive wine tasting at the Fortress of Montalcino. Within this historic setting, you’ll savor a curated selection of exceptional wines—including the iconic Brunello di Montalcino—expertly paired with a traditional Tuscan Aperitivo. Each sip offers a deep connection to the soul of this land, delivering an authentic and unforgettable taste of Tuscany.